STYLE
BOOKfor getting along with

LYMPHEDEMA

Preventation & Enjoyment of Fashion

NoteThis book is not intended as a medical
guideline, but rather a stylebook.
We will not introduce everything about thecare of lymphedema in this book.
If you would like learn about the self-care oflymphedema in detail, please refer tomedical guidance or other publications.

1Contents
 What is Lymphedema? 5
 About the Lymphatic System 6
 Characteristics of Lymphedema 7
 Hints of Reducing Risk 8
 Reference 12

 Considerations When You Choose Clothing 13
 Underwear 14
 Tops & Bottoms 19
 Socks 20
 Compression Garments 22
 Shoes 24
 Bags 27
 Accessories 30
 Reference 31=Hints= A small number on the upper right of a word corresponds
to the reference at the end of the chapter.
 “Words for research” are keywords you can use whensearching for items in shops or on the Internet.
2

 Recommend Items 32
 Cardigans 33
 Stoles 35
 Wide Leg Trousers 37
 Maxi Skirts 41
 Reference 43

 Consultation 44
 I want to hide my swollen limbs! 45
 Compression garments are hot! 49
 I want to enjoy slim trousers! 51
 I want to enjoy fashionable shoes! 53
 Reference 57

 Examples of Coordinates of Recommend Items 58
 Additional Hints of Fashion 64
 List of Items 66
 How to Use this Stylebook Effectively 69

3Character Introduction
Four characters appear in this book.
They comment from each standpoint.
Lymphedema Therapist
A medical expert with knowledge and skills
necessary for treatment and care oflymphedema.

StylistIn general, stylists do the job of
coordinating clothes, accessories,
hairstyles, and so on.
In this book this character gives comment
on fashionable tricks.

Individual with Upper Lymphedema
This character tells stories of experiences
about lymphedema on upper limbs.

Individual with Lower Lymphedema
This character tells stories of experiences
about lymphedema on lower limbs.

4

What is Lymphedema?

5About the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system consists of lymph vessels, which
absorb and transport lymph fluid, and lymphatic tissues.
Lymph vessels run almost all areas with a blood supply inthe body. Lymph fluid is composed of lymph loads (e.g.
protein, water, and white blood cells) 1).
Lymph travels through successive lymph nodes, which arebean-shaped encapsulated organs, thereby filtering theimpurities from the lymph fluid. Lymph nodes have threemain functions: protective function, immune function, andthickening of the lymph fluid1).
Location of the major lymph nodes
Image of the superficial lymphatic system
Image of the deep lymphatic system←Image of the lymphatic system3)

6

Characteristics of Lymphedema
Lymphedema occurs if the transport capacity of thelymphatic system has fallen below the normal amount oflymphatic load, resulting in the abnormal accumulation ofwater and proteins principally in the subcutaneous
tissues1). Lymph node dissection or radiation therapy fortreatment of cancer can make change of the lymphatic
system and cause lymphedema2).
1.
The flow of lymph is
disturbed, and body fluid
has accumulated.
2.
The skin is easy to dry
out and is easily
injured because of theabnormalaccumulation of fluid
and swelling3).
3.
The lymphatic system protects
the body from infection.
When the flow of lymph isdeteriorated, the risk of bacterial
infection increases1).

7

Hints of Reducing Risk
☑ Avoid partial pressure
Partial pressure interferes with lymph
flow. It means that the part above of theconstricted point swells easily.
Please be careful to not wear
constricting clothes3).

☑ Keep skin clean and moist
It is important to keep skin healthy
in order to avoid infection. Whenthe skin dries, the protectivefunction of the skin deteriorates
and it becomes easier to be
infected by bacteria 2).
Please make skins care a habit: washing your skin gently
with foam, moisturizing it with cream in the morning andevening, and so on3).
Cotton underwear that is superior in water absorption andis gentle to the skin, and silk underwear with high moistureretention are also useful.
8☑ Protect skin from scratches
Inflammation may occur by infection of scratches on theskin. Please protect the skin as much as possible, so as not
to scratch it.
Insect bites and excessive sunburn may also cause
scratches on the skin5).
When housekeeping or leisure in the outdoors, there is arisk of scratching, we recommend protecting the skin withlong sleeves, gloves, long bottoms, socks and so on5).
You will become worn out if you
fret about it all the time, so
please protect the skin especiallywhen there is risk. For example,
when you go to a place withstrong sunlight or with many
insects.
If the skin gets scratched,disinfect it immediately and see
if the wound is swollen around.
If it seems swollen for a while,
consult a medical institution 5).

9☑ Observe lymphedema limbs
There is no absolute standard of good or bad about what
to wear.
Please try wearing what you want to wear first.
It is important to check lymphedema about following
points:・Is there the imprint on your skin from clothing?
・Is it turning red?
・Does the skin seem to be dry?
・Is there the scratch on?

Please wear what comfortable for you.
It is not easy to find good ones.
Let’s find best items for you while trying various ones.

☑ Undertake exercise/movement and limb
elevation
Moderate exercise like walking helps lymph flow. It is said
that exercised muscle helps to drain the lymph fluid5).
Let’s dress up, go out, and exercise.
10☑ Lighten the burden on the body and mind.
It is said that irregular lifestyle and lack of sleep, fatigue,
disorder of diet and excessive stress increase the risk oflymphedema. Obesity is also said to cause lymphedema.6)
It is important to keep regular hours, remove physical andmental fatigue, and maintain optimal body weight.
Avoiding exposure to extreme cold or heat is also advised.
Cold can interfere with lymph flow and heat can damage thelymph vessel. 5) Please warm your body with clothing.

☑ Continue care of lymphedema
Some people get lymphedema immediately after surgery ofcancer, while others do after 10 years or more2).
It is important to continue theself-care of lymphedema.
It is better to find a way that suits
you while consulting withtherapists.

11

Reference
1) Zuther, J E. (2005). Lymphedema management. New York:Thieme.
2) National Cancer Center. (2012). Gan chiryo to lympha
fushu [Cancer treatments and lymphedema]. Tokyo:
National Cancer Center.
3) Sato, K. (2005). Lympha fushu no chiryo to care
[Treatments for and care of lymphedema]. Tokyo: Igaku
Shoin.
4) Koshima, I. (2011). Yoku wakaru lympha fushu no subete Kaibo, seiri kara hozonchiryo, gekatekichiryo made- [Plain
explanation about all of lyumphedema Anatomy,
physiology, conservative treatments, and surgicaltreatments]. Nagai Shoten
5) Hirota, A. (2016). Kangoshi & rigakuryohoshi no tame nolympha fushu no shugi to care [Techniques for care oflymphedema for nurses and physiotherapists]. Tokyo:
Gakken Medical Shujunsha.
6) The Lymphoedema Framework. (2006). Best Practice for
the Management of Lymphoedema. Retrieved September
23, 2018, from https://www.lympho.org/portfolio/bestpractice-for-the-management-of-lymphoedema/12Considerations
When You Choose Clothing

13

Underwear
Underwear which does nottighten or dig into your bodyis better.
Please look at your skin to see
if there are traces ofunderwear on it1).
Seamless underwear offers
more and helps to protect
your skin.
When you wear underwear
with seams, wearing it insideout will help protect your skinfrom irritation.

Cotton and silk underwear may be good. A soft cloth will
not irritate the skin. There is underwear with 100% cotton
lining.
Brassiere and camisole with wide straps are better, as they
may not indent the body.

14

It is preferable that brassieres do not tighten the chest or
dig into the under bust1).
You can substitute underwear with chest pads.
If the under bust is tightened or the pads rise up, it isgood to choose one with no under elastic.
Under rubber

InsideInsidePockets
for pads
InsideSome pads canbe removed

You may wear it inside out if thepads hit the skin and you feel
uncomfortable2).
You can wear a soft touch T shirt under the brassiere2).

15

Shorts which do not tighten thewaist or the groin are preferable.
Those without elastic and insteadwith wide lace on waists and pants
hems may be better.

Excessive pressure is not good↑not good↑better

There are also shorts without hem
seams.
Shorts with a slightly longer
length (e.g. boxer shorts) may
also be nice.

16

Shorts with a wide open hem, and fundoshi shorts may bealso good. Some people wear well worn shorts withstretched elastic.
High waist shorts

Fundoshi shorts

Some people suffer a rash from thighlength stockings. Long shorts may
protect the skin from this.

17

There is also underwear
made from materials that do
not fray even after cutting.
They are convenient because
you can enlarge the sleeve
holes and leg hems.

If you wish to wear functional underwear such as pelvic
support pants, we recommend that you consult with a
medical institution.

Words for research
Bra camisole / Seamless inner/
Boxer shorts / Fundoshi shorts /High waist shorts

18

Tops & Bottoms
Clothes that do not restrict the
body are better.
Please be careful when
wearing clothes that tighten
the wrist, arm, neck, waist, legbase, knee, or ankle withelastic or belts1)3). It would bebetter to avoid ones that do
not mark the skin.

To protect your skin fromscratches, cuts, and scratchesfrom pets, it is better to choose
clothes that will not expose yourskin to the outside as much as
possible2).
Skin might be damaged if
wrinkles in clothing rub against
it. When you are in the same
position for a long time, it isadvised to straighten thewrinkles in your clothes.

19

SocksSocks with a loose mouth are better.

After taking off socks, if there aretraces of elastic or fibers on the legs,
it is a sign those socks are a bittight2).

Loose socks (e.g. fluffy socks) may
be good2).

20

If your socks are tight, you can cut therubber of the mouth with scissors.
However, this depends on the kind ofsocks.
This works with socks where the elastic
is clearly separated from the main bodyof the sock.
The overwearing of socks may tighten your legs. Pleaseobserve the appearance of the leg when you take off thesocks.
Silk socks are said to have a moisturizing effect.
Additionally, socks also help to prevent the body fromgetting cold. Please take advantage of them.

Words for research
Fluffy socks / Soft socks

21Compression Garments
Compression therapy is important for reducing
lymphedema. Please consult with your doctor or therapist
about using compression garments.
When wearing compression garments, please make surethat the fiber is not twisted and the body is not partiallyover-tightened.1) It is important to arrange them in theappropriate shape.
You can also use auxiliary equipment to help you put on
and off the garments. Some videos on the Internet
introduce how to use compression garments.
Garments should be replaced every six months, or when
they begin to lose elasticity4). Treatment effect may bediminished if garments are torn. Some manufacturers will
repair garments.

SleevePantyhose

Sleeve and glove
in one piece

Stocking

Sleeve and glove

Shoulderand strap

One-legged
pantyhose

Knee stocking

22

Kinds of compression garments1)
Dig into thegroin area

Slip down

×

○

○

△

○

○

○

△

△

Belts can interfere

○

△

△

Silicon might cause rash

○

×

×

Lower risk of rash

Knee stocking◎

×: Inferior△: A little inferior

Other features

Ease ofattachment anddetachment
PantyhoseOne-legged
pantyhoseOne-legged
pantyhose withbelt
Stocking withsilicon belt
Stocking without
silicon belt

Humid
No impact on the nonswollen leg

Effects limited to theknee○: A little superior◎: Superior

Dirt on garments caused by sweat may
cause deterioration and inflammationof the skin.
Garments should be washedfrequently4).
One-legged
pantyhose with belt

Words for ResearchCompression garments aid(Auxiliary equipment to help you put on and off the garments)

23

Shoes
Shoes with laces and straps can be
adjusted so as not to constrict the feet2).

Replacing the shoelace with rubber
makes it easier to put on it, and theneed to untie again is removed.
There is also an attachment thatcan be put on the lace of sneakers
so that they can be opened andclosed with a single touch. This
allows you to quickly and easily
slide into your shoes. No moresqueezing into shoes6).

24

Shoe straps sometimes tighten
your ankles.
Please observe your legs after
taking your shoes off to whether
there are marks or not.

High heel shoes need attention.
They may compress your toes or
hurt your toes.
It is preferable to avoid thosethat hurt your toes when you
wear them.
Some people say shoes with alow heel are easier on the instep
and easier to walk than flat
shoes.
Comfort and ease of walking areimportant in selecting shoes.
It is desirable not to be bare feetin order to protect your legs
outdoors5).
Sandals may increase the risk of skin
injury. Wearing socks is one way toprotect your legs.
25In order to protect the skin, it isalso important to prevent shoerubbing1).

There are heel protectors andcushions that prevent rubbing
pain.

Words for Research

Comfortable shoes / Lace-up shoes / Heel protector

26

Bags
Backpacks are recommended
as the strain on the body islower and it is easy to balance
left and right.
After breast cancer surgery, if
the bag hits the wound and it
hurts, shoulder bags and one
shoulder backpacks are good.
Wide shoulder straps are
preferable. You should also
sometimes change theposition1).

One shoulder backpacks

Shoulder bags

27

Backpacks

Light baggage is better1).
When you have to carry heavy
baggage, you can use a casterbag.
In the case of edema of the arm,
please use the unaffected arm todraw the case (those who do not
operate).

28

Hanging a handbag on your arm may hinder the flow oflymph in that area, so it is better to hang it on yourshoulder1).
Please hang it on the shoulder of the side that has notundergone surgery2).
There are also bags that have shoulder bags that are
adjustable.

There are individual differences in balance between left
and right, so please try a variety of bags.

Words for Research

Backpack / One shoulder backpack / Shoulder bag /Caster bag

29

Accessories
Bracelets, rings and watches may restrict the body3).
It is good if they are loose enough to move. If there areclear marks or the skin turns red, it may be too tight.

It is important to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays inorder to prevent inflammation caused by excessive
sunburn.

A parasol and a hat are
useful2). You can also use
sleeves (arm covers).

30

Reference
1) Hirota, A. (2016). Kangoshi & rigakuryohoshi no tameno lympha fushu no shugi to care [Techniques for careof lymphedema for nurses and physiotherapists].
Tokyo: Gakken Medical Shujunsha.
2) Sato, S. (2017). Gan chiryo chu no josei no tame no lifeand beauty [Life and beauty for women under
treatment for cancer]. Tokyo: Shufunotomosha.
3) National Cancer Center. (2012). Gan chiryo to lympha
fushu [Cancer treatments and lymphedema]. Tokyo:
National Cancer Center.
4) Hirota, A. (2013). Irasuto de wakaru lympha fushu—
lympha fushu no yobou, seikatsu, selfcare[Understanding of lymphedema with illustrations—prevention for, lives with, and self-care oflymphedema]. Tokyo: Houken.
5) Sato, K. (2005). Lympha fushu no chiryo to care
[Treatments for and care of lymphedema]. Tokyo:
Igaku Shoin.
6) Zubits. (n.d.). Retributed January 26, 2019, fromhttps://zubits.com/pages/benefits

31

Recommend Items

32

All year round, cardigans are useful for
adapting to temperature and fashionable
coordination.
Since they are front opening, they are easy to
put on and take off.
A cardigan with loose sleeves can concealswelling without causing tightening.

Dolman sleeve cardigan
Cardigans with sleeves very wide at thearmhole and tighter at the wrist, often cut inone piece with the bodice. They will nottighten the base of your arm. Simple ones canbe worn in various situations.

Balloon sleevecardigan
The sleeves have abulging shape likea balloon. These
cardigans hide theshape of the armand directs
femininity.

33

Wide sleeve cardigan
Sleeves are wide like a kimono.
These cardigans are overall relaxing.
Those with a longer length are able tomaintain a cooler atmosphere.

The shape of collar
and hem alsochanges theimpression ofclothing.

Shawl-like cardigans, and long-length designs, which arecalled topper cardigans are suitable for formalized styles.
★Points for putting on and taking off★
・Put on clothes starting with the swollen arm
・Take off starting with the arm that is not swollen

Words for Research

Dolman sleeve / Balloon sleeve / Wide sleeve
Shawl-like cardigan / Topper cardigan34

You can also try wearing a large stole or rolling it(like a scarf). It will not constrict your arms, andit also conceals the silhouette.
If you wear a large-sized stole, you cancover the entire arm.
In the summer, thinnermaterials are cooler and you
can still prevent sunburn.

You can also attach a belt to make asquare stole look like a vest. By concealing
the shoulder line, you can cover thesilhouette.
Eye-catching color and pattern stoles
make edema inconspicuous.
35

①

HOW TO

Hang the wide parton the shoulder②

Wrap the hanging partaround the shoulder③

Tie it on the side of theshoulder and arrange it
to your favorite
position

Capes, much like stoles, also helps cover
the shoulder and lower arm lines.
Fur cape are warm and fashionable inwinter.

Words for Research

Large stole/ Cape / Shawl

36

If you want to cover leg edema, wide leg
trousers are convenient. Because they areloose, you can wear them without
contraction and you can cover thesilhouette.
We recommend those that hide yourlegs completely to your ankles. They canhide elastic stockings as well.
But a too loose style may not lookfashionable.
So, by showing thinner parts such as theneck and wrist, you may look more
stylish3).
It makes you look more feminine.

V-neck tops or boat-neck ones
will give you a slender look.
Trousers made of firm fabric (e.g.
denim) will conceal the shape ofyour legs.
The striped pattern will emphasize
the vertical lines.

37

A common problem!
The hem of my trousers drags on the
toilet floor！
Because they are wide, a common
issue is that that the hem touches
the floor and becomes dirty.
It is difficult to keep trousers fromtoucing the floor while taking off,and putting, on compression
stockings.

How about these ways?
★
Take off trousers byrolling down fromthe waist★
Use clothing pegs tokeep the hems
folded up

38

Pettipants with strap
If you pull up the hem of
the pants and pettipants
together, pull the trousers
inside the pettipants, andfasten the straps, the issue
is fixed.

There are various kindsof wide trousers.
Thai pants, gaucho
pants, and skirchos(skirt-like gaucho pants).

Words for Research

Thai pants / Gaucho pants /Skircho39

Maxi length skirts hide your legs.

Please be careful not to constrict the waist.
The imprint of elastic on the belly after wearing
is a sign that the garment is overly tight.
You can replace the elastic with a string.

The use of striking accessories
near the face can help divert
attention from the shape of theskirt.

Short-length or small tops
match the maxi skirts.

If you wear a skirt that covers
up to the ankle, you can also
conceal any difference between
the left and right legs.

40

A skirt that is a little
narrow around the belly
will look you slim1).

Skirts with gathers,
pleats, or tucks will
spread softly andcover the silhouetteof your legs.
,

Even if the length of yourfavorite skirt is a little short,
you can have it adjusted andextend the length, so please
try consulting with a tailor.

41

Prevention of skirt clinging
Countermeasure against static electricity
Cotton skirts do not generate static electricity.
Cupra lining and petticoat are also good.
Spraying agents to prevent the generation of static electricity
are available.
If you spray on your clothes before going out, you canprevent static electricity.

The good point of the skirt is that you canwear it by pulling over your head if thewaist of the skirt is wide. This may beeasier as you do not have to move theswollen limbs.

Words for ResearchMaxi skirt / Long skirt / Wrap skirt /Gather skirt / Pleats long skirt /Tuck long skirt

42

Reference1) Okabe, K. (2012). Jibun rashi style & komono erabi
ga yoku wakaru Otona style no fashion book [Adult
Style Fashion Book – Own a Style & Accessories Do
Choose Well]. Tokyo: Mynavi.
2) Ishida, J. (2013). Otona no shiawase oshare zukan[Illustrated book of dressing making adult women
happy]. Tokyo: Shufunotomosha.
3) Yokomori, M. (2014). Yokomori Minako no otona nokikonashi cho [Stylebook for adult women producedby Minako Yokomori]. Tokyo: Takarajimasha.

43Consultation

44

I want to hide my swollen limbs!

I will introduce hints
on how to hide edema fashionably.
Please check other hints on p.34-43
together.

POINT① Loose & Fitting
Loose clothes will cover lymphedema.
However, if both the top and the bottom have volume,
the whole body will look big.
We recommend the coordination of loose clothing andfitted clothing: a dolman sleeve top and slim pants, or a
maxi skirt and short length blouse.

Showing the balance of the wholebody is better than simply hiding
lymphedema.

45

A good balance may
be matching skinnypants, or slim skirt,
with loose sleeve
blouse or sweater.

LOOSE

FITTED
LOOSE

Ponchos might also be good.
They can be worn with avariety of bottoms.

46

FETTED

When wearing wide
trousers or long skirts, it
is good to tuck the tops'
hems tied or inside thebottom. By clarifying theposition of the waist,
you will look slimmer1).

FITTED

A pattern with black anda clear contrast appears
smart2).

LOOSE

POINT② Arrangement of colors and patterns
A garment looks tighter and makes you look slimmer.
However, impression might be too heavy if you dress inonly black.
It is recommended that you use black partly or to makecharcoal gray as the main color instead of black.
Charcoal gray is elegant and does not appear as heavy.
Also, large patterns can hide the body shape2).
.
47

POINT③ Other noticeable items
If you place an accent at a high position, attention will
be drawn to it and your figure will look better3).
Attention is drawn to noticeable items, so that others
may not recognize the lymphedema.

I draw others’ eyes to big accessories
and divert attention from my legs!

A large bag will also be an accent of thecoordination.
However, be careful not to strain yourarms and legs as the bag gets heavier.
.

A big hat is
also good.

48

Compression garments are hot!
Even in summer, it is important to wear
compression garments every day!
But it is hot....

I want to hide it, and want to prevent sunburn.
So I wear long sleeves. But it's hot ....

In that case, you should wear cool clothes.
In summer, thin hemp items may be good.
Hemp is airy and does not get humid.
Moreover, it is refreshing because it sucks
sweat and dissipates immediately.
Also does not stick to the body.4)
It is more comfortable if it does not too
tightly to your body.
Sleeves (arm covers) for sunburn
prevention might be also good.
Those made of cool fabric and loose
design are recommended.

49

Thin hemp straight trousers areconvenient.
It is a difficult point that theyeasily wrinkle, but you cansmooth them out by moistening
and drying them for a while.

A loose one pieceis also helpful.

Compression garments of breathable
material are also being developed.
There is also a cold spray that can beused when wearing compression
garments.
50

I want to enjoy slim trousers!
Even if slim trousers are difficult for you
and you wear loose trousers, a longlength jacket or cardigan can make yourstyling slim.

Because you
can hide yourthighs, you cancoverlymphedema tosome extent.
Accessories anda high waist
position canalso be helpful.

51

I wear denim-likeleggings overcompression stockings.
I cannot wear skinnydenim, but this is goodas it looks like denim.

Sometimes I wrap ashirt around my waist
to hide the thighs.

With a longer-length leggings, if you
wear the hem crumpled, you can hide
your ankle line and it looks slim.
Please choose ones which nottighten your legs too much.
Let's see if there are marks, left by
the garment, on your skin.

52

I want to enjoy fashionable shoes!
I have learned about choosing shoes
from experienced people!

Adjustable with string

With zipperWide

I wear fashionablesneaker boots,
rather than shoesthat seem to be
exercise shoes.

Round

I wear an insole in the
shoe on the affected footto help balance thedifference in between size.

53

Separated sandals are comfortable.
They do not tighten my feet because theside is open.
They match fashionable style better thansneakers.

Separated sandals

Hiding the compression stocking well isalso a point of fashion. When you wear
stockings with open toe, choose shoes
where the boundary between feet andstockings is completely hidden.

54

I want to wear boots!
Boots that are large incircumference and withzipper for easy on and offmight be good.

I often use leg
warmers instead ofboots in winter.
They warm the legs
and hide the thicknessof the legs.
Leg warmers also
match knee-length
skirts.

You can warm yourown body.

55I also want to wear pumps...

You can wear pumps if desired.
Choose a size that will not hurt your feet.
It is good to take off the pumps and move yourfeet sometimes.
I recommend you to change to comfortableshoes on the way, and to make the time minimal
to wear pumps.
It is important to take care of your feet after
taking off pumps. Take care of your skin withmoisturizing cream and elevating your feet.

56Reference1) Fukuda, E. (2016). Ikutsu ni nattemo oshare ni Otona
no simple kikonashi nyumon [An introduction tosimple dressing for adult women]. Tokyo: Asahi
Shimbun Publications.
2) Ishida, J. (2013). Otona no shiawase oshare zukan[Illustrated book of dressing making adult women
happy]. Shufunotomosha.
3) Yokomori, M. (2014). Yokomori Minako no otona nokikonashi cho [Stylebook for adult women producedby Minako Yokomori]. Tokyo: Takarajimasha.
4) Nozue, K. (2002). (Apparel sozai) Fukuji ga wakaru
hon [Materials for apparel Explanatory book aboutmaterials of clothes]. Tokyo: Nippon Jitsugyo
Publishing.

57

Examples of
Coordinates of Recommend Items

58

Coordinates forpeople with upper lymphedema①
Black dolman
sleeve cardigan

Office style of①

If you combine
a blouse and aslim pants witha cardigan, you
can use it forwork.

Dolman sleevecardigan is easierthan a jacket andhides edema.

②
Big stole

Stoles of polyester orrayon will look classy.
59

Office style of②

Wearing shawl
over a blouse.

Sleeveless blouses or shirt
collars enable formal
styling without tightening
your arms.

Formal style of②

Casual style of Formal style of②①

60

With gorgeousaccessories andcorsages, you canwear stoles andcardigans at parties.

Coordinates forpeople with lower body lymphedema①
Black wide trousers②
Black pleats maxi skirt
Bottoms ofpolyester orrayon will
look classy.

③
Black lace-up shoes④
Black comfort shoes

Office style of①+④

Center press
pants look neatand can beused at work.
We recommendthat you wear
them with along cardiganor a jacket.

61

Office style of①+④

If the bottom
and the shoes
have the samecolor, the edema
will not be
noticeable andthe legs will looklonger.

Casual style of②+③

If you wear along cardigan ofa strong color
over a skirt, evena black skirt will
not seem heavy.
For good balanceusing black inanother item,
such as a hat, is agood idea.

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Formal style of①+④

If the top andbottom colors
are the same, it
looks like aformal setup.
Let’s choose eyecatchingaccessories andbags that standout more thanedema.

Flared and long-length formal dress are alsogood.
It hides edema, and when sitting on tatami, it isinvisible even if my legs are in a relaxed
position under my dress.

Formal style of②+④

Black compression stockings
are convenient!
Another option is to wear
ordinary black stockings overbeige compression stockings.

Clothes can cover
your legs so you can
sit comfortably.

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Additional Hints of Fashion

64Additional Hints of Fashion
Not only what you wear, but also hairstyles and makeup
are a way to enjoy fashion. You can enjoy themregardless of lymphedema.

We recommend that you
sometimes visit a
hairdresser to have yourhair styled, or have a
makeover.

Fashion will change your mood andmake you feel better.
Accessories are also good
items.
Corsages, necklaces andearrings will make yourimpression bright andglamorous on various
occasions.

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List of Items

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List of Items
The following is a list of the items introduced in the mainpart of this book and some favorites of those withlymphedema. We cannot say for sure that these items will
work for all, but the list may be helpful.
Underwear
GUNZE
KIREILABO
Seamless, soft and gentle evenon sensitive skin.
UNIQLO

Ultra seamless
underwear

Shorts are moderately loose.
(From experiences)

HANKY PANKY Shorts

There are many types of raceshorts with cute designs.
(From experiences)

FELISSIMO

Pettipants with a The wide pants can be pulled
safety device for up.
gaucho bottoms
Related items to compression garments
LympheDIVAs Arm sleeves and There are many variations ofgauntlets
colors and patterns.
TORAY

These look natural and not
stuffy.

MEDI

Compression
stockings
COCOFY PLUS
Compression
stockings
medi elegancemedi fresh spray

KEA-KOBO

Body care innerIn addition to sellingcompression garments, KEAKOBO also carries out repairs of
them.

MEDI

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There are color variations suchas brown and navy.
You will feel cool as you spraythis on compression garments.

Bottoms
UNIQLO

Wide pantsGU

Wide pants

ZARA
RENOWNSIMPLE LIFE
Shoes
SKECHERSLong bottoms
Hemp straight pants

Simple things can bearranged in different colors.
Cheap ones are available indifferent colors.
It is easy to find long ones.
They are light and easy. (Fromexperiences)

Sneakers

Others
Zubits

They are easy to wear. (Fromexperiences)

ZubitsLION

Eleguard

This is an item to be attachedto the string of sneakers, sothat they can be opened andclosed with a single touch.
This is a spraying agents toprevent the generation of
static electricity.

I don't know whether
it's good or notunless I wear it.
I always try on
clothes and checktheir comfort andappearance before
buying.

When I findsomething I like, I
buy it two or more.
It's hard to findsomething thatsuits me.

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How to Use this Stylebook Effectively
Please enjoy reading this book like a magazine and use it
as a reference for self-care. I will suggest some otherusage.

1. To search for items on the Internet
In this book, we introduce "words for research". Whensearching for items on the internet, please select the word
for the item you are looking for.
The words might be useful also to further research thecoordination examples.

2. To consult a doctor or nurse at the hospital
Because the condition of lymphedema varies from person
to person, what clothes are good and what shoes are good
also vary. If you have concerns, we recommend that you
consult your doctor or nurse. While showing this book, you
can ask, "I want to wear something like this, but is it
possible?" "I want to buy shoes like this. Are they suitable?"

3. To consult a clerk at an apparel shop
When looking for items at a store, it may be easier to findwhat you want by showing this book to the clerk.

69

Afterword
When I first learned about lymphedema, I wondered what clothes I would
choose if I had the condition, and then checked out books for self-care.
I found advice such as to not use tight clothing and to not wear high heels.
Those things were important for prevention, but I wanted to know what it
was possible to wear. That is why I made this style book.
In the making of this book, I interviewed people with lymphedema. Theytaught me a lot about the troubles of choosing clothes and offered ideason the topic, which were very helpful.
However, some people said that their lives had been saved, and that tothink about fashion was too much of a luxury.
Clothing is an important part of life, not only for protecting the body but
also for brightening the mind and adjusting to the situation. I think thatpaying attention to clothes will lead to making daily life better.
I wanted to help people enjoy fashion how they wanted to.
We do not live for treatment or prevention. I think that treatment andprevention are just a part of life, just like work and hobbies.
Positive words were also heard from people with lymphedema. These
people said that they had become more interested in their bodies and had
become more concerned about their clothing, and that they had a desire
to be feel beautiful than before. I also met people who were working hardin their own lymphedema care because they wanted to continue wearing
their favorite clothes. The words of those who were positively living
encouraged me.
I hope this book will help you enjoy your life.
December 6, 2017
The University of Tokyo, School of Health Sciences and Nursing,Gerontological Home Care and Long-term Care Nursing/
Palliative Care Nursing
Yuri Kibi
70

Staff Credit
Sentence, illustration, and composition／Yuri Kibi
Cooperation／
Dr. Masahiko Sumitani, Ms. Misako Katori,
Ms. Yuko Kobori, Ms. Yumika Matsuo,
Ms. Kyoko Nagano, Ms. Tomoko Suzuki,
Ms. Kaoru Tokuyama, Ms. Mie Tsuge,
Ms. Midori Watanabe, Ms. Ryoko Yoshimura(The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan),
Ms. Chiwako Atsukata (St. Marianna University Schoolof Medicine Hospital),
Ms. Ryoko Hanihara (MARGE Co.),
Mr. Takafumi Tsuruta (TENBO DESIGN),
Mr. Takahiro Sumita, Ms. Ayano Sumita,
Ms. Chihiro Nimoto, Mr. Koki Hashimoto,Ms. Hitomi Goto, Dr. Arito Yozu

STYLEBOOK for getting along with
LYMPHEDEMA© 2018 Yuri Kibi, The University of Tokyo, School of
Health Sciences and Nursing, Gerontological Home Careand Long-term Care Nursing/ Palliative Care Nursing

71