<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nAs one of the largest sporting brands on the planet, Adidas needs no introduction. It was founded in 1949 in Germany, where it still has its world headquarters.<\/p>\n
It is the second largest sportswear company in the world, after Nike. Adidas have gone boots in to the compression garment market, establishing themselves as a market leader.<\/p>\n
Types of Compression Shorts<\/span><\/h2>\n\n- Medical-grade compression Shorts:<\/span> Medical grade compression shorts are different from conventional brands in that they provide you with graduated compression. This means that the level of compression changes throughout the garment. Medical grade compression shorts are designed to help alleviate specific medical conditions.<\/li>\n
- High Grade Compression Shorts: <\/span>High grade compression shorts are those that have the highest grade of compression. Compression levels of 20 mmHG or above are considered to be high grade. The higher the compression, the tighter the fit will be and the greater the benefits in terms of increased blood circulation. However, some people may find such compression shorts uncomfortably tight.<\/li>\n
- Mid-grade compression:<\/span> Mid grade compression shorts are those that have a medium grade of compression. Compression levels of between 10 and 20mm HG are considered to be mid grade.<\/li>\n
- Padded Compression Shorts:<\/span> Padded compression shorts are conventional compression pants that have added padding in strategic areas. The most common areas to be reinforced are the tailbone, the hips and the thighs.<\/li>\n
- Support Shorts:<\/span> Support shorts are compression garments that are specifically designed to help alleviate excessive hip abduction and low muscle tone.<\/li>\n
- Underwear Compression Shorts:<\/strong> Compression underwear is intended to be worn underneath a pair of loose fitting shorts. They fit snugly and are usually made of spandex. You should also expect your undergarments to possess moisture wicking properties. Compression undergarments will eliminate the need for jockstraps. In fact, jockstraps have become increasingly uncommon in favor of compression underwear. Many brands of compression underwear feature a sewn in pocket that is able to take a protective cup. Compression short undergarments are also commonly worn by women who wear skirts during sports performance.<\/li>\n
- Outerwear Compression Shorts:<\/strong> Compression outerwear is designed to be worn as a stand alone garment, with nothing on top of them. As a result, they are more stylishly designed than underwear. They will also be thicker and feature stronger seams. Outerwear compression shorts come on various lengths from mid thigh all the way down to the knee.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What to look for in a Compression Short?<\/span><\/h2>\nMaterial:<\/span><\/h3>\n\n- Polyester:<\/strong> While not the most durable of materials for compression shorts, polyester is a good choice if you are going to be training outdoors. It is water resistant and it is more resistant to UV radiation than any other material that is used for compression short construction. With this material you do not have to worry about the material fading in the sun or the fibers breaking down.<\/li>\n
- Nylon:<\/strong> Nylon is quite a common material in compression short construction. It usually has a blend ratio of 2 to 1 with lycra, with which it is usually paired. After neoprene, nylon is the most durable fiber used in compression short construction. It is also the most water resistant natural fiber that you will come across. And, because it is a smooth fiber, nylon will not cause irritation to those who have a skin condition.<\/li>\n
- Lycra:<\/strong> Lycra is also known as spandex. You will find it, to a lesser or greater degree, in virtually every pair of compression shorts on the market. The greater the lycra content, the better. Its great benefit is that it provides a great deal of flexibility while still retaining its shape. It is, therefore, the spandex which allows for the form hugging fit of compression shorts. It allows them to perform without any restriction of movement.<\/li>\n
- Neoprene:<\/strong> Of all of the materials in this list, neoprene is the least breathable. Neoprene is resistant to water and sunlight so wil nor deteriorate from extended outdoor use. It is also thermal and heat resistant. While being thick it is also lightweight, which makes it a popular choice for protective sports gear. Neoprene is technically a rubber, and is far more durable than most other compression short construction materials. It is not as breathable as other materials, however.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n