Take a stroll down any busy street and you’re bound to see at least one person sporting compression clothing. It’s an increasing popular trend among athletes and gym-goers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Compression clothing catches the eye thanks to its modern appearance and often enticing styles, but does it actually work?
If you’re wondering whether compression clothing is right for you, you’re not alone. This tight-fitting gear can improve your health and performance — not to mention add a bit of flair to your wardrobe.
Compression Clothing and Fitness
It’s hard to argue against the effectiveness of compression gear when you take a closer look at some important numbers. According to active.com, the goal of compression gear is to provide one or more limbs with a targeted amount of pressure to help improve circulation and reduce post-workout soreness.
The source indicates that most limb pressures range between 20 and 40 millimeters of mercury. Traditional stockings from the shelf can provide between 30 and 40 millimeters of mercury of pressure while those numbers jump to 40 at the ankle, 36 at the lower calf, and 21 at the upper calf. These specific pressure levels are helpful for reducing inflammation and fortifying venous return in individuals with vein disorders.
Compression clothing is often associated with the lower body, but there’s more to it than those long and lean compression stockings. Socks, shirts, sleeves, and shorts are available in compressed forms, and can offer as many benefits as compression stockings. For example, wearing a compressed shirt after a workout or weightlifting session can apply enough pressure to reduce swelling and inflammation and can ultimately speed up your recovery.
Another benefit is that compression clothing can increase blood flow back to the heart, a process that allows athletes to recover faster than they would when wearing traditional workout attire. Compression socks have been shown to reduce the risk of blood clots in the leg, whether it’s after a long run, a lengthy flight, or from spending too much time sitting at a desk.
Health Concerns and Compression Benefits
Compression stockings can be a helpful way to improve blood flow in your legs. According to MedlinePlus, that’s because the material gently squeezes the legs, forcing blood to move up your legs. This increased movement ultimately helps to lower or prevent leg swelling and can even reduce your risk of developing a blood clot. Some socks offer stronger pressure while others have a lighter amount of pressure.
Style and Comfort
As Therafirm advises, you don’t have to sacrifice style or comfort when you’re deciding on the right piece of compression clothing. If you’re looking for comfortable socks, consider ones with sheer yarns or those with various knit pattern textures. Some socks rise partially up the calf while others end just below the knee. You’ll also find a range of socks to choose from, including footless and open toe to traditional socks that hit at the ankle.
Compression clothing can be a great choice for your wardrobe, especially if you are an athlete or you have certain health concerns, such as reduced circulation. This type of clothing can promote recovery and performance in athletes of all levels, but it works just as well for individuals who are sedentary for long stretches of time, such as plane travel or desk jobs. With such a wide range of styles, sizes, and colors to choose from, you can find the right level of style and comfort for your daily needs.
