Don't throw away your old cotton t-shirts: they can still come in handy… just not really for running! Cotton fibres absorb sweat very quickly and trap it: your t-shirt becomes heavier, stays damp and clings to your body.
Today, not only do technical fibres exist that address this kind of problem, but in many cases these fibres are also combined with compression zones that deliver positive effects. These are precisely what we're going to explore in this article — and look at together why, today, those who take running seriously use this type of t-shirt.
Muscle support.
Whether for tops or bottoms, the most technically advanced fabrics are designed to provide you with enhanced muscle support. The shapes and seams perfectly follow the contours of the body and are anatomical. Your muscles are held in place and "vibrate" far less during effort. The less your muscles move in a disorganised manner, the less energy they consume returning to their initial position. Of course, this won't replace core strengthening exercises — but it does help reduce parasitic movements that, over the long term in endurance sport, represent genuine energy losses.
Improved microcirculation
Muscle compression effectively improves microcirculation in the upper layers of the muscle. Not only does this ensure better muscle oxygenation, but it also promotes more efficient venous return. The main benefits of muscle oxygenation are directly reflected in its output — meaning you improve (slightly) your performance. Venous return, in turn, ensures a greater capacity for post-exercise recovery. Wearing your compression t-shirt during and after exercise will deliver a significant reduction in recovery time. Furthermore, improved microcirculation leads to a higher VO2 max and a greater anaerobic threshold. Of course, this won't transform a poorly trained individual into an exceptional performer — but if your training is already at a good level, you'll quickly notice the marginal gains you achieve.
Comfort
Wearing a compression t-shirt is an undeniable comfort advantage. It fits close to the body, giving you a wide range of movement while reducing the risk of chafing and irritation. Furthermore, unlike cotton, modern technical fibres wick moisture away rapidly — delivering far greater comfort and eliminating that unpleasant feeling of something sticky and damp against your skin.
Today, compression t-shirts are widely used in strength training, fitness, cardio training and trail running, as well as running in general. Most are soft and lightweight, with a second-skin feel. Seamless construction reduces areas of friction, while highly breathable fabric and quality fibres make compression t-shirts a technical choice for endurance training. CimAlp’s range uses technical fabrics designed to meet demanding needs. Made in part with EMANA® fibre, which effectively stimulates blood microcirculation and helps regulate body temperature during exercise, CimAlp running t-shirts offer the qualities expected of this type of garment. A compression t-shirt for running can help you train in comfort while supporting your performance and recovery.
