Abdominal compression for POTS: garments, leggings and shorts

If you live with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), you have probably been told to try compression. What is often left out is where that compression goes. Compression socks are easy to find, but a lot of the blood that pools when you stand up collects in your abdomen and thighs, not just your calves. That is why many POTS clinicians talk about abdominal compression.

This guide explains what abdominal compression is, why it matters for POTS, and how to choose a garment that covers your tummy as well as your legs. It is general information, not medical advice, so please follow the plan from your cardiologist, GP or specialist.

Why does abdominal compression matter for POTS?

When you stand, gravity pulls blood down into the large veins of the abdomen and legs. In POTS, the body struggles to push that blood back to the heart, so the heart speeds up to compensate, which can cause dizziness, a racing heart, brain fog and fatigue. Firm compression gently squeezes those veins and helps reduce pooling.

The abdomen holds a large share of that pooled blood. Research on compression in POTS has looked at abdominal compression and leg compression separately and together, and found that including the abdomen matters. Our guide to the best compression leggings for POTS covers that research in more detail.

Abdominal binder, socks or high-waisted leggings?

• Compression socks cover the feet and calves only. They are a start, but leave the thighs and abdomen uncompressed.
• Abdominal binders compress the tummy but not the legs, and can ride up or feel bulky under clothes.
• High-waisted compression leggings cover the abdomen, hips, thighs and calves in one garment. For many people this is the simplest way to get abdominal and leg compression together.
• High-waisted compression shorts cover the abdomen, hips and thighs, and are cooler in hot weather. Some people pair them with calf compression.

What should I look for in an abdominal compression garment for POTS?

1. A high waist that actually stays up

If the waistband rolls down, the abdominal compression is gone. Look for an extra-high waist and a waistband built to stay in place. Supacore garments use the patented CORETECH® waistband, which sits firmly over the lower abdomen and also supports the pelvis and lower back.

2. Stated, medical-grade compression

Many "shaping" garments do not state a compression level. Medical compression is measured in mmHg. Meryl, the POTS Medical-Grade Compression Leggings and the CORETECH® 7/8 Leggings with Pocket deliver 25+ mmHg graduated compression, as stated on their product pages.

3. Graduated compression down the legs

Graduated compression is firmest at the ankle and eases off further up, which helps move blood upwards. If you choose leggings for circulation, check they are graduated, not just tight.

4. Something you can wear all day

Compression only helps while you are wearing it. Breathable, seamless fabric and a pocket for your phone make it easier to wear leggings from morning to night.

5. Medical device status

Supacore's CORETECH® garments are registered with the TGA. In Australia, many private health funds offer a rebate under Extras cover with our Health Fund Rebate Form.

Which Supacore garments give abdominal compression?

• Meryl Extra High Waisted Leggings: our highest waist for maximum tummy coverage, 25+ mmHg.
• POTS XTRA Leggings with Pocket: firm full-length compression with a pocket, 25+ mmHg.
• CORETECH® 7/8 Leggings with Pocket: a shorter length for warmer days, 25+ mmHg.
• Nina Extra High Waisted Shorts: abdominal, hip and thigh compression of 25 mmHg, as stated on the product page.
• Clara Knee Length POTS Shorts: longer shorts that reach the knee.

Browse the full women's POTS collection or the men's POTS range.

Tips for wearing abdominal compression with POTS

• Put your leggings on before you get out of bed, or as soon as possible after, while you are still lying down.
• Roll the leggings up from the ankle rather than pulling from the waist.
• Combine compression with the fluid, salt and movement plan from your doctor.
• If you feel numbness, tingling or pain, take the garment off and speak to your clinician.

How do I get the right size?

Use the women's size guide, based on height and weight. If you are between sizes, choose the smaller size so the compression stays firm. Shipping and returns details are on the shipping and returns page. Not sure which style suits you? Call us on +61 468 072 885.

Frequently asked questions

What is an abdominal compression garment for POTS?

It is a garment that applies firm compression around your tummy, usually as part of high-waisted leggings, shorts or a binder. The aim is to reduce how much blood pools in the abdomen when you stand. Many POTS clinicians suggest pairing abdominal compression with leg compression.

Are compression socks enough for POTS?

For some people they help, but socks only cover the lower legs. A lot of blood can pool in the abdomen and thighs, so many people with POTS find high-waisted leggings that cover the tummy, hips and legs more useful. Ask your doctor what suits you.

What compression level do POTS leggings need?

Clinicians often suggest firm compression, but the right level depends on you. Supacore POTS leggings such as Meryl and the CORETECH® 7/8 Leggings deliver 25+ mmHg graduated compression, as stated on their product pages.

Should I choose leggings or shorts for POTS?

Leggings cover the abdomen, thighs and calves, so they compress the most areas where blood pools. Shorts, such as Nina, cover the abdomen, hips and thighs and are cooler in warm weather. Some people use shorts with separate calf compression.

How do I size POTS compression leggings?

Use the women's size guide, which is based on height and weight. If you are between sizes, choose the smaller size so the compression is firm enough.

Are Supacore POTS leggings a medical device?

Yes. Supacore's CORETECH® garments are registered with the TGA, Australia's medical device regulator. Many Australian health funds offer a rebate under Extras cover with a practitioner-completed form.