Pelvic Floor Support vs. Compression Garments: What’s the Difference?
When you're dealing with symptoms like heaviness, bulging, or pressure “down there,” it’s easy to assume that any supportive garment is better than nothing. But not all garments are created equal, and understanding the difference between pelvic floor support garments and traditional compression garments can have a huge impact on your daily comfort and long-term recovery.
In this post, we’ll break down what makes these two garment types different, what each is designed for, and why choosing the right one matters—especially if you're managing pelvic organ prolapse (POP), postpartum healing, vulvar varicosities, or everyday pelvic discomfort.
What Are Compression Garments?
Compression garments are designed to apply pressure to specific areas of the body. They’re commonly used in sports, post-surgical recovery, and swelling management. Think: bike shorts, high-waisted leggings, or abdominal binders.
What they do well:
- Reduce swelling (especially in legs or abdomen)
- Improve circulation during physical activity
- Provide general muscle support
But here’s the catch: Most compression garments aren’t designed for the pelvic floor. They may squeeze the abdomen or thighs, but that compression often doesn’t target the specific structures responsible for pelvic support—and in some cases, may even increase downward pressure, making prolapse symptoms worse.
What Are Pelvic Floor Support Garments?
Pelvic floor support garments are purpose-built to gently lift and support the pelvic organs. They’re engineered with unique stitching patterns, tension zones, and materials that provide targeted support to the perineum and lower abdomen without increasing intra-abdominal pressure.
In other words, they’re designed with prolapse and pelvic health in mind—not just general compression.
Benefits of pelvic floor support garments:
- Help reduce symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (heaviness, bulging, pressure)
- Offer non-invasive support during postpartum recovery
- Provide comfort while waiting for POP surgery
- Improve confidence and comfort during daily activities
Why the Confusion?
It’s easy to confuse the two. Many women try a pair of high-waisted compression leggings or shapewear and wonder, “Isn’t this the same thing?”
But here’s what we hear often from our community:
“I bought compression shorts hoping it would help my prolapse, but it made me feel worse. More pressure, more discomfort.”
That’s because traditional compression gear wasn’t designed to support the pelvic floor. And when you’re dealing with POP or postpartum symptoms, targeted support matters.
When Compression Helps — But Not Just Any Compression
Some pelvic conditions, like vulvar varicosities, do benefit from compression. These swollen veins in the vulvar area often worsen with prolonged standing or during pregnancy, and gentle pressure can help reduce pain and swelling.
But here’s where it gets important: not all compression is created equal.
While many women try maternity leggings or bike shorts, these options typically offer broad, unfocused compression that may feel tight but doesn’t provide the targeted support your pelvic area actually needs.
That’s why pelvic-specific garments, like the ones we design at Hem, make such a difference. As Dr. Margo Kwiatkowski, PT, DPT, CSCS, PCES explains:
“The vulvar compression that Hem Support Wear offers is firm enough to prevent and improve symptoms and gentle enough to not restrict the tissues.”
In other words, it’s not about whether compression works—it’s about getting the right kind in the right place. Our garments are designed to do exactly that, offering dual support for both prolapse symptoms and vulvar varicosities in one wearable solution.
Want the full clinical breakdown? Check out Dr. Kwiatkowski's expert guide.
How to Tell If a Garment Offers True Pelvic Support
Here are a few signs you’re looking at a pelvic floor support garment—not just compression:
- Designed with input from pelvic floor PTs or specialists
- Supports the perineum and lower pelvis, not just the abs or thighs
- Described as “pelvic organ support,” not just “compression” or “shapewear”
- Offers relief from heaviness, pressure, or bulging
- Comfortable enough for daily wear, even during movement
Hem Support Wear garments were created specifically for this purpose—because our founder Lauren couldn’t find a garment that met these needs in her own recovery journey. In fact, our garments feature a patented support hammock that delivers targeted pelvic lift, right where you need it most.
Does Choosing the Right Garment Really Matter?
Yes—especially if you’re:
- Navigating postpartum healing
- Experiencing mild-to-moderate POP
- Waiting for prolapse surgery and need symptom relief
- Struggling with day-to-day comfort due to pelvic heaviness
- Wanting to stay active without worsening symptoms
Wearing the wrong type of support may do more harm than good. But the right support? It can help you feel stable, confident, and more like yourself again.
The Bottom Line: Support Isn’t Just About Squeezing
Compression might help for certain conditions, but if your goal is pelvic floor support, a targeted garment makes a world of difference. Don’t settle for “close enough”—your body deserves better.
💡 Ready to Find the Right Fit?
Here’s how we can help:
- Browse our pelvic floor support garments → Explore our collection
- Find your best fit → Take our personalized fit quiz
- Learn more about our garments → See what makes Hem different
About the Hem Support Wear Team
Meet Cristin, Lauren, and Alexa: a small, mission-driven team passionate about helping women feel supported, seen, and strong—especially when it comes to pelvic health. Hem Support Wear was founded by Lauren Fleming, whose personal journey with prolapse sparked a mission to make healing feel less lonely and a whole lot more empowering.
**Medical Disclaimer: This post is intended to provide information and resources only. This post or any of the information contained within should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Always seek the guidance of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your healthcare, conditions, and recommended treatment.
