What to Wear if You Have Lipoedema: Clothing That Feels Gentle, Not Restrictive
If you have lipoedema, comfort isn’t a luxury — it’s a daily need. Many women tell me they’ve spent years searching for underwear that doesn’t dig, ride up, or leave marks under compression leggings.
When I started designing Cuurve, and later curae, I met women who showed me what real comfort means. One of them was Jessie, — my first customer who found us while scrolling on Instagram. She lives with lipoedema and wears medical compression every day. What she shared changed how I design forever.
“I have to wear compression on my legs daily, and underneath that I need underwear that doesn’t dig in. The Cosy Charlotte shorts were the first pair that didn’t move, didn’t hurt, and actually felt luxurious.” — Jessie, Cuurve customer
1. Choose Gentle, Non-Restrictive Fits
Avoid anything that grips too tightly around the waist or thighs. For many women with lipoedema, even a few millimetres of tightness can cause pain or pressure.
Our Cosy Charlotte Shorts were designed to move with the body — with wider gussets and hidden elastics that create a smooth, forgiving fit. Jessie told me:
“They feel like the elevated version of the only brand I could wear before. I can feel them, but in the best way possible — comforting.”
👉 Try: The Cosy Charlotte Shorts — gentle fit made beautiful
2. Pick Soft, Breathable Fabrics
Choose natural or semi-natural fibres like bamboo, micromodal, or cotton-rich blends. They allow airflow, reduce friction, and prevent overheating — especially under compression wear.
At curae, we use Austrian Micromodal, made from beechwood pulp. It’s silky, breathable, and smooth enough for even the most sensitive skin. Jessie described it best:
“So much better than I thought it would be — silky, soft, and beautifully made. It felt good against my skin.”
3. Layer Comfortably with Compression Garments
If you wear medical compression, you’ll know that layering is tricky. Choose shorts-style underwear rather than traditional briefs — it distributes pressure evenly and prevents rolling or chafing.
The Cosy Charlotte shorts were designed with exactly that in mind: soft enough to soothe, structured enough to stay put. Many women now wear them for sleep or underneath compression tights.
4. Focus on Care, Not Compromise
When you’re managing a chronic condition, comfort becomes care. That’s why every detail matters — from stitch tension to seam placement. During my first sewing workshops, I learned that changing a waistband elastic by just 1 mm can shift something from tight to gentle.
That attention to detail is what shaped curae — pieces that feel supportive, soothing, and quietly empowering.
5. Beauty Still Belongs Here
You deserve to feel beautiful in what you wear, even if comfort is your first priority. Jessie loved our warm terracotta shades and rich greens — proof that softness and style can coexist.
“They look soft, they look nice — and they are. I get why they cost more. They’re underwear you always wished you could have.” — Jessie
From my own experience designing Cuurve, I learned how tiny details — the gusset width, the hidden elastic, the way fabric stretches — can turn irritation into ease.
When Jessie told me she could finally sleep comfortably in her shorts under her compression wear, I knew I was building something that mattered.
If you’ve been searching for underwear that feels soft, stays put, and supports your body with kindness — start here.
💭 Shop the Cosy Charlotte Shorts
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