Solaris is making day garments!

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kira66715
kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Got this from Solaris, and they want feedback:TributeDay, our custom, flat-knit daywear line will be coming soon!

Here's the email:

We've certainly come a long way in our first 12 years. Thanks to your help, what started out as one lymphedema therapist's idea to improve her patients' lives has become the first company to offer a 24-hour solution for custom lymphedema garments!

TributeDay, in conjunction with TributeNight (previously Tribute), will offer a number of advantages for you and your patients.

First, you only need to communicate with one company for all of your custom garment needs. That means only one order form, one point of contact, one shipping charge and so on.

Second, because all of our garments are manufactured in the US, your patients will receive their garments faster. Our TributeNight garments ship, on average, the day after the order is received, and we expect the same with TributeDay. In addition, any alterations or remakes will be made just as quickly.

Third, we developed TributeDay from scratch, which means that we're using the most advanced yarns and machines. In the last five years, companies like Under Armour and Nike have pioneered the development of performance fabrics, and we've been able to incorporate these same advancements in TributeDay.

We're already putting TributeDay through comprehensive premarket testing, but we'll also need your help to design and refine it. Local trials of TributeDay (in Wisconsin and Illinois) begin in the Spring and national trials will commence later this year. Please contact us at (855) 892-4140 / info@solarismed.com, or contact your Product Rep with your ideas or for more information on how to participate in the trials.

Everyone here is very excited about Tribute24 (TributeDay and TributeNight). At the same time, we want to take this opportunity to say "Thank You!" We've only been able to grow and evolve thanks to your feedback, critiques and support. TributeDay and Tribute24 are just the first of several much anticipated developments that we'll be bringing to you later this year, and we'll make sure that you're the first to know about them.

Thank you again for all of your support and feedback! We hope that we've exceeded your highest expectations, and continue to do so with TributeDay and in everything that we do.

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Comments

  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited January 2012

    Okay, I know what I want. A one-piece "shirt" without the bulky UnderArmor seams, with gradient compression sleeves. The wrist/cuff should be smooth and gentle like the LymphedemaSleeveCompany's two-arm garment (without the "gathered" effect above the cuff that allows swelling there). It should have a rounded neckline, and the top of it should look nice so when it shows under my shirts it doesn't scream "Medical device!" It should come in at least black, beige, chocolate, and white, and the darker colors should NOT be "tighter" or less flexible (or whatever it is that makes all my black garments feel tighter than the light-colored ones -- yuck!) It should wick moisture and be suitable for hot weather (yeah, right!) We should be able to order it with prosthesis pockets on the outside so we don't have to wear another stupid garment either under it or over it. It also needs some sort of arrangement for holding thin Swell Spots in place inside it (like the Jovi breast pads, which won't stay in place despite adding straps). Probably the sleeve seam should be slightly off the shoulder to avoid that axilla pain that happens with regular sleeve seams.

    Also, a sleeveless day vest would be nice with thin-profile Swell Spots to go under it (thin like the Jovi breast pad), and it should have wide enough shoulders so that it covers adequately in back just behind the axilla. It too needs prosthesis pockets on the outside and a neat, discrete front zipper closure (no bulky stiff Velcro).

    For compression sleeves, a fabric that is COMFORTABLE and doesn't snag, an inner lining around the elbow that prevents chafing (see Gottfried's), and a wrist/cuff as mentioned above. On the gloves it'd be nice if the seam stitching really matched the color of the fabric, even after washing.

    Solaris had a fantastically talented designer several years ago, and I heard she might be back with them -- I'm really hoping so! She could turn any rotten compression garment into comfort clothes, I kid you not!

    Isn't it fun to dream about really wonderful garments?!
    Binney

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited January 2012

    Binney, I emailed some generic feedback to Solaris: good custom fit, colors, avoid over-compression, and I heard back immediately. Please send this in. They're really open to feedback and have all sorts of neat fabrics to work with.

    Kira

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  • Kay_G
    Kay_G Member Posts: 3,345
    edited January 2012

    I like this. So far, I have a got tried sleeve and glove, a jobst sleeve and glove and a tribute. The tribute does the best job for me and is the easiest to get on and off and the most comfortable.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2012

    Binney, you said it ALL!!!! Yes, yes, yes, yes!!!! 

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  • garnet131
    garnet131 Member Posts: 64
    edited January 2012

    Thanks for posting, Kira.  And YEAH, Binney--you tell em!!!

    Seriously, I'm going to contact them about participating in their trial. They are right here in town. 

    Most times, I LOVE my "Tribby!"  (except maybe those nights when I sleep weird and my shoulder gets a little out of wack)  Just hoping they can do as well with daytime garments.

    Garnet

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  • toomuch
    toomuch Member Posts: 901
    edited January 2012

    Kira - This is fabulously exciting! I'm going to call about trial participation too.

    Binney - I love your post...dream big! I would be thrilled to wear a compression shirt with compression sleeves attached!

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  • BeckySharp
    BeckySharp Member Posts: 935
    edited January 2012

    This really sounds promising!  Becky

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited January 2012

    I'm also hoping to be a candidate for the local trials this spring.

    My night Tribute was made in less than 2 days last month (order sent to them on a Monday, the DME dealer called on Thursday to say it was ready to pick up - of course they are located in the same zip code as Solaris!) but it took me a week to get over there due to the holidays...

    We want to take a winter vacation but I'm worried about going someplace warm, that my current sleeve will be hot & uncomfortable. A "miracle fabric" like Binney describes would be great. 

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  • anna4969
    anna4969 Member Posts: 86
    edited January 2012

    Here too, I will try to get into the trials as well as I live less than 10 miles away.

    In terms of Solaris, I agree with the consensus.  They have been terrific.  I have been a problem child with my tribute and they have patiently made it right for me more than several times.  I am grateful.  :)

    Binney, Solaris would be wise in having you as a consultant.  I am very serious about that.

    Happy Saturday evening all.

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  • Lunakin
    Lunakin Member Posts: 120
    edited January 2012

    Binney, exactly what you said!

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited January 2012

    Umm, I passed along Binney's comments and they were blown away! I've told her she needs to be a consultant, now I'll just push Solaris.

    Kira

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  • KS1
    KS1 Member Posts: 632
    edited January 2012

    Once I get my current flare under control, I am definitely going to try to get my LE therapist to get me into the trials. KS1

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  • Suzybelle
    Suzybelle Member Posts: 920
    edited January 2012

    Ah, Kira!  I want to be in the trial, too.  I wonder if I contacted them, do you think they would give me a spot?

    I have two Tributes I alternate wearing at night instead of wrapping and I adore them.  And I adore Solaris and their team.  They are absolutely fantastic to deal with. 

    This is super cool info. - thanks for the newsflash.  Even if I can't get in the trials, I will be super interested to try out the finished product.

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  • Kay_G
    Kay_G Member Posts: 3,345
    edited January 2012

    It says the trials are only for those in wisconsin and Illinois, or did I read that wrong?

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited January 2012

    I think the trials are going to be local, but it doesn't hurt to contact them, and they've been very receptive to feedback.

    Kira 

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited January 2012
    Local trials in the spring, national trials later in the year. There's hope!Cool
    Binney
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  • Suzybelle
    Suzybelle Member Posts: 920
    edited January 2012

    Well, I emailed them, so maybe I can be a guinea pig. 

    Kay, I am digging your quote by Mary P.  Too funny!

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  • KittyDog
    KittyDog Member Posts: 1,079
    edited January 2012

    wow...going to mention this to my new fitter.  I love my tribute...just not the hot part. 

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited January 2012

    Kitty, you can store it in a plastic bag in your refrigerator and it tends to hold the cool well. Suzibelle talked to the company and they said it was fine to put it in the freezer too.

    Stay cool!Wink
    Binney

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2012

    Binney, your suggestions are terrific, and I would wear a tank and short and long sleeve tees as described.



    I would also love a bralette, and short sleeve and long sleeve tees that end where a bra band would without being too tight, binding or curling. A bralette would be nice for workouts or during hot weather. Sometimes all that coverage makes me nuts. I get tired of having to tuck into my jeans and having it ride up. With a dress or skirt it can be a PIA. Also, a bralette would make me feel more feminine and "normal". Same thing for a tee-lette. The long sleeve version would be great for layering in cooler weather.



    I have cut off a couple of my old tanks and they feel and work great until the fabric starts rolling, which then becomes binding. I have never figured out how to finish the edge to prevent rolling. I'm sure it can be done, and it would be great for those of us who need less vs more compression.

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  • GottaloveNED
    GottaloveNED Member Posts: 211
    edited January 2012

    So...anyone ever done a garment trial before? My therapist is going to see if she can get me in. I was curious if you pay for the garments or if the are free in the trial phases. I would pay to do it... I would be THRILLED to try something new, especially from Solaris. Great products and great customer service!!

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