Sleeves & Stockings

TYPE

Garment types are Sleeve (arm), Glove (hand), Gauntlet (upper hand), Stocking (lower leg and foot).

STYLE

Arm   Sleeves typically start just below the underarm or armpit (axilla) and finish at the wrist or extend over the hand.

Hand   A gauntlet can be a separate garment, typically extending from above the wrist to the start of the fingers to cover the palm or combined with a sleeve (sleeve with gauntlet). A glove typically extends from above the wrist to approximately the last finger joint. Gauntlets and gloves typically extend above the wrist to overlap the sleeve when worn.

Leg   Stockings can extend from the upper thigh to the foot. The website only shows below the knee stockings.

Foot   Stockings can have a closed or open toe.

COMPONENTS

Material   A mix of synthetic yarns is typically needed to provide compression.

Labels   Can be printed on the inside or outside of the garment.

Seams   Ready to wear stockings typically have a flat seam band at the top, do not have seams along the leg, and have either a raised seam across the toes when closed or folded flat seam when open at the toe (Note: Custom made stockings usually have seam(s) because they are sewn to size).

Silicone Band   Dots or a strip of silicone inside at the top edge to reduce slippage.

PERFORMANCE

Graduated Compression   Having the highest pressure at the wrist or ankle and gradually reducing the pressure up the arm or leg to encourage circulation towards the torso. When tested, compression is measured in ‘millimetres of mercury (mmHg)’ and is indicative of an average compression for the measurement range. Generic terms such as ‘medical grade’ do not quantify performance. Research suggests compression performance reduces with wear.

Moisture   The capacity of the material to absorb sweat and then release it to the atmosphere. Test outcomes typically show ‘high to low’ or similar rating. Generic terms such as ‘breathable’ do not quantify performance. Research suggests synthetic elasticised materials like those used in compression garments may have similar moisture performances.

Anti-Bacterial   Material resistance to the transmission of skin borne bacteria and fungi, wound discharge, mould growth and the like that can be embedded in the close-fitting material. Generic terms such as ‘active resistance’ does not quantify performance. Research suggests personal hygiene, garment care and single person wear may be more important.

Free from Harmful Chemicals (Latex)   When the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Logo is shown on the garment label it indicates that the ‘finished garment’ has been tested and given an OEKO-TEX Certificate. Generic terms such as ‘OEKO-TEX materials’ do not verify ‘chemical free’ status.

Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG)   Medical use garments registered with the Therapeutic Good Administration of Australia.

Wash & Wear Performance Loss Repeated wash and stretch cycles can be used to test for compression loss after wearing and washing. Few manufacturers provide information, making it difficult to compare performance.

Links & Information

STUDIO RANGE Products   Go to Sleeves & Stockings, click on a product to see ‘Style’ and ‘Look & Feel’ information, then click on the ‘Fitter’s Notes’ tab for more product information.