Compression garments for enhanced performance

16 pages, published in Issue 23, 4th quarter 2007   Report price: Euro 600.00; US$ 785.00

Compression garments are ?skin tight? items of clothing which provide mild compression on the body?s muscles in order to increase the flow of blood to and from specific muscle groups. Increased blood flow is claimed to improve performance, reduce the risk of injury, and accelerate muscle recovery during and after exercise.

Traditionally, compression garments have been used in the medical field to prevent and treat burns, low blood pressure, muscle strains and sprains. They are also worn on long haul flights to prevent deep vein thrombosis.

Today?s compression garments, in addition to providing compression on specific groups of muscles, also provide other features such as antimicrobial protection, antistatic properties, breathability, enhanced fabric durability, moisture management, stain release technology, temperature regulation, and protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The designs of compression garments vary in complexity, according to the manufacturer. Almost all compression garments are manufactured from fine denier yarns produced from blends of polyester and elastane. A relatively large proportion of elastane is used to achieve maximum compression. High quality yarns are used so that the garments do not stretch out of shape after repeated wear and laundering.

The fit of most compression garments is based on conventional sizes?small, medium and large. However, the selection of some garments is based on the body mass index (BMI) to achieve optimum compression. In addition, some manufacturers incorporate special panels in their garments to provide targeted compression on specific groups of muscles.

Key manufacturers of compression garments include two Australia-based companies, Skins and Body Science, as well as the brand companies Adidas, Asics, Nike, Under Armour and 2XU. All of these businesses have invested large sums of money in promoting and advertising their brands of compression clothing. Also, although the use of compression clothing in sports activities is relatively new, many famous professional players and athletes already wear compression clothing on a regular basis.

Compression garments for enhanced performance

• Summary
• Introduction
• What are compression garments?
• Common physiological problems and how compression garments can help to prevent them
• Key features of compression garments
• Key manufacturers of compression garments and their products
• Outlook for the for the compression garment market
• Appendix: how muscle cells function using aerobic and anaerobic respiration

Buy this Report now	Buy this Issue (23) now	Subscribe

Four times a year, Performance Apparel Markets provides an overview of the sector for performance apparel and corporatewear. It provides market data and analysis of new and established markets for performance fibres, fabrics and clothing, and is essential reading for executives who are working in (or supplying) this fast growing sector. It is also an invaluable one-stop-shop where people who are not involved in the industry on a day-to-day basis can find an authoritative source of relevant information which helps them to quickly gain an understanding of the key issues facing the companies in this sector.
Reports in Performance Apparel Markets include:
	reports on major developments in the global performance apparel market, focusing on new products and technologies, innovative fibres and key players;
	detailed, independently-researched reports on one of the following topics: antimicrobial fibres and fabrics, anti-static technology, flame resistant fibres and fabrics, high strength fibres and fabrics, high visibility apparel, microencapsulation, moisture management fabrics, performance swimwear, seamless knitting and stitch-free seaming technologies, smart and interactive textiles, stain protective apparel, stretch fibres and fabrics, surfwear and surf-inspired clothing, temperature regulation, UV protective fibres and fabrics, and waterproof breathable fabrics;
	company profiles, outlining the business, product, market and manufacturing strategies employed by key players in the performance apparel industry; and
	business news and developments affecting global performance apparel markets, majoring on innovations, mergers and acquisitions, investments, joint ventures, and financial performances.
Performance apparel represents one of the fastest growing sectors of the international textile and clothing industry ? and market growth is being fuelled by the emergence of new fibres, new fabrics and innovative process technologies. The market is also being boosted by changes in consumer lifestyles. People are living longer and spending more time on leisure activities. New high-tech fabrics are being developed for a wide range of active sports such as aerobics, athletics, ballooning, cycling, hiking, mountaineering, parachuting, sailing, skiing, snowboarding, swimming, and windsurfing.
Exciting innovations are emerging in smart textiles and nanotechnology ? and the sector?s growth prospects are helped by the trend in increasing demand for performance features in mainstream fashion.
Performance Apparel Markets is available on subscription ? either in printed format only, or in printed and electronic format. If you choose the printed only option, you will receive 4 printed publications a year. Each issue contains five reports (as above).
Electronic supplement If you choose the printed and electronic option, you will receive an extra service. You will still receive each issue in printed format, delivered to you by traditional post. In addition, you will be able to download PDF files containing the same information ? but the PDF files will be available immediately on publication, so you don?t have to wait for the printing and mailing. You also have all the benefits of electronic files: instant access even when you are away from the office; convenient storage in your PC or laptop; portability; electronic search facility; and copy/paste facility. You will also receive "Performance Apparel Update" delivered to you by email, free of charge, every month. This free supplement contains an update of business news as well as the latest product developments and innovations.
A subscription to Performance Apparel Markets will support your decision making, and provide the information you need to expand into new markets.