An Editor's Guide to Compression Gear, From De-Bloat Panties to Butt-Lifting Leggings

CRZ Yoga Hugged Feeling Compression Leggings ($30)

Designed for training and offered in a handful of shades, these leggings are described as "100 percent squat proof" by the brand. They provide a "hugged" feeling and have a high, 25-inch waistband with a hidden pocket. The fabric is sleek and cool to the touch. Read our full CRZ Yoga Athletic Compression Leggings review for more.

Editor Quote: "As soon as I slipped them on, I had a feeling they were going to be a new favorite of mine. Made of 66 percent polyamide (aka nylon) and 34 percent lycra, they deliver high support without feeling too tight on the skin. And gosh, do they make your butt look good.

What's more, these leggings feature a top-secret concealed waistband pocket that you probably wouldn't even realize was there unless you studied every detail before you added them to your cart. (I didn't.) I was able to fit my ID, credit card, and house key inside with room to spare, and the thick fabric made it so that I didn't feel them pressing against me while I was getting my miles in." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing shopping editor

CEAN De-Bloat Underwear ($48)

These de-bloat underwear briefs seemed almost too good to be true to me — until I tried them. Available in nude, black, and white, they're made from micro modal, nylon, and elastane that's 70 percent plant-based. The clinical-grade compression panties are stitched with 3D pressure patterns and a calming micro-massage effect to help guide digestive flow and lymphatic drainage in the lower abdomen.

"CEAN is a play on the worn seen," Dovey explains. "It's about women feeling supported and comfortable in their bodies . . . I created the De-Bloat Brief because I genuinely needed it. I deal with digestive issues and hormonal bloating regularly and I wanted something that worked with my body, not against it." Dovey describes it as a "wearable lymphatic massage for your core" that reduces fluid buildup — and her shoppers have already solidified it as a bestseller since launch. "People say they feel more relaxed, lighter, and 'held' the moment they put it on," she says.

Editor Quote: "When I say the De-Bloat Brief surprised me, I mean that in the best possible way. While it's thicker in fabric, so it may not work as well under a tight-fitting outfit, I don't reach for it as shapewear per se, but more so when I want to manage bloating during period days or after a big meal. I also appreciate the 100 percent cotton gusset and all-over breathable material. I don't feel overly sucked in when I'm wearing it." — Sarah Wasilak, shopping director

Bombas Everyday Compression Sock 3-Pack (15-20mmHg) ($90)

Designed for versatility, these compression socks can be used as recovery for athletes or for travel. They feature a seamless toe for comfort, strategic zone cushioning, arch support, and stay-up technology so you don't have to worry about them shifting during all-day wear. They also come in plenty of color options, from neutrals to all-white and all-black. The best perk of shopping Bombas? For every pair purchased, a pair is donated to someone in need.

Editor Quote: "Being an athlete, I've tried countless compression socks, and Bombas will always be my go-to. I personally love that I can wear them all day or on the plane without feeling restricted. I have Raynaud's syndrome, so I'm always cognizant of minimizing blood flow to my peripherals, and I never have an issue with these socks. I also love how high they come up — being that I'm currently struggling with tendinitis in both knees, I actually find that the compression helps to squeeze and break up the pain in the area." — Sarah Wasilak, shopping director

Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging ($134)

Alo is a celebrity-favorite brand for a reason. The Airlift fabric is the brand's most compressive, supportive fabric with a sheen-like finish and four-way stretch. While you can shop this pair in a full 28-inch inseam or 24.5-inch inseam, they're designed to hit at the ankle. They've become so popular for sweat sessions that they're now available in four core shades and about 15 limited edition colorways. Read more in our Alo Airlift Leggings review.

Editor Quote: "First of all, the material is perfect. The Airlift fabric manages to be breathable and easy to move in, but has a slight amount of compression to keep you held in. It's also a little bit shiny, which is flattering, but not distracting. It feels silky smooth. I can grab these leggings for any kind of workout and be happy with my choice; they're sweat-wicking enough for HIIT but don't budge during pilates.

I'm 5 ft. 7, and the 7/8 legging hits me perfectly above my ankle, but if you want something longer, there's also a full-length version. Plus, I'm not the only one who loves them, Kendall Jenner is also a fan. If you're looking for a new go-to legging, these are the ones to shop. I'm eyeing my fourth pair right this second." — India Yaffe, former associate shopping editor

CEAN Lymphatic Romper ($168)

Available in black, along with other gorgeous shades like Retro Red (pictured here), Sky Blue, and Royal Navy, the lymphatic romper is both a fashion statement and wearable wellness garment in one. While you can easily layer it under a pair of sweats and a T-shirt, it looks great as a standalone piece teamed with the brand's CEAN Lymphatic Face Sculptor ($28) for a Pilates class. Featuring graduated compression and 3D textured micro-massage zones, it sculpts, depuffs, and lifts while you're wearing it.

Editor Quote: "While I've stayed away from tight-fitting one-pieces like these in the past because they tend to squeeze the skin on my thighs a little too much, I was impressed by how secure I felt in this design while heading out for an hour-long walk. I actually put it on for the first time after a relatively heavy lunch and felt de-bloated by the time I got home. The fashion-forward colorways and non-toxic material are just further reasons to invest." – Sarah Wasilak, shopping director

Heat Healer Activated Lymphatic Onesie ($148, originally $198)

Heat Healer's Activated Lymphatic Onesie is designed to essentially give you a lymphatic massage as you're wearing it and moving in it, leaving your skin feeling soft and refreshed when you take it off. The 3D graduated compression and nano-pattern pressure massage do leave temporary zig-zag impressions on the skin, but this actually helps you achieve overall smoother-looking skin and the impressions disappear within 20 minutes. What's more, the infrared temperature-regulating yarn improves circulation, which helps with performance recovery, energy levels, and even better sleep. Read my full review of the Heat Healer Activated Lymphatic Onesie for more.

If you're not about the full-body experience, you can also shop the Heat Healer Activated Lymphatic Leggings ($111, originally $149) as an alternative, which founder Dovey refers to as her "ride-or-die for busy days." These are designed to leave your legs feeling lighter by reducing pressure and supporting circulation. "I wore them while getting ready for my birthday party a few months back. I took them off at the very last minute, and they left me glowy and de-puffed. Now it's officially my pre-event ritual," she says.

Editor Quote: "I love that this onesie actually looks sleek when incorporated into an athleisure look on the weekend, seamlessly integrating into my wardrobe. Every time I wear it, it gets easier to pull on and molds more effortlessly to my shape. Another quality that's super unique is its versatility. We often see fitness products made specifically for exercising or post-workout recovery, but rarely both — and that's exactly why it's a game-changer." — Sarah Wasilak, shopping director

Sarah Wasilak (she/her) is the PS Shopping Director. With plenty of experience in the fashion industry and over 11 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing and creating social videos across the lifestyle, health, and fitness categories. She is the host of the "Dinner for Shoes" podcast and has bylines at InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit.