Not too loose and not too tight, but just right.
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MOST ACTIVE dudes find that compression shorts are a must-have. Whether you're biking, jogging, running, or doing just about any physical activity, the stretchy-yet-supportive underwear help keep you 'locked in,' so to speak, so you can focus on your workout without worrying about what's going on in your gym shorts. Plus, moisture-wicking materials in compression shorts help keep you cool and dry during sweaty workouts.
The evidence falls short on whether compression garments can actually decrease your risk of injury, but they can help recruit muscle adequately and give you more synchronized movement, Gerardo Miranda-Comas, MD, a sports medicine physician and assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine, previously told Men's Health.
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The jury is still out on whether compression shorts can actually improve your workout or recovery, but they can provide enough squeeze to support and contain your muscles, which might help circulation by directing blood toward the heart. And, based on the firsthand experience of some of us here at Men's Health, we'll vouch for the fact that quality compression shorts can make a difference.
To accurately test the top-rated compression shorts on the market, our team of fitness and style editors put many of these compression shorts to the test in various activities, including short and long-distance runs, sprint workouts, races, rowing sessions, and strength workouts. We paid close attention to any sign of chafing, riding up, or other discomfort to evaluate these picks on their comfort, fit, price, quality and more.
So, whether you're looking to add a few new pairs of compression shorts to your workout wardrobe or just wanting to try your first pair, we've got you covered with our picks for the best compression shorts for all your fitness needs. Read on for our curated list of the top 11 options to shop this year.
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Under Armour comes through yet again with these HeatGear Compression Shorts. MH editors have been wearing these for years thanks to a seamless, second-skin fit. You'll barely even notice wearing these mid-length shorts. Plus, the updated design features smart craftsmanship to keep seams off chafe-prone areas, while strategically-placed mesh panels ventilate the areas where you need breathability most.
Not surprisingly, they're among our most worn, most loved compression shorts. At under $30, they're also surprisingly affordable, especially among Under Armour's premium-priced offerings.
What do buyers say? "These are amazing to workout in. I wear them below knee-length shorts to the gym and they've made leg day so much more enjoyable. Keeps everything in place," said one Amazon reviewer.
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These all-season sweat-wicking shorts from CompressionZ breathe during the summer and trap heat during the winter. The four-way-stretch material offers a great amount of squeeze without feeling too constricting or hard to get on, too.
We found the fabric thinner than some other competing shorts, but thermoregulating tech makes them a great choice for layering in any season.
What do buyers say? "Great compression shorts. It’s great for supporting leg muscles on the heal or protecting from injury. Awesome product at a great price," says one Amazon reviewer.
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The waistband on this pair from 2XU is incredibly comfy during workouts and runs where bulky waistbands get in the way and too-tight waistbands cut into the skin. We especially like these shorts for all things running, as the waistband is nearly undetectable and doesn't slip down.
The lightweight fabric hugs your glutes, quads, and hamstrings with a nice level of compression, which is graduated to be slightly looser toward the knees. Plus, the material is incredibly breathable and quick-drying to keep you cool.
What do buyers say? "Great pair of run shorts. Used for everything from a marathon on down. I like the pockets this newer model provides," says one Amazon reviewer.
These former-crowdfunded compression shorts have become a quick hit. We've found them to be worth the hype, too. The fit is great, material is soft, and compression is in that 'just right' Goldilocks range.
Featuring two water-resistant pockets, this short offers a jostle-free solution to store your phone, keys, cards, and other valuables, so you can focus on crushing your workout. This pair airs on the side of minimalism, but also features a moisture-wicking waistband and flatlock stitching which add to the comfort value.
What do buyers say? "So far I am very pleased with the shorts. I’ve done some of my marathon training long runs and they have been great. I’ve been able to carry my iPhone and gels without any issues. Everything stays in place and accessible. I would highly recommend them," said one buyer on the brand's site.
No-frills, all-season name brand compression shorts for the guy on a budget. The polyester and spandex fabric keeps your shorts from being weighed down by sweat and ensures proper ventilation. And UPF 50+ sun protection makes them feel great under mesh shorts (or alone) for outdoor workouts.
We recommend sizing up a pair in these, as the compression is pretty unforgiving. At less than $6/pair for this 5-pack, its one of the best value shorts we've tried.
What do buyers say? Out of more than 4,600 reviews on Amazon, 89% recommend the TELALEO 5-Pack Compression Shorts with at least a 4-star rating.
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Adidas’ AEROREADY technology cools you down when your workout heats up, making these shorts ideal for high-intensity fitness sessions. What's also cool is they're made with at least 60% recycled content.
We love that the thermoregulation feature works well in both directions, keeping your thighs warm in colder weather without over-compressing. After washing and drying, we found these to maintain that compression better than many comparable shorts.
What do buyers say? "Quality product that goes a long way. I should have gone with size medium, as I think it's more adequate for people with size waist 32 to 34," said one reviewer on the Adidas site.
The iconic underwear brand also has its own performance compression short. We found the 84% polyester and 16% spandex DRI interlock blended fabric to live up to its cooling claims. The contrast elastic waistband and chafe-resistant flatlock seams also contribute to an overall comfy wear, in our experience.
They come at a great price and are often on sale on Amazon, making them hard to beat for a budget buy.
What do buyers say? Out of more than 6,800 reviews on Amazon, 83% recommend the Hanes Men's Sport Performance Compression Short with at least a 4-star rating.
Leave it to Alo to make an incredibly soft pair of compression shorts. The 9" Warrior Compression Short is all about comfort first with a buttery soft, 4-way-stretch, nylon jersey fabric with plenty of stretch and give. It's also highly odor-resistant and moisture-wicking too to keep you cool and dry. We found them highly versatile, too, as they work well as standalone shorts or underneath a pair of looser shorts—your call. An adjustable waistband drawcord ensures a perfect fit that's neither too loose or too tight.
There's a lot to like about these premium compression shorts, even given the nearly $70 retail price tag. But, some reviewers complain of a fit that's not quite as tight as they'd like in more "hardcore" alternatives. Still, we like the look, the versatility, and, most importantly, the uber-soft fabric which is why these are our pick for the most comfortable compression shorts of 2023.
What do buyers say? "[Best] tights I've ever had. When I first pulled it out of the package, first thought was it's too small for me, but it fits like a glove, elasticity is amazing, and even without underwear you cannot see contours of my manhood," said one
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Ten Thousand's Compression Short is just as high-quality as their top-rated Interval Short. When testing, we found these to not only stay locked in place but were also incredibly comfortable with zero pinching and zero chafing by design. Oh, and they have a side pocket you can slide your phone in—just in case you're bold enough to wear these bad boys out on their own. Made from luxe Italian fabric, they're also quick-drying with a contoured fit for maximum range of motion.
On the down side, they're only available in black—NBD if you're not the ballsy sort of gentleman who's inclined to wear compression shorts as, ya know, just shorts. And at more than $50, they're reasonably priced, but more expensive than many of the other alternatives we've seen and tested this year. Still, given Ten Thousand's solid rep and hundreds of positive reviews for these premium compression shorts, we think they're worth it for a. stay-in-place HIIT pick.
What do buyers say? "I've worn at least 5 different brands of compression shorts. These are the best; lightweight and real compression unlike others - from major athletic wear companies - that are little more than nylon underwear," said one TenThousand.cc reviewer.
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You can rely on Nike's mesh ventilation and Dri-FIT technology to keep you cool and dry during your toughest workouts. These are incredibly lightweight and wear more like premium underwear than a dedicated pair of shorts. Meanwhile, the snug, compressive fit ensures no bulk or bunching under your outer layers. Run, lunge, and squat without distraction. Plus, every pair of these compression shorts is made with at least 75% recycled polyester fibers, so you can feel a little better about your purchase.
On the downside, we found these shorts to be a bit too thin for anyone looking for a standalone pair. The compression also isn't as tight as others on this list, although that might be a plus for some. Given the Nike brand name and great pricing (less than $25 on sale), these are a great value choice for more budget-conscious buyers.
What do buyers say? "Keep the soldiers in the barracks! Ideal for heavy HIIT workouts to keep everything where you need it!!" said one Nike.com reviewer.
Like most workout apparel, compression shorts aren’t complicated. The right pair should keep you cool, dry, and comfortable through even the toughest workout. While there is no one ultimate pair of men’s compression shorts, these are the things to look for when shopping for the best compression shorts for you:
Ideal compression: Of course, the most important feature of compression shorts is—wait for it—the compression. But, finding the right compression for you can be a challenge, especially if you’re not used to wearing ultra-tight shorts. You want a pair that fits very snugly, but not so tight that it’s unflattering or you feel “squeezed” while wearing them. If you’re buying your first pair of compression shorts, consider sizing up until your body gets accustomed to the feel.
Inseam matters: Choosing an inseam is partly about looks, but it’s also about supporting the right muscle groups. Longer inseams tend to stay in place better without the notorious compression short “ride-up.” Full-length compression shorts also target your hamstrings and quads which may be better for, say, cycling. Shorts with shorter inseams (5 inches or less) are better at targeting the glutes and hips. Just keep in mind that the shorter they are, the more likely they’ll be to ride up and or chafe. There’s no “right” inseam—it’s a matter of personal preference and what works with your fitness routine.
It’s all about the stretch: Every pair of men’s compression shorts we’ve researched or field-tested is made of a blend of either polyester or nylon, plus some amount of stretchy fabric like elastane or spandex. The more stretch fabric, the more give; the more give, the looser the compression. Again, it’s about the right fit for you.
Price: Thankfully, compression shorts aren’t expensive. Even the best models are typically under $70. But you can also score good, budget-conscious shorts for less than $10 per pair. Bottom line: You don’t have to spend a fortune.
First off, they're great for muscle support. You slip into them, and it's like a gentle hug for your legs. This support can help support your natural muscular engagement, which can help you feel more engaged and ready to attack your workout.
Now, the big debate: can they actually make you faster or stronger? Science isn't entirely convinced, but some folks swear by it. Compression gear can help with blood circulation, potentially sending more oxygen to your hard-working muscles, which can help support muscular endurance.
Compression shorts can also act as your personal climate control system. They're usually made from moisture-wicking material that says, "Sweat, we got this." It whisks away the wet stuff from your skin, keeping you cool and dry. No swampy, chafing mess in sight (or out of sight).
"In terms of science, there's no clear evidence that [compression] will decrease injury risk," explains Dr. Miranda-Comas. But, he goes on to say, "It can help with biomechanics, and personally that's why I recommend it at times."
The biggest potential benefit from compression shorts is the fact that they may help you recover better and faster. One 2019 study found that wearing compression leggings actually helped muscles recover more quickly after intense eccentric power or resistance exercise. And another 2016 study found that runners who wore compression clothing may also benefit from improvements in endurance performance, as well as reduced muscle pain, damage, and inflammation.
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At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. Our writers and editors thoughtfully select experts for collaboration on product recommendations, and are also experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality.
Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage. Which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.
For the past two years, Men's Health's fitness editors and experts collaborated on the top compression shorts for men. Experts including our own fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., and senior fitness editor Brett Williams, NASM, put countless men's compression shorts through the wringer to evaluate their fit, support, comfort, effectiveness, and price. In addition to our personal favorites, we combed through Reddit reviews to discover which compression shorts for running and strength training have gained popularity with the general public. The list above represents our honest picks for the best compression shorts for men in 2023.
Talene Appleton is a fitness and food writer and editor, certified personal trainer (NASM-CPT), and former professional dancer based in New York City. Passionate about both exercise and cuisine, she merges her fitness, nutrition and culinary expertise with the goal of motivating others to embrace balanced healthy living. Her work has appeared in Men’s Health, General Surgery News, The Food Institute, The Nessie, and more.
Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men's Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience. He's logged training time with NFL athletes and track athletes and his current training regimen includes weight training, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Before joining Men's Health in 2017, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News.
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