According to the classical therapeutic concept, compression stockings are primarily used in milder forms of chronic venous insufficiency and for long-term maintenance therapy for lymphedema, while compression bandages are applied in severe stages (e.g. in venous ulcers) and for the initial decongestion therapy in lymphedema. This concept is mainly supported by the different therapeutic pressure exerted by stockings and bandages. While stockings do not exceed a pressure range of 40-50 mmHg in either body position, properly applied bandages start with a resting pressure of 50-60 mmHg, which rises by an additional 20-40 mmHg during standing or walking, depending on the stiffness of the material. The higher therapeutic pressure exerted by compression bandages explains their hemodynamic advantage, which has been demonstrated by experiments comparing the efficacy of stockings in improving the venous calf pump. In addition, in this review some practical aspects are underlined, and clinical evidence reported in the literature is discussed.