Lymphedema garments--compression camisoles/SHAPEWEAR for men and women

Many of us ladies with breast lymphedema find that we cannot wear regular bras--the bottom of the bras are too tight below our breasts and can actually constrict the flow of lymphatic fluid.  And the straps may be too thin and also interfere with the flow of lymphatic fluid.

We have found compression camisoles to be a wonderful solution for us for day wear.

Each of our bodies and our breast lymphedema problems are different.  Some styles will work better for some of us, and others of us will do better with a different style.  Please make sure garments are returnable before you order them, since it may take several tries to get that compression camisole that is a perfectly comfortable fit for you.

We have personally tried all of these compression camisoles, and our comments are simply our opinions on the experience we have had with them.  We are also including compression vests and shapewear for our gentlemen.

For those who wear a prosthesis, a pocket for it can be easily sewn onto the garments.  Please see instructions at Adapt a Bra to Accommodate a Prosthesis.

The WearEase Slimmer Camisole and the Support Softee® Camisole are the few camisoles we have found that have pockets sewn into them to insert a prosthesis.

WearEase Slimmer Camisole

The WearEase Slimmer Camisole has pockets already made into the garments for the insertion of a prosthesis.  The fabric content is  Bust 92% polyester, 8% Spandex,  Body: 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex.  This cami is the only one we have found to have an "A" line profile, being slightly wider at the hip, and longer than most cami's, and having no problems in "riding up," which we have found with some of the other cami's if they are not "tucked in."  It is also cut higher in the front, under the arms and on the back than most cami's we have reviewed, which we find wonderful for truncal lymphedema.  Please go to WearEase Slimmer Camisole to see 360 degree photos.  We have found the shoulder straps very comfortable.  The price is in the range of $50.00.

We have found this camisole extremely comfortable, easy to wear all day and to sleep in, and the prosthesis pockets can be used to hold Swell Spots™  in place during sleep or during the day, whether you have had reconstruction or not.

Review by Binney: (double mastectomy, no reconstruction)  The fabric is lovely and very comfortable, but with enough body to do some serious work at controlling truncal swelling. The bottom stays in place without rolling, and there's no "band" below the breast area to block lymph flow. Prostheses slip in very easily and stay in place well, and the coverage under the arm and around on the back is excellent. It's cut high in front too, which is a real advantage for controlling swelling higher on the chest, but it does mean that the top shows with even a moderately low-cut shirt. Thinking of it as a part of a chic "layered look" can make the high neckline a deliberate fashion choice instead of an unfortunate medical necessity. You might even stop by your local fabric store and pick out a lace inset to give the neckline added appeal. (To maintain the compression, tack it lightly in a couple of spots along the neck instead of sewing it in place with a line of stitches). As an added bonus: this really is a "slimmer" for hips and tummy as well.

Review by OneBadBoob:  (single mastectomy with TRAM reconstruction) This is one comfortable cami!  One of the reasons I love it is that it does not "ride up" at all.  I agree with everything Binney has said.  I actually like the higher cut on the chest, since I can wear it under jackets and shirts, with buttons open, and not show any "cleavage" but just a pretty black cami underneath.  And with all of the "heat" our compression garments can add, I am happy not to have to add an additional camisole or "dickie" to cover the cleavage area.

Maidenform: Control It Camisole

The Maidenform Control It Camisole is one of our all time favorites. We find the straps much more comfortable than the Barely There camisole.  We don't know that it would be enough compression for flying, but it is absolutely perfect for day wear, and looks great in clothes.  There are no under wires and we have found this camisole to be very comfortable. The fabric content is 88% Nylon, 12% Elastane.  It is reasonably priced anywhere between $32.00 and $26.00.

 

 

 

Barely There Breathe Firm Control Camisole

While we also like the Barely There Breathe Firm Control Camisole, the shoulder straps are thinner, and for those of us with larger breasts, we find that the thinner straps can cut into our shoulders a bit.  There are no under wires, and we find it quite comfortable.  We don't know that it would be enough compression for flying, but it is absolutely perfect for day wear, and looks great in clothes. The fabric content is 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex.  It is reasonably priced at between $24.00 and $19.20.

Sassybax Torso Trim

This camisole is knit seamlessly 360 degrees in the round, the support comes from their exclusive revolutionary design and the Sassybax blend of microfiber nylon and Spandex.  We don't know that it would be enough compression for flying, but it is absolutely perfect for day wear, and looks great in clothes.   It is a bit pricey at $68.00.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Support Softee® Camisole

The Support SOFTEE® Camisole is specially designed for light lift and comfort, this cozy garment is a pleasure to wear. Shorter in length, the Support SOFTEE® has stretch lace straps and double elastic bands for a smooth secure fit. Front panels open on the outside of the camisole for easy removal and adjustment of the two poly-fill breast forms. Available with or without stretch lace accent at the neckline. The Support SOFTEE® is available in white or black and with or without camisole stretch lace at the neckline.  Price is $58.99.

This is one of the few camisoles we have found that has pockets for insertion of prosthesis.

We have found all Softee® garments to be extremely well made and comfortable.

Fashion Forms Long Tube Bra

 L'Eggs Body Beautiful Smoothers

We have found these inexpensive ($5.99) body smoothers by L'Eggs to be a wonderful addition to wearing compression camisoles.  They give firm support to the tummy, and assure you that your compression camisole will not "ride up."  We highly recommend them.  They come in both Capri and thigh lengths.

Barely There Comfort Shapers Firm Control Capri Shaper

We have found these Barely There Comfort Shapers Firm Control Capri Shaper to be as wonderful an addition to wearing compression camisoles as the L'Eggs Body Beautiful Smoothers above.  But the price tag is much larger--$22.00 to $18.99.  They are also available in a thigh length.

Sassybax Control Capri's

We have also found the Sassybax Control Capri's to be another wonderful addition to wearing compression camis.  Their patented knit-in technology sculpts, rounds and trims the lower half of the body. Eight, yes eight, different cleverly placed, knit-in support systems lift and separate the derriere, while they trim the hips, thighs and tummy ... all without unsightly seams. The waist band does not pinch or roll down.  The price tag is steep--$65.00.  They are also available in a thigh length.

We have included these additional collections of various compression shapewear for women and men needing additional support beyond a compression camisole.  Also, be sure to view our page on Compression Bras.

 Annette Shapewear

We have found a wonderful collection of various types of compression shapewear, including full body girdles, Capri length girdles, bolero jackets, abdominal binders and many other compression garment solutions for women and men.  We are including this link for those of us who need more than just a compression camisole to control our lymphedema, and for our gentlemen.

The Annette products are very well made and very comfortable.

Designer Veronique

We have also found this wonderful collection of compression shapewear for women and men.  We are including this link for those of us who need more than just a compression camisole to control our lymphedema. and for our gentlemen.

The Designer Veronique products are very well made and very comfortable.

Bella Jane

We have also found this wonderful collection of compression shapewear for men and women.  We are including this link for those of us who need more than just a compression camisole to control our lymphedema, and for our gentlemen.

The Bella Jane products are very well made and very comfortable.

Bella Jane will also custom make your garments to your exact size for just a slightly higher cost than over the counter ready-made garments.

Contour

Contour also has a large selection of compression garments and shapewear for both men and woman.

Rainey Compression Essentials

We have also found this wonderful collection of compression shapewear for men and women.  We are including this link for those of us who need more than just a compression camisole to control our lymphedema, and for our gentlemen.

The Rainey products are very well made and very comfortable.

Under Armour

Makes a line of compression shirts for men and women sold in sleeveless, short-sleeved and long-sleeved) available in a variety of colors. However, they are expensive, ranging from $40-$60. They also make great “Bike Shorts” which are like a panty girdle—mid thigh to ankle lengths. You can find these in Sports Authority, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Models, and at the manufacturer online at www.underarmour.com.

Page Last Modified 01/21/2010