Custom-Made LVAD Shirts vs. Ready-to-Wear Options

Whenever you go shopping, do you prefer to buy ready-to-wear clothing or look for something that is precisely made to fit your body measurements? Whichever one you prefer has unique advantages depending on your personal choice. The same rule applies when it comes to LVAD Shirts. Just like regular clothing, you have the option to buy an LVAD shirt from a ready-to-wear option available in standard sizing, or you can customize your own LVAD shirt with your unique preferences and needs. Which one do you think is better? Let’s discuss the pros and cons of each option available, and then you can decide for yourself.

What are Ready-to-Wear LVAD options?

Ready-to-Wear LVAD shirt is a piece of clothing that is designed with pockets to hold your LVAD device controller and batteries, available in fixed sizes such as small, medium, large, extra-large, and so on. Each ready-to-wear LVAD option is designed according to the specific device, like HeartMate or HeartWare, so that you can choose one that can perfectly accommodate the controller size and shape. A ready-to-wear LVAD shirt can be worn right after the purchase or delivery, and you may not need to make any major changes.

You just need to select from the standard available range of sizes that can fit your body without any need to measure your battery sizes or available pockets properly. From the LVAD Gear collection, you just need to pick a design you like in your size so that you can have all-day comfort and safety for your device.

What are Custom-Made LVAD Shirts?

Custom-made clothing is a term that is widely used in the fashion and textile industries. But do you know what it means? It is an option for the customer to design and produce a piece of clothing that is made in specific body measurements and colors according to the individual customer. Unlike ready-to-wear that are manufactured previously, the custom-made shirts are only made after a customer places an order.

Now, when it comes to the LVAD shirt, custom-made LVAD shirts are designed specifically according to your unique needs, including the type of device you need to carry, and body measurements to fit in the LVAD shirt with comfort and durability. In the custom-made option, you can add every detail as you have all the control to make your LVAD shirt unique. From pocket placement to fabric type and color choice, you can control anything you want.

Pros and cons of Ready-to-Wear LVAD Shirts:

After the LVAD implantation, when you are still learning to carry and protect your device, the ready-to-wear LVAD options are your priority, as they are previously made in standard sizes and classic designs that are preferred by many people. However, there are various pros and cons of the Ready-to-Wear LVAD shirts:

Pros:

●        Ready-to-wear LVAD shirts are more convenient to buy, as you don’t need to be detail-oriented.

●        Both HeartMate and HeartWare LVAD accessories are available, from which you can choose according to your specific device.

●        You can choose from the available range of sizes that best suit your body without measuring body parts or device size.

●        Ready-to-wear LVAD shirts are available all the time, and you can purchase them quickly.

●        These shirts are less expensive, which makes them affordable and more accessible.

●        You have a variety of designs to select one of your own choice.

Cons:

●        Even if the size you select may be close to yours, the LVAD shirts may not fit well if you have a size between two standard sizes.

●        Pocket placement for batteries and the controller may not be suitable for you due to your unique body dimensions.

●        It may be uncomfortable if not perfectly fitted.

●        You cannot have a personalized design option like you have in the custom-made option.

●        You have to select the fabric material available in ready-to-wear LVAD shirts.

Pros and Cons of Custom-made LVAD Shirts:

If you are a person who likes to wear clothing precisely in their size and wants details in their looks with comfort and quality they prefer, custom-made LVAD shirts are the perfect option for you. However, it also comes with many pros and cons mentioned below:

Pros:

●        A custom-made order is made only when you place an order with specific instructions & body measurements. So, the custom-made LVAD shirt is a perfect fit made according to your body measurements.

●        You can choose color, fabric, design, LVAD device specificity, and add additional notes to make your LVAD shirt uniquely yours.

●        The ideal fit ensures the comfort and better concealment of the LVAD device.

●        Ideal for patients with unique and special needs.

Cons:

●        Custom-made LVAD shirts may take time, as the production starts only after you place the order.

●        The custom-made LVAD shirts are of a higher cost as compared to ready-to-wear.

●        You may need to be detail-oriented to achieve the fit you have in mind.

Custom-Made LVAD Shirt or Ready-to-Wear: Which one is better?

It is not a matter of choosing one over the other on merely a single thing, as the right choice depends entirely on your personal preferences, comfort needs, and budget.

If you are looking for a quick, affordable solution that provides LVAD functionality with comfort, ready-to-wear LVAD shirts are a great option. However, if you want a shirt that fits perfectly, looks natural, and feels comfortable for extended wear, custom-made LVAD shirts are worth spending on.

Many LVAD users have a mix of both options in their LVAD wardrobe so that they can wear ready-to-wear shirts for daily use and comfort, while keeping a few custom-made ones especially for outings and special occasions.

Final Thoughts:

When choosing between custom-made LVAD shirts and ready-to-wear options, it all comes down to personal preference. Ready-to-wear shirts are convenient and quick to buy, making them a good choice for those who want something immediately available.

On the other hand, custom-made LVAD shirts offer a perfect fit and unique designs tailored to your specific needs. So, think about what is most important to you, whether it's convenience or a perfect fit, before making your decision.

FAQs

How much does it cost to customize an LVAD shirt?

Each design is unique and has specific details, so it depends on the detailing you need on your custom-made LVAD shirt.

How long does it take to get a custom-made LVAD shirt?

A custom-made LVAD shirt may take 4 to 5 weeks, but it usually depends on the manufacturer and design complexity.

What to look for when buying a ready-to-wear LVAD shirt?

Check the pocket placement & design, device specificity, size accuracy, fabric breathability, and accessibility for your LVAD device and batteries whenever you are going to buy a ready-to-wear LVAD shirt.