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The Women’s National Basketball Association (AKA the WNBA) is finally getting its much-deserved moment and, in case we haven’t already made it obvious, we’re here! for! it! With the WNBA drawing in record-breaking viewership and attendance numbers, it’s safe to say that the league has earned itself many, many new fans. And some of those newbies may have some questions about the game. One unexpected question that’s surfaced several times throughout the most recent season is why do some WNBA players wear one legging? Case in point: Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson. There’s no denying WNBA fashion is top-tier, but what’s this all about?
First, it’s worth noting that these single-leg sleeves aren’t just your average leggings cut in half. They’re made from stretchy, form-fitting materials that apply mild compression and pressure to the lower body; some athletes wear similar single sleeves on their arms, too. The exact function varies from athlete to athlete. Here’s what we know about the on-court choice.
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Andy Fata-Chan, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and founder of Moment Physical Therapy and Performance.
Why Do Basketball Players Wear One Leg Sleeve?
Some players wear the asymmetrical sleeve as a fashion statement to stand out or honor other WNBA players, says Andy Fata-Chan, PT, DPT, a physical therapist and founder of Moment Physical Therapy and Performance.
This rings true for WNBA star Angel Reese, who previously explained that she wears the leg sleeve for two reasons: (1) to cover a scar left behind from her Jones fracture, which required her to have a rod inserted into her left leg and (2) to honor her basketball idols. “I cover the scar for one, then my two players that I really admire, Te’a Cooper and A’ja Wilson, they also wear it, too,” Reese said during the 2023 NCAA Tournament, according to NOLA.com. “So it’s swag. But I’ve used it to cover my scar.”
There are functional purposes of a single-leg sleeve as well. “These leggings can provide support and increased blood flow to an area that may have been injured or recently rehabbed,” Fata-Chan says. The tight sleeve can also apply gentle compression to a joint and/or muscle to provide support and increased circulation during play, as well as temperature regulation when they’re off the court to help keep their muscles warm, he adds.
While the National Academy of Sports Medicine points out that more research is still needed into compression therapy, a 2022 study in the journal Sports Medicine suggests that compression leggings can increase blood flow and oxygen circulation to the lower body, which may help athletes perform better and recover faster. In particular, compression therapy is known to help minor musculoskeletal injuries such as shin splints, muscle cramps, and tendinitis, per a study published in the Human Kinetics Journal.
There isn’t strong enough scientific evidence to support that wearing a compression sleeve can actually help prevent muscular or joint injury, Fata-Chan says. However, if a player is prone to rougher play, compressive leggings can offer an additional layer of protection to help minimize abrasion directly to the skin, he adds.
OK, but why only wear one compression legging instead of two? Well, it depends. If the legging is for stylistic or statement purposes, a single-leg fit is undoubtedly more unique and eye-catching. But when it comes to functionality, Fata-Chan says the benefit of wearing one leg sleeve isn’t necessarily different from wearing two. If it’s a temporary addition to help support an acute injury, some athletes may find it more comfortable to only wear compression on the one necessary side of the body, he says. Otherwise, it’s likely just personal preference and another way to elevate the game.
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate from Emory University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in PS, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, and elsewhere.
