Compression gloves are stretchy, close-fitting gloves that squeeze the hand evenly. They range from light everyday gloves to medical-grade garments, and what they can do for you depends on which type you buy and why you want them.
This guide explains the types of compression glove, what the research says about them, how to choose a size and fit, and seven pairs that are in stock on Amazon US.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice. Do not use a compression glove to treat swelling, pain or numbness you have not had checked. Talk to a doctor first if you have circulation, nerve or skin problems, and see a doctor if your hands swell, change color or feel numb.
Compression gloves at a glance
- In the A-GLOVES trial of 206 adults with rheumatoid arthritis, compression gloves did no better than loose gloves for hand pain, stiffness or function.[1]
- A review of four small trials found that night-time compression gloves may reduce finger swelling in rheumatoid arthritis, but the results for pain and stiffness were inconclusive.[2]
- Lymphoedema is a different case. The NHS lists compression garments as one part of managing it, and a GP or lymphoedema service should help you pick one.[3]
- The NHS advice for Raynaud’s is to keep your hands warm, and thin compression gloves add only a little insulation.[4]
- Light compression gloves are comfort items. Use them for support and warmth, and check the sizing chart before you buy.
Types of Compression Gloves
- Light Support Gloves – Everyday gloves in a cotton, nylon or polyester blend with spandex. They give a snug fit and a little warmth and come in fingerless and full-finger styles. Most of the gloves on this page are this type.
- Medical Compression Gloves – These carry a stated pressure level, usually in mmHg (millimeters of mercury). The Isotoner glove in the A-GLOVES trial applied 23 to 32 mmHg, and the mediven Harmony below is rated 20 to 30 mmHg.[1]
- Lymphoedema Gloves – A medical garment for hands that swell because of lymphoedema. These come in set sizes and compression classes and should be fitted with a clinician’s help.[3]
- Copper-Infused Gloves – A regular compression glove with copper in the yarn. See our copper-infused gloves guide for what the research says about copper.
What Compression Gloves Can and Can’t Do
- Arthritis – The A-GLOVES trial found no clinically important difference between compression and loose gloves for hand pain, stiffness or function after 12 weeks.[1] A review of small trials found less finger swelling at night in rheumatoid arthritis, but no difference in grip strength or dexterity.[2] See our arthritis gloves guide for more.
- Lymphoedema – The NHS describes lymphoedema as a long-term condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues, and says managing it includes wearing compression garments, skin care and regular exercise.[3] A medical-grade glove prescribed for this is not the same as a light support glove.
- Raynaud’s – The NHS advises keeping your hands warm in cold weather.[4] A thin compression glove adds some warmth, but a lined or insulated glove is warmer. See our Raynaud’s gloves guide.
- Everyday Comfort – Many people wear light gloves for typing, crafts and driving. They are a comfort item, and nothing on this page is meant to cure or treat a condition.
Choosing the Right Fit
- Measure First – Most makers size by the circumference of the palm just below the fingers or above the thumb. Use a soft tape, and compare the number with the size chart rather than going by your usual glove size.
- Snug, Not Tight – The glove should feel firm and even. If it leaves deep marks, or your fingers go numb, cold or discolored, take it off.
- Fingerless or Full Finger – Fingerless gloves leave your fingertips free for typing and small tasks, and full-finger gloves cover and warm the whole hand.
- Seams and Grip – Minimal seams cut down on rubbing, and silicone on the palm helps you hold things.
- Care – Wash on a gentle cycle and dry flat, so the elastic keeps its stretch.
How We Chose These Compression Gloves
These picks come from research. We compared the product specifications, the Amazon product pages and buyer feedback, and we checked that each pick is in stock on Amazon US. We did not test the products ourselves.
We looked at these factors:
- Purpose – Whether the glove is a light support glove, a medical-grade garment or a warm glove with compression.
- Fit and Sizing – The sizes offered and how you measure for them.
- Comfort and Fabric – Materials, seams and how the glove is cut.
- Value – What comes in the pack, such as one pair or two, and any guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Compression Gloves
- What do compression gloves do?
They fit snugly and press evenly on the hand, which many people find comfortable and warm. What they do for a medical problem depends on the problem, and the research on arthritis is mixed. - Can I wear compression gloves all day?
Most light gloves are made for all-day wear, but stop and take them off if you notice numbness, tingling, color changes or pain. Ask a doctor if you have circulation or nerve problems. - What does mmHg mean on a compression glove?
It is the unit of pressure the garment applies to the hand. Medical garments state it, such as 20 to 30 mmHg. Light support gloves usually do not state a number. - Are compression gloves good for Raynaud’s?
Keeping your hands warm is the NHS advice for Raynaud’s.[4] A thin compression glove adds only a little warmth, so a warm lined glove or mitten usually matters more. - Do I need a prescription for lymphoedema gloves?
A GP or lymphoedema service should assess you and fit the right garment.[3] Do not choose a medical compression class on your own.
Our Picks: Compression Gloves
Here are 7 compression gloves, from light support to lymphedema gloves. Each one is in stock on Amazon US.
We hope you love the compression gloves we recommend!
So that you know, we may earn a share of sales or other compensation from links on this page. This does not change your price.
1
Mediven® Unisex Harmony Compression Glove Lymphedema Glove, 20-30 mmHg
The mediven Harmony is a lymphedema compression glove for people whose swelling has been diagnosed, not a general arthritis glove.
- Compression is 20 to 30 mmHg, which is a medical-grade level.
- The knit is seamless, with three-quarter-length finger bands and a separate thumb band so the fingers can move.
- The fabric contains lanolin and is machine washable in warm water.
- Lymphedema garments need the right size and compression class, so ask a clinician before you buy one.
2
Thermoskin® Unisex Premium Arthritis Gloves Open-Finger Compression Gloves
The Thermoskin Premium Arthritis Gloves are open-finger gloves that add warmth along with light compression.
- The fabric holds in the warmth of your hand and applies light, firm compression.
- The fingertips are exposed, so you can still type, write, drive and handle small objects.
- The gloves are shaped for the left and right hand, with an adjustable fastener at each wrist.
3
Copper Compression® Unisex Fingerless Arthritis Gloves Copper-Infused Compression Gloves
The Copper Compression Fingerless Arthritis Gloves are open-finger gloves in five sizes, a straightforward starting point for light compression.
- The fabric stretches four ways and has non-slip grips on the palm, and the fingers are open so you keep your dexterity.
- They come in five sizes from extra small to extra large, and you size them by measuring around the palm above the thumb.
- The fit is tight at first by design, and the gloves are made for day or night wear.
4
Vive® Unisex Arthritis Gloves Open-Finger Compression Gloves
The Vive Arthritis Gloves are open-finger gloves in a cotton-spandex blend, aimed at everyday wear.
- They fit close to the shape of the hand, and the open fingers leave your fingertips free for everyday tasks.
- The cotton-spandex knit is lightweight and breathable, and it holds in some warmth.
- They are eligible for HSA and FSA spending, and Vive offers a 60-day guarantee.
5
FREETOO® Unisex All-Around Compression Gloves Fingerless Gloves with Knuckle Pads
The FREETOO All-Around Compression Gloves are a snug, wrap-around fingerless glove with silicone pads over the knuckles.
- The glove wraps around the whole hand and thumb, from the knuckles to the wrist.
- Pressurized silicone pads sit at key knuckles, which gives more pressure in those spots than in the rest of the glove.
- Silicone grips on the palm help you hold a pen, a crochet hook or a game controller.
- There are five sizes from extra small to extra large, chosen by palm circumference, and FREETOO offers a 60-day replacement or refund.
6
Zexhoor® Unisex Fingerless Compression Gloves Two-Pair Fingerless Gloves
The Zexhoor Fingerless Compression Gloves come as two pairs, one for each hand and a spare.
- The open-finger design leaves your fingertips free for typing, cooking, driving and using a phone.
- The fabric is soft and moisture-wicking, and it breathes in warm weather.
- There are three sizes, so check the size chart before you order.
- Two pairs mean you can wear one while the other is in the wash.
7
Dr. Arthritis® Unisex Full Finger Compression Gloves Full-Finger Compression Gloves
The Dr. Arthritis Full Finger Compression Gloves cover all five fingers with a stretchy knit.
- The knit blends cotton, nylon and spandex, and it comes in a range of sizes.
- Because the fingers are covered, the gloves add a little warmth, which is useful if your hands run cold.
- They are made for typing, gaming and everyday tasks as well as for resting your hands.
- A handbook with hand tips and exercises is included, and the company promises replies to questions within 24 hours.
Index Table: Compression Gloves at a Glance
Sources
- BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. Hammond A et al. Clinical and cost effectiveness of arthritis gloves in rheumatoid arthritis (A-GLOVES): randomised controlled trial with economic analysis (2020). Accessed October 26, 2026.
- Clinical Rehabilitation (PubMed). The effects of compression gloves on hand symptoms and hand function in rheumatoid arthritis and hand osteoarthritis: a systematic review (2015). Accessed October 26, 2026.
- National Health Service (NHS). Lymphoedema. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- National Health Service (NHS). Raynaud’s. Accessed October 26, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around the A-GLOVES trial, a systematic review of compression gloves and NHS guidance on lymphoedema and Raynaud’s, removed the claims that compression gloves relieve pain, improve circulation or treat arthritis, the first-person text and the old score tables, relabeled the mediven Harmony as a lymphedema glove, rewrote all seven product notes, and added Sources
- Oct 2026: Replaced unavailable products: Isotoner Therapeutic Gloves with Vive Arthritis Gloves, Hsgezuoqi Hemp Gloves with FREETOO All-Around Compression Gloves, Imak RSI Smart Glove with Zexhoor Fingerless Compression Gloves, and the Dr. Arthritis Full Finger gloves with the current Dr. Arthritis Full Finger Compression Gloves; removed Thx4Copper, Dr. Arthritis Nude and Duere (out of stock or no longer sold)
- Jun 2020: Published
