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Compared to the more visible components of your gym-going wardrobe, your choice of compression shorts might appear to be less important. To a certain extent, this is true: Unless you're a member of a very progressive gym, no one sees them, which means they're not at risk of turning you into a walking billboard and/or a human-shaped highlighter.
But excellence is all about preparation, and that process includes the base layer you pull on before everything else, too. These stretchy, tight short-shorts keep everything dry and comfortable, even if all you're doing is some light stretches and a couple of jumping jacks. Also, throwing on these shorts can subconsciously gear you up for workout mode, helping you to hit your next PR. If you haven't bothered to buy a new pair of compression shorts since college—or, heaven forbid, if you've lapsed into wearing regular-ass, swampy underwear to the gym—it's probably time to re-up.
The Best Compression Shorts, at a Glance
Already know what you're looking for from your next pair of compression shorts? Find our top picks right here without diving into the details.
- The Best Compression Shorts, Overall: Under Armour Heatgear, $30
- The Best Upgrade Compression Shorts: Ten Thousand, $54
- The Best Affordable Compression Shorts: Nike Pro Dri-FIT, $25
- The Best Compression Shorts for Running: Tracksmith Allston, $108
- The Best Compression Shorts to Buy in Bulk: DEVOPS (3-pack), $25
- The Best Compression Shorts to Wear on Their Own: Alo Yoga Warrior, $68
- The Best Compression Shorts for Heavy Workouts: 2XU Light Speed, $80
What are compression shorts good for?
One of the main benefits of wearing compression shorts is the tighter fit that exerts light pressure on your lower half to boost blood flow to your muscles, keeping you supported and your muscles engaged as you sweat it out at the gym. Unlike your everyday cotton boxers, the lightweight, stretchy materials they're made with also help prevent chafing and abrasion down there, ensuring that you're about as comfortable as you can be when you're drenched in sweat. Below, we found the best compression shorts to add to your workout kit, whether you're a newbie at the gym or you're about to benchpress twice your weight.
The Best Compression Shorts, Overall: Under Armour Heatgear
Under Armour's Heatgear compression shorts are about as good as it gets when it comes to this underrated product category. And for under $30, you have almost nothing to lose when you try these out (OK, theoretically you could lose $30 if you don't like them, but trust us: You'll like ‘em). The beefy waistband feels snug and secure, and while the shorts aren’t made of cotton—it's a polyester-elastane blend—they're extremely comfortable without trapping heat. You'll find ventilated mesh exactly where you need it for extra breathability, and we'd say the only thing that these compression shorts are missing is a convenient fly for easy access in the bathroom.
The Best Upgrade Compression Shorts: Ten Thousand
Everything about Ten Thousand's compression shorts feel luxe. From the quick-drying Italian fabric, which just so happens to be comfortable as hell, to the silver ion treatment meant to fight odor for the lifespan of the shorts, these are about the hardest-wearing bottoms we could find that don't cost you a fortune. To fight any riding up during your workouts, the hem was designed to stick to your body and avoid the dreaded mid-workout wedgie. If you care about looking good and feeling good in your workout gear, cop these compression shorts.
The Best Affordable Compression Shorts: Nike Pro Dri-FIT
If you've ever tried a single Nike product with Dri-FIT, then you'll appreciate the quick-drying abilities of the fabric when it comes to compression shorts. These lightweight bottoms feel like you're not wearing much, especially because of the flat seams that sit flush against your skin—but don't worry, because you are wearing bottoms and you're perfectly covered. Additionally, mesh is interspersed throughout for ideal ventilation. We appreciate that Nike makes these compression shorts in a wide range of sizes from small to 4XL tall, too.
The Best Compression Shorts for Running: Tracksmith Allston
Tracksmith's top-of-the-line running gear is as functional as it is stylish. Its super-stretchy compression shorts made of a nylon-elastane blend dry quickly when you're working up a sweat, and the fabric is also designed to help regulate your temperature. Whether you're a long-distance runner or going for a quick jog, the Allston's silicone cuffs will make sure your shorts stay put and that you don't have to constantly adjust your bottoms as you're pounding the pavement. You can opt to get the compression shorts in either a lined or unlined version, though the lined Allstons feature a lightweight antimicrobial brief as an added perk. Even better is the storage—three pockets round out the Allston so you can go hands-free instead of running phone-in-hand like a maniac.
The Best Compression Shorts to Buy in Bulk: DEVOPS
At under $10 a pop, DEVOPS' compression shorts are an easy way to make sure you're compressed and stocked up on workout bottoms. With a whopping 16,000 glowing reviews to its credit, it's one the most popular sets of compression shorts you can find on the 'Zon. One super fan of these wrote, “If you are looking for the best compression shorts, look no further. Don't waste your money on super expensive ones. These deliver as well as the expensive stuff, will last significantly longer, and the price point is unbeatable.” They also offer UPF 50+ sun protection if you're sweating it out in the great outdoors, and the side pocket is a nice touch for holding your valuables. Just note that the pocket isn't secured with a zipper so if you put your phone in there while running, there is a chance it could pop out mid-stride.
The Best Compression Shorts to Wear on Their Own: Alo Yoga Warrior
These GQ Fitness Award-winning bottoms will be the pair that actually gets you to wear compression shorts. We found the nylon-spandex construction to be exceptional, moving with your body instead of constricting you. For those who decide to wear these shorts on their own, the Warrior's flat-seam construction and gusset paneling keep your junk secure and out of sight to avoid an NSFW tag on your bottom. These have a longer inseam—between 8.25 to 9.25 inches, depending on the size—than other pairs of compression shorts, which we like because you get more coverage and better compression on your lower muscles. They also have a drawstring so you can comfortably adjust them to your liking.
The Best Compression Shorts for Heavy Workouts: 2XU Light Speed
The heavy lifters among us will love 2XU's Light Speed because they're specifically developed to help you maximize your workout performance and recovery. These shorts have muscle containment stamping, or MCS, technology baked in, which is essentially targeted compression to help provide proper squeeze to specific leg muscles. According to the brand, the MCS increases stability and reduces muscle fatigue, while reducing inflammation, to make your recovery faster and less painful. They're super stretchy, durable, and rated UPF 50+ for added sun protection.
