Addressing dressing. An introduction to lymphedema-friendly apparel.
Lymphedema presents daily challenges when choosing and wearing apparel. Clothing design, fabric construction, and the location of symptoms influence comfort and can worsen lymphedema. The limited literature describing apparel challenges for people living with lymphedema provides some insight into apparel challenges. Eidenberger et al. completed a systematic review highlighted the scarcity of suitable clothing options.1 Viehoff et al. also noted difficulties individuals face sourcing adapted apparel.2 Healthcare professionals offer dressing advice for individuals living with lymphedema, but it often does not translate well to retail apparel. Our goal in this article is to share our experience and knowledge as researchers and clinicians in the fields of occupational therapy, apparel design, and nursing, to better support apparel choices for those living with lymphedema.
How to cite: Dolgoy, Naomi; McBee-Black, Kerri; Anderson, Elizabeth. Addressing dressing. An introduction to lymphedema-friendly apparel. Pathways. 2025;14(3): 17-19. https://doi.org/10.70472/OIWT8554
This article was published in Pathways, the quarterly print and online publication of the Canadian Lymphedema Framework. The most recent 8 issues of Pathways are available to subscribers only. SUBSCRIBE NOW AT THIS LINK TO READ.
