BC Business
Brace yourself: Compression wear is having a moment
During the French Open this past summer, tennis player Serena Williams caused a stir in a black Nike catsuit that turned out to be compression clothing worn to prevent blood clots. She’s not the only athlete using such garments to prevent injuries, improve blood circulation and speed recovery. A 2017 report by Portland, Oregon based Allied Market Research predicts that the global compression apparel and shapewear market will reach US$5.576 billion by 2022, with the former accounting for most of it.
A knee injury led Victoria mortgage broker and lifetime athlete Dan Tognotti to invent Bracelayer knee stabilizing compression pants in 2015. His company, Bracelayer Apparel, now makes four styles, including two new lines for hockey and alpine sports. They’re available at Kirby’s Source for Sports on Vancouver Island and the Hockey Shop Source for Sports in Surrey.
For Vancouver resident Leo Chen, the worst part of military service in his native Taiwan was sore feet. Unable to find comfortable socks, in 2016 he designed his own. Neverquit hose combine mild compression for arch support, impact-absorbing footpads, mesh ventilation and anti-blister tabs. The fabriccotton, with merino wool available in Decemberis infused with zinc oxide to control odour. Find Neverquit Apparel online and at the UBC Bookstore.