We’ve all woken up after a hard day of training. Muscles aches and stiff joints. But despite it all, we’re committed to continuing our training. That’s where compression wear shows its quality. We will define compression wear, explore its mechanism, and showcase a leading brand’s latest addition to our roster on the Altitude Sports site, so you can benefit from compression clothing at its finest.
Understanding Compression Clothing
What is compression clothing?
Compression clothing is just as you might imagine it to sound. It’s form-fitting apparel and accessories, often designed to support athletes, active people, or those looking to help ease some aches and pains. Common variety example of compression wear is found in products like performance socks, cycling jerseys, running shorts, and even underwear.
How does compression wear work?
There are different types of compression garments: run-of-the-mill compression wear found in sportswear but also medical-grade compression wear characterized by their level of millimetres of mercury (mmHg), a unit of pressure often used to measure blood pressure.
Compression garments are designed to apply enough pressure when worn to allow blood vessels to circulate up to the heart more fluidly. The best way to visualize this would be like to press on a tube of toothpaste. Better circulation means less muscle soreness and inflammation from exercise.
Benefits of compression clothing for athletes
The rise in popularity of compression clothing is partly due to studies which have indicated that compression garments can help an athlete’s performance by providing increased blood flow, recovery, and injury prevention. Below are just some ways in which compression clothing proves its uses.
Enhanced circulation and oxygen delivery
As mentioned earlier, compression wear has science woven into it. The average piece of athletic compression wear can have a range of 20-30 mmHg, enough to improve blood circulation. It does this by applying a gradual pressure, which improves venous return — the process of pushing deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
Provides support
A primary reason people choose compression wear is for its support. Although socks might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of compression wear, a well-fitting sock can boost support and balance, leading to more stable strides and less strain. Something even as small as an anatomical sock, if it includes cushioning in its weave, can significantly improve your running performance.
Reduced muscle vibration
During high-intensity activity, muscles vibrate. Over time, these vibrations can cause fatigue and microscopic damage. In addition to providing support, compression garments reduce this kind of vibration.
It’s flexible
Because it’s often made from stretchy materials, compression clothing is designed for that close fit feeling and flexibility. This improves comfort, reduces friction and chafing during more strenuous exercise. Think of cyclists or runners. Compression shorts can stay in place without detracting from mobility compared to ordinary sports shorts.
It breathes
It may sound contrary to its name, but compression wear is incredibly breathable. Despite the snug fits, the materials used are often lightweight synthetics such as polyester or nylon. In reality, this help keep air circulation fluid, keeping the wearer cool — not an unwelcome feature to have during summer months.
Keeps you dry (from sweat)
Because compression garments are made from a mix of synthetic fabrics, it’s a fantastic moisture-wicker. However, they aren’t known to be waterproof. It’s this moisture-wicking that helps prevent irritation from sweat and keeps our minds focused on the activity.
Improved perceived exertion
Compression wear has a mental factor worth a mention as well. Some studies have shown that people who opt to wear compression apparel for their workouts have lower perceived exertions, meaning they felt stronger in their performances, feeling like they needed to exert less effort when they exercised.
Accelerated recovery post-exercise
Compression wear isn’t just for training. It plays a crucial role in the hours that follow. By improving venous return, it helps muscles repair faster, reduced inflammation and swelling, and shortens the overall recovery window between sessions.
Who should use compression clothing?
Compression clothing benefits all kinds of athletes. From Olympic weightlifters to running professionals of all levels and endurance athletes. Wearing compression sleeves reduces the straining while lifting weights and also helps your recovery after strenuous workouts. Maybe you just spent the day helping a friend move into their new place. Soreness and pain can come from anywhere, and having a compression sleeve or sock at the ready can be of great use.
Introducing Compressport
Compressport, a Swiss-born company specializing in compression wear, understands the complexities of compression clothing better than any other brand; their products are designed to enhance athletic performance across various disciplines, from training to extreme events like ultra marathons and Ironmans.
Their line of product range from apparel to a plethora of accessories, including vests, belts, and hats. If you’re looking to get your hands on compression wear, we can only point you in their direction.
Recommended Products From Compressport
These running socks are ergonomic and breathable, utilizing Compressport’s 3D.Dot technology to absorb impact in sensitive areas like the Achilles tendon and improve blood flow via micro-massage. Available in ankle or high, these socks reduce the risk of overheating and blisters, and improve stability on uneven terrain.
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These running socks are ergonomic and breathable, utilizing Compressport’s 3D.Dot technology to absorb impact in sensitive areas like the Achilles tendon and improve blood flow via micro-massage. Available in ankle or high, these socks reduce the risk of overheating and blisters, and improve stability on uneven terrain.
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Providing excellent muscle support, this calf sleeve improves balance and stability, absorbing shock from harder activities. It also promotes microcirculation, which can reduce stomach issues that might result from prolonged running sessions. People suffering from shin splints can use this calf sleeve to alleviate inflammation and discomfort, helping to reduce soreness.
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Providing excellent muscle support, this calf sleeve improves balance and stability, absorbing shock from harder activities. It also promotes microcirculation, which can reduce stomach issues that might result from prolonged running sessions. People suffering from shin splints can use this calf sleeve to alleviate inflammation and discomfort, helping to reduce soreness.
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When the weather is hot, having well-ventilated and breathable apparel can make a huge difference in your riding experience. The Tri Postural Top and the Tri Postural Aero Top are Compressport’s answer to donning lightweight and ergonomic clothes that know how to keep you cool, and keep up with whatever wattage of power you’re rolling with.
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Brand Name | Product Type
When the weather is hot, having well-ventilated and breathable apparel can make a huge difference in your riding experience. The Tri Postural Top and the Tri Postural Aero Top are Compressport’s answer to donning lightweight and ergonomic clothes that know how to keep you cool, and keep up with whatever wattage of power you’re rolling with.
Price: 0.00$
Nothing kills momentum like sweat in the eyes or ears during your exercise. The thin headband provides a snug fit on your head without being too tight, while also wicking away moisture using a material that dries up to seven times faster than traditional headbands. Use it for runs or while cycling; it fits just as well under a helmet as it does alone over your forehead.
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Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
Nothing kills momentum like sweat in the eyes or ears during your exercise. The thin headband provides a snug fit on your head without being too tight, while also wicking away moisture using a material that dries up to seven times faster than traditional headbands. Use it for runs or while cycling; it fits just as well under a helmet as it does alone over your forehead.
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From the same material used in their compression socks, this arm sleeve is lightweight and thermoregulated. Use it on summer days as an added layer of sun protection or to cover up on chiller morning and still get all the benefits of its compression.
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Brand Name | Product Type
Brand Name | Product Type
From the same material used in their compression socks, this arm sleeve is lightweight and thermoregulated. Use it on summer days as an added layer of sun protection or to cover up on chiller morning and still get all the benefits of its compression.
Price: 0.00$
Should you try compression wear for sports?
It never hurts, and frankly, neither should you. If you’re suffering from common and minor sports injuries, whether that problem is shin splints or muscle fatigue and soreness, wearing compression wear might just ease the pain and aid your recovery progress. A good recovery means keeping your progress journey at its best. The last thing you want is an injury that’ll stop your training in its tracks and a preventative method is better than none.
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