Table of contents
- What size compression garment should I buy?
- How to measure correctly for post surgery bodies
- How to measure for your post-op garment
- How to measure compression socks and compression stockings
- How to measure compression arm sleeves
- Always refer to the Bodyment garment product chart
- How to ensure accurate bra measurements
- BodyPlus specialist compression garment fitting service
What size compression garment should I buy?
Whether it be post surgery bras, compression bodysuits or girdles, medical grade graduated compression socks or stockings, it can be quite a daunting task choosing the size you need.
Our fitters have years of experience fitting patients both in person and via chat or phone, email or zoom. We have built up a wealth of practical knowledge in determining what happens to your body in the weeks following a surgical procedure.
How to measure correctly for post surgery bodies
For all post-op garments they do not fit like regular clothing. Our exclusive and world leading manufacturers provide us with detailed charts to see what size garment would fit the customer now. Then, after discussing the various procedures to be performed, we determine where those measurements will change. Importantly, we also determine which measurements won’t change. For example, a patient having Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) but no other procedure, will only reduce in size on the torso and not the under bust or thighs. With decades of experience and internal knowledge base to ensure your perfect fit, we have our fitting nurses standing by to ensure the perfect size and garment or free returns guaranteed. Otherwise, gather your supplies and possibly a friend, and let’s get started.
BodyPlus Specialist Compression Garment Fitting Service
Choosing the correct size for compression garments can be tricky but crucial to your recovery and results. Our highly trained fitters solve this problem with our specialist compression garment fitting service. With over 10 years experience fitting every body and every garment, BodyPlus gives you the right fit guaranteed.
For compression socks and stockings, we recommend taking measurements first thing in the morning, before your legs start to swell. Even after having a procedure like laser ablation or sclerotherapy, your legs won’t change in size other than you may experience some swelling. Compression socks and stocking measurements are taken before having a procedure.
You will need the following:
- Dressmaker’s tape measure.
- Mirror.
- Pen & Paper.
- Garment size chart.
How to measure for your post-op garment
Decide which measurements you need to take for your preferred garment. You can take the measurement with thin clothing on, but if anything is bulky then it’s best to take that off. You will see from our sizing charts where we need those measurements taken.
- Waist measurement
As you can see from picture, the waist measurement required is at the smallest part of your torso, between your chest and your hips. Even if you are only having a lower tummy tuck when the scar will be just above your pubic bone, we will still need this “smallest point” waist measurement. Check in the mirror or ask a friend to make sure that the tape is horizontal around your body and not sagging anywhere. Have the tape fairly firm but not tight. - Hips measurement
The hip measurement should be taken around your body at about the top of your pubic bone. This is usually the fullest part of your hips and will include the top of your buttocks. - Thigh measurement
When a thigh measurement is required, take only the circumference of one thigh (the larger one if they are different). The tape should sit about 5 cm below your crotch, and again ensure the tape is not sagging. - Lower Leg measurement
The calf measurement is at the fullest part of the calf and the ankle measurement is just above the ankle bone. - Upper Arm measurement
If you need to take an arm measurement, place the tape around your arm horizontally around from your armpit.
How to measure compression socks and compression stockings
Decide which measurements you need to take for your preferred garment. You can take the measurement with thin clothing on, but if anything is bulky then it’s best to take that off. You will see from our sizing charts where we need those measurements taken.
- Thigh Measurement
When a thigh measurement is required, take only the circumference of one thigh (the larger one if they are different). The tape should sit about 5 cm below your crotch, and again ensure the tape is not sagging. - Calf Measurement
Measure the circumference of the widest point of one calf (the larger if different), - Ankle Measurement
Measure one ankle just above the ankle bone. - Length
Some brands (Sigvaris) provide a choice of leg lengths. To determine the best length for you, measure from:
Pantyhose and thigh high – groin to floor
Socks – below the knee to floor
Remember to take this measurement without shoes on.
How to measure compression arm sleeves
Decide which measurements you need to take for your preferred garment. You can take the measurement with thin clothing on, but if anything is bulky then it’s best to take that off. You will see from our sizing charts where we need those measurements taken.
- Arm Measurement:
Measure the circumference of your upper arm. Ensure the tape is kept horizontal. The tape should be comfortable around your arm. - Forearm Measurement:
Measure the circumference of your forearm, just below the elbow. - Wrist Measurement:
Measure the circumference of your wrist, just above the bone. - Length:
Some brands (Sigvaris) provide a choice of arm lengths. To determine the best length for you, measure from the armpit to the wrist while your arm is straight.
Always refer to the Bodyment garment product chart
Now it’s time to check the size charts.
Usually, our charts offer a measurement range. Choose your appropriate range for all the measurements you have taken. A rule of thumb is you cannot have a compression garment that is too small for you in any area that will be covered by the garment. So, for example, if your measurements indicate that you are small in the waist and the hips, but extra large in the thigh, and you are having a tummy tuck, then you cannot go smaller than extra large if your garment has legs in it. If your measurements fit into large in all sizes and you are having a tummy tuck and thigh liposuction, then you could choose one size down for your post surgical garment.
Our compression garments help to control swelling post surgery and after almost all surgical procedures there will be some swelling. Please take advantage of our chat where our fitters are happy to assist. We would much prefer to get the size right in the first place rather than having to go through the exchange process. When offering our fitting advice, Bodyment can only follow the measurements you provide so please take your measurements very carefully to avoid any problems down the track.
How to ensure accurate bra measurements
For bra garments, you will be asked to take an under bust measurement. Place the tape under you breast where your bra band normally sits. Measure the circumference of your body making sure the tape does’t droop at the back. If wearing an underwire bra, please take it off before measuring
Just like our body garments, surgical bras are not measured like regular bras. Basically, we require only an under bust measurement (where your bra band normally sits under your bust), as well as an indication of your preferred cup size post surgery. The band size will not change post surgery but the cup size will of course! If you are having breast augmentation and are hoping for a “D” cup. then choose an “E” cup in those bras that offer different cup sizes.
Many of our post-surgery bras are one cup size and will fit up to an “E” cup. If you intend to go larger, then choose the next band size up. It’s the same if you are having breast reduction, lift or reconstruction. Always remember to allow for swelling.
As you can see from the picture, the under bust measurement required is taken where your bra band normally sits under your bust.
Make sure the tape measure sits evenly around your body and doesn’t droop at the back.
BodyPlus specialist compression garment fitting service
Bodyment understands that taking measurements and selecting the right size is quite daunting. That’s why we have partnered with Australia’s most experienced compression garment fitters – BodyPlus.
Many leading surgeons take advantage of this service because they know and trust that BodyPlus will ensure their patient’s are fitted with the right compression garment and the right size.
The BodyPlus Specialist Compression Garment Fitting Service supplies you with the tools you need and a face to face consultation via phone or zoom meeting. During the appointment, our most experienced garment fitter will guide you every step of the way, to ensure the measurements are taken correctly.
She will also offer advice on the best garments for your needs, provide tips and tricks for your recovery and as well, you will receive 10% off your next purchase.
Bodyment customer support staff are always happy to assist with any queries you may have. Please feel free to contact us via our Chat service for quick assistance, or just contact us now.
