Knee Brace Size Chart and How to Measure Your Leg
Quick answer: The Dr. Brace Elite Knee Brace comes in two sizes, OS and OS+. Measure around your thigh 4 inches (10 cm) above the top of your kneecap: OS fits up to 21.5 inches (54.6 cm) and OS+ fits up to 25 inches (63.5 cm). If you're between sizes, go OS+.
Dr. Brace Elite size chart
Measure around your thigh 4 inches (10 cm) above the top of your kneecap.
| Size | Fits a thigh measurement (4" above the kneecap) of up to |
|---|---|
| OS | 21.5" (54.6 cm) |
| OS+ | 25" (63.5 cm) |
Between sizes? Go OS+. For example, if you measure right around 21.5", choose OS+.
What you need
- A soft tape measure (a phone charging cable plus a ruler works in a pinch)
- A pen or washable marker
- Two minutes, standing up
How to measure for a knee brace, step by step
- Stand up straight with your weight on both feet and your leg relaxed. Don't flex your thigh.
- Find the top of your kneecap. Feel for the upper edge of the bone at the front of your knee.
- Measure 4 inches (10 cm) straight up from that point and make a small mark.
- Wrap the tape around your thigh at the mark. Keep it level all the way around, snug against bare skin but not pulled tight.
- Read the number and write it down. Measure twice. If the readings differ, use the average.
- Pick your size. Up to 21.5" (54.6 cm): OS. Up to 25" (63.5 cm): OS+. If you're between the two, go OS+.
Measure the leg you plan to wear the brace on. If you plan to wear a brace on each knee, measure both legs. They are not always the same.
If you're between sizes
Go OS+. You can then fine-tune the fit with the adjustable straps. If you wear the brace for long sessions, a fit that is snug but comfortable matters more than the size label.
How a knee brace should fit: 5-point check
After you put the brace on (see how to put on a knee brace), check these five things:
| Check | Good fit | Needs adjusting |
|---|---|---|
| Kneecap | Centered in the open-patella ring | Ring sits above, below or to one side |
| Side stabilizers | One on the inner side and one on the outer side of the knee | Stays drift to the front or back |
| Straps | Snug; one finger slides under each strap | Deep marks, or the straps flap loose |
| Movement | Stays put through walking and a slow half-squat | Slides down or rolls at the top edge |
| Comfort | Firm and comfortable after 15 minutes | Pinching behind the knee |
Signs your knee brace is the wrong size
Too big: It slides down even with the straps tight. The fabric bunches. The kneecap ring won't stay centered.
Too small: It is hard to pull on. The top edge digs in or rolls down. The straps barely reach.
If the fit is off, contact support@dr-brace.com to exchange for a different size.
Tips for a better fit
- The brace grips best on bare skin, where the silicone grip strips can hold it in place.
- Re-check the straps after a few minutes of warming up. Fabric relaxes a little as it warms.
- Fasten the straps evenly rather than cranking one strap very tight.
- Learn how the stabilizers are meant to sit in what side stabilizers on a knee brace do.
Sizing for your activity
The size chart is the same whatever you use the brace for, but how you set the straps can vary by activity:
- Knee brace for running: snug enough not to slide over many miles
- Knee brace with patella gel pad: where the gel ring should sit once you have your size
- Knee brace for walking all day: comfortable for hours; loosen the straps a little if needed
Ready to find your fit?
The Dr. Brace Elite Knee Brace has two side stabilizers, an open-patella gel pad, adjustable straps and silicone grip strips on the inside. Each brace fits either leg. It comes in two sizes (OS and OS+) and three colors: Mercury, Orion and Mars.
One brace: $34. Two braces: $58. Four braces: $99. Free US shipping on orders over $45.
Orders ship within 48 hours and arrive in 2–4 business days. 180-day returns.
Shop the Dr. Brace Elite Knee Brace · Check the size chart
Frequently asked questions
Where do I measure for a knee brace?
Around your thigh 4 inches (10 cm) above the top of your kneecap, standing up with your leg relaxed and the tape level on bare skin.
What sizes does the Dr. Brace Elite come in?
Two sizes: OS fits a thigh measurement of up to 21.5 inches (54.6 cm), and OS+ fits up to 25 inches (63.5 cm), measured 4 inches above the kneecap.
What if I'm between OS and OS+?
Go OS+, then fine-tune the fit with the adjustable straps.
Can I measure over clothes?
Measure on bare skin for an accurate number. The brace also grips best on bare skin.
My knee brace keeps sliding down. Is it the wrong size?
Possibly. First re-center the kneecap ring and tighten the straps evenly. If it still slides, re-measure 4 inches above the kneecap and compare with the size chart.
How do I exchange for a different size?
Contact support@dr-brace.com to exchange for a different size.
