The Technical Power of SA1NT Compression Wear, Making Its Debut in Japan

Fusing sports science with innovative fabric technology, SA1NT is a next-generation performance wear brand born in Australia. Its founder, Aiden Clarke, is also one of the masterminds behind 2XU, a current leader in the compression wear market.

SA1NT's flagship model, the PROJECT-1, is designed to boost performance during races and high-intensity training. So, what's the tech behind this compression wear that's already winning over runners and trainers worldwide?

Delivering Powerful Yet Comfortable Compression

The development of 'PROJECT-1' was led by Mike Trees. He wears many hats: a running and triathlon coach, and an accomplished athlete who was a Masters world champion in the 1,500m and 10,000m. Additionally, he previously worked alongside SA1NT founder Aiden Clarke at 2XU.

"As an athlete, a coach, and a sports scientist, I've always taken a holistic approach to sports. Well-fitting, functional sportswear is essential for athletes to achieve peak performance.

SA1NT's 'PROJECT-1' collection is the culmination of meticulous research, manufacturing, and rigorous testing, resulting in gear that's lightweight, highly functional, and built to withstand the intense heat and humidity of Asia," says Mike Trees.

The flagship product of the 'PROJECT-1' collection is the 'P1 Elite Compression Shorts.' Its powerful fabric provides solid muscle support, while graduated compression boosts blood flow. An ergonomic design also ensures superior comfort.

Moreover, it's incredibly lightweight at just 118g (size M). Thanks to its water-repellent and quick-drying properties, it won't get weighed down by sweat or rain.

The Secret to High Performance Lies in its Weave

So, what enables the 'P1 Elite Compression Shorts' to deliver higher performance than conventional compression wear?

"Regarding the materials, we use a combination of Lycra, elastane, and nylon, which are woven on a circular knitting machine. This process gives us the ideal stretch and compression—the fabric's elasticity. The exact weaving method is a secret, but what I can say is we combine a thick, powerful 105-denier elastic yarn with a lightweight 70-denier yarn—which is stretchy but has a less intense kickback—to fine-tune how the fabric stretches under load.

This is how we achieve both powerful compression and an ultra-lightweight feel. We believe there are only two or three factories in the world capable of making high-quality compression wear, and we have partnered with one of them to create our compression garments."

He reportedly tested the gear himself repeatedly to find the perfect balance of compression, stretch, and light weight.

"We created samples by feeding various threads of different types and thicknesses into the machine, and then repeatedly tested them by actually wearing them on runs. Beyond just the scientific data, I believe the feel is also a crucial element. After getting feedback from other athletes and feeling—based on my 50 years of running experience and coaching instincts—that we had created something great, we sent samples to an independent third-party organization for data collection.

I was confident, of course (laughs), but when the data showed superior numbers in compression, stretch, and light weight compared to competitor products, we knew we could confidently bring it to market."

Compression Shorts to Boost Athlete Performance

The 'P1 Elite Compression Shorts' were developed to strike a balance between functionality and comfort.

 "I like to use a car analogy. For example, a Rolls-Royce is incredibly comfortable, but it's not particularly fast. On the flip side, a Formula 1 car is unbelievably fast, but not nearly as comfortable as a Rolls-Royce. Our goal was to create something that offers maximum comfort while still delivering top-notch performance.

You can't achieve peak performance without grip, support, and the force that pulls muscles back to their central position. That's why you feel a slight resistance when you wear compression shorts. It's similar to running shoes with carbon plates; it harnesses the energy of a deformed object snapping back to its original shape."

 So, when is the best time to use the 'P1 Elite Compression Shorts'?

 "This is also somewhat similar to carbon-plated running shoes. I recommend wearing them on race day and during high-speed training sessions like interval training. Some might think that if compression shorts make it easier to pick up speed, your body might get lazy. However, getting accustomed to that speed and being able to generate it effortlessly is crucial.

Another advantage is reduced muscle damage during high-intensity workouts. We've received feedback from athletes who've experienced less soreness after a 30km pace run, allowing them to increase the frequency of their intense training sessions. It’s now common practice to switch running shoes based on the workout, and by strategically using compression shorts for different scenarios, you can elevate the quality of your training."

 I had a chance to run in the 'P1 Elite Compression Shorts,' and I felt my hip area was more stable, which made my leg movements feel smoother. The compression is firm, effectively minimizing muscle vibration. Another great feature is how incredibly lightweight they are. They also come equipped with pockets on the waist for energy gels, making them a practical choice for everyday runners in races.