You’ve seen them in every gym: tight black leggings, neon sleeves and even knee-length socks.
Compression gear is everywhere, worn by weekend joggers, elite athletes and influencers striking poses mid-squat.
But do compression garments actually improve your performance, or is the benefit mostly in your head?
Let’s dive into the history, the science and whether they are worth your money.
Compression garments didn’t start in sport. They were originally used in medical settings to improve blood flow in patients recovering from surgery or with circulation issues such as varicose veins.
Doctors found tight garments that applied gentle pressure to limbs could help move blood and reduce swelling.
But in the late 1990s and early 2000s, athletes, scientists and sports brands began experimenting with compression wear in training and competition.
Companies such as SKINS, 2XU, and Under Armour entered the scene with bold promises: improved performance, reduced fatigue and faster recovery.
Then, by the 2010s, compression wear wasn’t just for athletes – it had become a fashion statement.
Social media helped drive the trend: influencers wore these items in gym selfies, TikTokers praised the sleek, sculpted look. And with the rise of athleisure, compression garments became everyday apparel, blending fitness with fashion.
What are these garments supposed to do?
Compression gear is designed to fit tightly against the skin and apply gentle, consistent pressure to muscles. The big claims made by manufacturers include:
- improved blood flow, helping oxygen get to muscles faster
- reduced muscle vibration, potentially lowering fatigue and soreness
- reduced muscle soreness through improvements in circulation and reduced inflammation
- quicker recovery by boosting blood flow and reducing muscle stiffness
- enhanced performance, including running faster, lifting heavier and improved endurance.
You’ll hear gym-goers say they feel “more supported” or “less sore” after using compression gear.
Some even report improved posture or a mental boost – like stepping into a superhero suit.
And when it comes to actual performance, a comprehensive 2025 review of 51 studies concluded compression garments do not enhance race time or endurance performance in runners. And while they may reduce soft tissue vibration (which might feel more comfortable), they offered no meaningful edge in speed, stamina or oxygen use.
Here are some situations when compression garments can be genuinely useful:
- helping reduce muscle soreness and support quicker recovery after exercise
- preventing swelling during long flights, especially for athletes travelling to competitions, and
- improving circulation for people with medical conditions such as poor blood flow in the legs (chronic venous insufficiency) or long-term swelling (lymphedema), especially when recommended by a health-care provider.
But don’t count on them to:
- improve your times: there’s no strong evidence they boost speed or endurance
- make you stronger: while some research has noted improvements in strength and power, this won’t necessarily have a noticeable effect on your athletic performance
- replace training or good sleep: recovery still depends on the basics – rest, hydration and nutrition.