With many options available, shopping for compression garments can be daunting. Compression garments must offer a snug fit, be soft and comfortable, and encourage compliance – wearing them as your doctor directs. To achieve these goals, fabrics used in compression garments must be highly elastic and have a high percentage of Spandex in their fabric structure.
Fabric Types
There are many different types of fabric available to sew clothing, and it’s essential to know the characteristics of each. For example, a fabric’s weight and drape are critical when choosing fabric for a sewing project. Some fabrics tend to fray easily, while others have more of a crisp or structured feel. These factors will affect how well a garment turns out and how long it will last. It’s also important to consider the strength of the fabric. If a person is sewing a dress or shirt worn often, choosing a solid fabric that will hold up to repeated washings is best. Other fabrics, like silk, can be more delicate and require special care. When selecting a fabric, looking at the label is helpful to learn more about its composition and other features. Then, look for compression fabric manufacturers, or you may go to the store and feel a few fabric samples before deciding. Fabrics can be found at most apparel stores, and many pattern books include a list of recommended fabrics for each design. These are the fabrics that will perform well with that particular pattern.
Performance
Fabrics used to make medical compression garments must meet certain quality and performance requirements. These include bursting strength, compression extension, and thickness and weight. The material must also have the ability to withstand repeated stress and fatigue. It should resist the effects of water, sunlight, and heat and remain strong after laundering. The best compression fabrics are made from a blend of nylon and Spandex. Nylon improves the fabric’s functionality, while Spandex adds elasticity. These fabrics are typically worn by athletes and people with certain health conditions. However, anyone can benefit from wearing this kind of fabric. Another essential quality of compression fabrics is that they are moisture-wicking. This means that they will wick away sweat and keep the wearer dry. This is especially important for athletes who may sweat a lot during exercise. The fabric should also regain its original shape after being stretched. This is known as elastic recovery. The fabric should recover at least 95% of its length after stretching.
Appearance
Compression garments are meant to be worn under other clothing, so you’ll want to choose fabrics that look nice and hide the zippers and hooks. A smooth fabric with flat seams and no bulk will work well in warmer weather, but a thicker material may be better for colder seasons. You can also add accessories like vests and kimonos to help conceal the compression garment. A good quality compression fabric is moisture-wicking, which will keep your skin dry and prevent the onset of odor. The fabric should also be durable and have good stretch. A garment made with this fabric can be used for various physical activities and will help improve blood flow and circulation, reduce muscle fatigue, and speed up recovery time. Originally designed to address circulation issues, garments made with compression fabric are now used in many trendy styles, from dresses and tights to bodysuits and maternity tops.
Comfort
Compression fabrics are designed primarily to support blood flow back to the heart, and people with medical conditions such as varicose veins, lymphedema, or traumatic burns commonly wear them. They can also help athletes keep cool or warm, depending on the requirements of their sport. For example, speed skaters can wear skintight compression bodysuits to lower wind resistance. At the same time, beach volleyball players can use a lightweight blend that’s breathable enough to keep them comfortable on sunny days. The fabric used to make compression garments must be soft and supple and have a good amount of stretch to provide the right comfort level. The material should also be breathable and moisture-wicking to prevent the limb from becoming damp from sweat or rain. It should also be flexible and form to the limb so it doesn’t cause chafing. Ultimately, the comfort of a garment will determine whether or not it gets worn and used regularly. After all, you wouldn’t continue wearing a hot, itchy, or uncomfortable shirt.
Cost
Compression fabric is often used for athletic garments like shorts, leggings, tops, and socks. It helps improve blood flow and circulation, reduce muscle fatigue, and promote faster recovery. It is typically made from synthetic fibers and can be purchased in various brands and styles. Most compression fabrics are knitted with nylon and Spandex, which help to improve the fabric’s functionality while also giving it elasticity. Nylon is crucial because it helps to make the fabric durable and lightweight, while Spandex provides the elasticity needed for the fabric to work correctly. Medical-grade compression garments usually cost more than non-medical compression garments. This is because medical garments must meet strict medical standards and require more person-hours for quality control. In addition, medical compression garments must be knitted with a specialized machine to produce different pressure levels. This requires more engineering and programming, which can be expensive. Non-medical clothes are not required to meet the same standards so that they can be less expensive. However, they may still be more costly than other ready-to-wear apparel.