Shirt design for Lymphedema

I need a volunteer to test a size large compression shirt.  Readers of this thread know that the kind folks at GO Athletics are working on a compression tee that has a scoop neck and does not have a logo that cannot be hidden under our wardrobe items.  Their product offerings to date have been men's compression shirts only, so this is new for them and they've been working for a while to get the shape and sizes as we need them.  I have had quite a few women volunteer to test sizing (thank you all!) but for various reasons, the ladies who thought 'large' was for them find that's no longer true (darn tamoxifen, for starters...).

Here's the size chart for 'large': 

bust 38-40, waist 30.5 - 32.5 and hip 40.5 - 42.5

I have one large shirt for testing and need someone to mail it to!  The designer at GO prefers that each size tester fall within the designated measurements, even though she understands that most of us will not fall within each of the three measurement ranges. But the best approach is to fit the shirts for the standard-size body, and then we'll all adjust our choices as we always do when purchasing clothing.

Lots of women raised their hands to help GO out and we will have had 8 women test shirts, in two rounds of testing.  If you volunteered and I didn't check in with you this week, it means I had more volunteers than needed for your size, so I went with the first in each size to raise her hand.

And...I need to emphasize again that I have no financial interest in this project--just want to be able to buy a compression tee with a scoop neck, for goodness sake!  If interest is strong and GO can sell some shirts, I do believe they will offer multiple colors and some neckline choices, plus they're open to options such as adding pockets to hold prostheses.  

Anyway, I'd love to get a PM from someone who falls in the range noted above, with name and mailing information.

Carol

Thank you Carol - but can't do a large... Dang.. I would have loved to do it.

I got the small test shirt in the mail yesterday.  Wore it a bit in the evening.  I have to say it is 10x better than the UA shirts I have and much cooler than the Sassybax shirt.  The fabric is firmer and even appears dressy.  How nice to have something effeminate instead of an ill fitting male shirt.   I'll see how it works on a run this morning.

Thank you, Carol!

Doxie, that's a great report!  I like the shirts, too and just worry that my input and preferences that have guided GO's fabric choice end up being acceptable to most everyone else.  I've learned that compression fabric can be a funny animal.  At one point, I found a prototype to be too big, and then they sent me another version in the same size and made of the exact same fabric, but rotated 90 degrees before cutting.  That made a huge difference--snug as a bug.

Still looking for someone whose measures fall within the 'large' size range that I posted above--PM me if that's anyone here!

You all are so lucky!  Unfortunately I'm a XXL probably

Thanks Carol! I received my size M Go shirt yesterday too. I was so excited to try it that I slept in it. I love the fabric. I have low reconstructed nipples but they still show through many fabrics. I love that I can wear this shirt without a bra and my nipples don't show at all. That's great news for me because my LE tends to accumulate in my axilla above my bra. This shirt fits great through the sides, stays down and is incredibly comfortable. I have the same concern as Binney though. The fabric doesn't come in contact with my skin in the front just next to the axilla at the top of my breast and I tend to accumulate fluid there too. I think that the construction of my wearease tank does a better job in that spot but this fabric feels better everywhere else.. I'm going to wear this shirt to the gym this weekend and see how it goes.

Hmmm. Wore it sooooo comfortably yesterday afternoon, that at bedtime I decided to sleep in it. Slept like a lamb. Woke up all good. Hand washed it in the shower this morning and it dried almost instantly, which is really nice. And the seams are practically not there--magic! If there were such things as these available I'd order another one today.

That said, I'm still not 100% sure about the compression in front of the axilla and what that will do (or not do) over time, so I'll happily keep trying.

Binney

Carol - One of the nicest things about the shirt is the seams but I think that the fact that the one piece construction contributes to the fullness above the breast. I would love to see the shirt made as a tank. I have a feeling that the fullness would disappear. I can't visualize what you're asking above.

I wore my shirt twice while exercising.  One day a walk with weights, the next on a run.  I was having a mild LE truncal flare because I'd not worked out much the week before.  It is now back under control.  On my run yesterday, I stripped down to just the shirt, something I never did with the Sassybax (wore it inside out) and the UA tops (too ugly and poor fit) . It looks like a nice workout top and it did not ride up.

May I suggest that we have someone take  photos of us in the shirts to show fit and help illustrate where things are fitting or not.  I'll have my daughter do mine later this week.  I think a front, back and side shot might be what is needed.

I too would buy one.  Best so far for my LE.  

I would love a cami that does not ride up! I love my Wear-Ease camis, but I have to tuck them into my underwear to keep them in place.

great idea, Doxie! If you prefer not to post photos, I can email them to GO. 

glennie, I had a UMX and have some issues with truncal LE, but (and I know this is not what you want to hear) the way I deal with it is pretty much, learn to live with it.  Nothing really seems to do any good, I've tried MLD but it didn't make a difference, and I haven't been able to figure out a way to compress the area.  Because of where the swelling is, all bras/tanks/camis cut right across it, which is painful.  I keep the bra-wearing to an absolute minimum, it does aggravate the LE, so I go without at home. 

Glennie, do you have a Kimbe swell spot? It's shaped like a giant lima bean and it fits nicely in the axilla. I really depend on mine.

http://www.lymphedemaproducts.com/products/kimbe-s...

Hope that link works. Or just Google "Kimbe swell spot".

Hugs,
Binney

We had tried the Kimbe but it seemed too big. Right now I'm using a "breast" swell spot as it covers my scar area and the lower axilla area,,, it's just the upper axilla,, closer to the armpit that is an issue.  I feel like I need a "custom" Swell spot.   I wish there was a store that I could go into and try the different ones up against me to see what would work. 

Edit:  Binney,, how do you hold it in place?  That was the other issue. With the "breast" swell spot, I tuck it into the breast binder or the compression bra.

Glennie, I don't have a problem with them staying in place with the WearEase Slimmer, though I place them so part of the swell spot is above the edges of the cami (did that make sense? I mean, part in the cami and part out, so none of the cami arm-hole edges touch my skin).

Carol, Bellisse compression bra has a symbiotic relationship with JoviPak to make chip pads (the "official" name for swell spots) that fit all the pockets in the bra. Without that kind of relationship a pocket would be a hit-or-miss thing, since a company might quit making a given size at any time and leave GO high and dry. If they wanted to pursue that option with Solaris I suspect Kathy-and-company might be interested. We could ask, yes?

Glennie, the chances are good your therapist can make you a custom "swell spot." The technology is not impossible, though you need a sturdy sewing machine and needle. Many therapists make chip bags for their patients. Or if you're handy you can make your own. Some of the LE supply stores sell the foam chips, and selecting the fabric yourself would give you some options we don't have with the ready-mades. Several years ago Solaris used a fabric that was as soft as doeskin, not the somewhat coarse fabric they use now. I have no idea why they abandoned that, because it's incredibly soft against my skin and it has worn very well. I'm still using my Kimbe made from that fabric, always choose it over the others I've bought more recently. 

Why is this all so difficult?!!

Hugs,
Binney