We all want to look and feel the best we can. However, when we have lymphoedema, finding clothes and shoes which fit well, feel comfortable, and make us look attractive, can be a challenge. A swollen arm or leg can mean that what we would normally wear may no longer fit or be suitable. With restricted choices we may need to think about our clothing differently, experimenting with different styles, and maybe using colour more creatively.

Body shape and the clothes we wear can define who we are, and when this changes we may need time to adjust. What suits one person’s body shape may not suit another; different people have differing preferences when choosing clothes.

The following are general suggestions, which may not work for everyone, but hopefully can be adapted to suit individual tastes, needs and preferences.

Clothes for Arm Lymphoedema

Clothes with sleeves large enough to fit comfortably over a lymphoedema arm may be too large and baggy over a smaller frame. Instead, try to look for those with wider sleeves, such as batwing, butterfly, tulip or bell sleeves.

Short sleeved garments, particularly those with a cap sleeve, may be more comfortable, and a cardigan or jumper can be added for cooler days; the stretchy fabric will adapt to changes in the size of your arm. A pashmina or poncho may be a better option than a jacket which may have narrower sleeves.

Diverting attention away from your swollen arm can be achieved by wearing a pretty scarf or attractive jewellery, or by the clever use of colour and style, such as brighter trousers, skirt, or even shoes.

Alterations to your existing clothes is another possibility, and if unable to do so yourself use the expertise of a local seamstress. If a garment is too tight at the top of the arm a seamstress may be able to drop the armhole and create more room. Altering a sleeve with a split or adding a zip insertion will also allow more room and using stretchy fabric will give flexibility and help if the size of your arm fluctuates.

Clothes for Leg Lymphoedema

Moving attention away from swollen legs is an important consideration when choosing clothes. Try concentrating on an area you wish to highlight, maybe teaming darker skirts or trousers with brighter coloured tops, choosing “V” or halter neck styles, or wearing pretty jewellery. If your lymphoedema extends onto your lower body, a loose fitting longer-length top may help you to feel less self-conscious. Also, remember that It may be possible for existing clothes to be altered, adding inserts to allow more room. A seamstress can help you with this, extending the life of your favorite outfits.

The preference is often to wear wide leg trousers to help disguise leg swelling, and there are many options available:

1. Classic wide leg trousers or jeans remain a good choice, in warmer fabrics for winter, or cooler lighter materials for warmer weather. Classic styles can be dressed up for smarter occasions or adapted for a more relaxed feel.
2. Turkish “harem” styles in soft, comfortable, lighter fabrics, which drape and flatter a larger lower body shape, can offer a cooler alternative for summer. Heavier fabrics teamed with a warmer top are ideal for autumn or winter.
3. Cargo type pants often have wider legs with lots of pockets, which can also help to detract attention.
4. Skinny leg trousers, especially in softer fabrics, can be surprisingly comfortable for swollen legs. Elastane allows the garment to stretch, giving gentle support for swollen legs and allowing for fluctuations in size and shape.

Dresses and skirts in longer lengths are another good choice for those with leg swelling, with A-line designs usually more comfortable to wear than pencil skirt styles. A skirt or dress teamed with accessories, such as a brighter top with a darker skirt, or a dress worn with a pretty hat or lovely jewellery, can all help to divert attention away from heavy swollen legs, and may prove cooler to wear than trousers.

N.B. If you have swollen feet, please see our Blog: Finding footwear for swollen feet.

Conclusion

Whether you have arm or leg lymphoedema, the challenge is to find one, or possibly a few, styles which you feel comfortable wearing. You can then go on to be creative within those styles, tweaking them to develop a beautiful wardrobe, which will enable you to feel confident whilst living with your lymphoedema. 

Below is a list of suppliers and websites you may find useful:

Dorothy Perkins

H&M

Marks & Spencer

www.asos.com
Large selection of wide-legged trousers/pants. Worldwide shipping.

www.artfulwears.com
lots of stylish and comfy-looking wide-legged pants/trousers.

www.missethnic.com
beautiful long skirts, dresses and more.

www.shukronline.com
Islamic clothing – wide-legged trousers/pants and long skirts.

www.boutique-coline.fr
lovely French label with comfy, funky, cheap clothes.

www.very.co.uk
lose fitting clothes

www.holyclothing.com
shirts, pants with large leg holes, skirts and dresses.

www.anthropologie.com
great finds, especially trousers!

www.ebay.com
second-hand clothes; you can send the measurements of your swollen limb to the seller to ensure a good fit.

You may also find the following blog post helpful if shopping for jeans:
http://lymphedemagirl.blogspot.dk/2013/01/shopping-for-jeans.html

About the author

Jeanne started her lymphoedema career in the early 1990s, setting up the lymphoedema clinic in Durham. She then moved into a specialist clinical role across South Durham, Teesside and North Yorkshire, and in 2013 set up the Lymphoedema Service based in Imperial Healthcare Trust at Charing Cross Hospital. Jeanne is now the Lymphoedema Nurse at St Teresa’s Hospice in Darlington, where her passion for education continues.