Compression garments unproven, but athletes say they boost performance

Can socks really make you faster? Judging from the field at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii two weekends ago, many of the world's fittest athletes - sporting knee-high socks or calf guards - seem to think so.

It's a look that would make Pippi Longstocking proud, and the fashion police cringe. But these aren't just any socks. They're made of special body-hugging fabric that exerts various degrees of pressure along the limb. This is said to improve blood circulation and reduce the wobble in muscles and tendons that occurs during repetitive exercise, resulting in reduced muscle pain and fatigue, and enhanced performance and recovery.

Compression garments were initially only worn by performance-seeking elite athletes. But in recent years, they have become a wardrobe staple among fitness enthusiasts of all abilities.

There has been a real increase in the number and type of compression garments on offer - from socks to tights and tops - and more brands are making an appearance in Hong Kong. Sales have been going up, too, according to several local sports shops.

"We've seen a significant increase in the popularity of compression garments, especially over the past 18 months," says Bruce Pye, managing director of Sports World, which began selling compression garments in late 2010. "This, of course, boils down to marketing and education," he says.

Kirsty Hulme, managing director of Sure Step Asia Pacific, exclusive Hong Kong distributors of Australian athletic apparel 2XU, says the brand's sales in Hong Kong have been increasing 50 to 60 per cent year on year, driven by the growth in sales of compression garments.