I live in th UK and am after some compression tights to aid recovery. Availaibility might be a problem here, but which brand are regarded as being the best ? or are they all much the same? Also, is it best to actually try them on for size or can you get a good fit by using the sizing charts and mail order?
Thanks.
I’m very partial to the DeSoto brand.
http://www.skins.net/home.aspx?m=2
There are stockist in the UK I recall. Aussie buddies swear by them
I didn’t think DeSoto made full-length compression gear. I thought their compression gear - “Power” stuff, right? - was just short. For full length stuff, I like CWX. But the 2XU stuff is supposed to be nice as are the Skins, mentioned below. Zoot also makes some stuff that looks nice, but I have no experience with it specifically (just Zoot clothing, which has always been nice). CWX takes some getting used to, but I certainly think it is better than just strict “compression.” My $0.02
the skins brand has a good reputation (I have the tights - and feel that they work well). I tried the 2xu - but they felt like normal clothing really - I did not get any compression feel at all (did try a couple of sizes on - and they were hard to get on!). I alos have a canturbury (NZ brand) top - which I find good also. You do have to make sure on the sizing - if in doubt - go smaller! they do stretch over time as well…
I really like the 2xu stuff, Very comfortable and well made. I have tried skins and canterbury aswell.
Of course i am biased but our compression is the closest to true medical compression on the market. The power of our compression and the longitivity due to it being a circular knit really is the best on the market. The way we find our fabric was actually a little lucky, as we know the limitation tricot knit fabrics have due to them losing their power over a short period of time. The individual a few comments back who feels ours dosn’t offer the support like skins does, please send me an email jamie@2xu.com i will organise a pair for you to try in training and recovery at no charge and please let the fellow athletes know what they are like. We recently in Australia did a money back guarantee in a national advertising campaign and didn’t get one pair back.
My wife and I use ASICS Biomorphic Compression stuff and have been for more than 2 years. It comes in tights, half-tights, long sleeve and short sleeve tops. I use it primarily as a base layer in the winter and for recovery (sleep in it or wear it after hard efforts). T-Racer loves running in it. I do to but I’m not a tights/half-tights type of guy. Granted, I was at ASICS when this was developed, but when compared to a lot of other ‘compression’ garments, you can see and feel the difference.
2XU … i start thinking about how good they will feel about mid way through my long hard workouts. the carrot at the end of the stick. i seem to have two addictions, both worth getting out of bed for every morning for - 1. endurox R4 fruit punch. 2. 2XU compression tights. (in no particular order, although i usually drink the r4, then put on my tights)
I have to agree. I have both Skins and 2XU tights. I don’t wear the Skins any more. The 2XUs just feel better, feel more supportive, seem to be made of more durable fabric, and haven’t lost their decals (unlike the Skins). I definitely recover faster from a tough work-out after wearing these.
Your website says that the compression shorts and tights are only available in the southern hemi. you guys going to share them with the rest of the world anytime soon? I’m in the states…
Our boys in the USA have them in stock, flick them an email chris@sportsmultiplied.com or go onto our dealer listings at www.2xu.com and see there details and they can help out where to buy them.
all the best
jamie
I tried the 2xu - but they felt like normal clothing really - I did not get any compression feel at all (did try a couple of sizes on - and they were hard to get on!).
Agree 100%. I got a set of the 2XU tights and top over the new year and it was extremely dissapointing. I can’t say there was any compression benefit whatsoever. As well, if 2XU is so similar to medical grade compression, I can only wonder why they consistently have chosen to not disclose the level of compression their garments offer. For instance, everyday I wear a pair of calf high/closed toe socks by Mediven that I know offer 20-30mm/HG of compression. If I wanted more compression, I could get some that are 30-40mm/HG, or even greater, or if I wanted less I could opt for 12-16mm/HG.
I think for the more educated consumer the garments aimed at the sporting industry won’t be taken seriously until the manufacturers are more precise and forthcoming about the true nature of their product. By that, I mean specifically tell me the exact level of compression I’m getting, and don’t tell me it’ll change based on what size I order, as that’s kind of a no-brainer there will be less if I order a size too big and more if I order a size too small.
Jamie, I don’t mean for this to be a blast on you, and rather hope you take it as an idea of what the more demanding customers are looking for. I truly wish I could get a full body suit that offered 20-30mm/HG of compression like my Mediven socks do.
For those looking for medical grade garments, I’ve found that www.healthylegs.com has pretty good pricing and availability.
Hi Sojourner,
i am very conscious when I write into Slowtwitch I don’t bombard the reader with infornation, however you make some good points.
I am running out the door, but tomorrow will reply in detail the benefits of compression socks(which we are now also making) and compression tights. We at the moment until your comments and the comments from Will, have had a 100% strike rate with customers who are impressed, I my self cannot believe the benefits, especially as I am now 20kg above race weight and the extra support it gives my calfs and quads when I run. But please what until tomorrow and I can give you more info.
jamie
p.s. our tights are 23mm/hg compared to our main competitor at 17mm/hg
well, it sounds like i’m an outlier. i do appreciate hearing a specific number, i.e., 23mm/HG. thank you for that. i’m not sure why my socks seemed to offer so much more compression than the tights i got from your company. i do think you should make it clear what the compression level is of your garments if you have that information; an educated consumer is more likely to be a satisfied one.
p.s. our tights are 23mm/hg compared to our main competitor at 17mm/hg
I have to ask then… what does 17 feel like and what does 23 feel like? How do measure this form of compression? Is it something that is in the fabric or is it related to the size of leg that it is being worn upon? Lastly what is too loose… and what is too tight?
I have a reference point of oxy socks if that helps and have been referred to get 20-30 support sock for flights.
Thanks for your response.
That’s a good question. I do wear compressions thigh highs to work since I walk around all day. I have the super duper 20-30mmhg medical grade ones. And anti embolism ones. (Perk of working in a hospital.) I have to really sit down and tug them on. But they do wonders after 13 hours on your feet. I’ve never done tights but the thought has crossed my mind. I tried a pair on once, but compared to my work thigh highs, it was so minimal.
I’ve heard these are not the best thing for diabetics to use, given their circulatory probs. Anyone care to comment?
(…I’m diabetic)
As a nurse, I would think that statement is completely false. One, because the point of them is that it increases circulation within the leg. And, as you know diabetics have poor circulation in feet and legs. That is why post-op people get T.E.D. hose if they will be immpbile for awhile. And two, because they actually sell compression sock/hose for diabetic people. But, as always, consult your doc.
within the legs, yes, but ‘into’ the legs? I just remember hearing there was some issue with blood flow into the legs. This was a specific comment on the compression tights used for recovery from exercise.