Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Tommie Copper Compression Clothing Review and Giveaway!

I'm back with another review and giveaway for you - this time, it's Tommie Copper compression clothing!  The company rep reached out to me, offering compression gear for my hamstring, as well as my choice of other clothing, plus they sent an ankle sleeve for Jeff to wear for his inflamed tendon.

According to their website, Tommie Copper permanently infuses high density activated copper into their performance clothing, which releases ions, which may help reduce the oxidants in the body, among other things.  You can read more about that here, if you're interested.  The skeptic in me highly doubts this, but I do think that compression clothing (with or without copper) does help with recovery during and after intense workouts, so that's why I accepted the clothes and that is also what I'll focus on with this review.

I received a pair of compression shorts ($44.50), and I like them quite a bit.  They are not too tight, which can be an issue with compression gear and me...let's face it, compression shorts can get rather girdle-like in a hot minute, and if you have a stomach like mine, it doesn't end up looking very good.  I was pretty surprised that I didn't immediately hate how my stomach looked when I first put the shorts on - maybe I could have gone down one size, but I'll bet at that point I'd be so uncomfortable/loathe how I looked that I wouldn't end up wearing them.  I've worn them to exercise in at home several times but have only run in them twice (because our weather hasn't been all that warm).  I didn't notice them on my runs, which is a pretty good compliment; there's nothing worse than wearing something that continually bugs you while you're trying to exercise.  The legs stayed put - no rolling/creeping up, and the waistband was really comfortable.  Here's not-me showing you what they look like:
I liked that the legs were long enough for me to avoid the dreaded thigh-rub during my runs, and they also gave nice support to my hamstring.

I also received an active-fit tank top ($39.50) in a very pretty pacific blue color:
Not me again (hah, like you couldn't tell).  The fabric feels amazing - it's so soft, and I really love the color.  It feels great, but I'm not comfortable enough with my arms to wear this in public.  However, it's great for doing my DVD workouts at home and when I ride my exercise bike.

Socks!  I've been trying out different brands of socks over the last couple of months, ever since I switched shoes due to my blister problems.  These socks are great - there is a good amount of compression around the arch, along with some padding on the bottom.  I kept them on for several hours after I ran in them because they were so nice.  I just wish they weren't so expensive - I'm accustomed to paying a lot for running socks (in the $12-$15 price range) but these are $29.50 per pair:
Me, modeling the socks.  Dang, I put them on for the picture and am reminded of how good they feel.  Why do they have to cost so much?!  I really like these and want more!

Jeff received an ankle sleeve ($29.50), which he's been wearing when he isn't wearing his air cast.  He says it isn't as tight as he thought it would be...he does have some pretty skinny ankles, though, so that might be why.  Here's not-Jeff modeling the ankle sleeve:

Honestly, all the pricing seemed pretty comparable to other higher-end technical/compression gear except for the socks.  I'm still wearing some capris that I bought at least four years ago, so it doesn't bother me to spend a little more knowing that I'll get my money's worth...but the socks.  I like them so much but there's just no way I can justify nearly $30 for a pair of socks, sadly. 

Tommie Copper has offered any of the pieces I've reviewed for a giveaway - so you can enter to win either the shorts, tank or socks.  Leave me a comment saying what you'd like (don't worry, you can change your mind if you win) and I'll announce the winner on Friday, internet-willing.  U.S. and Canada residents only.  Thanks and good luck!

Comments are closed as this giveaway has ended.

FTC disclosure:  I received the above-mentioned items for free to review.  Tommie Copper will fulfill the giveaway.

42 comments:

  1. $29 for socks?!? They had better make me run faster, too! ;) Anyway, I think I'd try the compression shorts because it's probably the one "compression" item I haven't tried yet.

    ReplyDelete
  2. this laady who is gonna RUN :-) would love the socks!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I would love to win the compression shorts, I'm a walker and just beginning to explore the world of compression wear.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I want the socks just because they are pink!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am always up for compression shorts - I like that they keep the loose skin jiggle under control (being honest here).

    ReplyDelete
  6. How am I supposed to pick just one? I love compression shorts and would like to try a different brand... never owned a tank... and I'm thinking those socks would be FAB for my left foot that I fractured and had the torn plantar fascia in. How can I choose? Please enter me anyway LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Definitely the shorts....or maybe the tank :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Socks, please! Just what I need for my plantar fasciitis.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm intrigued by the socks. Pricey, but I love a fabulous sock!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow, this stuff looks great. I would like to own it all of course, but would probably select the shorts. I don't own any.
    ProblemO, though-at the moment they only have S or M in stock. Uh-that would be considerably more compression than humanly possible for me, I think. Haha
    I noticed they have free ship if you buy 2 items right now.
    I'm not a runner, but I think $30. isn't too much for socks for you committed runners. If they're that fabulous, ya gotta pamper those piggies people! :)
    Chrissy

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'd like the socks. Or the tank (does the tank make me look like the model?)
    Great giveaway, I have their calf sleeves and wear them on the plane after races all the time. They are not as bulky as other sleeves, but get the job done.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Would love to try the shorts or the socks.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Socks, socks socks!!! I would love the socks!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I've been seeing this advertised a lot lately!! Would love to try the shorts!

    ReplyDelete
  15. My bad feet would love to try the socks.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I am thinking the shorts would be nice to try!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I am always in need of compression shorts. I have such a hard time finding a pair that fits me correctly.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I would love to win the socks please!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I have heard good things about this brand. I would love to try the shorts

    ReplyDelete
  20. The socks look very comfy! I would love to try them.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Another great giveaway!! I would love to try the shorts for biking!

    ReplyDelete
  22. My sister-in-law wears the shorts when she walks. But since I don't like anything really tight around my legs or waist, I would like to be entered for the socks please!

    ReplyDelete
  23. My hubby has the socks and loves them, however i'd love to try the tank or shorts.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I probably should get the shorts, but I am intrigued by the socks -- I'd like to see just what $30 worth of sock feels like!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I would choose the shorts. I have been "feeling" my hamstrings during my runs and after reading about your experience, I am a little paranoid about staying injury free. Maybe these would help me stay that way.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hmmm.... Looks like something worth a try! I'd go for the shorts or top! I'm always looking for shorts that would help avoid chaffing. I agree...That's very pricey for socks!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Well, since they'd be free in the giveaway, I'd love to try the socks! The pants seem like a good deal too.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'd love the try the tank or the socks. Nothing beats a free pair of socks - especially ones that are regularly $29.50! Yikes!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I tried on compression pants once and was a bit horrified at what I saw in the mirror, and I have yet to really figure out what size I am in women's tops, so I'd probably go for the socks. Who knew socks could be so expensive!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Definitely the shorts! I can't imagine my runs without compression shorts. Unfortunately, Wisconsin weather isn't exactly shorts-friendly currently, but come spring, those would be fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Count me in! Those socks look incredible!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Definitely the shorts - I love the length!

    ReplyDelete
  33. The socks are tempting.....but I'd love the shorts!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I think I would choose the shorts. Thanks, love Tommy Copper!

    ReplyDelete