The market for compression wear is likely to expand faster than the more established categories of performance apparel, according to a report in the latest issue of Performance Apparel Markets from the business information company Textiles Intelligence.

The use of compression wear has become hugely popular among athletes, and among those who partake in recreational exercise. This is largely as a result of a growing awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, combined with heavy commercial promotion.

Sportswear manufacturers claim that compression garments can give athletes a competitive edge by improving their performance, reducing the risk of injury and accelerating recovery during and after exercise.

The rising popularity of compression wear has been reflected in strong sales growth, especially since the early 2000s. Moreover, this growth is set to continue for the foreseeable future as demand increases and new product innovations are introduced.

Compression wear has evolved considerably over the past two decades, due in large part to innovations in fabric technologies and garment design, and the pace of innovation in the market for these products will no doubt remain fast as companies vie for a greater share of what has become a lucrative business.

The market is highly concentrated as it is dominated by just a handful of companies. However, a number of other companies have entered the market in the last few years, having realised that it provides excellent opportunities for them to grow their sales and profits -- not least because of the premium prices these items command.

In the future, a great deal more research will be conducted with a view to devising ways of enhancing the performance and comfort attributes of compression garments.

In the field of sportswear, much of this research is likely to be focused on achieving compression which is more targeted. In particular, developers will address more precisely the needs of the athlete in terms of his or her physiology, sport or activity, and primary comfort.

"Compression wear and shapewear: skin-tight apparel for enhanced performance and well-being" was published by the global business information company Textiles Intelligence in Issue No 50 of Performance Apparel Markets.

Other reports published in the same issue include: "Fast track: developments in aerogels provide new extremes in insulation for performance apparel"; "Product developments and innovations"; "Profile of Skins: a leader in premium compression wear"; and "Business update".

Performance Apparel Markets is a quarterly publication from Textiles Intelligence. Each issue provides an independent and worldwide perspective on the global performance apparel industry.

A year's printed subscription to Performance Apparel Markets costs £780 / Euro1,360 (Europe, Middle East or Africa) or US$1,725 (Americas or Asia Pacific). An electronic supplement is also available. Single issues are available on request.

For further information, please contact Belinda Carp at Textiles Intelligence, Alderley House, Wilmslow SK9 1AT, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1625 536136; Fax: +44 (0)1625 536137; Email: info@textilesintelligence.com

For press copies and editorial enquiries, please contact Robin Anson at Textiles Intelligence. Tel: +44 (0)1625 536136. Fax: +44 (0)1625 536137. Email: editorial@textilesintelligence.com