Body profile: 5’3”, 105 lbs, waist 26, hip 33-34 size XS.
I don’t usually write reviews but I had to!! Due to a bad car accident, I suffer from terrible chronic lower back pain, hip pain, and sacroiliac pain, which makes doing daily chores difficult. I also have knee pain from being a dancer all my life. I was very active before the injury, but since then, I haven’t been able to exercise or perform many daily activities because of the pain. I find myself limping with throbbing, radiating pain once I try to start my normal light chores of the day.
I was recommended to try compression pants with supportive features. Over the past few months, I have tried many brands and products, including CEP, 2XU, Sugoi, CW-X, etc. I was about to try Stoko because my pain was worsening, and I was becoming very desperate to try anything. However, spending $450 on a pair of compression pants didn’t seem feasible as I would need multiple pairs to rotate throughout the week.
Then I saw this brand called Bracelayer suggested on Google while searching for different options. I had never heard of this brand, and the pants looked generic from the thumbnail, so I was skeptical. But I clicked on it, read about the different products, and went through various reviews.
Since it’s a Canadian brand created in Whistler, BC, which is in my home province, and the price seemed reasonable, I decided to give it a try. I ordered the KX2 and KXV, both in XS, despite the KX2 size guide suggesting that the waist should be under 24.
The reason I ordered XS is that people mentioned in the reviews that the knee brace part bunches up and causes discomfort. I didn’t want any excess fabric as I am short. Usually, when I buy full-length leggings, there is excess fabric around the ankle.
Another point mentioned in the reviews is that people have a hard time putting these pants on, so just in case I couldn’t get the full length on, I thought I would try the KXV capri mesh one.
I live in the Lower Mainland, and I placed the order late at night, receiving it the next day in the afternoon. So it took less than 24 hours for me to get the package.
Usually, I’m not too concerned about receiving my packages quickly, but because of my ongoing pain, I was hoping it would arrive within the same week of placing the order. This was a huge plus and helpful!
When I tried the KX2, I was able to get them on nicely. It wasn’t like putting on regular leggings but similar to putting on any other compression tights. I used to scuba dive, so I thought putting a neoprene material compression pants on it would be very difficult, but it wasn’t at all. The XS on me was not too tight to the point of cutting off blood circulation.
It provided the right amount of support everywhere, tight enough to give the support I needed on my hips, lower back, and knees.
I absolutely loved the silicone finish around the ankles and waist area as it really kept these pants from sliding down, turning around, or bunching up in the knees when I put on tight pants. The silicone finish also gives support around my weak ankles.
No bunching or bulkiness.
The KXV definitely feels lighter and cooler. However, I love the support the KX2 gives from ankle to hip. I was able to work out comfortably in Pilates class, as well as clean the house and walk my dogs without feeling like I needed more pain meds.
I am usually always cold and do not sweat easily, so for me, I love the KX2 very much. I didn’t find it too warm or hot. It was just perfect. I immediately placed an order for the KX1 and KS1.
Bracelayer stands out for hip and knee support, hands down for the best value and technical support.
I find that 2XU, CEP, and other brands I have tried are more muscle support-oriented than hip and knee support. Now, when I try them, it feels like they give no support even with firm pressure.
My only complaint is that I wish they had more color options and variations available so I don’t have to feel like I’m wearing the same pants all the time. But hopefully in time when the brand grows more there are more options become available.
