If you haven’t noticed the latest fitness craze, next time you’re out running along the esplanade or pushing weights in the gym have a peek at your local fitness friends fashion and you’re sure to see one of the hottest and possibly the most effective athletic attire out there, compression garments.

Compress what? Compression tights and tops! They are shaping legs and bodies compressing elite athlete's muscles across the globe and quickly working their way into gyms everywhere. Not only do these clothes claim to help assist “tired muscles and alleviate soreness” they also seem to extenuate shapely legs showing off your figure by form fitting muscles.

We thought we might have to try them for ourselves and see what all the hype was about.  Could these compression garments really assist with your athletic performance, alleviate muscle soreness, aid in recovery and even make the “not-so fittest person” in the room, look great?

Here’s the scoop!

What they claim
•    greater muscle support, enhanced circulation and improved body temperature optimization (Skins™ snow)
•    eliminate that burn, reduce muscle fatigue and minimise muscle injury (Skins™ snow)
•    maintain healthy circulation and minimise swelling and dehydration – the primary cause of jetlag – during forced periods of inactivity (Skins™ travel & recovery)
•    reduce the symptoms of tired, aching legs (Skins™ travel & recovery)
•    results in superior gains in athletic performance, the likes of which have never been seen before (Body Science Targeted Compression)
•    keep your muscles warm and wick perspiration away from your skin keeping you dry and comfortable. (Skins™ snow)
•    pressure is achieved with a comfortable fitting material which, unlike medical grade compression garments, can be worn during exercise and over prolonged periods of time for recovery too. (2XU)
•    enable greater muscle stability and injury prevention (2XU)
•    offer UPF 50+ Sun Protection against UVA and UVB rays (Skins™ and 2XU)
•    reduce the build-up of lactic acid immediately after periods of sustained exercise (2hrs. and 15min. up to 37%), and allow for more rapid return to normal levels (up to 38% at 20min.) (Skins™)


How they added up!

We tested two popular brands 2XU and Skins

Fashion Review

Courtney: Runner, Weight Trainer, Snowboarder & Spin class lover
After wearing the tights around the house, to the gym and out for a run, I received great feedback from my husband.  He kept telling me how much he loved seeing the shape of my legs and bum.

One warning Girls! The tights can be a bit see through in some lighting conditions and depending on what undies you’re sporting underneath. 

In search of a solution I found the perfect companion to compression tights at Lululemon! They offer several tops that fashionably hang below the waist; just enough to cover any visible underwear worries, and look great, too! 

Their yoga and running line of shirts pairs perfectly over compression tops and with compression tights.

Skins: I loved the Skins She line with the addition of color to the normal black compression garments.  With the added turquoise stitching on the tights and beautiful azure, emerald and white racer back top I didn’t want to take it off.

The mesh venting panels under the arms of the long and cap sleeve tops look and feel cool. I also liked the swooped neck line...much more comfy to wear.

I also tested the Skins snow tights in white and grey camo with a white long sleeve compression top.  The camouflage looked awesome under my snowboard pants especially when I opened the vents, giving me the action sport look.

2XU:  The uber modern X’s across the legs adds sexiness to the Elite Compression tights. It actually makes you feel sexy while sweating it out running on the treadmill and pumping weights in the gym. The all black with silver logos is very sleek.

I also tested the women’s Compression Cycle Shorts which looked great for spin class! The Women’s Pro Fusion chamois was not too bulky, like some cycle shorts that make you look like you’re wearing a diaper.

Jane: Pilates Instructor, Personal Trainer and Runner
The garments felt like skin, I actually felt naked…because they really felt like a second skin.  I also love the fact they stay in place and you don't have to adjust them at all, like most gym gear.

I did feel the pants were a little see through especially in certain light.  As much as I would like to wear them on their own with short tops, I only felt comfy with longer tops that hide part of your bum.

Skins: I loved the added color stitching in the Skins She line on the pants and of course black is always the most flattering color.  The white She Cap Sleeve top is beautiful with the emerald and azure…but, white doesn’t really work across the tummy, no matter how fit you are.  I like it better under a tank top.

I found their tops with a rubber strap/band around the waste is a plus helping to keep the shirt from rolling up while working out!

2XU: The Elite Compression tights contour the body really well and make muscle definition really show. I like the added X logos down the legs.

Performance Review

Courtney:
Running:  I was blown away with my running performance while wearing both Skins and 2XU Compression tights and tops.  My muscles really felt like they were being held in place offering me more stability and the feeling of wanting to run further and longer.  It felt even better with both tops and tights combined.

I took my Skins to the beach on my usual run on a semi-warm winter day with a cold breeze and my body seemed to stay a consistent warm temperature. My legs also felt long and lean, like I could feel every movement they made. 

Also, wearing the 2XU Elite Compression tights on a trail run I increased my distance from 4Ks to 6Ks and really enjoyed every minute.  The tights do seem to give you a serious athlete’s look and feel, both in your body and mind.

Weight Training: The long sleeve compression tops made my biceps and shoulders feel good while training in the gym.  I enjoyed feeling aware of my muscles while they worked.  After several weight training sessions I have to say I felt a decrease in muscle soreness the following day.

Snowboarding: I used to wear supermarket opaque tights under my snowboarding pants and would often still feel the cold.  After trying Skins snow and 2XU Elite Compression tights I will never go back.

I didn’t seem to feel the cold on my legs and the tight wrapping around my muscles again made me very aware of my movements aiding my performance.  I still had muscle soreness after 6 hours on the slopes, but legs felt good wearing both 2XU and Skins the following days.

The long sleeve Skins snow top also kept me warm and worked great as an added layer.   

Cycle: I tried 2XU’s women’s Compression Cycle shorts at Spin classes and while the Pro Fusion chamois added comfort to the cycle, the material was slippery on the seat and not sure if I noticed any assistance with my muscles. 

I’m actually enjoying wearing my full leg compression tights and feeling a greater benefit. (Maybe try the Compression Cycle Tights)

Jane:
Walking/Runnnig: When outdoors I could feel the winter coolness of the air, but still felt warm.  Both Skins and 2XU made me more aware of muscle groups I was using. 

They were very comfortable and I felt more energized while wearing them all together. I’m not sure if that was just in my head or because of the tights!

Weight Training: While lifting weights the garments made me more aware of my muscles groups and posture. I honestly felt like my recovery time was less with a decrease in muscle soreness the following days.

Pilates: The tights were great while doing my Pilates classes, again I felt very aware of my muscle groups, especially abs and gluts.  And, they are so comfortable to wear!

Choosing Compression Garments:

Quality: With so many brands out there to choose from make sure you don’t forgo the quality for a cheaper price.  If you’re going to be wearing these garments a few times a week they need to hold up both while you work out and in the wash.
EG Tip: Stick with brands you know and trust.  Check out what you’re fave sports team is wearing during training.  Brands like 2XU are official partners with the Australian Institute of Sport. And, Skins offers a 1 year warranty with their products.

Fitting: When choosing the right size compression garments for you, throw out any conventional sizing methods you’ve used for clothes in the past and make sure to read each individual brand’s sizing charts.
EG Tip: Know your height and current weight to find the best fit for each top and bottom. The science behind compression garments only works properly if you’re getting the right amount of compression on your body.

The Brands:

Skins: www.Skins.net
2XU: www.2XU.com
ASICS: Inner Muscle www.asics.com.au/innermuscle
Body Science: www.bodyscience.com.au
Under Armor: UA Recharge www.underarmor.com

www.ExplorerGirls.com / Courtney Crow

Images: JCP / Explorer Media