Custom Flat Knit Garments
Custom made to your exact measurements.
When a limb doesn't fit standard sizing — a disproportionate shape, severe swelling, or a need for more containment — a custom flat knit garment is made for that limb specifically. We handle the prescription, the insurance verification and the measurements from start to finish.
Near our Richland store? Measuring is free. Further away? Your lymphedema therapist can measure and send us the measurements.
Who needs one
Why you might need a custom garment
A disproportionate limb
A stock garment fits loosely at the narrow points. Swelling balloons into that gap instead of being held — so the garment stops working where you need it most.
Measurements outside the range
Your limb simply falls outside the manufacturer's standard size chart. A custom garment is knitted to your numbers rather than the nearest available size.
You need more containment
Severe swelling — and lymphedema or lipedema up to stage 3 — needs a stiffer fabric than a circular knit can provide. Stiffer material means more containment.
Why flat knit
Built for the maintenance phase
Flat knit garments are used once a patient has moved from the reduction phase to a stable limb volume. Only available custom-made, they accommodate shapes and sizes that stock garments can't.
Even knit density
The density stays consistent across the whole garment, including the widest circumferences — which is what keeps swelling managed.
Holds the skin folds
A stiffer garment bridges the gap at skin folds rather than cutting into them — more comfortable, and more effective.
Upper and lower extremity
From the strongest reliable hold to a lighter, more discreet option — for primary and secondary lymphedema, and for lipedema.
Made to be worn daily
Durable enough for extreme wear and use, latex free, and available in a range of colors — patients wear what they like, and compliance goes up.
Choosing the right material comes down to three things: level of containment (stiffer material holds more), patient activity (some fabrics allow more freedom of movement), and application (a style the patient can actually get on is a style they'll wear). We'll talk it through with you.
Step inside
Our consultation & fitting suite in Richland
One of Southwest Michigan's only dedicated offsite compression consultation suites — built to support busy lymphedema therapists. Fittings and consultations happen in their own dedicated room, and the measuring appointment comes off your schedule entirely.
Near Richland? Measuring is free.
Measurement and fitting by a Certified Compression Therapist in our private consultation suite. No charge to be measured. Custom garment measurement is by appointment. While you are in, you can try on ready-to-wear stock and see pump options in person.
Mon–Wed 9–3 · Thu 9–5 · Fri 9–1
Can't get to Richland?
Most patients are measured by their lymphedema therapist or clinic, who send the measurements with the progress note. If your provider doesn't have measurements and you don't live near the store, get in touch — we'll work out the best way to get you fitted.
Already working with a lymphedema therapist? They can measure and send the manufacturer's form with the progress note and signed Rx — details below.
Ordering
How to order
Send us three things
- Demographic face sheet — patient information, plus primary and secondary insurance if applicable.
- Progress note — must include a diagnosis of lymphedema, documentation supporting the medical necessity of a custom garment, and the garment to order: item, manufacturer, model, quantity, size and color.
- Measurements — if you have them.
Therapist sending the order? Medicare (CMS) clarified in 2026 that the lymphedema diagnosis must be documented by the treating practitioner (MD, DO, NP, PA or CNS) in their own progress note. Therapist notes can’t be used for the diagnosis, even if the provider co-signs them, so please send the provider’s note too.
If ordering on Parachute, choose custom garment, attach the progress note and measurements if you have them, then push to the provider for signature.
Timing: all custom garments are ordered after the limb has been reduced.
- We contact your patient within two business days of referral
- We gather the documentation — no chart-note chasing for your office
- We handle intake, insurance verification, billing and appeals
- We confirm back to you once your patient is fitted
You don't have to sort this out
Send us your prescriber's details and we'll request the paperwork, verify your benefits in writing, and arrange your fitting — at our suite or through your therapist.
If you're not sure whether you need a custom garment, that's fine. Call and we'll work it out together.
HSA / FSA and all major credit cards accepted.
Coverage
Custom garments are covered by most plans
Most insurers have followed the Lymphedema Treatment Act, which created a benefit category for doctor-prescribed compression items — custom garments included.
Want to know if your insurance covers a custom garment?
Send us your details and we'll verify your benefits in writing — what's covered, what you'd owe, and any quantity limits — before anything is ordered. No obligation.
Midwest Compression is not billing Medicare or Medicaid at this time. Deductibles and co-insurance apply. Coverage and quantity limits vary by plan — please check with your insurer, and we'll verify before anything is ordered.
For lymphedema therapists
Custom garments for your West Michigan patients
Lymphedema therapists in Kalamazoo, Portage, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids and across West Michigan send their custom flat knit orders to us so they can spend therapy time on therapy.
Use our fitting suite
Send your patient to our private consultation and fitting suite in Richland. A Certified Compression Therapist measures them, and the measuring appointment comes off your schedule.
Or send your measurements
Measuring in your own clinic? Send the measurements with the progress note and we take it from there. For complex limbs, we work with the manufacturer's own fitter.
Paperwork handled
We collect the documentation, verify benefits in writing and order from Juzo, medi, JOBST, Sigvaris or L&R. Garments are ordered once the limb has been reduced; typical turnaround is then about 4–5 weeks from complete paperwork to fitting.
Questions
Custom compression garment FAQs
How long does a custom compression garment take?
All custom garments are ordered after the limb has been reduced. From there, it typically takes about 4–5 weeks from complete paperwork and measurements to your fitting. Timing depends on the manufacturer, the garment and the color.
Does insurance cover custom compression garments?
Most private plans cover custom garments with a prescription and a lymphedema diagnosis, and many follow the Lymphedema Treatment Act quantities. We verify your benefits in writing before anything is ordered. Midwest Compression is not billing Medicare or Medicaid at this time.
What is the difference between custom flat knit and ready-to-wear?
Ready-to-wear garments are circular knit in standard sizes. Custom flat knit garments are knitted flat to your exact measurements, in a stiffer fabric that holds swelling better and bridges skin folds instead of cutting into them.
Who measures me for a custom garment?
A Certified Compression Therapist in our Richland fitting suite (measuring there is free), or your own lymphedema therapist, who can send the measurements with your progress note.
What if my custom garment doesn't fit right?
Bring it in or call us. We check the fit with you and work with the manufacturer on any adjustment. Remakes follow each manufacturer's policy, which is why careful measuring up front matters.
Which custom garment brands do you carry?
Juzo, medi (mediven), JOBST (Elvarex), Sigvaris and L&R (Solaris). Swatches from every major manufacturer are in our suite so you can see and feel the fabric first.
Do you serve Grand Rapids and the rest of West Michigan?
Yes. Our fitting suite is in Richland, near Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, and therapists across West Michigan can measure in their clinic and send us the measurements. Call 800-883-1549 or text (517) 657-5223 and we'll tell you the fastest way to get measured.
For providers & therapists
Automatic updates on every order
Sign up once and get secure updates on every patient you refer to us, from referral to delivery: pumps, pump garments, ready-to-wear and custom garments.