09/08/2026
✨TIPS TUESDAY: What is “garment fatigue”?
Think about your favorite pair of blue jeans. 👖
When you first put them on after washing, they’re snug. They hold their shape and fit just right.👌🏼
But after wearing them for a while… they start to relax. By the end of the day, they may feel looser in the waist, knees or seat.
🧦 Compression garments can experience something similar — called garment or textile fatigue 😴
With regular wear, washing and drying, and putting the garment on and taking it off, the elastic fibers gradually lose some of their ability to rebound and sn**ch back into shape.
Signs your compression garment may be getting tired:
• It’s noticeably easier to put on
• It feels looser than it used to
• It starts slipping, rolling or bunching
• Your swelling isn’t as well controlled
• The fabric looks stretched or worn
Even a garment that still looks good may no longer be providing the same therapeutic compression it did when it was new. With compression, the “snugness” isn’t just about fit, it’s part of the treatment.
That’s why compression garments need to be replaced regularly — commonly around every 3–6 months with regular daytime use, depending on the garment, frequency of wear and manufacturer recommendations.
👖 Your jeans can get away with being a little stretched out ➡️ Your medical compression shouldn’t.
If you’re wondering whether your compression garment still fits and functions the way it should, our team at Guardian Health Solutions can help.
💜 Proper fit. Proper compression. Better support for your lymphatic health 🦋
Reference:
Clark M, et al. The science of compression textiles and garments for upper-body lymphoedema. Journal of Wound Care. 2025;34(Sup11c):S19+.
Additional clinical guidance: Schaverien MV, Moeller JA, Cleveland SD. Nonoperative Treatment of Lymphedema. Semin Plast Surg. 2018;32(1):17–21.