Sturdy Woman

Compression is a key piece of my self-care routine for lipedema, lymphedema, and venous insufficiency. I wear compression leggings daily to help manage swelling and encourage lymph flow. Six months ago I bought Marena’s Liemles early state lipedema compression leggings and have been testing them out for you.

In many of my other compression videos, I talk about CzSalus leggings. Some of you reached out asking for alternatives. I believe Marena is a good choice. This is especially true for people like TerrieIrvine8637. She asked, “What do you do to keep your clothes from sticking to your compression leggings?” And many others who have written to say you don’t like textured garments. Marena leggings have a smooth, silky texture that glides easily over your skin and under your clothes.

The bottom line up front, is that Marena compression leggings are a great choice for lipedema patients. They come in different leg shapes, are made from smooth and comfortable fabric, and have proven to be durable.

In this post/video, I’ll discuss styles, sizing, and fit. I’ll also explain how Marena compression leggings compare to similar ones made by CzSalus. No one gave me anything for this video. It’s just my opinion as a patient. Just so you know, I am an Amazon Associate. If you buy through one of the links in this video, I may get a small commission. This helps support the channel and website.

Designed for Lipedema Legs: Styles and Basic Features

I bought the early-state style with a more tapered ankle. They also have a mid-state style with a wider calf and ankle. Look at the models, measure yourself, and choose the one that is the closest match for your body shape.

Both styles of Marena leggings come in a compression grade of 15-20 mmHg. They provide that pressure consistently throughout the garment. I know some of you will ask… that means it is not gradient compression. Gradient compression means the compression is highest at the ankles and gradually gets lower as it goes up your legs. Personally, I prefer consistent compression. I have a lot of lipedema tissue in my hips and thighs. I want nice strong compression to keep the tissue supported and the lymph draining.

I also want to note that they do have seams up the sides of the legs. Some of you have asked about garments without seams – that’s not these.

Fabric and Special Features

The interior fabric is silky and glides on easily with minimal tugging. It breaths well and – if it fits properly – you’ll find yourself forgetting it is there. I like it for wearing to the office or going out. A few weeks ago I wore it to a holiday party under a slim fitting jump suit it was perfect. I had no folds, fat rolls, or unsightly bunching even as the night went on.

That said, I found I didn’t like Marena compression leggings for exercise. I am a very heavy sweater and, while I don’t necessarily get hot, I just feel really wet. The sweat just wasn’t evaporating as efficiently as it does when I wear CzSalus.

One special feature of Marena lipedema compression is their FlexFit Comfort Ankle. This means the panels overlap at the ankle but are open at the bottom. This is supposed to make the garment less likely to pinch or bunch at the ankle. I don’t typically have this problem with my compression garments. This wasn’t a big selling point for me, but it might be important for you. For a closer look at what the FlexFit Ankle looks like, jump to this part of the video.

Marena Compression Sizing

For reference, I ordered a size large and am five foot four and a half inches and about 170 pounds. When I first put them on, I thought I should have sized down. Nonetheless, I am glad I didn’t. The waistband would have been uncomfortably tight particularly fitting over my wide hips.

If you need help getting your measurements, try an app called MeThreeSixty. It will scan your body and give fairly precise measurements without a tape measure.

Be as precise as you can with your measurements because Amazon lists Marena compression as returnable. But, that is only if the package is unopened, meaning you haven’t tried it on! There a sticker across the seal that says “non-returnable” and you can’t open the package without breaking it.

My one complaint about sizing is that I hope they start making them in different lengths. I really need a shorter garment! Even with the leggings pulled up to my bra line, extra fabric bunches around my knees and ankles. As a workaround, I position them so the body is comfortable. Then, I fold up all the extra fabric at my feet and ankles. Unfortunately, this negates any advantage I would have gotten from their special ankle design.

For comparison, I bought the Marena leggings in a large. In CzSalus compression, I usually wear a medium or a large.

How do Marena Compression Leggings Compare to CzSalus Compression Leggings?

The right one for you is a personal choice and depends on your lifestyle and budget. Remember, the best compression is the one that you will wear!

Marena leggings are thinner and silky smooth compared to CzSalus which makes thicker textured garments. Marena leggings are also more expensive than CzSalus leggings. They do offer good sales throughout the year, but even on sale Marena costs more than CzSalus. Marena compression can’t be returned if opened. However, CzSalus lets you return garments you buy through Amazon, even if you try them on.  For those of you in the US, I have successfully purchased both garments with my flexible spending account funds.

Personally, I prefer Marena for dressing up and CzSalus for exercising.

What do you look for in compression garments and what brand works the best for you? Please let us know below in the comments.