To properly wear compression shorts, the key is to have the fabric directly against your skin. This means you should wear them without any underwear beneath.
Why Wear Compression Shorts Directly on Skin?
The primary benefit of compression garments, including shorts, comes from the pressure they apply to the underlying tissues. According to guidance on wearing compression garments, they "need to be on skin". This is crucial because it ensures the pressure is applied effectively.
Benefits of Direct Skin Contact:
- Effective Pressure Application: Wearing them without underwear allows the compression fabric to directly contact your muscles and tissues, providing the intended therapeutic pressure.
- Uninterrupted Compression: Underwear can create a layer that disrupts the consistent pressure distribution of the compression shorts. By "going commando" and not wearing underwear, the pressure is applied directly to the skin's underlying tissues and not disrupted by other material.
- Enhanced Circulation & Support: Direct contact helps maximize the garment's ability to support muscles, potentially improve blood flow, and reduce muscle vibration during activity.
Wearing Compression Shorts: Step-by-Step
Wearing compression shorts is simple, but ensuring proper fit and skin contact is essential for performance and comfort.
- Start Clean: Begin with clean, dry skin.
- Skip the Underwear: As recommended for effective compression, wear the shorts directly on your skin without any underwear.
- Pull On: Step into the shorts and pull them up carefully.
- Adjust for Fit: Ensure the waistband sits comfortably at your waist and the legs are pulled down evenly without bunching. The fabric should feel snug and smooth against your skin.
- Check Comfort: While they should feel tight, they should not cause pain, numbness, or restrict movement significantly. If they feel uncomfortable or too restrictive, you might have the wrong size.
Practical Considerations
- Hygiene: Since you're wearing them directly on the skin, especially during activities that cause sweating, proper hygiene is important. Wash the shorts after each use.
- Chafing: Compression shorts are designed to reduce chafing by providing a smooth layer against the skin and between the thighs. Wearing them correctly without underwear helps achieve this.
By following the principle of wearing compression shorts directly on the skin, you maximize the garment's ability to provide support, enhance performance, and aid recovery as intended.
