Compression Level Guide in Supportive Shapewear

Hey there — I’m Maya, a certified fit specialist who’s helped over 2,300 clients find *truly* supportive shapewear (not just ‘Instagram-sculpted’ fluff). Let’s cut through the marketing fog: compression level isn’t about how tight it feels — it’s about *measurable pressure*, measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury), and matched to your real-life goals.

✅ Light (8–15 mmHg): Ideal for daily wear — think smoothing tummy + gentle posture support. Great for postpartum recovery or desk-bound days. Studies show 89% of users report improved comfort *without* restricting circulation (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023).

✅ Medium (15–25 mmHg): The sweet spot for most — clinical-grade shaping with breathable control. Perfect for weddings, job interviews, or post-liposuction recovery (FDA-cleared for mild edema management).

✅ Firm (25–40 mmHg): Medical-grade support. Requires professional fitting — not for casual use. Used pre/post-bariatric surgery and lymphedema management.

Here’s how top brands stack up (based on third-party lab testing, 2024):

*Consistency Score = % of garments within ±1.5 mmHg of labeled compression across 50 size samples.

Pro tip: Always measure *at end-expiration* (after exhaling fully) — that’s when your torso is smallest and most stable. And never size down for more compression — it backfires. 63% of discomfort complaints stem from incorrect sizing, not compression level (Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2024).

Still unsure? Try our free compression level quiz — takes 90 seconds and matches you to FDA-reviewed options. Or dive deeper into fabric science and breathability with our shapewear fit guide. Because great support shouldn’t feel like compromise — it should feel like confidence, calibrated.