Kit & Gear

REVIEW: 2XU Compression Clothing 2021

Compression technology is worn by athletes to improve both performance and recovery.

We take a look at our 5 top picks for 2XU compression clothing and accessories 2021, featuring kit reviews from our experienced Sportsshoes.com Running Ambassador Ben Mounsey*.

ㅤ

Click here to learn more about the benefits of compression clothing.

ㅤ

* Ben is 6ft, has a 30-inch waist and is a very slim build. He wears size medium in 2XU compression clothing. 2XU have detailed and comprehensive sizing information for their compression wear to make sure you’ve got it absolutely right.

ㅤ

1. 2XU AERO 2-IN-1 5 INCH SHORTS

The Aero 2-in-1 5" Shorts cover all bases, with internal compression for powerful muscle support and a woven mesh outer layer for coverage.

Designed to provide lightweight comfort and support, the 2XU Aero 2-in-1 5 Inch Shorts are the perfect running companion. Constructed using PWX compression, the inner short provides lightweight and dynamic support that keeps you going further for longer. The inner short works to reduce muscle movement which lowers the overall risk of injury whilst also ensuring optimal positioning to increase your performance. The inner compression short wraps the leg, helping to reduce muscle fatigue and soreness, while improving performance, muscle alignment, and agility. Additionally, a stretch-woven outer run short with side cuts allows full freedom of movement while exercising. Durable yarns and lightweight, powerful fabric delivers multi-directional stretch, greater flexibility, unsurpassed power, and increased durability. The breathable fabric works to actively and efficiently wick away the build-up of excess sweat and moisture to keep your skin cool, dry, and comfortable as you strive for the best results and performance. The flat elastic waistband sits comfortably against the skin whilst the internal drawcord can be adjusted to find a perfect fit. To secure any valuables, an easy-access phone pocket exists on the inner short and a zip pocket is perfect for small essentials. Lastly, reflective logo’s and trims increase your visibility to passing vehicles on late night adventures.

ㅤ

ㅤ

Ben says: As a huge fan of 2-IN-1 shorts, I can assure you that they don’t get much better than this Aero model by 2XU. Assuming you have chosen the correct size for your height and build, the fit of these shorts is exceptional. Not only do they feel great to wear, the inner construction offers the perfect balance of support and comfort in all the right places, giving you the confidence to run without compromise.

There are a number of features that I particularly love about these shorts. Firstly, the waistband sits comfortably against your skin and is just the right depth. There is a zipped pocket at the side of the design to store all of your small personal items. Also, there is an air vent on the opposite side of the shorts to increase ventilation during exercise. These shorts are also available in a 7 inch design for those that prefer more length.

ㅤ

CLICK HERE TO SHOP 2XU AERO 2-IN-1 5 INCH SHORTS NOW

CLICK HERE TO SHOP 2XU AERO 2-IN-1 7 INCH SHORTS NOW

CLICK HERE TO SHOP XVENT 2-IN-1 5 INCH SHORTS NOW

ㅤ

2. 2XU AERO VENT COMPRESSION TIGHTS

Designed to alleviate overheating whilst running, the Aero Compression Tights from 2XU feature PWX VENT panels to improve airflow and keep you cool when your run heats up.

These tights boast firm graduated compression that boosts blood flow to the muscles, improving performance, lowering the risk of injury, and speeding up recovery. The lower leg features PWX VENT panels that provide added support whilst improving airflow by almost 200%, increasing the evaporation of your sweat to keep you at optimal performance temperature. The powerful, lightweight PWX fabric with circular knit 360-degree stretch works to reduce muscle movement and damage whilst allowing you a full range of movement on your run. A drawstring features in the waistband for a secure and adjustable fit that won’t move when you do with a zip back pocket for bounce-free secure storage for your phone, cards, and keys. The tights offer high-quality, durable, moisture-wicking yarns that are quick-drying to ensure that your skin stays cool and dry. Finishing off the Aero Compression Tights is the signature reflective X logo on the calf for increased visibility on those low-light runs.

ㅤ

ㅤ

Ben says: The first thing to highlight is the quality and feel of these compression tights, although this compliment extends to the full range of 2XU clothing. Again, assuming sizing is correct, the comfort and level of support of the Aero Vent tights is second to none. With high grade compression, they are specifically designed to lessen muscle damage during exercise and also increase blood flow and faster recovery. Therefore, I not only wear them for training, but also sometimes as a recovery aid after a particularly hard or long session.

There are a number of features that I particularly rate. Much like the Aero shorts, the first is the comfort and size of the waistband, complete with a zipped pocket at the rear to store small valuable items, such as a key or money. It is also large enough to fit a mobile phone.

I love the fit and feel of the materials, particularly the lower leg panels which provide high levels of support but also wick away moisture extremely sufficiently and really help to keep your body cool when your run heats up.

Finally, the large reflective 2XU logo on the back of the calf increases visibility in low-light conditions making them an ideal choice for training on the road during dark winter nights.

With enhanced breathability for summer and increased reflectivity for winter, the 2XU Aero Vent Compression Tights are a perfect training partner all year round.

ㅤ

CLICK HERE TO SHOP 2XU AERO VENT COMPRESSION TIGHTS NOW

ㅤ

3. 2XU COMPRESSION CALF SLEEVES

Constructed using a compression gradient, the 2XU X Calf Sleeves provide support to the shins and calves to improve performance and reduce fatigue. The compression gradient works to enhance performance and speed up recovery times by increasing muscle oxygenation and reducing blood lactate. The increase in muscle oxygenation has a positive impact on the body by reducing fatigue and damage whilst increasing agility and recovery times. The reduction in muscle vibration ensures an increase in agility and correct muscle alignment to improve your overall performance. As well as this, a graduated fit helps to promote efficient exercises and aid faster recovery times for comfortable and extended wear. Zoned ventilation panels adorn the sleeves to increase airflow ensuring you remain cool, dry and comfortable at all times. Moisture is also wicked away from the skin for quick evaporation to keep the surface of the skin cool and dry and you power through any exercise. Lastly, a seamless construction reduces the risks of chafing and irritation ensuring greater comfort.

ㅤ

ㅤ

Ben says: For all the times when I don’t want to wear full length tights, I use my 2XU compression calf sleeves for speed sessions on both the trail and road and I really feel the benefit both during and after exercise. They help to promote circulation, improving both my warm-up and recovery. They are comfortable to wear and always sit perfectly in place, even during fast-paced sessions with increased movement and when wearing them for extended periods of time.

ㅤ

CLICK HERE TO SHOP 2XU COMPRESSION CALF SLEEVES NOW

ㅤ

4. 2XU RUN BEANIE

The run beanie from 2XU keeps your head warm and comfortable during long wintry runs. A soft, comfortable fleece material works to retain warmth and improve the feel of the beanie against your head when you are running. Reflective details improve safety and visibility in low light such as early morning or evening runs when the light is at a premium. The reflective detail also makes you visible to passing vehicles when road running. A seamless design guards against friction and irritation such as chafing.

ㅤ

ㅤ

Ben says: The 2XU Run beanie is quite possibly the comfiest piece of running headwear I’ve ever worn and is an absolute essential item for cold wintry runs. The soft material also has plenty of stretch, so I like to wear it on longer runs because it doesn’t itch or irritate my head and in addition to providing warmth, it is also extremely breathable, wicking away more moisture than other comparable running beanies that I previously worn.

ㅤ

CLICK HERE TO SHOP 2XU RUN BEANIE NOW

ㅤ

5. 2XU RUN GLOVES

The thick material used on the 2XU Run Gloves provide the hands with supreme insulation. An inner fleece layer further guarantees heat retention. The lightweight fabric is stretchable, making movement feel non-restrictive, with normal hand functions not compromised. The fingertips are touchscreen compatible, which will make changing your running song or checking out your running times a lot quicker and easier to do.

ㅤ

ㅤ

Ben says: The 2XU Run gloves are the perfect companion for the 2XU Run Beanie, made from the same soft and lightweight stretch material and a must for wintry runs. They too feel incredibly soft and comfortable to wear and I particularly like the long wristband which easily sits under a jacket sleeve to ensure complete coverage and protection from the elements. Like all other 2XU products, the logo is also reflective, helping to improve your safety and visibility in low-light conditions.

ㅤ

CLICK HERE TO SHOP 2XU RUN GLOVES NOW

ㅤ

To shop our range of compression wear, visit our Compression Store!

ㅤ

Interested in the latest shoes, apparel and technology? Then head over to our Kit & Gear category for more reviews, tips, advice and product releases.