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Summer Staples

My first few summers with lymphedema, I wore skinny jeans all summer long. Needless to say, in 90+ degree weather, it did not go well.


Over the years, I have become much more experimental and creative in finding a happy medium between comfort and style.


A few years ago, I discovered wide-legged women’s pants made in lightweight materials available at stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Old Navy. Also sometimes referred to as “flowy pants” or “beach pants,” this is a much cooler and more comfortable summer alternative to jeans. With a wide range of colors, patterns, and styles, these pants can be worn for casual recreation, such as a trip to the beach or the park, or for a formal occasion.


While it may seem like shorts are not a possibility for those who are embarrassed by their compression, wearing tights under shorts is a cute and simple summer look. I recommend starting with solid colors like black, navy blue, and grey, but I also love to mix it up with prints. My favorite pair of tights are black sheer with polk-a-dots, as they add a little fun to plain shorts, skirts, or dresses, while still disguising my skin-toned compression garment.


Summer can often be the hardest time of the year for lymphedema patients; it can be extremely difficult to find outfits that can be worn over compression yet still keep you comfortable and cool. I hope these suggestions will help fellow “lymphies” feel better about wearing their compression and managing their lymphedema through hot summer temperatures.



Picture from Summer 2018: Jean shorts with grey tights from Target


Picture from Summer 2019: Black patterned, lightweight flowy pants from Old Navy


Picture from Summer 2018: Wide-legged flowy pants with pastel stripes from TJ Maxx


Picture from Summer 2020: Wide-legged and lightweight jeans from TJ Maxx


Picture from Summer 2019: White and grey striped flowy pants from American Eagle Outfiters

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