P.E NATION'S ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BENEFITS OF COMPRESSION WEAR

Have you been curious to know why nearly all sports require top athletes to wear tight, form-fitting attire and equipment? There are obvious sports like speed skating and swimming, where athletes wear tight outfits to reduce drag and improve their performance.

However, what about leagues that don’t require skin-snug uniforms, such as professional basketball? In most sports, you’ll see athletes rocking compression attire—arm sleeves, undershirts, or gym leggings.

The answer, in short, has to do with the benefits of compression wear.

Compression sportswear has a long history and a wealth of performance and health benefits that can give any athlete a significant edge in physical activity. In this comprehensive guide to the clothing style, we’ll examine what compression wear is, where it came from, and how you can embrace it for function and fashion in 2024.

Compression clothing is a particular type of tight-fitting elastic clothing that supports and restricts your body’s tissues.

Among types of compression wear, medical-grade compression wear treats specific health conditions or alleviates symptoms. Workout wear enhances athletic performance, and shapewear helps smooth out your shape to create a desired silhouette.

One of the main benefits of wearing compression garments is that it’s generally safe for everyone. But where did this fashion phenomenon start, and how did the first adopters of compression wear discover its advantages?

Over the centuries, sportswear has undergone revolution after revolution.

In ancient Olympic games, athletes competed naked, believing it was optimal for performance. Before the Industrial Revolution, textile production was expensive and complicated—meaning a garment specifically made for sport was a privilege for only the very wealthy.

When women began to play sports in higher numbers in the late 19th century, the demand for women’s sportswear triggered the development of sportswear as we know it today. Since then, we haven’t looked back. Enormous investment and research into athletic garments is ongoing to this day.

Modern sportswear aims to be aerodynamic, moisture-absorbing, temperature-regulating, and flexible yet supportive. But where does compression wear fit in, and what unique benefits separate it from run-of-the-mill activewear?

The following are just a handful of the benefits of compression clothing that scientific studies have supported.

• Minimise risk of injury – A study of the physiological effects of compression clothing on athletes reported that compression clothing can help prevent or reduce injuries in many ways. Compression pants can reduce injuries by limiting muscle oscillation, and compression stockings can minimize the risk of injury by reducing the overall impact of an athlete's physical exertion.

• Boost muscle recovery – According to one scientific review, the use of compression garments improves the perception of muscle damage and increases athletic performance in subsequent endurance tests. In other words, by using compression gear, you can reduce the feeling of muscle soreness after a workout and perform better even after a strenuous exercise session. 

• Promote increased blood circulation – Compression clothing can be useful if you need to boost blood circulation for medical reasons or for athletic recovery purposes. When you wear compression socks or tights, they gently compress blood vessels near the surface of your skin, helping to provide blood flow back to the heart against gravity, which in turn can also reduce muscle soreness and recovery time.  

Ready to feel the difference compression wear can make for yourself? Here are some styling tips to look great while you feel and perform great.

No matter your body type, you can feel confident in compression wear with these simple styling tips.

• Embrace a balanced look – If you plan to wear compression gear pants or tights, consider a loose-fitting top to provide a natural contrast in fit and an overall balance to your look. A loose sweater or jacket over a cute top can bring a sophisticated edge to an otherwise sporty outfit. Bonus tip: incorporate a different texture with your top—such as a knit cardigan—to highlight your unique style and craft a dynamic, eye-catching outfit. You cab also explore our collection of gym wear, designed to seamlessly combine style and functionality.

• Accessorise – Accessories that bring out your personality, like a pair of sneakers or a signature hat, can elevate your look and allow you to express your creativity while reaping all the benefits of compression wear.

• Dress up your look easily – Do you need an elevated accompaniment for your compression wear? Don’t sweat it—heels or ankle boots paired with a dress top or tank can give your outfit a formal yet modern feel.  

Looking for fashion-forward athleisure wear to provide compression benefits while looking amazing? P.E Nation is here to rejuvenate your compression apparel lineup.

The benefits of compression clothing have never looked as good as P.E Nation’s sustainable streetwear line. With pieces such as the Tempo Legging offering mid-low compression, you can ensure optimal support in any activity and look great while doing it.

For more styling tips, check out our in-depth leggings outfit guide. Need some inspiration for gym outfits or tennis attire built around your compression apparel? Check out our article where we dive into all the details, and while you’re at it, check out our guides on both running outfits and yoga outfits to prepare for whatever form of fitness you’re feeling.

Female-founded and designed for a fast-paced lifestyle, P.E Nation’s activewear is strong, smart, and ever-evolving—just like you. Visit the new arrivals page to grab the latest pieces designed to perform all day, every day.

SHOP NEW ARRIVALS

UPMC Health Beat. Does Compression Clothing Help Circulation?

National Library of Medicine. Study on the Compression Effect of Clothing on the Physiological Response of the Athlete.

Sage Journals. Influence of compression sportswear on recovery and performance: A systematic review.