Best Compression Clothing: BRANDS
Do you want to keep your muscles secure and improve circulation? Maybe you play a sport and want a performance boost. Compression wear – compression shirts, tops, shorts, socks, sleeves etc.- is clearly what you need. But what is the BEST compression clothing brand in 2017? More and more people are noticing the benefits that compression wear provides. Clothing brands want a piece of the pie and are therefore focusing their efforts on trying to become one of the major compression brands.
With of all these brands, it can be hard to know which one to trust. You really want to reap the benefits of compression wear, but you maybe don’t know where to start. This is exactly why we have put together this useful resource that will guide you on your journey to finding the correct brand for you.. Enjoy!
Compression Brand Comparison
| BRAND | CLOTHING OPTIONS | ABOUT | OUR RATING | AVAILABLE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  Under Armour |
Tops Shorts Socks Bottoms Sleeves |
Worn by professionals. Been at the top since 1996. |
 |
 |
  CW-X |
Tops Bottoms Shorts Sleeves Socks |
Patented technology and expert engineering. |  |
|
  2XU |
Tops Shorts Socks Bottoms Sleeves |
Unique designs and innovation. | |
|
Ultimate Compression Brand Guide
2XU
2XU is a sporting apparel brand that was born in 2005 out of Melbourne, Australia. The brand name 2XU is a clever play on words that directly translates to “two times you”; this brand name symbolizes the multiplication of the wearer’s performance. 2XU is worn by many top athletes and has the backing of quite a few high authority organizations, such as the ‘Australian Paralympics Committee’.
2XU implements high-quality materials into their compression gear, such as PWX fabric. This PWX (power, weight, flex) fabric provides excellent benefits to those that wear it, even after training. The PWX POWER fabric increases power. The PWX FLEX fabric provides excellent flexibility and movement. The PXW WEIGHT fabric provides increased compression. 2XU utilize these 3 materials at different points in their compress gear, leaving you with a specifically engineered product.
Due to this multiple use of fabric and the use of clever designs, 2XU are definitely one of the best brand of compression stockings and tights. For example, their ‘Elite Tight’ offers PXW WEIGHT in the rear panel, this gives added hamstring and calf support.
Implemented throughout their whole compression range is ‘graduated compression’, this means that the gear is tighter in specific areas so that your blood flows back to your heart easily. Some of the 2XU gear has a special thermal element; this ensures that in cold conditions the wearer’s body heat is regulated.
Pros
- High quality PXW fabric
- Always innovating
- Graduated compression fit
- Huge range color choice
- UPF50+ sun protection
Cons
- Not cheap
- Designs are quite ‘in-your-face’
CW-X
CW-X is a brand that claims to be the “world’s first truly anatomically engineered high-performance sports apparel”. Since the inception of the brand in 1991, they have been non-stop innovating and now hold more than 51 patents. CW-X combines aesthetically pleasing design with great knowledge of the human anatomy.
CW-X products are high quality and are known to last for years without losing any of their compression. CW-X products are very unique designs and feature reflective patterns to help keep you safe on the roads. The brand also has a patented ‘support web’ element that provides targeted support for extra stability and safety. ‘Coolmax’ fabric is another patent held by CW-X, this clever technology wicks moisture away from the skin.
Pros
- Innovative designs
- Quality that lasts
- Flat seam
- Reflective pattern
Cons
- Expensive
Under Armour
Under Armour is a brand worn by tennis superstar, Andy Murray. One of the most well-known compression brands on the market and one that has been in the game since 1996. As the name suggests, Under Armour is a brand that provides athletes with compression wear that provides support during ‘battle’.
Under Armour is a brand that focuses on innovation and high-quality materials; a brand you can trust. The best compression brand when it comes to product diversity. Under Armour have been going over 20 years, yet they are expanding more and more; really pushing with the recent compression wear boom. We expect the same from Under Armour in 2017.
Pros
- Affordable
- Big range – even do trainers
- Diverse range
- Suitable for people of all sporting levels
What Features Should You Look at?
There are plenty of brands of compression wear to choose from out there. While only you know exactly what you’re looking for, there are a few key features to pay attention to.
Cost
You don’t want to break the bank on compression shorts if you don’t have to. Depending on your needs, it’s possible to find a quality product that doesn’t cost too much money.
Compression tightness and size
The functionality of compression wear is derived from its ability to constrict muscles. That said, you don’t want to go overboard and restrict your range of motion. Finding the right fit is really important, especially if you’re intent upon using compression wear to improve your athletic performance.
Material
Another part of the rational for wearing compression gear is that it increases comfort during workouts. With this in mind, remember to pay attention to the quality of the material your apparel are made from. Does it chafe your skin? Does it itch? You’re going to spend countless hours sweating in this gear, so you’d better pick a comfortable one.
The maintenance
Compression garments are first and foremost workout gear. That means they’re going to get sweaty and need to be washed often. Luckily, machine washing on cold is fine. Once the wash cycle is complete, air dry your compression wear, rather than putting them in the dryer. Doing so will help them retain their elasticity and fit longer.
Verdict
What you’re looking for in compression clothing depends mostly on how serious of an athlete you are. Unless you’re a professional athlete, there isn’t much reason to spend a ton of money on compression garment. Just make sure that whatever you wear is comfortable and supportive.
Any of the brands in this review meet those criteria, but if I had to pick one, I’d go with the Under Armour. It’s affordable, reliable, and made by a reputable company. Then again, I’m more of casual gym-goer than a serious athlete. If you’re a high-level athlete, it might make sense to go with one of the more expensive brands. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time in them.