If you thought compression wearables were limited to butt-lifting leggings and recovery boots that are more function than fashion, think again. These days, the compression industry extends to socks useful for travel, a full-body lymphatic drainage catsuit (yes, really), and even de-bloat underwear that no one has to know you've got under your clothes.
This, in part, is thanks to Lauren Dovey's brands Heat Healer and CEAN (pronounced "seen") that were founded to fill a major gap in the market. "Compression-wear is finally evolving because wellness has evolved. It's no longer just about what you eat or take. It's about how you live, how you move, and, yes, what you wear and put on your skin every day," Dovey tells Popsugar. "But the category was stuck. Everything was either clinical but ugly, or cute but totally ineffective." Working side-by-side with manufacturers in the US, Dovey developed medical-grade, graduated compression that could be woven into garments crafted from over 70 percent plant-based yarn. It sounds like a tall order, but the designs she's brought to the market actually benefit the body's lymphatic, circulatory, and digestive systems — and I've tried many of them, so I can attest to their positive results.
Of course, Dovey's products are not the only compression gear our editors have tried and loved, so whether you're just interested in filling up your workout apparel drawer (aka you've got a thirst for leggings!) or you're curious to dip your toe into new territory that could help you see major health benefits, I've outlined some of the best products on the market. As an athlete and shopping director, I promise I wouldn't steer you in the wrong direction.
Lauren Dovey is an entrepreneur and the founder of Heat Healer and CEAN.
CRZ Yoga Hugged Feeling Compression Leggings ($30)
Designed for training and offered in a handful of shades, these leggings are described as "100 percent squat proof" by the brand. They provide a "hugged" feeling and have a high, 25-inch waistband with a hidden pocket. The fabric is sleek and cool to the touch. Read our full CRZ Yoga Athletic Compression Leggings review for more.
Editor Quote: "As soon as I slipped them on, I had a feeling they were going to be a new favorite of mine. Made of 66 percent polyamide (aka nylon) and 34 percent lycra, they deliver high support without feeling too tight on the skin. And gosh, do they make your butt look good.
What's more, these leggings feature a top-secret concealed waistband pocket that you probably wouldn't even realize was there unless you studied every detail before you added them to your cart. (I didn't.) I was able to fit my ID, credit card, and house key inside with room to spare, and the thick fabric made it so that I didn't feel them pressing against me while I was getting my miles in." — Marisa Petrarca, former contributing shopping editor
These de-bloat underwear briefs seemed almost too good to be true to me — until I tried them. Available in nude, black, and white, they're made from micro modal, nylon, and elastane that's 70 percent plant-based. The clinical-grade compression panties are stitched with 3D pressure patterns and a calming micro-massage effect to help guide digestive flow and lymphatic drainage in the lower abdomen.
"CEAN is a play on the worn seen," Dovey explains. "It's about women feeling supported and comfortable in their bodies . . . I created the De-Bloat Brief because I genuinely needed it. I deal with digestive issues and hormonal bloating regularly and I wanted something that worked with my body, not against it." Dovey describes it as a "wearable lymphatic massage for your core" that reduces fluid buildup — and her shoppers have already solidified it as a bestseller since launch. "People say they feel more relaxed, lighter, and 'held' the moment they put it on," she says.
Editor Quote: "When I say the De-Bloat Brief surprised me, I mean that in the best possible way. While it's thicker in fabric, so it may not work as well under a tight-fitting outfit, I don't reach for it as shapewear per se, but more so when I want to manage bloating during period days or after a big meal. I also appreciate the 100 percent cotton gusset and all-over breathable material. I don't feel overly sucked in when I'm wearing it." — Sarah Wasilak, shopping director
Bombas Everyday Compression Sock 3-Pack (15-20mmHg) ($90)
Designed for versatility, these compression socks can be used as recovery for athletes or for travel. They feature a seamless toe for comfort, strategic zone cushioning, arch support, and stay-up technology so you don't have to worry about them shifting during all-day wear. They also come in plenty of color options, from neutrals to all-white and all-black. The best perk of shopping Bombas? For every pair purchased, a pair is donated to someone in need.
Editor Quote: "Being an athlete, I've tried countless compression socks, and Bombas will always be my go-to. I personally love that I can wear them all day or on the plane without feeling restricted. I have Raynaud's syndrome, so I'm always cognizant of minimizing blood flow to my peripherals, and I never have an issue with these socks. I also love how high they come up — being that I'm currently struggling with tendinitis in both knees, I actually find that the compression helps to squeeze and break up the pain in the area." — Sarah Wasilak, shopping director
Splits59 Raquel High Waist Supplex Flare Leg pants ($118)