compression tank top recommendations

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alrz1980
alrz1980 Member Posts: 47
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Hello everyone,

It has been recommended by my CLPT to wear a compression tank top when stretching or exercising.  I have having A LOT of trouble finding any in stores to try on.  I am small (5' and 105 pounds) so I don't think a men's tank would fit (and I couldn't find any to try on).

Does anyone have any recommendations? I really want tanks only so that I can wear them under regular shirts.  I already wear a tank top (cotton) everyday under shirts.  No reason, I just like it.  

I am not a big fan of sports bras since I had a lymph node removed.  It feels uncomfortable and too tight.  I have one bra I love and I plan to get more.  It is just a regular bra that fits nice and loosely (I have a small chest).

So, in addition to wondering where I can find a good compression tank, I am also wondering what you all wear under them? Do you wear a compression sports bra under the tank or no bra? I really prefer no bra as often as possible.  But, i would like to know if I can wear my regular bra under the compression tank when going out of the house.

Are there any compression tanks that have built in bras that don't cause too much compression?

Or does anyone know of a good compression sports bra that doesn't feel like you are being squeezed to death? I feel like regular sports bras make me feel this way.

Thanks in advance!

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Comments

  • coraleliz
    coraleliz Member Posts: 1,523
    edited February 2014

    It may be different for someone who had a lumpectomy vs mastectomy. Mastectomy ladies may very depending on whether reconstruction was done. Also are you trying to compress the arms & chest. So far only my chest swells. I've found things that work for me. But won't work for anyone with breasts. I'm also small, so men's clothing won't work for me. I was bummed when I figured out that I have to wear a sports bra(a snug fitting one) to keep my chest LE at bay. It could be worse though. I also made myself a compression tube top to wear at night with a swell spot. Again my solutions won't work for anyone with breasts.

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  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited February 2014

    I wonder if a Underarmour boys compression tank might work as it would be smaller.  If you are flat enough I would just wear the tank but if going out then then the loose fitting sports bra with no wires  under the tank. No tight bra as it draws fluid to the area. I hope other girls weigh in.

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  • toomuch
    toomuch Member Posts: 901
    edited February 2014

    I wear the Wearease slimmer compression tank. It's comfortable and doesn't show under by shifts the way underarmour tanks do. I wear it instead of a bra when my chest and side are feeling full. The link to the wearease website is below. You may be able to find them for less if you google wearease and the style that you like. Take a look.

    http://www.wearease.com/wear-ease-products/category/view/5

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited February 2014

    Have you looked at the shapewear you can find in lingerie departments (as opposed to athletic stores)? The key to compression is the spandex content of the fabric. It can vary but I find 15-30% is snug enough to feel good without cutting off circulation!

    Bali and other manufacturers have a style they call "torset": a corset for the torso, I guess. I use my own bras underneath and always get machine wash/dry versions rather than things that need to be hung up. Colors are usually just black or beige.

    Another product I like are high waist briefs that come up your side and help with truncal LE.

    Also check an UnderArmour outlet store if you have one nearby. Previous season's youth sizes may be available. They seem to alter their designs slightly each year, along with our Olympic team outfits...

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  • alrz1980
    alrz1980 Member Posts: 47
    edited February 2014

    I tried a couple on at target and could barely get into them. I think I need to shop around until I find something. Thanks for the spandex recommendation!

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  • doxie
    doxie Member Posts: 1,455
    edited February 2014

    Men's small UA garments are too large for me.  I've checked the UA website and I cannot find boys compression shirts.  Has someone found them somewhere?  I suppose I could try is a boys medium in a less compressive shirt maybe that would work.

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  • jsquipu
    jsquipu Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2014

    Hi Doxie,

    Like you I haven't been able to find a compression top that helps in the right areas. I too am about your size. I wear Spanx camisoles but they don't really provide much compression on my upper torso.  Yummi Tummi is another shapewear that I've tried but even their small is roomy and I found the UA boy's compression tops (found them in hockey shops carrying boy's clothing) were designed for boys with broader shoulders than mine.  This week I tried a bra by Wacoal that I've been wearing at night and during workouts.  Size 32 is snug and feels like it gives some compression that might help.  Wacoal smooth bralette

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