Why I tried four brands side by side
I get asked all the time: which compression brand should I buy?
The honest answer is that I can't tell you. What works for my body might not work for yours. But I can show you what I noticed when I tried four different micromassage compression leggings, all ordered from Amazon, all in the same general category. Micromassage compression wear are off-the-shelf options for lipedema, lymphedema and even venous disease. They are not as supportive as flat knit or made-to-measure medical grade compression wear. “Micromassage” means that there are wee ridges in the fabric that when you move, those ridges move the skin a little too which stimulates lymphatic flow.
Same concept. Very different experiences.
I wanted to see how they compared on fit, ease of getting them on, waist height, compression level, and overall feel. Here's what I found.
BioFlect
I’ve been wearing these for years so I know them well.
Getting them on: Like all compression, you want to use flat grips, not your fingernails. I've put a finger through these before by grabbing wrong. They require some wrestling, but that's normal.
Waist height: These go quite high, up underneath the diaphragm, higher than the other brands. They have much more abdominal support by going up this high. If you're like me, that's not all that comfortable.
Compression feel: Good micromassage texture with visible ridges. Solid compression throughout.
Bottom line: Reliable and affordable, but the high waist isn't for everyone. I often fold it down and double it over to make it more comfortable. Material is slightly see through especially over the parts where it stretches more, so probably need to layer or wear a longer tunic over it.
Solidea
Getting them on: Pretty easy. Nice little cuff at the top. Less of a wrestling match than some.
Waist height: Not as high as BioFlect, but still comes up well. A little low in the crotch at first, but that sorted itself out once I pulled them up fully.
Compression feel: Good micromassage ridges. These are a bit shorter in the leg, which might mean less bunching behind the knee for some of us shorter women.
Bottom line: I liked these. They come in some fun colors, which is a nice change from boring black. The material is a bit thicker, I wasn’t able to see through it. A good option if you want moderate waist height and easier on/off.
Lipoelastic
Getting them on: Really easy at first, but harder over thighs and buttocks. Much less of a fight than the others at least initially. They have a slippery feel that makes them slide on smoothly and probably easy to layer.
Waist height: Moderate.
Compression feel: Here's the catch. These are much tighter in the upper leg and thigh than they are in the lower leg. For me, because I also have venous disease, I need stronger support at the ankle and lower leg. These wouldn't work on their own for me. I'd have to wear a compression sock underneath. Micromassage ridges are visible.
Bottom line: Great for layering and on cold days. Easy to get on. Slippery fabric works well under clothes but is heavier and might be too warm for some. Wasn’t see - through for me. But if you need solid lower-leg compression, these alone might not be enough.
CzSalus
Getting them on: They look tiny in the package, but they stretch well and aren’t too long. Nice and soft. There's a little compartment shaping in the back, which makes it easy to figure out which side is front. These were much easier to get over my rear than the other brands.
Waist height: Lower than BioFlect. But for me, that's a plus. I don't like things tight over my upper tummy.
Compression feel: Comfortable. Good overall feel. Visible micromassage ridges.
Bottom line: Soft, easy to get on, lower waist, even compression. Less see through than Bioflect but not as thick as Solidea or Lipoelastic. A solid option if high-waisted compression drives you crazy.
The bottom line: your Goldilocks will be different from mine
Four brands. Four different experiences.
Some were easier to get on. Some were hotter and thicker. Some felt more restrictive. Some went higher. Each brand has different strengths and different sizing, so measuring yourself matters more than guessing based on your clothing size.
My advice: pick one that sounds promising and buy a single pair. Wear it for a real day. See how it performs before you commit to multiples.
Your Goldilocks is out there. It just might take a few tries to find her.
Watch the full review here
Further reading
Brands Websites