Compression gear should feel snug but comfortable—providing gentle pressure without pinching or restricting movement. Finding that precise fit is essential for unlocking the full performance and recovery benefits of Virus® technology. This comprehensive guide walks you through exactly how to measure, which size to select, and what proper compression should actually feel like.
How to Take Your Measurements
Accurate measurements are the foundation of a perfect fit. Grab a flexible measuring tape and follow these guidelines for the most precise results:
Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape level across your shoulder blades. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides—don't puff out or hold your breath.
Waist: Measure at your natural waistline, typically the narrowest part of your torso, just above your belly button. For singlets and competition gear, measure where your waistband naturally sits during lifts.
Hips: Stand with feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and glutes. This measurement is critical for women's compression bottoms.
Weight Reference: For singlets specifically, your body weight provides an additional sizing checkpoint. Our singlet sizing incorporates both waist measurement and weight ranges to ensure optimal compression during competition movements.
Understanding Compression Fit
Virus® compression is engineered differently than lifestyle athletic wear. Our Bioceramic™ and CoolJade™ fabrics are designed to work with your body's energy—but only when fitted correctly.
What proper compression feels like: You should experience even, supportive pressure across muscle groups without any areas of pinching, rolling, or restriction. The garment should feel like a "second skin" that moves with you through full range of motion—whether that's a deep squat, a sprawl, or an overhead snatch.
Signs your compression is too tight: Numbness or tingling in extremities, visible skin bulging at seams, restricted breathing, or fabric that leaves deep impressions after removal. If you experience any of these, size up.
Signs your compression is too loose: Fabric bunching during movement, constant readjustment needed, sliding or rolling at waistband or leg openings, or lack of supportive "locked in" sensation. If the garment moves independently from your body, size down.
Men's Sizing Charts
Men's Tops (T-Shirts, Long Sleeves, Rashguards)
| Size | EU/OC Size | Chest (Inches) | Chest (CM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 38 - 40 | 34" - 36" | 86.3 - 91.4 cm |
| S | 40 - 42 | 36" - 38" | 91.4 - 96.5 cm |
| M | 42 - 44 | 38" - 40" | 96.5 - 101.6 cm |
| L | 44 - 46 | 40" - 42" | 101.6 - 106.7 cm |
| XL | 46 - 48 | 42" - 44" | 106.7 - 111.8 cm |
| XXL | 48 - 50 | 44" - 46" | 111.8 - 116.8 cm |
| XXXL | 50 - 52 | 46" - 48" | 116.8 - 121.9 cm |
Men's Bottoms (Compression Pants, Shorts, Joggers)
| Size | EU/OC Size | Waist (Inches) | Waist (CM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 38 - 40 | 26" - 28" | 66 - 71.1 cm |
| S | 40 - 42 | 28" - 30" | 71.1 - 76.2 cm |
| M | 42 - 44 | 30" - 32" | 76.2 - 81.3 cm |
| L | 44 - 46 | 32" - 34" | 81.3 - 86.4 cm |
| XL | 46 - 48 | 34" - 36" | 86.4 - 91.4 cm |
| XXL | 48 - 50 | 36" - 38" | 91.4 - 96.5 cm |
| XXXL | 50 - 52 | 38" - 40" | 96.5 - 101.6 cm |
Men's Competition Singlets (Elevate V3, Ascend)
Singlet sizing uses both waist measurement and body weight to ensure optimal compression during Olympic lifts and powerlifting movements. The reinforced quad panels on our Elevate V3 are designed to protect against bar knurling abrasion—proper fit ensures these panels align correctly with your thighs.
| Size | Waist (Inches) | Waist (CM) | Weight (LBS) | Weight (KG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 30" - 32" | 76.2 - 81.3 cm | 125 - 155 lb | 56.6 - 70.3 kg |
| M | 32" - 34" | 81.3 - 86.4 cm | 155 - 180 lb | 70.3 - 81.6 kg |
| L | 34" - 36" | 86.4 - 91.4 cm | 180 - 205 lb | 81.6 - 92.9 kg |
| XL | 36" - 38" | 91.4 - 96.5 cm | 205 - 235 lb | 92.9 - 106.5 kg |
| XXL | 38" - 40" | 96.5 - 101.6 cm | 235 - 255 lb | 106.5 - 115.6 kg |
| XXXL | 40" - 42" | 101.6 - 106.7 cm | 255 - 300 lb | 115.6 - 136 kg |
Women's Sizing Charts
Women's Tops (T-Shirts, Long Sleeves, Crop Tops)
| Size | EU/OC Size | Chest (Inches) | Chest (CM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 34 - 36 | 30" - 32" | 76.2 - 81.2 cm |
| S | 36 - 38 | 32" - 34" | 81.2 - 86.3 cm |
| M | 38 - 40 | 34" - 36" | 86.3 - 91.4 cm |
| L | 40 - 42 | 36" - 38" | 91.4 - 96.5 cm |
| XL | 42 - 44 | 38" - 40" | 96.5 - 101.6 cm |
| XXL | 44 - 46 | 40" - 42" | 101.6 - 106.7 cm |
| XXXL | 46 - 48 | 42" - 44" | 106.7 - 111.76 cm |
Women's Bottoms (Compression Leggings, Shorts)
| Size | EU/OC Size | Waist (Inches) | Waist (CM) | Hip (Inches) | Hip (CM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 34 - 36 | 23" - 25" | 58.4 - 63.5 cm | 34" - 36" | 86.4 - 91.4 cm |
| S | 36 - 38 | 25" - 27" | 63.5 - 68.6 cm | 36" - 38" | 91.4 - 95.6 cm |
| M | 38 - 40 | 27" - 29" | 68.6 - 73.6 cm | 38" - 40" | 95.6 - 101.6 cm |
| L | 40 - 42 | 29" - 31" | 73.6 - 78.7 cm | 40" - 42" | 101.6 - 106.7 cm |
| XL | 42 - 44 | 31" - 32" | 78.7 - 83.8 cm | 42" - 44" | 106.7 - 111.8 cm |
| XXL | 44 - 46 | 33" - 35" | 83.8 - 88.9 cm | 44" - 46" | 111.8 - 116.8 cm |
| XXXL | 46 - 48 | 35" - 37" | 88.9 - 93.98 cm | 46" - 48" | 116.8 - 121.9 cm |
Women's Sports Bras
Sports bra sizing uses your band size (the number) and cup size (the letter) to determine the best fit. Find your band size across the top row, then your cup size down the left column to identify your Virus® size.
| Cup / Band | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | XS | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
| B | XS | S | M | M | L | XL | XXL |
| C | XS | S | M | L | XL | XL | XXL |
| D | S | M | L | L | XL | XXL | XXL |
| DD | S | M | L | XL | XL | XXL | XXL |
| E | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXL | XXL |
| EU/OC Size | 32-34 | 36-38 | 38-40 | 40 | 42-44 | 46 | 48 |
Women's Competition Singlets
Like men's singlets, women's competition singlets use both waist measurement and body weight for optimal fit during Olympic and powerlifting movements.
| Size | Waist (Inches) | Waist (CM) | Weight (LBS) | Weight (KG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 24" - 27" | 60.9 - 68.6 cm | 95 - 120 lb | 43 - 54.4 kg |
| S | 27" - 30" | 68.6 - 76.2 cm | 120 - 140 lb | 54.4 - 63.5 kg |
| M | 30" - 33" | 76.2 - 83.8 cm | 140 - 160 lb | 63.5 - 72.5 kg |
| L | 33" - 36" | 83.8 - 91.4 cm | 160 - 180 lb | 72.5 - 81.6 kg |
| XL | 36" - 39" | 91.4 - 99.1 cm | 180 - 200 lb | 81.6 - 90.7 kg |
| XXL | 40" - 43" | 101.6 - 109.2 cm | 200 - 220 lb | 90.7 - 99.7 kg |
| XXXL | 46" - 49" | 116.84 - 124.46 cm | 220 - 240 lb | 99.7 - 108.86 kg |
Fabric-Specific Fit Considerations
Different Virus® fabric technologies have slightly different stretch and compression characteristics. Understanding these differences helps you dial in the perfect fit:
Bioceramic™ (BioPoly, BioFlex, BioFleece): Our flagship compression fabric features a supportive, compressive feel with 4-way stretch. The tightly knitted open-loop design creates the compression profile, so these pieces run true to size. The mineral-infused yarns work best when the fabric maintains consistent contact with your skin.
CoolJade™ (Hydro): Designed for heat management with a buttery-soft feel. CoolJade fabrics are our softest compression option and have slightly more give than Bioceramic. If you're between sizes and prefer a more relaxed compression, consider sizing up in CoolJade pieces.
EcoNuve™: Our sustainable fabric made from 94% recycled polyester delivers a cottony-soft hand feel with excellent 4-way stretch. EcoNuve runs slightly softer than Bioceramic compression—ideal for all-day wear and lower-impact training.
FormFlex: A mid-weight woven fabric with 4-way stretch, water-repellent and wind-resistant properties. FormFlex is designed to maintain shape under pressure, so these pieces run true to size with a structured fit.
AirFlex: Ultra-light woven construction for maximum breathability. AirFlex pieces have a relaxed, weightless feel compared to our knit compression fabrics.
Between Sizes? Here's How to Decide
If your measurements place you between two sizes, consider your intended use:
Size down if: You're using the gear primarily for competition, heavy lifting, or recovery. Tighter compression maximizes the circulation and support benefits of our Bioceramic™ technology. Competition singlets especially benefit from a snug fit to prevent fabric bunching during lifts.
Size up if: You prefer more freedom of movement for functional fitness, yoga, or all-day wear. You'll still receive compression benefits, but with added comfort during extended training sessions or casual use.
When waist and weight don't match (singlets): Prioritize waist measurement. The waist is the primary anchor point during lifting, and proper waist fit ensures the quad panels align correctly and the straps don't dig into your shoulders.
Sport-Specific Fit Recommendations
Olympic Weightlifting: For snatches, cleans, and jerks, you need unrestricted overhead mobility combined with compression support for your legs. Choose singlets and compression pants that allow full hip flexion in the bottom of a squat without riding up or restricting your catch position.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA: Rashguards and spats should fit like a second skin with zero loose fabric that could be grabbed during grappling. Our Grappler line is designed with extra durability at stress points—size for a snug fit that won't stretch out after repeated mat sessions.
Cross Training and Functional Fitness: The varied demands of WODs—from rowing to rope climbs to heavy deadlifts—require gear that performs across movement patterns. Our IconX compression offers structured support that "stays put" during dynamic movements without restricting your range of motion.
Running and OCR: Temperature regulation becomes critical during sustained cardio. CoolJade™ pieces in a slightly relaxed fit allow for airflow while still providing muscle support. For obstacle course racing, ensure compression legs won't slide down when wet.
Care Instructions to Maintain Fit
Proper care ensures your Virus® gear maintains its compression profile and performance properties wash after wash:
Wash in cold water. Heat can degrade elastic fibers and reduce compression over time. Cold water preserves the integrity of our technical fabrics.
Air dry when possible. If using a dryer, tumble on low heat. High heat is the fastest way to break down elastane and reduce the lifespan of compression gear.
Avoid fabric softeners. Softeners leave a residue that coats fibers and impairs moisture-wicking performance. Your CoolJade™ and Bioceramic™ fabrics will work better without them.
Skip abrasive materials. Don't wash with velcro, zippers, or rough items that can snag the knit construction.
Still Unsure? We're Here to Help
Every body is different, and finding the perfect fit sometimes requires a conversation. Our team includes athletes who train in the same gear you're shopping for—we understand the nuances of compression fit for Olympic lifting, combat sports, and functional fitness.
Contact our support team with your measurements and intended use, and we'll provide personalized sizing recommendations. Because when your gear fits right, you can focus entirely on the work ahead.
