What are the best compression leggings for plus size?

Plus Size Compression Leggings: Get the Support You Need

Thinking about purchasing a pair of compression leggings? No matter what your reasoning behind purchasing these comfortable, beneficial garments, wearing compression leggings will serve several health needs. No matter what your size or fitness level, compression leggings can go a long way in helping you to stay healthy and fit. 

Benefits Of Plus Size Compression Stockings 

Check out some of the benefits of plus size compression stockings: 

  • One of the reasons many people develop muscle soreness after workouts is due to the buildup of lactic acid. Plus size compression leggings keep blood flowing through the muscles, preventing the buildup of lactic acid. While this is beneficial in reducing soreness after a workout, this can also go a long way when it comes to improving performance during a workout. The chemical processes that create muscle fatigue are slowed by extra wide calf compression socks, making it easier to work out harder for longer. 
  • Womens plus size socks with compression can help to protect your body against strains. If you've ever had an ankle strain or sprain, you know how debilitating this type of injury can be. When you wear plus size compression leggings, your legs are getting the support that they need, just like if they were wrapped in a sports support brace. This means that as your body twists and turns, you're given strong support to let your muscles and tendons work hard without becoming injured. 
  • Many athletes who wear compression leggings report improved levels of perceived exertion. This means that the body is able to work harder than it realizes, allowing you to work out at a higher level for a longer period of time. This can be especially helpful if you're training for an event (like a half marathon or marathon) or if you're on a weight loss journey and are working to get in some extra cardio. 
  • Increased power both during and after a workout are another benefit of wearing compression garments. Research shows that athletes who wear compression garments during their workouts are able to jump higher after their workout than if they had worked out without compression garments. If you're looking to get back in the game fast, or you simply want to reduce the amount of time that it takes you to recover between workouts, compression garments can be a great way to decrease your recovery time. In addition to increasing power after a workout, studies have shown that wearing compression stockings also promotes strength maintenance. If you're looking to get stronger, wearing compression garments during your lifting workouts can help your body maintain and gain strength over time. 
  • Many people enjoy wearing plus size compression stockings both when working out and in day to day life for a simple reason: they're comfortable. The pressure that the compression garment puts on the lower body can relieve aches and pains. When worn under work clothes, compression leggings can make uncomfortable business attire feel silky smooth. While the benefits of compression stockings are myriad, there's nothing wrong with wearing compression stockings simply because they make your daily life more comfortable. 

Now that we've covered some of the health and fitness benefits of wearing compression stockings, let's take a look at what to look for when you're choosing your compression garments. Like most things in the health world, there are varying degrees of quality when it comes to compression garments, and you'll want to make sure that you're a discerning consumer. 

 

Choosing Your Plus Size Compression Leggings

When it comes to choosing the level of compression you need, you may want to talk with your healthcare provider to see what the suggest. If you're wearing compression stockings for your own comfort level, you can decide which level makes the most sense for you. If you're wearing compression stockings to address a specific health condition, it may make more sense to talk with your doctor about the level of compression that will be most effective to address your concerns. 

There are five different levels of compression available in compression garments: mild, medium, firm, extra-firm, and medical. Each of these levels of compression are specific to certain needs. The measurement mmHg is used to measure the amount of pressure that the stockings or other compression garments provide. The higher the mmHg, the more compression the garment provides. 

Use this information to help you decide what level of compression may be a good fit for your needs: 

  • Mild (8-15 mmHg) - If you've purchased compression garments from a store in the past, it's likely that you purchased mild compression. This common type of compression garment is effective in relieving muscle soreness and supporting your body throughout normal workouts and daily activities. This level of mild support can help to relieve and prevent varicose veins and spider veins. 
  • Medium (15-20 mmHg) - This level of compression is stronger, and used to provide support for people who may experience circulatory issues from traveling or sitting for long periods of time. This level of compression can also be effective when it comes to relieving serious soreness due to injury or a surgical procedure. 
  • Firm (20-30 mmHg) - A firm level of compression is usually used in a post surgical setting. This level of compression can help patients who may experience a buildup of lymphatic fluid, and need pressure on the affected area to encourage blood and other fluids to continue moving. This level of compression is not appropriate for sore muscles or joint support. 
  • Extra-Firm (30-40 mmHg) - This level of compression is often used for patients who are overweight or obese and/ or are experiencing severe post surgical symptoms. Compression at this level can be used to support hypertension treatment, relieve edema, and promote the movement of fluids after surgery. 
  • Medical (40-50 mmHg) - A compression garment at this level can only be bought with a prescription. This level of compression is used for serious post surgical issues and is typically only used under close medical supervision. 

If you're thinking about trying compression leggings or plus size compression socks to see if the can help you with post exercise soreness, injury relief, or other issues, know that it can take a little bit of time to get used to wearing compression garments. You'll likely begin to feel relief as soon as a few hours after you put the garments on. As always, if you have any questions about your garments, or are unsure if compression garments are appropriate for your medical conditions, be sure to reach out to your doctor.