Flat Knit vs. Circular Knit Compression Garments: What’s the Difference?

If you wear compression garments for lymphedema, lipedema, chronic swelling, or another medical condition, you may have heard the terms flat knit and circular knit. But what do they actually mean—and how do you know which type of compression garment is right for you?

Although both types of garments provide medical compression, they are manufactured differently and can behave very differently on the body.

Understanding those differences can help you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider or lymphedema therapist and find a garment that provides the support, containment, and comfort you need.

What Is Circular Knit Compression?

Circular knit compression garments are knitted continuously in a tube, which means they do not have a seam running along the garment.

The fabric is generally thinner, smoother, and more elastic than flat knit material. Many of the compression stockings and sleeves people are familiar with are circular knit.

Circular knit garments are available in a wide variety of styles, including:

• Knee-high compression stockings
• Thigh-high stockings
• Pantyhose
• Arm sleeves
• Gauntlets and gloves
• Maternity compression
• Fashion and everyday compression socks

Circular knit compression can be an excellent choice for people whose limbs have a relatively regular shape and who do not require the stronger containment offered by some flat knit garments.

What Is Flat Knit Compression?

Despite the name, flat knit garments aren’t necessarily “flat.”

The fabric is knitted as a flat piece and then sewn together, which is why you will typically see a seam running along a flat knit garment.

Flat knit material is generally thicker and less elastic than circular knit material. This gives it greater containment and allows the garment to resist expansion as swelling pushes against it.

Flat knit garments can also be manufactured to accommodate significant variations in limb shape.

This makes them particularly useful for some people with:

• Lymphedema
• Lipedema
• Irregular limb shapes
• Skin folds
• Lobules
• Significant differences in circumference along the limb
• Swelling that requires greater containment

Many flat knit garments are custom made from detailed measurements, although ready-to-wear flat knit options are also available.

What Does “Containment” Mean?

Containment is an important concept when discussing compression.

Compression applies pressure to the limb. Containment describes how well the garment resists the tissue pushing outward against it.

A very stretchy garment may provide the prescribed compression but still allow softer tissue to expand into the fabric.

A more rigid material resists that expansion.

For people with significant swelling, softer tissue, or irregular limb shapes, this additional containment can be extremely important.

Is Flat Knit Stronger Than Circular Knit?

Not necessarily.

A flat knit garment and circular knit garment can have the same stated compression level while behaving differently on the body.

For example, two garments may both be labeled 20–30 mmHg, yet the fabrics may provide different levels of containment.

That is one reason why compression level alone doesn’t tell the entire story.

Fabric stiffness, garment construction, fit, limb shape, and your individual condition all matter.

Which Type Is More Comfortable?

Comfort is very individual.

Some people love the lighter, smoother feel of circular knit garments. Others find that the additional structure of flat knit compression actually makes the garment more comfortable because it stays in position and better controls their swelling.

The best garment is not necessarily the lightest or softest one. It is the garment that provides the appropriate compression and containment while fitting properly enough that you can wear it consistently.

Do I Need Custom Compression?

Not everyone needs a custom compression garment. Many people achieve excellent results with ready-to-wear compression when their measurements fall appropriately within the manufacturer’s sizing guidelines.

Custom compression may be recommended when standard sizing doesn’t adequately accommodate your measurements, limb shape, swelling, or specific compression needs.

For example, your ankle may fit into one standard size while your calf or thigh falls into a completely different size. Irregular limb shapes, significant differences in circumference, skin folds, lobules, or other individual needs may also make a custom garment a better option.

Custom compression garments should be measured by a qualified medical professional or compression garment fitter who is trained in taking the detailed measurements required for custom garments. Accurate measurements are extremely important because the garment is manufactured specifically for the individual based on those measurements.

Depending on the manufacturer and garment, a custom compression garment can also include specialized options designed to address individual needs, such as different fabrics, compression levels, lengths, top bands, toe styles, zippers, padding, and other modifications.

If you believe you may need a custom compression garment, speak with your healthcare provider, lymphedema therapist, or qualified compression garment fitter about the appropriate garment and measurements for your needs.

Flat Knit vs. Circular Knit: Which Should I Choose?

There isn’t one answer that’s right for everyone.

Your healthcare provider or lymphedema therapist may recommend a particular garment construction based on your diagnosis, swelling, tissue characteristics, limb shape, mobility, and treatment goals.

If you’ve been prescribed compression but aren’t sure which garment options are available, we’re happy to help you understand the differences between products and manufacturers.

At Body Works Custom Compression, we carry a wide range of ready-to-wear and custom compression garments from leading compression manufacturers.

Our goal is to help you find compression that works with your treatment plan—and your everyday life.

Need help finding the right compression garment?

Visit Body Works Custom Compression at www.bodyworks-compression.com or contact us for sizing and product assistance.

Compression garments used for medical conditions should be selected in consultation with an appropriate healthcare professional. This article is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose or treat a medical condition.