7 Best Compression Shorts (Ranked & Reviewed 2022)

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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!

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.

Sanabul Core Compression Base Layer Combat Shorts
Pros:
  • 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.

CADMUS Women's High Waist Shorts
Pros:
  • 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.

BioSkin Compression Shorts
Pros:
  • 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.

Under Armour Men's HeatGear Compression Shorts
Pros:
  • 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.

Sanabul Mens Compression Spats
Pros:
  • 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.

Runhit Compression Shorts
Pros:
  • 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.

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.

AERO Plus Size Women's Spandex
Pros:
  • 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.

Shock Doctor Compression Shorts
Pros:
  • 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.

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Origin Fighter is a blog for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to learn about Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, Wrestling, Boxing, Health & Nutrition, Performance and more. Origin Fighter also provides information on how to train smarter with resources such as workout plans and diets tailored for your goals.

About the Author

I am a huge fan of both BJJ and MMA. Jiu-jitsu is my biggest passion, and I’ve been training it for more than 5 years. I have recently been promoted to a purple belt. In this blog, I will be giving you tips on how to improve and how to choose the best BJJ equipment! Learn More