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I’ve declared myself a test subject when it comes to lymphatic drainage. Over the years, I’ve tried dozens of treatments to promote lymphatic drainage, from DIY solutions like dry brushing, compression boots, and my trusty vibration plate to professional methods, including the coveted Icoone in-office machine. I’m extremely prone to edema (the proper medical term for fluid retention) and thanks to my very sedentary professional life, my lymphatic system often needs a little extra TLC, to say the least. A few years ago, Instagram showed me an ad for Elastique’s lymph-boosting compression leggings and I felt both seen and downright spoken to.
As someone who is often looking for wellness shortcuts that do the work for me while I actually Work, these massage leggings sounded like an absolute dream—especially with my summer wedding just a few months away. A pair of decongestant leggings that promise to give me a lymph-moving micro-massage just by wearing them while walking (OK, sitting) around the house? It took three minutes for the brand’s OG L’Original Legging to be in my cart.
Possible benefits of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
Our lymphatic system is vital to the proper processing and functioning of the body. It acts as our body’s built-in detoxification center, helping to remove bacteria, toxins, and excess fat buildup. Some studies have shown that techniques to speed up the drainage process, including manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) by a licensed massage therapist and more invasive measures such as nonsurgical complete decongestion therapy (CDT), offer a range of beauty and health benefits, including boosting immunity, increasing energy levels, fighting fatigue, and even reducing cellulite.
Unfortunately, achieving these clinical benefits of lymphatic support interventions requires consistency, time and money, which can be time-consuming and expensive. That’s why Emeline Kuhner-Stout, founder and CEO of Elastique, launched her brand in 2016 as a new mother. Inspired by the Vodder method of manual lymphatic drainage, developed in France in the early 1930s, Kuhner-Stout set out to “offer cutting-edge compression garments that support proper lymphatic flow, allowing our community to unleash their most effective built-in detoxification system while prioritizing their busy lifestyles.”
How Elastique leggings work
I was already familiar with compression leggings (which are much more popular in Kuhner-Stout’s home country of France). They’re known to reduce swelling and stimulate circulation, or at least that’s what they’re said to do. But Elastique’s performance wear is uniquely constructed and far outperformed its competitors in the emerging wellness category thanks to the brand’s proprietary MicroPerle technology. The leggings (and other garments in the MicroPerle collection) feature graduated compression (with an impressive 8-13 mmHg compression range, which is hard to find in the U.S.) and built-in MicroPerle massage beads that are strategically placed to target your lymph nodes.
As you move, the MicroPerles (built into the garments’ inner lining) massage you and encourage fluid release. I’ve been wearing Elastique’s L’original MicroPerle leggings for just over a year now and can attest that while they’re admittedly expensive, they’re worth every penny. I’ve owned the brand’s OG L’Original leggings for nearly two years and have found that since I first tried them on, I’ve practically never reached for any other leggings.
L’Original Stirrup Leggings
Recently I was able to try out Elastique’s newest addition to the MicroPerle family, the L’Original Stirrup Leggings. I love the full-body support of the longer version (including the feet!) even more than the 25-inch version – and I am not alone.
Doctor-recommended and editor-approved technology
“I love Elastique’s products because they are actually backed by science and medical evidence,” says New York-based internal medicine specialist Dr. Amanda Kahn (who also sits on Elastique’s medical advisory board). “(The brand) has done clinical studies to prove its effectiveness, and I’m really impressed with how well the MicroBeads help reduce lymphatic congestion.” The doctor, who specializes in longevity, anti-aging and weight management, is also a big fan of the Stirrup Leggings – both for herself and for her weight-loss patients because they not only help maintain lymphatic flow, but also help improve cellulite.
Dr. Kahn also appreciates that the MicroBead leggings offer both immediate improvements and cumulative, gradual results with long-term use. “I love that my skin looks great after just one day, but I find that in the long term they really help reduce lymphatic congestion, which can help my patients who struggle with cellulite and sagging skin after weight loss,” she tells the Daily Beast.
pros and cons
Advantages:
- Stylish and figure-flattering.
- Slimming effect thanks to gradient compression technology.
- The MicroPearls are barely visible when worn.
- Soft, comfortable fabric that fits snugly but isn’t too constricting.
- Clinically tested.
Disadvantages:
- Relatively expensive.
- When worn, the MicroPerle beads leave light “micro-kisses” or impressions on the skin, which can trigger security sensors at airports, courts, government offices or at some concerts.
My general thoughts
I try to wear my L’Original Stirrup leggings as often as possible, and I especially like wearing them when flying because they’re sort of like gentler full-leg compression stockings (although in my experience they can also set off the TSA detectors at airport security!). I also wear them when I’m walking around the house, going to hot Pilates classes, and just lounging, relaxing, and living. Not only do they make my legs look firmer and more toned during and after wearing them, they feel great too. It may be a placebo effect, but when I wear my Elastique leggings, I feel like my circulation is much happier and runs more smoothly.
And although it may be a dirty word these days, the gradual compression in Elastique garments ensures serious Slimming effect – without the sausage-like suffocation I sometimes experience with other brands of shapewear and athletic underwear. They are tight enough to feel form-fitting and tucked in, yet wonderfully comfortable – even in those ever-compromising yoga positions!
If the potential downsides of MicroBead make you hesitate, the brand also offers plenty of options without this unique technology in the shaping and circulation-boosting Lisse capsule. This collection still features the brand’s proprietary gradient compression technology, which is strategically designed to fit tighter at the ankle and looser at the thigh to encourage blood and fluid flow back to the heart—the same upward motion you’d experience during a real-life lymphatic massage from a professional.
There’s no denying that Elastique’s leggings are expensive compared to lower-quality products in this space, but unlike your usual basic gym leggings, they feel more like an investment in your health than your gym wear. Personally, I’d rather spend about $50 more on performance wear that’s good for my body, reduces cellulite *and* makes me feel like a million bucks than on a premium pair at a slightly lower price that, while cute, ultimately does nothing for my body other than cover it while I work out. In short, while Elastique’s luxurious leggings are sleek, classy, and chic, you’re paying for a piece (or two, or three) of industry-changing wearable wellness product with unparalleled performance, visible skin-improving benefits, and long-term lymphatic support. Worth every penny.
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