A properly fitting compression garment is key to achieving a slimming effect.
New trends promising amazing weight-loss results seem to pop up every day. Compression clothing is one of those fads, and unlike some dubious tricks, it may make a noticeable difference. A compression garment can help bring back the waistline of your youth or provide muscle support for workout training. Results vary and are based on the style of compression clothes you wear in the short- or long-term.
Waist
A waist-cinching compression belt can be short and similar to a wide belt, or one piece with straps that fit over your shoulders. Both will tighten your waistline and give a smoother, flat appearance while displacing fluid and fat to other areas. There is flexibility in the fabric, and you can adjust it to your body by wearing different sizes. Different styles can slip on, zip up or have hook-and-eye closures. The amount of compression varies depending on the garment's purpose, such as medical, which demands the strongest compression, or fashion, which allows a lighter weight.
Limbs
Legs
A body stocking or legging garment provides strategic shaping to legs and buttocks. It is often used to create a slimmer appearance under clothing.
Compression tights are used to improve circulation and reduce swelling for medical purposes.
Shorts
Athletic shorts improve circulation while providing muscle support during exercise. They are commonly used in running and bicycling.
Long Waist to Ankle
Firm-control shapewear has zoned compression that flattens the tummy. Some have specially designed rear pockets that lift and separate your cheeks. High-waist garments eliminate bulges for a smooth look under clothes.
Thighs
A thigh-length shaper can boost circulation or, if a lighter weight, aid in slimming. A double hook-and-eye front closure on the thighs makes sizing easier.
Calf
An effective compression sleeve treats shin splints and calf pulls and is light enough for workouts. Supporting the muscles in the shin area reduces the risk of shin splints, helps increase circulation and gets oxygen to the muscles faster. Functional sport socks increase athletic performance.
Arm
A sleeve of muscle support can be used for healing and workouts.
Torso
A medical-compression torso garment provides skin support after medical procedures such as breast lifts, liposuction, tummy tucks and childbirth. Skin is trained to heal to the muscle more effectively. It also improves circulation for healing.
A lightweight compression garment is designed for form-shaping under clothing. It provides contour to the waist and uplift of the rear. A compression body girdle provides stronger compression for form, shape and muscle support after surgery or childbirth. It improves circulation and tones the body with a flattening effect in some heavily compressed areas.
One-piece torso compression clothes are often worn for triathlon and other athletic wear. Bodysuits designed for exercise add a pressure flow that provides an increase in circulation, which in turn may increase performance. Graduated compression strengths in different areas of the garment help endurance by reducing muscle vibration. Fabric-cooling capabilities and a precise fit make it a good choice for athletes. Breast uplift and back support make it ideal running wear.
Results
The firm compression produced by torso and thigh garments noticeably reduces your shape. Some fabrics absorb and convert heat from the body to cool you. Weight loss is enhanced through perspiration, though the effects are temporary until rehydration. Athletic shapers may accelerate long-term weight loss through high compression, perspiration, micro-massage and improved athletic performance.
Shapers made of lightweight materials provide an immediate body-slimming effect. Compression promotes postpartum recovery with increased blood flow and helps skin adhere to a new body shape after plastic surgery.
Tightly fitted compression clothing adds a firmer look to the targeted area while improving muscle support. It gives an illusion of weight loss when used occasionally, while long-lasting effects will occur from continual use of corset-cinching styles worn long-term for several hours a day. Weight reduction may be improved by your inability to eat large portions due to the movement restriction that tight compression over extended periods provides. Tight fits may be uncomfortable or excessive for health reasons, and may create bulges at the edges instead of smoothing.
