Flat Knit vs. Circular Knit Custom Compression Garments
When choosing the best therapeutic compression garment, we recommend working with a trained certified fitter or a medical professional. They will evaluate the best therapeutic path based on a variety of factors including age, mobility, size and shape of your limb, skin or wound-related issues and cost. The following information can help you understand this evaluation process and select the best garment to help keep you moving.
Custom or Off-the-Shelf Garments
Often a compression specialist will recommend a custom garment for the following reasons:
- You have a disproportionate limb, which will cause a looser fitting garment. The gap area will not maintain swelling and cause a ballooning effect.
- Your limb size does not fall in the off-the-shelf range.
- In certain cases, such as lymphedema or extreme swelling, a higher amount of containment (stiffness) in a custom garment is required to contain limb swelling.
If you need a custom garment, plan on additional time during for measuring and to receive the garment.
Types of Compression Garments
You’re probably wondering what different types of garments are available and even why there are different types. We’ll explain.
Compression garments are knitted using two different methods of manufacturing.
Circular knit garments are seamless and not as dense and stiff as flat knit. They come in standard sizes (off-the-shelf) or Juzo can custom make them for you. The elasticity of the circular knit material is great for early to mild stages of lymphedema, when swelling is moderate. A circular knit garment is often used for someone with a normal limb shape who has poor circulation or lymphedema. Other features include:
- Comfort
- Mild to Moderate containment
- Maximum aesthetics - available in a variety of fabrics, colors and prints
- Not made with natural rubber (Latex free)
Find our more information about Juzo off the shelf products.
Flat knit garments have a seam and offer excellent therapeutic results. Only available as custom-made, they can accommodate a variety of shapes and sizes. The fabric is stiffer and certain fabrics have a micro massage weave, which is preferred for areas with severe swelling. Combined with an optimal level of compression, flat knit garments offer the maximum containment in an elastic compression garment. Other features include:
- Improved aesthetics - now available in a variety of colors
- The density of the knit remains consistent throughout the garment (even at areas of larger circumferences, which is important for managing swelling)
- A Stiffer compression garment will better maintain the gap at the skin folds and is less likely to cut into the skin
- Durable for extreme wear and use
- Not made with natural rubber (Latex free)
Juzo products with flat knit include Juzo Expert and Juzo Strong garments which are custom to any body part with swelling issues. Learn more about lower extremity or upper extremity flat knits on our Juzousa product pages.
Please remember to work with a trained compression professional at an authorized Juzo dealer to help select the best product, provide the best fit and give you proper instructions. We hope this helps answer some of your questions.