In competitive sports different types of compression garments (socks, shorts, tights and whole body suits) have become popular. The results of scientific studies regarding their effectiveness, however, are heterogeneous. The aim of this literature review is to (i) survey the scientific data regarding performance enhancing benefits and the support of recovery when applying compression fabrics and (ii) to describe the practical relevance for the application of compression textiles in the competitive sport context. Method: In order to detect relevant publications for the present review an internet search using the medical databases Medline and PubMed was performed. Altogether, 37 studies were analysed. All publications were from the years 1987 to 2010. Results: The literature review showed no general scientific indications regarding the benefit of compression garments in competitive sports. Conclusion: In particular, the different study designs and different clothing styles as well as different pressure gradients gave rise to contradictory data. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart - New York.