Compression gear, an essential element for athletic performance

Difference Between Compression Gear and Classic Sportswear
Compression has become a key element in the world of sports. Whether on football fields, tennis courts or in gyms, more and more athletes are using compression sleeves, socks or pants. But how are these products actually different from traditional sportswear? And more importantly, what are their real benefits?

1. The principle of compression

Compression garments apply graduated pressure to the muscles, promoting blood circulation and venous return. This helps deliver more oxygen to the muscles and remove waste products—such as lactic acid—more quickly during exercise.
In contrast, regular sportswear has no direct physiological effect. It is designed for comfort, breathability or style, but does not actively contribute to muscular performance.

2. Benefits during exercise

During activity, compression helps reduce muscle vibrations caused by impacts or sudden movements. These micro-vibrations, often imperceptible, are a frequent cause of fatigue and micro-injuries.
Floky NO STRAIN arm sleeves or Incrediwear Arm Sleeves demonstrate this effect well: they stabilize the muscles in the arm and forearm, reduce fatigue and improve movement precision — a real advantage for racquet or throwing sports.
Floky S-MASH 2.0 socks or Knapman pants offer targeted support to the calf, Achilles tendon and foot, reducing injury risk and improving proprioception — the body's awareness of its position in space.
The Knapman compression shorts, as well as the long pants from the same line, stand out thanks to their premium quality and innovative fabric. With targeted and evenly distributed compression, they improve muscle support, reduce vibrations and promote better blood flow during activity. Comfortable, breathable and designed to follow natural body movements, they provide optimal support for both training and recovery. An ideal choice for athletes seeking performance and long-lasting comfort.

3. Benefits after exercise

One of the major advantages of compression gear is its role in recovery.
After training or competition, wearing compression sleeves or socks helps reduce muscle soreness, heavy legs and swelling related to physical effort.
Incrediwear products, for example, use active fabric technology that naturally stimulates blood circulation without strong mechanical compression. The result: accelerated recovery, ideal after intense workouts.
Knapman Ultra Recovery socks go even further with scientifically measured compression (up to 45%) to enhance drainage and significantly reduce post-training muscle fatigue.

4. Comfort and feeling

Some athletes worry that compression might restrict movement or feel uncomfortable. In reality, modern technologies offer ultra-elastic and breathable fabrics that adapt to the body without limiting movement.
Floky models, for example, are designed with differentiated compression zones: more support where it’s needed (such as around the elbow or calf) and more flexibility elsewhere.
Conversely, classic sportswear — shorts, T-shirts or standard socks — does not provide muscular support, stabilizing effects or recovery benefits.

5. Who is compression gear for?

Contrary to popular belief, compression is not just for professional athletes.
Amateur sports enthusiasts, weekend runners and even people who stand for long periods can benefit from its effects:

• Improved performance through better muscle oxygenation
  
  

• Reduced fatigue during and after exercise
  
  

• Injury prevention by stabilizing sensitive areas
  
  

• Faster recovery, essential for training consistently without pain