What are compression garments?

If you are new to working out, you might have heard about compression garments. These garments can be classified as weight loss accessories, and some gym-goers and trainers believe that they are an important part of everyday workouts. However, before deciding to invest in them, it is best to learn ‘what are compression garments?’, how do they work, and what are some of their benefits.

Despite their ‘fancy-sounding’ name, compression garments look like any other workout clothing. You can see them worn around the gym, find them for sale at a sporting goods store, or online on websites that specialize in workout equipment and accessories. The difference between these clothes and your usual workout leggings, shorts, or sports bra is that these body compression garments are made to fit tightly around your body.

They are not restricting; instead, their job is to support and hold you in. While they are quite tight, they are made to allow you to move properly and allow circulation of air; thus, you will not end up feeling uncomfortably warm during a workout.

What is compression clothing made of?

Compression garments are often made of fiber blends containing a more or less large quantity of elastane, aka spandex (2). Think of shapewear (worn by many women and some men), and you have a good idea of what these clothes feel like. Like shapewear, they often come in ready-made sizes but can be custom made if need be.

These closely-fitting leggings, shirts, shorts, socks, and more are meant to enhance performance during a sporting activity as well as recovery afterward. A famous example is compression socks worn by runners to prevent cramps and swelling in their calf muscles. These articles of clothing are available for different body parts, including the abdomen/trunk, wrists, legs, arms, and more.