The 5 Best Compression Shorts On the Market (2020 Update)

Man in compression shorts running up a trail

One of the staples every man and women need in their training wardrobe are a pair of quality compression shorts. Whether that be for weightlifting, running, or casual wear, a pair of compression shorts provide benefits, such as

  1. Targeted Compression in the Thighs
  2. Moisture Wicking & Sweat Regulation
  3. Additional Support for Lifting or Running
  4. Recovery and Blood Flow/Circulation
  5. Long-Term Comfortable Wear

You don’t see these type of benefits in regular basketball or athletic shorts. You can expect compression shorts to do more than look good in the gym. And the best part? It is one of the simplest ways to help improve your lifting or running experience. All you have to do is put them on, and the passive benefits from just wearing the shorts will come with it. With that in mind, I chose and reviewed the five best compression shorts on the market right now that can help improve your workout and exercise experience.

The Best Compression Shorts

Compression ShortsBest forKey FeaturesMore Info
Mava Men's Compression ShortsRunners & WeightliftersStrong Compression (15-25 mmHg), Moisture WickingView on Amazon
Sport-It Compression ShortsRunners (People who want a pocket)Pocket for Phone, Above-Knee CoverageView on Amazon
2XU Compression ShortBaselayer ShortsOptimal Coverage, Secure FitView on Amazon
Copper Compression Recovery ShortsComfort and RecoveryCopper-Infused Fibers, ComfortableView on Amazon
Under Armour Heatgear ShortsCasual WearBudget-Friendly, Trusted BrandView on Amazon

1. Mava Men’s Compression Short

These form-fitting, low-profile compression shorts are one of the best compression shorts you can take to accompany you to the gym or running. You can expect both excellent coverage and strong compression on your thighs as you go through each one of your exercises. Also, the nylon/spandex blend feels great against the skin and stretches to conform comfortably to the natural shape of your thighs. Diving deeper into the compression aspect: Their shorts apply 15-25 mmHg, which is that sweet spot between light to moderate levels of compression that is perfect for most individuals. It promotes mild compression to help recovery and healing in the thighs after a workout by getting the blood circulating. That means if you’ve been doing squats or any other lower body/leg based exercise with an emphasis on the thighs, it will help alleviate some of the pain and soreness. It will help improve your recovery speed after said workout or run.One other thing to appreciate about these shorts is the moisture-wicking technology. Whether you wear them by themselves or under another pair of athletic shorts, the moisture regulation helps keep things cool compared to just soaking up the sweat. It adds to the comfort and long-term wear of this particular pair of compression shorts.
mava-men-compession-short-weightlifting-squat-deadlift

2. Sport-it Men’s Compression Shorts

What I love about this particular pair of compression shorts is the overall coverage of the shorts and the support it offers for both runners and lifters. It’s on the lengthier side compared to the other short on this list covering the entirety of the thigh region. So if you don’t like the “short shorts” look of most compression shorts, this pair by Sport-It might help alleviate your appearance concerns. Besides the exterior benefits of the shorts, it also helps alleviate some of the burdens of your workout by providing the right amount of support and posture to improve your form and performance while exercising.These shorts feature a unique design and functionality (that not many competing shorts have) with a pocket on the side. This simple solution improves your overall experience by having a place to store your phone while lifting or running. You won’t have to carry it in your hand or place it somewhere that is potentially unsafe. It is very much convenient having to not lug around my phone. I highly recommend these shorts for anyone who likes additional thigh coverage and wants a pocket in their compression shorts.
sports-it-men-compression-short-with-pocket

3. 2XU Men’s Compression Shorts

You can’t go wrong with a trusted brand in the compression and sports apparel industry. 2XU not only offers one of the best compression shorts in the market, but they also provide the customer support and service to go with it. If you prioritize customer service when shopping, I recommend checking out their compression shorts line. But the reason they’re a big player in the athletic apparel industry is that of the material design of their clothing. Their shorts are made with durable construction and weave design that should hold up for many future runs and workouts. Also, the form factor provides the ideal level of support and full compression for each leg to help with recovery after weightlifting or running. The level of coverage is targeted to help support muscle groups such as the quads, hamstrings, abductors, and glutes. These are great as standalone shorts or wearing them under another pair as base layer shorts. All this is possible thanks to the 70 Denier Construction of the shorts. It ties everything in together to create a great all-around pair of athletic shorts.You can trust these to help you perform well with squats, deadlifts, leg press, and other lower extremity exercises.They have a secure and comfortable fit you can trust to keep up with even the most intense workouts.
2xu-men-compression-shorts-weightlifting-thighs-legs

4. Copper Compression Recovery Shorts

One of the trends in compression apparel is a new material construction with copper-infused fibers. And Copper Compression specializes in designing quality compression shorts that use this material to help promote blood circulation and recovery.The benefit of this copper material is that it helps to stimulate and build your muscle back quicker after a workout. Also, it enables you to get back in the gym faster to help repeat the process. Having a pair of these compression shorts would help tremendously when weightlifting or a long run, and you find your legs sore.These are probably one of the most comfortable compression shorts on this list. The material fabric and weave construction feel great against the skin. Wearing a pair of these compression shorts to the gym provides a comfort factor. Even just wearing these shorts as baselayer apparel under a pair of shorts would still give the same relief and compression benefit.If you’re looking for unique weave design and construction with a comfort factor, check out this pair of compression shorts.copper-compression-recovery-shorts-weightlifting-legs-lower-body

5. Under Armour HeatGear Sonic Compression Shorts

If you’re looking for something a little cheaper compared to the other compression shorts on this list, Under Armour has your back.They are a household name in the athletic apparel business that you can trust to have quality shorts.Each pair of shorts checks all the boxes needed to be one of the best compression shorts for weightlifting. These shorts are comfortable against the skin with its durable, and soft polyester/elastane material. Also, the compression pressure applied is firm but not constricting. Lastly, they offer a secure fit that will support the legs while exercising the thighs, glutes, and hamstrings.You can’t go wrong with a classic pair of compression shorts.The shorts have a low-profile design that you use as base layer apparel. Just put another pair of workout shorts or pants over it. You’ll still be able to get the same benefits.Overall: if you want something familiar, you can’t go wrong with weightlifting and working out with this pair of compression shorts.
under-armour-heatgear-sonic-men-compression-shorts-weightlifting

Quick Tips for Buying Compression Shorts

There a few things to consider when buying compression shorts that you should know before taking the plunge. Some compression shorts are shorter than others. Most manufacturers design their lengths that cover up to different areas of the thigh. Some will go to the knee while others will go halfway (like compression underwear). The amount of coverage is essential to get enough application area for the needed compression and support for weightlifting. Also: Keep in mind sizing. You don’t want to get the wrong size of shorts that are too loose or too tight. With those tips in mind and the information I provided: you should be able to find the best compression shorts for weightlifting that is right for you.