Compression shorts are more of a training aid than a fashion statement (although, looking good can help your workouts).
And you’ll usually see all kinds of athletes sporting these performance shorts, from MMA fighters to runners, bodybuilders, football and basketball players, the regular gym-goer, etc.
So, there’s definitely a functional purpose behind sporting these fashionable training tights and we’re going to get into that short-ly (pun intended).
But with the large selection of compression shorts on the market, there are many that will do the job to support your physical activities and others that aren’t as supportive.
And it’s our job to offer you the better quality options out there with a review of 10, top-notch compression shorts.
Short On Time? Check Out The Editor’s Pick…
1. Neleus Compression Short
The Neleus compression short is right up there with the best options for maximum compression, comfort, and performance.
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The material helps to keep away moisture and has a 4-way stretch with an ideal, streamlined fit to ensure you get all of the benefits from a quality compression garment.
This short is a fan favorite!
Material details:
- 85% Polyester and 15% spandex
- Elastic closure
- Prevents moisture
- Machine washable
Neleus Pro Compression Shorts
Neleus Pro Compression Shorts
Neleus Pro Compression Shorts design helps in muscle power and decreases recovery time. Have multiple colors to pick from.
What Are Compression Shorts?
Compression shorts are pretty much skin tight activewear mostly used for the many potential and evidence-based benefits, which include…
- Muscle Support
- Comfort
- Moisture management
- Circulation
- Recovery
- Reduced chance of injury
- Performance
Now, some benefits are more pronounced than others according to research (which we’ll discuss shortly).
And by the same token, compression shorts cannot possibly maximize every advantage or positive effect. But this training garment is no doubt a good choice for the active individual.
Not too mention, they’re great for the streamlined visual appearance which can definitely boost confidence, and possibly even performance to an extent.
And you’ll often see athletes wearing these shorts, so if you didn’t know why before, well… you do now.
Here Are Our 10 Functional Compression Shorts Picks…
Note: use the chart from the photos next to the product description if available for each product, to ensure the most accurate fit.
2. CompressionZ Short
This compression short is a great, quality option. It’s made from durable and functional elastic material which provides an ideal balance of comfort and compression, in addition to several additional desirable features.
The stretchy material optimally compresses the upper legs to ensure you can perform regardless of the activity or elements.
And you can’t go wrong here…
Material details:
- 85% nylon and 15% spandex
- Anti-odor
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-itch
- Elastic closure
- Machine washable
Note: Size up for a less tight fit.
CompressionZ Men’s Shorts
CompressionZ Men’s Shorts
CompressionZ Shorts are high performance, weather resistance, enhance endurance and increase muscle recovery. Maximum mobility with a full range of motion
3. Isnowood Compression Short
The Isnowood compression short is durable, ergonomic, and one of the best options for comfort due to the fit and superior elasticity.
The fabric is also non-abrasive and moisture-wicking which will allow the short to stand up to the most intense activities.
And we believe it’s well-deserving of a spot on our list.
Material details:
- 88% Polyester / 12% spandex
- Non-abrasive fabric
- Moisture-wicking
- Machine washable
Isnowood Compression Shorts
Isnowood Compression Shorts
Isnowood Compression Shorts are high elasticity and have advanced moisture-wicking fabric.
4. Under Armour HeatGear 2.0 Compression Short
The HeatGear 2.0 compression short is a durable garment with Under Armour compression and an ergonomic design, for optimal performance and recovery.
It’s a viable first choice for all of your physical activities, offering some pretty great features.
Material details:
- 56% Nylon/40% Polyester/4% Elastane
- Stretch mesh gusset
- HeatGear fabric
- Moisture-wicking
- Anti-odor
- Elastic closure
- Machine washable
Under Armour Compression Shorts
Under Armour Compression Shorts
Under Armour Compression Shorts are heatgear, lightweight, durable, Stretch-mesh provides ventilation.
5. Bewinds Compression Short
Bewinds compression short is a lightweight, ergonomic, tight-fitting option that provides comfort through elasticity and breathability, with an ideal amount of stretch and support during the performance or regular activities.
This short is undoubtedly up to par with the other quality options.
Material details:
- 88% polyester and 12% spandex
- Moisture-wicking
Note: Size up for a regular fit.
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Bewinds Compression Shorts
Bewinds Compression Shorts
Bewinds Shorts has advanced moisture-wicking and breathable material. Sturdy & resilient. Elastic and tight-fitting, protect from injury & reduce fatigue.
6. TELALEO Compression Short
The TELALEO compression short is a highly-stretchable and durable compression garment that is ideal for all-weather training and it’s ergonomic design places it right up there among the other top-notch options on the list.
Material details:
- 85% Polyester and 15% spandex
- Moisture-wicking
- Stretch-mesh gusset
Telaleo Compression Shorts
Telaleo Compression Shorts
Telaleo Compression Shorts has stretch-mesh gusset for ventilation, lightweight with wick fabric. Reduces lactic acid, promotes blood circulation. Great elasticity.
7. Sanabul Compression Short
The Sanabul short is marketed for those involved in mixed martial arts (MMA) training (also used by pros) but it’s a great option regardless of the activity/sport due to the quality materials for comfort and ideal amount of supportive compression.
The material is made from a combination of fabrics with UV protection for durable outdoor use as well. Plus, they fit nice and snug for performance and appearance.
Material details:
- Polyester/Nylon/Spandex
- Elastic closure
- UV SPF 50 protection
- Anti-microbial
Sanabul Compression Shorts
Sanabul Compression Shorts
Sanabul Compression Shorts have great elasticity, high-quality material, UV SPF 50 protection, and 4-way stretch material.
8. Bafly Compression Short
The Bafly compression short boasts the quality fit and function that a top choice should. It has the 4-way stretch plus it’s breathable, lightweight, ergonomic, anti-itch and anti-odor and it’s a pretty durable short along with the other top picks.
Material details:
- 88% polyester and 12% spandex
- Moisture-wicking
- Anti-odor
- Machine washable
Bafly Compression Shorts
Bafly Compression Shorts
Bafly Compression Shorts provides support to thigh muscles, high performance to maintain breathability, great elasticity, have Flatlock Stitch.
9. 2XU Accelerate Compression Short
The 2XU compression short is made with PWX (Power-Weight-Flex) signature fabric for superior support, performance, and comfort.
Plus, it also has UPF 50+ sun protection for outdoor use and you’ll get all of the benefits of a supreme short.
The 2XU compression short seems like a really high-quality performance garment and we have to say it looks pretty neat if you like to train in style.
Material details:
- 72% Nylon / 28% Elastane (Invista LYCRA)
- Jacquard waistband
- Moisture-wicking
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Machine washable
2XU Accelerate Compression Shorts
2XU Accelerate Compression Shorts
2XU Accelerate Compression shorts reduce muscle soreness & fatigue. Flexible, breathable. Reduce chances of muscle damage and risk of injury. Moisture-wicking.
10. Nike Pro Cool Compression Short
The Nike Pro Cool compression short is a no-frills option that provides a good amount of support from compression and it’s a great overall option.
The mesh fabric prevents moisture from ruining your training and it supposedly dries pretty quickly.
The Nike Pro Cool compression short is a viable option and a great value overall for performance support and recovery.
Material details:
- 90% polyester
- Moisture-wicking
- Darted pouch
- Design lines which make key muscles areas more prominent
Nike Pro Cool Compression Shorts
Nike Pro Cool Compression Shorts
Nike Pro Cool Compression Shorts has sweat-wicking support, provides muscle support. Flatlock seams decrease irritation. Keeps you dry and comfortable.
What Does Science Say About Compression Shorts for performance and recovery?
So, do compression shorts provide all of the performance and recovery benefits that most believe them too as a result of the constant pressure on your upper legs?
Well, one study done on runners set out to determine whether or not compression garments play a large role in performance and recovery. (1)
And based on actual performance testing, small improvements were noted for time to exhaustion, running economy (including biomechanics), lactic acid reduction, damage and inflammation, perceived exertion, plus maximal isometric contraction, and peak muscle power after running.
Plus, body core temperature saw moderate changes from compression.
And there were large positive effects for post-exercise leg soreness and the delay of onset muscle fatigue.
This evidence is convincing enough for anyone who desires to reap the benefits from training with a compression short.
But another study found that compression shorts are useful for reducing groin pain in football players. (2)
And one piece of scientific literature from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research showed compression shorts to reduce the potentially negative effects of muscle vibration during cycling. (3)
But circulation has also been shown to play a role in recovery from high-intensity exercise according to research. (4)
Not too mention, there’s sufficient evidence that shows significant improvements of exercise-induced muscle damage when wearing a compression garment post-exercise where eccentric type performance is prominent. (5, 6)
So, it’s probably safe to say that’s sufficient research to prove the many potential positive effects of compression garments.
Wrapping Up
Compression shorts are an effective activewear option that anyone can use for the proven benefits. And we know that when it comes to training and performance, every advantage is welcomed.
But wearing comfortable and aesthetically appealing training garments can also make you feel good and boost confidence as well and we know how beneficial it is to have a psychological advantage when it comes to performance.
So, the benefits surely go beyond just performance and recovery.
And you have many great options here to take care of all of these needs!
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