If you’re looking for the best compression shorts to help improve your athletic performance or relieve pain and discomfort, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll rank and review the 7 best compression shorts on the market today.
Each of our reviews will provide a description, a list of features and benefits, pricing, and more. So without further ado, let’s get started!
A quick look at the best compression shorts
- Best men’s pick: Sanabul Core Compression Shorts
- Best women’s pick: CADMUS Compression Shorts
- Best for hip pain: BioSkin Compression Shorts
- Best for CrossFit: Under Armour HeatGear Compression Shorts
- Best For MMA, BJJ, Grappling: Sanabul Men’s Compression
- Best for Running: Runhit Compression Shorts Men
- Best for sports (basketball, soccer, football): Champion Men’s Compression Short
- Best plus size women’s: Aero Tech Plus Size Women’s
- Best for Powerlifting or Weightlifting: Shock Doctor Compression Shorts
How we chose
- Quality. We included items produced by reputable manufacturers that adhere to good manufacturing processes.
- Vetting. We take product selection seriously. We only want to recommend the highest quality products, which is why we carefully vet every potential supplier.
- Price. We try to provide options for everyones budget preferences.
Best Compression Shorts
Here is my list of the 7 best compression shorts this year.
Best men’s pick
Sanabul Core Compression Shorts
If you’re looking for a high-quality pair of compression shorts that will help improve your athletic performance, the Sanabul Core Compression Shorts are a great option. Made from a polyester and spandex blend, these shorts are comfortable, breathable, and lightweight.
- Polyester/Nylon/Spandex
- Elastic closure
- Hygenic and comfortable
- Stay cool
- 4-way stretch material that will keep up with your workout
- Reinforced 5-thread 2-needle stitching means no tears along the seems.
Best women’s pick
CADMUS Compression Shorts
The CADMUS Compression Shorts are our top pick for women. These shorts are made from a polyester and spandex blend, making them both comfortable and breathable. They also feature a wide waistband that won’t dig into your skin.
- 85% Polyester / 15% spandex,
- Machine Was,
- Size somewhat bigger than your usual size.
- Elastic closure
- 4 Way Stretch
- 30 day money back
- Two pockets
- Flatlock seams
- Quick-Drying and Sweat wicking
Best for hip pain
BioSkin Compression Shorts
If you’re looking for a pair of compression shorts that can help relieve hip pain, the BioSkin Compression Shorts are a great option. Made from a nylon and spandex blend, these shorts are comfortable, breathable, and lightweight. They also feature an adjustable waistband so you can get the perfect fit.
- Medical-grade compression
- Treats Hip Flexor strains, Iliofemoral sprains, Quad contusions, Hamstring soreness, and Thigh strains.
- Includes a groin wrap for support where you need it most.
- Thin, breathable, and durable.
- Hypo-allergenic, Latex free and Neoprene free.
Best for CrossFit
Under Armour HeatGear Compression Shorts
The Under Armour HeatGear Compression Shorts are our top pick for CrossFit. These shorts are made from a polyester and elastane blend, making them both comfortable and breathable. They also feature a 4-way stretch fabric that will move with you during your workout.
- Pull-On closure
- Machine Wash
- Super-light HeatGear fabric
- Ergonomic design
- Side pocket
Best For MMA, BJJ, Grappling
Sanabul Men’s Compression
The Sanabul Men’s Compression Shorts are our top pick for MMA, BJJ, and grappling. These shorts are made from a polyester and spandex blend, making them both comfortable and breathable. They also feature a 4-way stretch fabric that will move with you during your workout.
- Polyester/Nylon/Spandex
- Pull-On closure
- hygenic and comfortable
- stay cool
- 4-way stretch material that will keep up with your workout
- Reinforced 5-thread 2-needle stitching means no tears along the seems.
Best for Running
Runhit Compression Shorts Men
Runhit compression shorts for men help support the glutes, quads, and hamstrings. They also help increase blood flow and keep bones in alignment. Runhit compression underwear for men uses a four-needle six-line stitch which makes them more durable and helps prevent chafing. Our compression running shorts for men have elastic along the waist and thighs which keeps them in place, is firm but still comfortable.
- Snap closure
- Machine Wash
- Increased blood flow
- Flatlock Stitching
- Elastic Waistband
- Moisture-Wicking Material
- Design for all sports
Best for sports (basketball, soccer, football)
Champion Men’s Compression Short
The Champion Men’s Compression Shorts are our top pick for the best compression shorts. They are made with a comfortable, stretchy material that is great for working out or running. The waistband is also adjustable, so you can get the perfect fit.
- Body: 84% Polyester, 16% Spandex; Insert: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
- Elastic closure
- Machine Wash
- Quick-drying
- wicks moisture
- flatlock seams
Best plus size women’s
Aero Tech Plus Size Women’s
If you’re looking for a pair of plus size compression shorts, the Aero Tech Plus Size Women’s Compression Shorts are a great option. These shorts are made from a polyester and spandex blend, making them both comfortable and breathable. They also feature a wide waistband that won’t dig into your skin.
- 100% Spandex
- Made in USA
- Machine Wash
- 84% nylon & 16% spandex
- four-way stretch tricot knit
Best for Powerlifting or Weightlifting
Shock Doctor Compression Shorts
They have a high waist design and cover the glutes and waist completely. The crotch is double-lined for additional strength and durability. The waist and leg bands are one inch wide and keep the shorts in place during strenuous exercise. The stitching is heavy-duty and has high tensile strength.
- super supportive for the hips and thighs
- Incredible thick strong fabric
- Comes with bio-flex protective cup
Frequently asked questions
What Is Compression Wear?
Compression wear is a style of clothing woven with spandex-type fibres. Compression wear is skin tight. Even more so. The idea is to compress your muscles and increase circulation by compressing the blood back to the heart. It’s not simply about what it delivers in terms of moisture management, performance benefit, comfort, and support. It’s also about how you dress for compression wear and keep it in place.
Do compression shorts stop chafing?
Compression shorts should prevent chafing. In normal use, your short should not cause any discomfort. Even if you’re running a marathon, you may get chafed (26 miles isn’t an everyday occurrence). That’s why purchasing a specific pair of compression shorts is recommended in this situation.
Are boxer-briefs the same as compression shorts?
Compression boxers, on the other hand, are not the same as boxer briefs. Compression shorts provide better support and coverage than boxing wear. Excellent compression boxers also help to enhance blood flow and promote muscle healing by restricting movement in certain areas.
What Are Compression Shorts Made Out Of?
Compression shorts are made of a high-grade fabric that provides compression. The cloth is generally composed of a mix of materials such as nylon, spandex, lycra, and polyester.
Benefits of Wearing Compression Shorts During Workouts
- Reduced Muscle Fatigue During Workouts.
- Improved Anaerobic and Aerobic Threshold.
Final Word
Compression shorts are an important piece of gear for many athletes. They can help improve performance and reduce recovery time. There are a lot of different options on the market, so it is important to find the right pair for you. The seven pairs of compression shorts reviewed here are all great options for athletes in a variety of sports.