Getting the right size is the single most important factor in how a compression arm sleeve feels and performs. A sleeve that’s too small will dig, roll, or pinch. Too large, and it slips, wrinkles, and won’t deliver the gradient you need. This guide walks you through a clinician-approved, brand-agnostic measuring process you can do at home or in clinic—and shows how to map those numbers to popular brand charts.
Tools You’ll Need
- Flexible tape measure (cm preferred for most charts)
- Pen + paper (or your phone’s notes)
- Non-permanent skin marker (optional but helpful for repeatable points)
- A helper (nice but not required)
- A chair or counter to rest your forearm while you measure
Before You Start: Reduce Variables That Skew Fit
- Measure when edema is lowest. For most people that’s morning; in clinic, measure after bandaging/MLD once the limb is decongested.
- Sit comfortably with the arm supported, palm down, and the elbow slightly bent (a few degrees). This position is specified across brand guides because it relaxes the tissues and standardizes the elbow landmark.
- Mark landmarks as you go so lengths can be taken from the same points; Juzo and Jobst clinician sheets specifically recommend marking each circumference site.
- Measure the affected side. If both arms are affected, measure each; if one is unaffected, it can be a secondary reference—but size directly from the arm that will wear the sleeve.
The Landmarks (What the Letters Mean)
Brand charts largely use a shared alphabet for measurement points:
- C (wrist): Smallest circumference at the wrist crease where the hand meets the forearm.
- D (forearm): Either the largest forearm girth (common in many arm charts) or the smallest below the elbow (some leg charts); in arm sleeves you’ll commonly see D as a forearm reference just below E. Check the product’s chart notes.
- E (elbow): Circumference over the elbow with the arm slightly angled/bent.
- F (mid-upper arm): Middle of the upper arm between elbow and armpit.
- G (upper arm/top): Upper arm near the axilla (armpit); some charts add G1 variants.
- Length C→G (arm length): Measured on the inner arm across each marked point; brands then categorize Regular vs Long (often around 43 cm as the cut line).
Step-by-Step Measurement (5–10 minutes)
Tip: Write down each number immediately and note the side (Right/Left). Use cm unless the size chart is in inches.
1) Wrist (C)
Find the narrowest part of the wrist at the crease. Snug the tape so it’s flat but not digging. Record C.
2) Forearm (D)
Slide the tape up to the fullest part of the forearm. If your brand defines D differently, follow the chart’s graphic; many arm charts treat D as the forearm girth just below the elbow. Record D.
3) Elbow (E)
With the arm slightly bent, wrap the tape over the elbow. Keep the tape level; do not angle it upward. Record E.
4) Mid-Upper Arm (F)
Measure the middle point between elbow and armpit. Record F.
5) Upper Arm/Top (G)
Measure at the upper arm just below the armpit (avoid squeezing soft tissue). Record G.
6) Lengths (C→D, C→E, C→F, C→G)
Run the tape along the inner arm (flexor side) from C to each marked point, pressing gently into soft tissue at each point for consistency. Record lengths; most ready-to-wear sleeves only use C→G to choose Regular vs Long (with 43 cm as a typical cutoff).
What to Do with Your Numbers
- Open the size chart for the sleeve you want and compare each circumference you recorded.
- Example: Juzo charts list Regular and Max ranges for each point; choose the row/column where C, E, and G all fit (those are the most influential).
- JOBST Bella charts: pick the size where C, E, G fall inside a single size column; then pick Regular (<43 cm) or Long (>43 cm) for the C→G length.
- medi Harmony charts: use A (hand), C (wrist), E (elbow), and G (top) ranges provided.
- If you land between sizes (e.g., wrist fits size 3, upper arm fits size 5):
- Look for brands with “Max” or “Extra-Wide” columns for G (upper arm). Juzo and CircAid offer wider top options in some models.
- Consider a custom sleeve if two or more points fall outside a size column, or if you have shape differences (post-surgical scarring, significant conicity). Both JOBST and Juzo provide custom forms that your clinician can submit.
- Choose the length.
- Use your C→G length to decide Regular vs Long (again, 43 cm is a common breakpoint on major charts).
Picking the Right Compression Level (mmHg)
Compression level is a clinical decision—especially for lymphedema. Off-the-shelf arm sleeves most commonly come in 20–30 mmHg and 30–40 mmHg; your fitter or clinician (often a CLT) should guide this based on stage, tolerance, and goals. Patient resources commonly advise wearing the sleeve during the day and removing it at night unless told otherwise.
When in doubt, ask your treating clinician. If you need help finding one, use the Norton School Therapist Referral Tool (search by ZIP).
Try-on Checklist (Fit Matters as Much as Size)
Once your sleeve arrives, run through these quick checks:
- No tourniquet at the wrist or top. The fabric should lie smooth without digging at C or G.
- No rolling. Rolling bands indicate the top is too tight or the length/size is off.
- No diagonal wrinkles or “waterfalls” below the elbow.
- Comfortably snug through the forearm and upper arm; you should feel support, not pain.
- Sleeve stays up during normal activity without adhesive or bands.
- Regular vs Long: The top edge should sit below the armpit crease without bunching; if it hits the crease, length may be too long.
If any of the above fail, you may need a different size/brand, a Max/Extra-Wide top, or custom. Juzo, CircAid, medi, JOBST, and others all publish precise size ranges; use those charts—not guesswork.
Special Situations & Pro Tips
- Between sizes at the wrist vs upper arm: Prioritize a good wrist fit (to avoid gapping) and use a brand with wider G options.
- Sensitive skin: Consider softer fabrics and pair the sleeve with donning gloves to avoid nail snags; some brands publish donning aids that make application easier.
- Night management: Night garments (foam-channeled or quilted) use separate charts; don’t size a night sleeve from a day-sleeve chart. See examples like Juzo Night Arm Sleeve (uses cC–cG and length tables specific to that garment).
- Adjustable wraps vs knit sleeves: Adjustable systems (e.g., CircAid Juxta-Fit/Graduate) use different size grids and often include extra-wide options; follow the product’s chart exactly.
- When to re-measure: After any significant weight change, progress in decongestion, or every 3–6 months when the old sleeve loses elasticity. (Daily wear naturally stretches fabric; most patient resources recommend periodic replacement.)
Step-by-Step Summary
- Prepare: Measure in the morning or post-therapy. Sit with the arm supported, palm down, elbow slightly bent.
- Mark points: C, D, E, F, G. Use a skin marker to keep them consistent.
- Measure circumferences: C (wrist), D (forearm), E (elbow), F (mid-upper arm), G (upper arm near armpit).
- Measure lengths: C→G (and C→D/E/F as needed) along the inner arm.
- Match the chart: Pick the size where your key points (C, E, G) fall in the same column; choose Regular vs Long from C→G (often 43 cm cutoff).
- If between sizes: Try Max/Extra-Wide options or consider custom.
Common Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)
- Measuring over bulky clothing: Always measure on bare skin.
- Tape too loose/tight: The tape should be snug and level—not digging.
- Skipping the elbow bend: Most charts specify slight elbow flexion to get a true E.
- Using inches when the chart expects cm: Many charts are in cm; convert if needed.
- Guessing length: Always measure C→G instead of assuming you’re Regular/Long; some people with shorter torsos still need Long sleeves.
When to Ask for a Pro Fitting
- You’re between sizes at multiple points
- Your arm has shape changes (e.g., scarring, axillary web, significant conicity)
- You’ve had skin irritation or garment rolling in the past
- You’re unsure which mmHg is appropriate
A Certified Lymphedema Therapist can map the right compression class, check your skin integrity, and help you choose day vs night solutions. Find one near you via the Norton School Therapist Referral directory.
FAQ
That’s normal. Measure when the limb is least swollen—usually morning—or directly after CDT/bandaging if you’re in an active reduction phase.
If you notice hand/finger swelling or “pooling” at the wrist, your clinician may recommend a hand piece with your sleeve; some brand charts include a hand measurement (A).
As a general rule, every 3–6 months with regular wear, or sooner if it loses rebound, slips, or the knit looks tired. Many patient guides recommend morning wear and nighttime removal unless prescribed otherwise.
Ready to Measure? Use this Mini Worksheet
- Side: ☐ Right ☐ Left
- C (wrist): ___ cm
- D (forearm): ___ cm
- E (elbow): ___ cm
- F (mid-upper): ___ cm
- G (upper/top): ___ cm
- C→G length: ___ cm (Regular if < 43 cm; Long if > 43 cm)
- Notes: ___
Shop Popular Options (Match to Your Numbers)
- JOBST Bella Strong Arm Sleeve (C/E/G + length chart) → size Regular/Long
- medi Harmony Arm Sleeve (A/C/E/G chart)
- Juzo Soft / Print Series Arm Sleeves (Regular vs Max columns)
- CircAid Juxta-Fit Essentials Arm Sleeve (adjustable; extra-wide options)
- Mobiderm Autofit Arm Wrap (night/rest management with adjustable fasteners)
References & Measurement Guides
- JOBST measurement posters/guidelines (upper extremity technique; inner-arm lengths; elbow flexion; length cutoffs).
- Juzo arm sleeve size charts (Regular vs Long; Regular vs Max ranges).
- SIGVARIS upper-limb brochure & “How to measure” (patient position and animated guide).
- Lymphedema patient wear guidance (daytime use, general replacement cadence).
