Why Do Soccer Players Wear Compression Gear? 7 Benefits
Ever wonder why nearly all professional soccer players wear something tight-fitting under their team jersey? Compression gear and garments, like compression shorts, compression shirts, and even compression socks, have become very popular for soccer players at all levels to wear during soccer training and games.
Although it is not a mandatory piece of training gear and equipment to have, compression gear is very helpful and many players choose it for its comfort, warmth, performance-enhancing, and recovery benefits. As a soccer player, trainer, and sports coordinator, I’ve used a lot of compression wear throughout the years because of the benefits that I will explain in this post, but, something I realized that is significant to consider is the type of materials that the compression garments are made of.
Ideally your compression garments should be made from natural materials such as merino wool, bamboo fabric, or organic cotton blends and avoid oil-based materials such as polyester because they can cause skin irritation, shed microplastics, and may expose you to harmful “Forever chemicals,” or PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), especially when you get hot and sweaty. With than being said most compression garments out there are made from polyester so using them occasionally won’t be bad, but it is something important to be aware of and not overthink if you do wear it.
Below, I’ll explain what compression gear is and dive into the nine performance benefits that make them a game-changer for soccer players.
Why do Soccer Players Wear Compression Garments?
Compression garments, also known as compression gear, wear, or apparel, refers to tight-fitting clothing, typically made from moisture-wicking, breathable materials, designed to be worn underneath a soccer uniform. There are many different types of compression garments such as compression shirts, compression shorts, compression socks, tracking vests, sports bras, compression gear for joints, like compression sleeves for knees, elbows, calves, ankle braces, and even padded shorts for added protection.
There are also various reasons why players might choose to wear different type of compression gear such as these below:
Better Body Temperature Regulation
One of the main reasons players wear compression gear is to stay warm, especially during cold weather days. The moisture-wicking properties help regulate body temperature by keeping sweat away from your skin, while the compression layer can provide more warmth.
Improved Blood Circulation, Blood Flow, and Oxygen Delivery
The compression helps improve blood flow and circulation which can help deliver more oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, and especially to the area with the most compression.
Reduced Muscle Soreness and Fascia
Due to that increase of blood flow and improved circulation, compression garments may also help to reduce muscle soreness, and tightness in the fascia of key muscle groups.
Faster Recovery Between Sessions
As a result of the last two benefits, compression gear can also help players recover faster by clearing lactic acid buildup and promoting better blood flow through the body.
Can Act as an Injury Prevention Tool
Depending on the type of compression garments you’re wearing, such as an ankle brace, they can provide additional support to muscles and joints to really help reduce the risk of injuries, but they should not be a tool that you rely on.
Improved Body Awareness and Reduced Muscle Vibration
The snug fit of a lot of compression gear, such as compression shorts and shirts, helps you feel more aware of your body’s positioning and movement while reducing muscle shake during play, resulting in better control, smoother coordination, and less wasted energy on the field
Improved Mental Focus and Confidence
Finally, the snug, supportive feeling of compression gear can help players feel more secure and locked-in, potentially improving both mental focus and confidence on the field.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, compression garments can make a big difference in your performance, comfort, and recovery on the soccer field. From improving circulation and reducing muscle soreness to boosting body awareness and confidence, these nine benefits show why compression gear has become essential for players at all levels.
Just remember to pay attention to the materials your compression accessories are made of and choose natural fabrics when possible to avoid skin irritation and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals while still enjoying all the performance benefits.
FAQs
Is is safe for football players to wear compression apparel made from oil waste such as polyesters?
Compression apparel made from polyester, derived from oil waste, can pose several dangers. First, polyester is not biodegradable, meaning it contributes to environmental pollution through microplastics when washed and it can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some players due the “forever chemicals” or PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) they might have.
Why do soccer players wear what looks like a bra?
Soccer players wear GPS tracking vests, that look like sports bras, that hold a small performance monitoring device between their shoulder blades to track metrics like distance, speed, and heart rate. Other types of soccer trackers don’t like like bras such as soccer cleat straps or soccer cleat insoles.
