Compression gear is used for several purposes, including workouts, shaping your body (shapewear), and as a medical device. It helps increase blood flow and reduce muscle soreness after training. However, if you’re wearing compression gear daily, you may want to make the switch to a more comfortable, breathable fabric. This is because compression garments tend to be worn for long periods.
It’s Comfortable
The first thing you’ll want to consider when choosing compression wear is comfort. You don’t want it to be tight, uncomfortable, or restrictive; this is an essential feature of any workout gear you wear for long periods.
A good pair of compression pants can make a huge difference to your comfort during any exercise. The added pressure helps your muscles stay stable as you train. It also improves blood flow, which aids in the recovery process post-workout. As you exercise, your body requires more oxygen than usual to fuel cellular respiration. The extra oxygen boosts your performance, reducing fatigue and increasing the rate at which you remove blood lactate from your muscle tissues. Another important factor is that the outer performance compression fabric garments are breathable to stay cool and dry. This is ideal for athletes, who often need to wear their gear for extended periods. Compression fabric is usually made from a blend of spandex and nylon, but some manufacturers also incorporate a small amount of cotton fibers. This makes it more breathable, which makes it much more comfortable to wear.
It’s Breathable
When you wear compression clothing, the material will wick away any sweat you produce while exercising. This allows you to stay cool and comfortable, no matter how warm it gets outside. This is especially important for various sports because it can be hot outside while you are doing them. This also keeps the sweat from getting onto your clothes, making wearing them even more uncomfortable.
Breathable fabrics also allow your body to regulate temperature, which helps you remain comfortable and perform better. This is a great benefit for athletes who often wear tight-fitting compression gear to help them improve their performance. Compression garments made of cotton or combed cotton will be more breathable than others because they can absorb the moisture your skin produces. This will keep you from having to soak your garment with sweat, which is especially useful for those who work in the medical field or those who are on a plane and don’t want to be soaked in their own perspiration.
The breathable nature of cotton can also prevent any bunching or rubbing that may occur in certain compression garments. This can be a problem when wearing some compression leggings and can lead to discomfort or chafing, so it’s crucial to choose a quality pair of compression leggings that are made of breathable cotton.
It’s Durable
The durability of compression fabric is one of the main reasons it’s so popular. It’s designed to last through a long, hard workout and then be washed hundreds of times without losing strength or flexibility. This means it’s a good option for people who are on their feet for long periods or travel frequently. It also means that it’s great for people recovering from a sports injury or other medical issue and helps prevent fluid retention as the body heals. When it comes to the material itself, cotton is a popular choice for compression wear because it can absorb moisture and keep you cool. It doesn’t repel sweat like synthetic materials do, which makes it a lot more comfortable for you to wear, especially when working out. Similarly, cotton can help keep your skin dry when wearing compression clothes, making it less likely for bacteria to spread and make you itch. This is a common issue with most synthetic fabrics, and cotton can avoid it entirely. Another way that compression garments are durable is by requiring less maintenance than traditional clothing. They can be machine washed and are generally made from a polyester or nylon-related material, which helps them dry faster after you sweat.
It’s Affordable
One of the best things about compression garments is that they are typically inexpensive. Compression stockings and socks come in a wide range of colors, styles, and price points, making them an affordable option for anyone looking to improve their circulation. Aside from a few high-end designs, most options will cost you less than your average pair of underwear. In a nutshell, compression fabrics are all about stretching and compressing your muscles to improve blood flow, which helps with the body’s other functions, such as boosting power and speed. As the name implies, they are most effective when worn during physical activities or if you spend a lot of time on your feet. They also aid with recovery from injury by preventing blood pooling, which is the stuff that causes soreness and cramps. The right type of compression gear can also help with fatigue, a condition that can be worsened by sedentary behavior, such as sitting at your desk for long periods.