Disclaimer: I received the SKINS A400 Compression to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

So much compression, so little time. In the world of compression athletic clothes, there’s an abundance of choice. I’ve worn a couple different brands for both training and recovery with success but always have at least one issue or another: tearing in the inseam, chafing at the seams, feels like putting on a wetsuit, etc. I love the idea of compression but haven’t fallen in love with any particular brand at this point. For this reason, I was glad to have the opportunity to try the SKINS A400 skyscraper 3/4 tight, a brand completely new to me.

As a scientist I was impressed by the repertoire of journal publications SKINS has produced to create and improve their product. Their general findings for the benefits of compression include (from website):

• increases venous return
• reduces exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD)
• accelerates recovery processes
• removes lactic acid faster
• increases strength and power
• improves endurance
• increases muscle oxygenation
• improves body temperature control
• reduces in-flight ankle oedema

And check out the full research summary!

The A400 series is SKINS most advanced compression technology:

“SKINS A400 compression technology is designed to help athletes redefine their best, time after time. Developed for women on the move, and using dynamic gradient compression, this range is SKINS’ most technologically advanced yet. A400s boost your natural performance by delivering more oxygen and reducing lactic acid in your muscles, so you can up your own intensity without worrying too much about the next-day muscle strain.”

With all that in mind, it was very timely to receive these a month from my first 100 miler! I had the opportunity to wear them on short midweek runs and around the house for recovery. Unfortunately, either I sized up too much or the high waist was too much on my 4’11” frame, but I found these were too big for anything longer than a short midweek run. I constantly had to pull them up and adjust the crotch (which would sag) in order to avoid chafing. I’m guessing going down one size (even though I followed their size chart) would make a difference and I will probably invest in a second pair using the BIBRAVE discount code ‘BIBRAVE20’ (20% off!).

Besides the poor fit (for me), these are the most comfortable compression pants I’ve worn. The material is so soft and light it feels like second skin, rather than the constricted wetsuit feeling of other brands. I can also assure you, despite the thin, light material, they are NOT see through. Take note ladies. 😀

Since these have been less than ideal for runs, due to the size only, I have started wearing them more around the house and in between workouts for recovery. I also wore them for improved blood flow on the 6 hour drive to Virginia the day before the Yeti 100. I normally get out of the car feeling stiff but felt much better this time around. Naturally, I wore them for the drive home as well; even better for recovery.

My one final critique is that the women’s 3/4 tights do not include any key pocket. Considering the high waistband, a small key pocket in the band should not impede the compression technology and I think would round out the product from an A- to an A+. Take not brands, ladies like pockets!

Want to test out the great SKINS compression technology yourself? Use the code “BIBRAVE20” for 20% off your order through the end of October! (exception: only available on full price items)

Check out what other BibRave Pros say:

Lindsey | Haley | Connie | Cassie Lee | Emily | Aubrene | Mark | Jennifer | Nicole |

Gina | Michael | John | Casey | Mai | Amy | Fallon | Matthew | Lisa |

And don’t forget to join BibRave and SKINS on Twitter #Bibchat, Tuesday, October 10 9pm EST for your chance to win one of two SKINS giveaways!