The features many doctors look for in a compression garment are coverage, firm compression, convenience, comfort and durability. Adapting the coverage of a garment to suit the patient and the procedure they have undertaken should be relatively easy to accomplish. There is a wide range of specialised garments available, with the option of providing general cover over the whole section of the body, or targeting the cover to a specific area only—for example, a body suit versus an abdominal binder. In terms of compression, it is generally agreed that the pressure should be comfortably firm without being too constrictive. To be effective, a garment needs to provide sufficient compression to mitigate bruising and oedema. However, it is important that it does not over-compress the tissues, as this can have the counter-productive effect of restricting the flow of lymph and potentially result in oedema in surrounding areas. It is also advantageous if the pressure over the affected area is evenly distributed, which is more likely with four-way-stretch fabrics, which stretch and compress lengthwise and crosswise. Convenience is also important. It is important that theatre staff can dress the patient with the compression garment and, subsequently, that the patient can dress themselves without placing undue strain on the skin. This is made easier with front-mounted fastenings and hook-and-eye closures, which have the added benefit of being adjustable to account for fluctuations in size from swelling and contraction. Since it is usually recommended that compression garments are worn continuously and only removed for bathing or changing, they will also ideally have an open crotch design to allow patients to use the toilet with ease. Considering the demanding regime expected of patients with post-surgery compression, comfort should be prioritised when selecting suitable compression garments. If a patient is comfortable when wearing their garment, it increases the likelihood that they will comply with the treatment, potentially mitigating complications. Patient comfort tends to be influenced by a number of different factors, not least their subjective tolerance of wearing tight garments for long periods of time after painful surgery. Nevertheless, we have come a long way since the elastic wraps, or “French tape”, of the late 70’s and early 80’s. Modern garments can be very comfortable, with many patients even opting to wear them beyond their recovery phase. Patients tend to appreciate the softness of their garment and its elasticity. Ideally a compression garment will feel smooth against the skin, with no irritation and will move and flex with the body with normal activity, preventing undue friction or creasing that can result in uneven pressure and localised soreness. A well-fitted compression garment should feel like a “second skin”. Durability of compression wear is an essential feature, as it will be worn continuously by patients while they go about their daily activities for a number of weeks, or potentially months. To ensure that they continue to deliver firm and consistent external pressure, compression garments need to retain their elasticity and structural integrity throughout long periods of wear and numerous wash cycles. Some medical-grade garment manufacturers conduct regular quality control testing on their fabrics to ensure that they retain their strength and elasticity after being stretched and washed repeatedly, which helps to maintain the effectiveness of the products.