Sweat-inducing clothing for cellulite: does it really work?

When it comes to fighting cellulite, many techniques are regularly praised. Aesthetic medicine, cupping, massages, treatments… But what about sweat-inducing clothing? To find out everything about these smart textiles, and above all whether they can help with the appearance of cellulite, a little investigation is in order! Leggings, shorts or briefs: here’s what they are, what they can (and can’t) do, and the precautions worth taking.

What is sweat-inducing clothing?

Sweat-inducing garments work on the same principle as certain slimming belts: they are garments made from specially designed impermeable materials that trap body heat, triggering excessive perspiration in a targeted area. The most common styles include shorts, bermudas, capris and leggings, as well as t-shirts, tracksuits and even underwear. They are designed for both women and men.

The most commonly used materials in sweat-inducing clothing are:

• Neoprene, used in the manufacture of diving suits — a lightweight, durable, insulating and stretchy material.
• Polyamide, a relatively affordable material that is also resistant, flexible and above all comfortable (less skin irritation from friction).
• PVC, essentially vinyl — occlusive and highly impermeable.
• Lycra, which offers excellent elasticity and therefore great comfort.

Sweat leggings, shorts or briefs: which should you choose?

It mainly comes down to the area you want to cover. Leggings and capris cover the legs. Shorts, bermudas and sweat briefs (panty style) cover the hips, bottom and upper thighs. For the upper body, there are also t-shirts.

The fabric matters too. Neoprene is insulating, while PVC is occlusive and highly impermeable. Polyamide and Lycra put flexibility and comfort first. That’s well worth bearing in mind if you plan to wear your garment regularly or while exercising.

What is sweat-inducing clothing used for?

Since the fabric used in sweat-inducing clothing is non-breathable, the purpose of wearing this type of garment is to increase perspiration. Sweat-inducing clothing is widely used in sport today: physical activity raises body temperature and therefore increases perspiration, as the body works to regulate its own heat.

But another claim is often made about sweat-inducing clothing: weight loss. Let’s set the record straight once and for all: sweating does not make you lose weight. Losing weight means losing body fat. When you sweat, however, you are primarily losing water. Of course, this fluid loss will show up on the scales — but you will not have lost any fat, which is the real goal when aiming for weight loss. It is also essential to maintain good hydration for your overall wellbeing. So let’s be clear: sweat-inducing clothing does not make you lose weight.

What about the effects of sweat-inducing clothing on cellulite?

So what is the point of sweating? First and foremost, sweating is how the body regulates its temperature. It is often associated with detoxification, but sweat is mostly made up of water and mineral salts: the skin is not the main route by which the body gets rid of waste. Wearing sweat-inducing clothing therefore makes you sweat more, without ‘cleansing’ the body.

But what does cellulite have to do with all this? Cellulite is the result of an abnormal accumulation of fat and water in the deeper layers of the skin:

• Hypertrophy and possible multiplication of adipocytes.
• Compression of connective tissue caused by adipocyte hypertrophy, leading to water retention.
• Fluids that are cleared less easily and linger in the tissues.

Wearing sweat-inducing clothing has no impact on the hypertrophy of fat cells, since perspiration does not burn fat. It is sometimes claimed to work on the other two cellulite factors, but there is nothing to show any effect beyond making you sweat more. When you sweat, you mainly lose water, which your body will need to replace anyway.

Sweat-inducing clothing is therefore mainly designed to make you sweat: there is nothing to show that it reduces cellulite or its dimpled appearance. The same goes for water-retention cellulite, which is largely linked to fluid retention, even if you wear a panty or legging style regularly. Nor should you expect any effect on your legs. As for other types of cellulite (adipose and fibrous), these are primarily caused by excess fat. This is first and foremost a matter of healthy lifestyle habits:

• Regular moderate-intensity endurance exercise (swimming, cycling, brisk walking…).
• A balanced and varied diet, low in salt, sugar and saturated fats.
• A daily anti-cellulite massage routine using the pinch-and-roll technique (for which nothing beats our cupping cups, the classic or the electric version, paired of course with our Massage Oil!)

Finally, if you are tempted by sweat-inducing clothing, keep in mind that you will sweat more when wearing it during physical activity. The fluid loss (and with it, mineral loss!) must then absolutely be compensated. To do so, remember to drink plenty of water, eat foods rich in water such as fruit and vegetables, and ensure a good intake of micronutrients.

Sweat shorts, leggings or briefs: our verdict

Sweat shorts, leggings and briefs are designed to make you feel warmer and sweat more, but they won’t make you lose fat: when you sweat, you mainly lose water. They are an accessory, and there is nothing to show that they reduce cellulite. They are no substitute for physical activity, a balanced diet or a massage routine.

Remember to stay well hydrated and take the garment off if it feels uncomfortable. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or have any doubts, ask your GP or another medical professional for advice before wearing one.

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Useful categories: Anti-Cellulite Solutions.