2XU Compression Review: Robin Hood Men in Tights
In this 2XU Compression review, you'll learn why 2XU compression isn't just good for recovery.
Sure, we know 2XU compression gear (and its ilk such as Lorna Jane) is worn around suburban shopping centres and chic holiday spots like Byron Bay and Biarritz as well as in the Qantas Club. (Pro tip: do not wear 2XU compression tights in the Qantas Club.)
But 2XU compression got more to offer than that, surely?
Happily, 2XUs use isn't confined to mums out on a casual shopping trip or ignorant dolts in the Qantas Club.
Yes, whilst I've been using 2XU compression gear for some years now for recovery, where they really add value is on long haul flights.
Why 2XU Compression is Awesome for Long Haul Flights
Most of us have experienced fluid in our legs after a long flight, whether obvious or not.
2XU (and other) compression garments provide a solution to this problem as well as promoting healthy bloody flow (possibly helping to prevent DVT).
I always take my [easyazon_link identifier=”B00591IC0A” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”velonomad2-20″ cart=”y” cloak=”y” localize=”y” popups=”y”]2XU mens elite compression tights[/easyazon_link] overseas, and wear them on the plane.
Mens Elite
However, I understand for some people these are not an optimal solution due to the fact they are a full pant and therefore a bit inconvenient to take off. I don't know about everyone else but I am forever just taking my pants off on planes. “Whoah, there goes that crazy pants-off-Tim again!” (I am surprised I am allowed on planes these days. Probably not as surprised as Grant Hackett, though.)
Fortunately, 2XU provide 3 very worthy alternatives: calf stirrups, compression socks and full leggings. It's hard for your heart to pump blood from your extremities. Compression on your feet and legs therefore makes a lot of sense.
Calf Stirrups
I'd suggest that the 2XU calf stirrups are intended for racing more so than general use, however, they are a worthy inclusion due to their compression capability.
I also dig the fact they're lightweight: so they breathe very well and should help prevent you overheating. I'd recommend wearing these with shorts for ultra comfort (this is what I do).
If you are cool being seen with 2XU calf compression on, and are happy to just roll them down if you're too hot, these are totally worth a look.
Calf Stirrups
Compression Socks
I am big fan of compression socks. They are great for riding/races and for flying. I wear compression socks in races now and have noticed a difference. (I personally use and recommend Swiftwick socks: my Swiftwick review is here.)
What's cool about these [easyazon_link keywords=”2XU compression socks” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” tag=”velonomad2-20″]2XU compression socks[/easyazon_link] is they are easy to get on and off if you're on the plane. Moreover, I find that compression socks usually provide more compression than lightweight compression leggings or pants so these might have a great compression effect.
Lastly, they look like normal socks so you don't look like a crazy person when you traverse the airports.
The downside is that they might be a bit warm to wear on the plane, which means you might take them off which kind of defeats the purpose of wearing them.
Compression Socks
Full Leggings
If you want to compress your whole leg but want to be able to pull the leggings off, then look no further than [easyazon_link keywords=”2XU leggings” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” tag=”velonomad2-20″]2XU leggings[/easyazon_link]. Whilst they look like they'd be right at home in Elizabethan England, these are a good compromise between full pants (Mens or Womens Elite) or calf stirrups and are easy to whip off when the flight's done, which is cool if you don't want to wear them around airports.
Full Leggings
2XU Compression for recovery
Obviously people have a deep interest in 2XU for recovery.
Mostly, people want to know whether they work. It's all very well to look like a more ninja version of one of Robin Hood's merry men in tights (sans bow, doffed cap and large sense of misadventure), but all that is pointless if they don't work.
I'm absolutely clueless if they work for recovery. What I do know about recovery is that key factors (that do determine your recovery) are: really good conditioning (training), proper nutrition, hydration and sleep.
So I'll leave it in your hands as to whether 2XU compression is efficacious in regard of recovery.
2XU Compression Review: Where to Get 2XU Compression Products
If you're doing Etape du Tour, or flying overseas, do yourself a favour and grab some 2XU compression.
Best 2XU deals for Australia
Summary
- Quality
- Range
- Value for money
- MAMIL factor
- Does it work
- Longevity
Summary
Does 2XU actually help recovery? Who the feck knows! Plenty say yes, and for me, it feels like it. But on the plane, these babies stop fluid making your ankles look like cankles like stone cold tourniquets.
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