We create wearable products that support movement, recovery, and comfort
In today’s rapidly evolving wellness market, the intersection of science, technology, and recovery is creating a new class of performance wear—one that demands both authenticity and results. At the forefront of this transformation is Copper Compression, the number one copper-infused wearable brand in health and personal care on Amazon, now available in over 12,000 retail locations across the United States.
With a robust product line of 70+ SKUs, strategic celebrity partnerships, and a mission to support recovery through innovation, Copper Compression has successfully carved out a niche by fusing functionality with credibility. Its proprietary copper-infused fabrics and performance-driven design approach offer real benefits—from pain relief to enhanced circulation and all-day comfort.
In this exclusive interview with Fibre2Fashion, Joey Braha, Marketing Director at Copper Compression, shares his insights on what is driving the next generation of recovery wear—from materials science and smart wellness technology to consumer trust, retail strategy, and the rise of sports like pickleball.
With increasing competition in the recovery gear market, what factors do you believe will define the next generation of performance-enhancing apparel?
The next generation of performance-enhancing wearables would not just be defined by technology or design—it will be driven by trust.
We believe consumer loyalty will be the most valuable currency. In a world full of noise, real results and word of mouth matter more than ever. People do not just want products—they want validation from someone they trust. That could be a friend who swears by their recovery sleeve, a doctor who recommends copper compression as part of a treatment plan, or even biohackers and wellness experts who are always ahead of the curve and looking for proven, effective solutions.
The brands that succeed will be the ones that stay transparent and committed to real-world results. At Copper Compression, we are innovating with intention, and building trust that lasts beyond a trend cycle.
How has the demand for compression and recovery wear evolved with the growing focus on at-home wellness, fitness, and injury prevention?
The shift towards at-home wellness and preventative care has absolutely accelerated demand for compression and recovery wear—but one of the most surprising drivers lately is Pickleball.
Pickleball has exploded in popularity, especially among middle-aged adults. It has ignited a competitive spirit that is bringing people off the sidelines and back into motion—but sometimes a little too quickly. Orthopaedists have joked that it has brought them out of retirement, and we are seeing a real spike in injuries—knee, foot, elbow, and shoulder issues—that can often be avoided or managed with the right compression and support brace.
That is where Copper Compression comes in. We are seeing huge demand from this community because our products offer immediate, accessible solutions—whether it is for prevention, pain relief, or faster recovery between matches.
And it is not just a trend—we have Drew Brees, who has been involved in pickleball for years, as a partner and advocate. He is one of the first owners of a Major League Pickleball team and has become one of the most recognisable faces of the sport. We never imagined that a future NFL Hall of Famer would help lead us into this emerging space, but it has been a natural, authentic fit. As pickleball continues to grow, so does the need for smart, effective recovery solutions—and we are proud to be part of that movement having our very own Pickleball Ambassador, Matt Manhasse aka McNasty coach to the stars.
Copper-infused compression gear is a niche offering—what inspired the integration of copper into your products, and how does it differentiate you in the wellness and performance market?
When we looked at the market, we saw an opportunity. The existing copper options were not going above and beyond—in fact, after testing and analysis, we found that many of them did not contain much copper at all or only sprayed on a coating that easily washed off. Unsatisfied with what was available, we pushed the category forward and reset the standard by utilising a proprietary blend of copper and nylon fibres—offering enhanced hygienic protection, greater durability, improved performance, and a better consumer experience. For us, it was not just about adding copper to fabric—it is about doing it with intention and making sure we are communicating this effort to the consumer through thoughtful packaging, product design and at every brand touchpoint. The Maximum Copper Advantage has truly set us apart in the health, wellness and performance space.
How does Copper Compression ensure scientific credibility and effectiveness behind its claims, especially regarding copper’s benefits for pain relief and healing?
While copper has a long history of being recognised for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, we are careful to speak accurately about what copper can and cannot do. Contrary to some of the market misinformation, we never overstate its capabilities. Instead, we combine copper with lab-tested compression technology that is widely recognised for improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and aiding muscle and joint recovery. Our products have been certified as Class 1 medical devices by the FDA and antimicrobial by the EPA, giving consumers confidence in their safety and efficacy.
Your gear seems to cater to athletes, workers, and everyday users alike—how do you approach designing for such a wide demographic?
We design with purpose, not trends. Instead of chasing seasonal colours or patterns, we focus on what matters most: premium materials, a reliable fit that retains shape, and thoughtfully engineered compression that is flexible and breathable. We create wearable products that support movement, recovery, and comfort—regardless of who is wearing them.
Whether you are an athlete pushing limits, a worker on your feet all day, or someone simply managing everyday aches and pains, our product is made to meet you where you are and perform when you need it most. It is this focus on simplicity, durability, and versatility that allows us to serve such a wide range of people—without compromise.
Given the increasing demand for sustainable and ethical manufacturing, how does Copper Compression align with these values in sourcing and production?
Sustainability is not a finish line—it is a commitment. We are always looking for new ways to improve and hold ourselves accountable to higher standards as expectations evolve.
We comply with all retailer sustainability requirements, including those related to ethical sourcing, supply chain transparency, and reduced environmental impact. Our packaging is designed to minimise waste—we have even eliminated excess materials (like paper and plastics) for online shopping and use recyclable components across the board. In production, we work closely with our partners to reduce fabric waste and streamline manufacturing processes. We are continuously working to align our sourcing, production, and packaging practices with both our values as standards evolve.
How has the brand evolved since its inception, and what have been the biggest milestones in Copper Compression’s journey so far?
Copper Compression began as an online-only business, and in just a few short years, we saw incredible success—topping seven different Amazon categories in the wellness and performance space and listed as a Top 200 seller in all of North America. That early momentum gave us the confidence to take the leap from online to in-line retail, marking a major milestone in our growth and distribution.
A significant turning point came in early 2020 when we created and donated 18,000 units of the first antimicrobial face mask to health care workers and hospitals before making it available to consumers for purchase. This product earned us the coveted American Business Award for Product of the Year. Shortly after, NFL Quarterback Drew Brees joined the brand. His partnership brought a new level of visibility and credibility, especially among athletes and wellness-focused consumers. It reinforced our mission and helped introduce Copper Compression to a much broader audience.
Since then, we have continued to expand—not only by launching into major retailers like Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and Target, but also by growing our product offerings to better support the everyday needs of our customers. We are proud of how far we have come, and we are just getting started. The next chapter is all about scaling smart, staying true to our purpose, and continuing to deliver solutions that help people feel and perform their best.
With wellness becoming more tech-integrated, do you envision Copper Compression entering the smart wearables or digital health tracking space?
Absolutely—and we have already taken major steps bridging traditional compression with next-generation wellness tools. Copper Compression is evolving beyond traditional compression gear with our tech-integrated CopperVibe collection, which combines targeted heat and vibration for advanced muscle recovery and pain relief.
We have also expanded into other performance-driven wellness technologies, including CopperFreeze Sleeves for cold (and hot) therapy and our newest innovations: CopperRed- infrared wraps, recovery mats, patches, and facial devices designed to increase circulation, healing, and overall well-being.
As wellness and technology continue to converge, we see a clear opportunity to lead and continue to bring smart innovations to market at accessible price points. Unlike many in the wearable technology space, we are not interested in putting advanced recovery tools out of financial reach. We believe consumers deserve to take control of their recovery from home or on-the-go.
Copper Compression has successfully transitioned from a DTC model to a presence in over 12,000 retail locations. What were the key strategies behind this seamless omnichannel expansion?
Our expansion into retail was strategic. We noticed a large segment of reviews where customers were asking ‘where they can find Copper Compression at national stores’ since they could not wait a day or two for delivery while dealing with pain.
At first, we began by leveraging robust consumer insights and Amazon performance data to show clear demand to retail buying teams. Digitally, we were consistently outpacing legacy brands that had dominated retail shelves for decades, proving that today’s consumer is seeking more than just name recognition; they want a brand that connects with them. This gave us a strong story to tell, that others could not—and we made sure to present it everywhere that mattered.
We used this momentum to disrupt the retail category, not just with product performance, but with unique positioning. We brought wellness energy to a stagnant category, with a fresh, forward approach—offering packaging you would expect to find at a high-end organic market or boutique hotel spa, and delivered it in a way that felt modern, accessible, and grounded in real consumer needs.
We showed up at every major industry trade show, investing significantly in our presence and proving that we were serious about retail. That investment paid off—often delivering multiple times the ROI by driving visibility, building relationships, and securing key retail partnerships.
Our omnichannel strategy was not about simply showing up on shelves—it was supported by a growing digital community. That combination allowed us to scale quickly while staying true to our brand mission.
Along the way, high-profile endorsements from names like DJ Khaled, Kid Rock, and even Anna Wintour added unexpected credibility and broadened our appeal. We have been intentional in every step of our omnichannel strategy—disrupting with data, delivering with design, and scaling without compromising who we are.
How have product innovations like PowerKnit and CopperVibe changed the game for tech-integrated recovery wear, and what response have you seen from early adopters?
It is a seamless knitted sleeve that offers far greater support without sacrificing comfort or mobility. CopperVibe, on the other hand, combines the power of copper with heat and vibration therapy, offering a more dynamic recovery experience.
Early adopters have responded enthusiastically, and now Powerknit is available at Walmart Sporting Goods Department. The combination of compression, copper, and technically knitted sleeves provides a level of stability and protection that enhances their confidence. Whether it is recovering from an intense workout or preventing injury during physical activity, our customers are noticing real, tangible benefits—and it is giving them the confidence to push harder, recover faster, and perform at their best.
What role do materials science and textile innovation play in shaping the future of compression garments?
It is absolutely essential to the evolution of compression wear. Materials science is what drives meaningful innovation—both in performance and user experience. We are now seeing examples where wires and other responsive components are integrated directly into garments, such as compression leggings that can tighten with a twist of a knob or touch of a button—technologies being marketed to skiers and high-performance adventurers.
New textiles and hybrid fabrics are being developed daily, offering better stretch, breathability, durability, and recovery. For us, it is about staying on the pulse of these advancements and continuing to explore materials that enhance support, comfort, and therapeutic benefit—without adding bulk or compromising wearability and price. As the line between apparel and technology continues to blur, the future of compression wear will be defined by the fabrics we choose and the science behind them.
How are digital health trends—like wearables and real-time biometric tracking—impacting the compression wear industry?
They have not disrupted the foundation of our business—because compression is timeless.
Compression is one of the oldest, most trusted forms of healing. From ancient practices to modern medicine, the principle remains the same: applying targeted pressure helps promote circulation, reduce inflammation, and support recovery. Whether it is a soldier treated on the battlefield or a patient recovering from surgery, compression is a go-to solution. That is not changing.
Digital tools may complement recovery and offer new insights and cost a pretty penny. We see technology as an enhancement—not a replacement—and we are continuing to build on the fundamentals with intention and purpose.
What are the biggest regulatory or clinical hurdles the compression gear industry faces when it comes to marketing health-related claims?
One of the biggest challenges today is not traditional regulation—it is the digital gatekeepers. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok rely heavily on automated systems to flag and suppress content that includes health-related or medical claims, even when those claims are accurate, compliant, and supported by certifications. Since COVID-19, these systems have become even more strict, with platforms tightening their policies around health-related messaging.
This creates real friction for brands like ours that are digitally focused and certified as FDA Class 1 medical devices. It becomes difficult to communicate the full benefits of our products to consumers through digital advertisements or social media content, because these automated systems are not nuanced—they do not distinguish between medically supported information and exaggerated claims.
We have even had meetings at TikTok’s corporate offices, trying to help them navigate this challenge. While we were able to generate some positive change, getting them to white-list the word ‘compression’, they unfortunately have not been able to find a solution that completely works for our industry.
We are navigating this carefully by focusing on education, transparency, and building strong brand trust. Still, it remains a significant hurdle, especially as consumers increasingly turn to social platforms for health and wellness shopping solutions.
