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Athlete in mint green compression shirt and blue compression pants in a squat position in front of a white background.

Compression Wear

Ask a pro

Key questions and answers about the new Bauerfeind Sports Compression Wear

More than compression, but how?

With the new Compression Wear, Bauerfeind Sports is striking out in a new direction. For the first time in our history, we are offering comprehensive sports clothing with our Sports Wear Compression Shirts and Tights. So we can explain to you what compression clothing is in general and what makes our Bauerfeind Sports Compression Wear special, we’ve asked those who should know best: our Sports Wear pros. In the following article, you’ll find all the answers from A for athlete to Z for Zumba.

General questions about Compression Wear:

Defined upper arm of a man wearing a long-sleeved blue compression top

1. What exactly is compression wear? 

The term ‘Compression Wear’ basically refers to special clothing, such as a compression shirt or compression tights, with a tight fit so it can exert pressure on certain parts of the body. 

2. Is there a difference between medical compression and sports compression? 

Yes! Both types of compression do have a positive effect on circulation and muscle support, but they differ in the type of pressure and design, based on their specific use. Sports clothing with compression is adapted to the different requirements and situations. It is also used to improve performance rather than to treat medical conditions. The material and the fit also differ significantly.

3. What are the benefits of Compression Wear? 

During exercise, compression wear can be used to exploit various benefits. This includes improved performance, better and faster recovery, as well as the potential prevention of injuries.  

4. How long can I wear such sports clothing with compression? 

Every product is different so we cannot make an all-encompassing statement. In general, the following applies: sports compression wear has been specifically designed for physical activity. You can therefore definitely use it during and after training. 

5. Is there anyone who should not wear compression clothing? 

Yes! Patients suffering from certain conditions, such as arterial disorders, heart problems, allergies, and skin conditions should not wear compression clothing. If you’re not sure, ask your physician.

A man in sportswear does a knee lift in front of an orange background
Athlete in mint green compression top and dark blue compression trousers stretches her arm upwards while holding a dumbbell in her hand

6. During which types of sport can I use Compression Wear?  

In general, you can wear sports compression clothing during all types of exercise. This may include, for example, running, cycling, winter sports, and ball sports. You can also use them for action-packed exercise classes like Zumba, or even yoga. Compression Wear is also often used during strength training, such as CrossFit, weight lifting, and calisthenics. 

7. Does compression wear restrict movement? 

That will depend on the person wearing it. Compression Wear gives a lot of athletes a pleasant and powerful feeling. At first, however, wearing compression clothing, be it shirt or tights, might feel a little unusual. Even before donning of the product, you will notice how “small” compression wear looks. Even donning of the product may feel strange. But Compression Wear has been designed to fulfill a specific function. That’s why this “tightness” created by the pressure being exerted is necessary. But soon you’ll feel the power that makes Sports Compression Wear so popular.

Questions about Bauerfeind Sports Compression Wear

Upper body of a woman wearing a light green sports top

1. What sets Bauerfeind Sports Compression Wear apart? 

We can look back on more than 90 years of history in the specialist field of compression. Therefore, we have in-depth expertise in the subject. In short, we know what we’re doing and why. That’s why we can proudly claim the following: we don’t just call this product Bauerfeind Sports Compression Wear: it actually features targeted and deliberately chosen compression. This applies both to our compression shirt and our compression tights. 

Why does this clothing cost so much? 

Our Bauerfeind Sports Compression Wear is made in a special circular knit process with tested compression. Production takes place exclusively in Europe and we source our raw materials only from Europe. This creates short journeys and supports local retailers and companies. In addition, we use high-quality manufacturing processes and materials. Essentially, we believe the following: a premium product has its price and that is all we want to offer.

3. Why do the items look so small? 

The compression in our Sports Compression Wear must have a targeted effect. We therefore use highly elastic materials that contract when not worn so they can exert compression when they are being worn. Function is paramount.  

4. Do you wear these products on top or underneath? 

Our Compression Wear is a classic base layer. It’s a separate, functional item of clothing. Maximum function is exerted if you wear our sports clothing directly on the skin. But you can also use it differently, of course, depending on the situation. You can easily put on loose shorts over the compression tights or a relaxed top over our compression shirt. If it feels good, you can also use our Compression Wear as a mid layer.

A muscular man wears a tight-fitting, blue compression top
Woman with red curls and mint green sports top stretches slightly

5. Does Bauerfeind Compression Wear keep you warm? 

Our Bauerfeind Sports Compression Wear is a training tool for use during physical activities. A warming function wouldn’t be appropriate because you would sweat too much otherwise. Our compression shirts and compression tights are made with the functional materials polyamide and elastane. They regulate your body temperature and wick away moisture. 

6. Can I combine Bauerfeind Sports products with your Compression Wear? 

That depends on the following: if both products are in contact with the skin, that’s fine, but not if both products are worn on top of each other. In other words: compression on compression does not work. You can, for example, combine our Run Ultralight Compression Socks with the Sports Compression Tights Short. But you should avoid combining them with our Sports Compression Tights Long. The same applies to our compression shirt.

7. How do I wash these items, and can I use softener? 

To answer this question, our products always feature a care label. In short, this basic rule applies to our compression tights and compression shirts: 40 degrees + gentle wash cycle without softener + no tumble-drying or ironing = ideal care. 

8. When should I use the short and when the long version of the product? 

If you want the whole compression effect, i.e. targeted and effective stimulation for the calves or forearms, you should use our Compression Wear Long products. If the air temperature is particularly high or you prefer to feel more free, you can use the short version.

A man with braids does a knee lift in front of an orange background
Woman in mint green compression top and dark blue compression trousers looks at the floor and has her hands on her hips

9. Do I have to bear something in mind when I’m getting dressed with Compression Wear? 

Yes, that’s why we provide very specific instructions for donning our Compression Wear. When it comes to our compression products, we prefer to say donning of the product, rather than getting dressed. You get dressed in ordinary everyday clothing. Our sports compression wear is a high-performance training tool that you don’t just slip into but you don it, almost like armor. 

 10. What’s the difference between Sports Compression Wear and running tights or a functional shirt? 

As opposed to simple running tights, our compression tights feature specifically measured and tested compression. In addition, the therapeutic gradient reduces from the outer extremities toward the core. The same is true for a functional shirt. Thanks to Climate Zone Technology, the wearing sensation of our compression shirt is very similar to a classic functional shirt. But you’ll also get the benefits of our 3D Power Dots and targeted compression.

Summary about Compression Wear


Bauerfeind Sports Compression Wear is a new, exciting product. It isn’t designed for a specific sport or area of application but to boost your potential and to support your performance no matter what activity you do. That’s why our compression wear is so much more than just running tights or a functional shirt. It’s a training tool that has been designed to raise your performance to a new level.

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