(REVIEW) Skins Compression Tops

Recently I was asked to provide a product review from SKINS, a sportswear company that produce compression tops as well as other fitness-related clothing. In exchange for this product feedback I was offered the choice of two items from their current range of sportswear to carry out the review.

I thought as I’m now a lot more into running and football, as well as my regular gym sessions, that some additional fitness clothing would be ideal so why not! Otherwise, I’d have to look elsewhere for some high quality tracksuits , and whilst that isn’t the trickiest thing these days it is nice to not have to.

I opted for the A400 Mens Compression Long Sleeve Top as well as the Skins Plus Nimbus Men’s Long Sleeve Hoodie. I anticipated that the hoodie would be an item of clothing that would really support my ability to run whilst keeping out the cold as we move closer and closer to the Winter. The item didn’t disappoint but we’ll get to that.

First the compression top.

On the SKINS website they state their compressions tops will do the following:

Boost your upper body workout with SKINS range of men’s compression tops. SKINS long and short-sleeve tops wrap and support sections of your arms, shoulders and core to pump oxygen into key upper body muscle groups. What that means for athletes that depend on a strong top half is improved core body control and power, reduced injury risk, plus less muscle pain after exercise.

First Impressions

Once I received the compression top it was neatly packaged inside a slick black & gold designed box. Already a good start as I believe the design and packaging of any product gives a sense of the quality of the contents inside.

I then slid the box open and pulled out the compression top. My very first reaction was something like “oh no, they’ve got the size completely wrong!” but had already been re-assured that they’re designed to be tight-fitting to maximise your core performance.

Once I got the top on and got all of the parts in the right places, I realised that actually this was the right size for me and despite the top being stretched relative to it’s original size, this was made from some very strong material after all.

I was excited to test it out at the gym and in other areas too, to really see what a difference it might make to my body and overall fitness goals.

In terms of the hoodie, this was a comfortable size, and I really liked the design of it too with it’s black & grey finish. It felt light and yet very durable and warm, which I felt would be ideal when I fancied a jog in the cold weather that was approaching.

Benefits for Me

So did the compression top carry out everything that SKINS claimed?

First of all in my ‘test areas’ I wore the compression top on a number of occasions at the gym, as well as for jogging and for some intense running during a few football matches.

Did it boost my upper body and support sections of my arms, shoulders and core?

It felt extremely supportive and durable. The fact that the top was so tight and yet I was able to breathe through it with relative ease really demonstrated the level of support it was actually giving me at the time. It didn’t hinder my ability to lift weights, if anything it made it even easier to. It almost felt as though the top and my body were as one and I forgot I even had the top on after a while.

So yes, it did feel as though I had more control of my body. Whether that would mean more power, I’m still not 100% sure, however when it came to jogging and running during football it was ideal and I cannot say a negative word against the compression top in these areas.

I could run so easily in these tops because they were so light-weight. They absorbed any sweat I was producing and allowed my body to feel more free as I ran. I was very impressed and didn’t feel any muscle pain afterwards.

I also ran in the hoodie and it did offer me that warmth of being able to go out in the cold whilst still being light enough to run in and still compete with my usual timings.

Value for Money?

Firstly the A400 Mens Compression Long Sleeve Top is currently priced at £59.50 on the SKINS website. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

This is a one-of-a-kind item that’s been well thought-out and designed with the athlete in mind. It feels great and supports your muscles like no top you’ve probably worn.

The design is also impressive and you won’t look out of place during a gym session or on the track.

For what it gives you, you won’t be disappointed. Just make sure if you do order an item, that you follow their size guidelines properly so that you’re not disappointed with a top that doesn’t fit you right.

In terms of the Skins Plus Nimbus Men’s Long Sleeve Hoodie I really enjoy wearing this, even when I’m not out jogging. It’s priced at £42 which I feel is very reasonable for a well-made hoodie that looks great. It may not be the very first item I’d purchase from SKINS but it would be right up there!

I hope you’ve found this product review useful. I was really pleased with being in a position to test out what SKINS had to offer and was not at all disappointed with their product range. The items are designed well with the best materials, they look great and they’ll support your muscle activity in whatever type of exercise you plan on doing. This is certainly the future of fitness clothing.

Adam