This study aimed to investigate the impact of varying fibre compositions and fabric constructions on the elastic behaviour of compression fabrics. Knitted fabrics used as compression garments are subjected to deformation due to various loads used to extend the fabrics during wear. The loads to extend the fabrics are influenced by fabric constructions, strain levels and fabric directions. In this study, the strain of fabrics was measured using a commercial tensile testing machine (LR30K Lloyd) according to ASTM D496. Each sample was cycled five times between zero and the specified strain to replicate the repeated use of compression garments. In addition, the fabric was also heat-set and laundered to evaluate the impact of these treatments on the elastic behaviour of the fabric. The results indicated that different fabric constructions exhibited different elastic properties (P < 0.05), with 1×1 rib fabric demonstrating the highest load in the wale direction and terry fabric displaying the highest load in the course direction. Fibre composition in single jersey fabrics significantly affected (P < 0.05) their load requirements for extension, with 8% elastane displaying the highest resistance to stretching. Heat-setting positively affected the load capacity of the fabrics (24%-47%), enhancing the dimensional stability and strength. However, laundering after heat-setting decreased the load capacity (6%-32%), negatively affecting fabric deformation and shape retention. These findings aim to lay the groundwork for the importance of careful selection of fabric attributes and post-processing treatments for optimising the elastic properties of compression fabrics.