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These shorts boost comfort and performance.
FatFace Baby Crew Star Print Cord Dress. sans marque Combi Shorts?
A pair of well-fitted compression shorts not only provides runners with snug comfort and less chafing—they can actually improve your performance. Studies have shown that compression apparel can help reduce inflammation, ward off fatigue by Bermuda Jeans Lunender Ciclista Pesponto, and WEEKDAY Jeans 'Klean' blu chiaro to improve endurance. All that improved blood flow and diminished inflammation slim helps recovery after a run.
Compression shorts are definitely worth adding to your kit, but how do you go about finding a good pair? We’ve taken the guesswork out of the search by rounding up the best compression shorts for men.
COLLUSION jersey shorts in co ord | The Best Compression Shorts for Men
- Best Overall: panelled faux-leather leggings
- Best Budget: Candy Pants Ribbed Low Cut Swimsuit
- Best Upgrade: Lululemon Fast and Free Half Tight Compression Shorts
- Best Support: Crossover Gathered Dress
- Best for Crosstraining: Legging Imprimé Workout
What to Consider
COLLUSION jersey shorts in co ord | Material
Most compression shorts are made with synthetics like polyester, nylon, elastane, or spandex. The stretchier the fabric, the comfier it wears, though too much stretch can make the shorts less effective on the compression front.
It’s normal for compression to feel more tight-fitting at first, then looser as you wear it out. While compression comfort is subjective, it shouldn’t cut off circulation. If the legs of your shorts feel more like tourniquets than firm pressure, their compression level is too tight for you.
Synthetics offer additional performance benefits for runners. They’re lightweight and better at wicking moisture and regulating temperature than, say, cotton or viscose.
Liner
Runners prefer to wear compression shorts as liners beneath a standard pair of running shorts to provide the support and benefits of compression and the more modest covering of a looser layer. While most compression shorts can be worn as a liner, some are specifically intended for it.
Length
Men’s compression shorts AR70001 in 5-, 7-, and 9-inch inseam lengths. Shorter pairs are great for the glutes and hips, while longer pairs offer thigh compression and tend to stay put while running. No length is inherently better, and which is right depends on your body and comfort level.
Band Grip
Compression shorts have gripping bands at the waist and legs to keep them from shifting while running. This usually means elastic or drawstring bands at the waist, while silicone pads are placed at the hems to prevent them from riding up. Some runners prefer no grip at all. If you’re allergic to silicone, avoid these grips and look for elastic or gripless.
Pockets
Most barebones compression shorts don’t have pockets. If you have no other means of carrying your phone, keys, or cards, look for shorts that integrate pockets. This can mean a pair of normal pockets at the hips, or a hidden drop pocket typically located at the rear waistband. One added benefit of holding items in compression pockets is that they don’t bounce around as much as with looser shorts.
How We Selected
As a lifelong runner, I’ve run in all apparel—including compression shorts—and I know from firsthand experience what to wear and avoid. While researching the recommendations below, I’ve tested scores of wide-ranging compression shorts of every brand, form, and price, and I’ve compared my findings against those of both expert reviewers and real-world buyers on Amazon.
A solid pair of compression shorts must allow for firm support without constriction. They should be made of synthetics for both pliable stretch and fabric integrity, but most importantly, they should be comfortable and won't require constant tugging at the leg. Our picks fit the bill. Run assured, these are the best compression shorts for men.
Nike Men’s Pro Training Compression Short
Pros
- Outstanding support
- Very breathable
- Many color options
Cons
- No pockets
These compression shorts are outstanding, whether you wear them as an underlayer or by themselves. The fit is snug and supportive, and Nike’s proprietary Dri-FIT material, a microfiber polyester that disperses moisture over its surface more evenly, is supremely breathable and moisture-wicking.
That breathability is accentuated by mesh at the inseam and upper seat, resulting in unrivaled airflow. The waistband holds tight and the legs stay in place while on the go. The addition of pockets would be nice, but if you’re looking for support and comfort, these are hard to beat.
Key Specs
| Material | 90% polyester, 10% spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S-4XL |
| Inseam | 7 in. |
Candy Pants Ribbed Low Cut Swimsuits for Men
Pros
- Supportive
- Highly breathable
Cons
- Won’t hold up well over time
Highly comfortable, supportive, moisture-wicking, and breathable , these Hanes shorts feel fantastic. They hold in place well with flat seams that eliminate chafing, though, according to user reviews, the elastic waistband begins to stretch out of shape after a few months of regular wear. While they can be worn solo, they’re mostly used an underlayer.
Key Specs
| Material | 84% Petite Melange Knit Cut Out Detail Dress |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S-XXL |
| Inseam | 9 in. |
Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Compression Shorts
Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Compression Shorts
Pros
- Reliable pocket
- Very supportive
- Very durable
Cons
- A second pocket would be nice
While some shorts feature too-loose pockets that threaten to bounce out your phone mid-run, the pocket here is plenty tight to ensure you can run with peace of mind. It has mesh side panels for airing out moisture and preventing you from overheating, and its material is superb at wicking moisture away. It's slim got a gusseted crotch for a range of motion.
Key Specs
| Material | 84% polyester, 16% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-4XL |
| Inseam | 6 in. |
Lululemon Fast and Free Half Tight Compression Shorts for Men
Lululemon Fast and Free Half Tight Compression Shorts for Men
Pros
- Super soft
- Pockets
- Very breathable
Cons
- Limited deux
The Lululemon Fast and Free tights offer pretty much everything you could want from compression shorts—solid support, breathability, silicone grippers to keep the legs in place, and even a couple of drop pockets—but they go the extra mile thanks to their supremely soft, cozy material. They look and feel genuinely upscale, providing a sculpted look to the wearer’s posterior, the material pleasant against the skin every step of the way.
Key Specs
| Material | 84% nylon, 16% Lycra elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
| Inseam | 8 in. |
Legging Imprimé Workout for Men
Legging Imprimé Workout for Men
Pros
- Bioceramic fabric heats muscles
- Very supportive
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Only one color
These compression shorts are solid picks for all the usual reasons, but their bioceramic fabric, which claims to consolidate solar heat to warm your muscles in preparation for performance, is where they shine. The muscle-warming is great for CrossFit and accelerating recovery time on runs or general workouts. They’re super breathable, supportive, and comfortable, and can be worn as a layer or as is.
Key Specs
| Material | 70% polyamide, 30% spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-3XL |
| Inseam | 9 in. |
Coreshorts Pro 1.0 Performance Men’s Compression Short
Coreshorts Pro 1.0 Performance Men’s Compression Short
Pros
- Super supportive
- Core stabilizing
- Quick drying
Cons
- Skinny Fit Rip & Repair Chain Detail Jeans
- Sizing runs small
These support the groin, quads, and hamstrings while stabilizing the lower back, pelvis, and hips, thanks to their multidirectional stability. In other words, they’re great for stained hip flexors and lower back support. Several users say the shorts offer solid stability, and especially for hamstrings.
The material is slightly heavy, but that extra thickness is intentional to boost stability and stay put while in use. They have side pockets large enough for phones, and one customer says they fit like a “neoprene wetsuit.” Sizing runs small, though, and some users say getting the right amount of compression is tough if you’re between sizes.
Key Specs
| Material | Latex-free synthetic |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS-XL |
| Inseam | N/A |
Reebok Men’s Pro Series Performance Boxer Brief Compression Shorts
Reebok Men’s Pro Series Performance Boxer Brief Compression Shorts
Pros
- Great support
- Moisture wicking
- 3-pack
Cons
- Limited lifespan
Lightweight yet supportive, breathable and moisture-wicking, soft and comfortable, they’re ideal for wearing beneath your running shorts to boost your support. The waistband might show some stretching after a few months or so of frequent use, but as they’re sold in three-packs, that shouldn’t be much of a problem as you’ll space out their use.
Key Specs
| Material | 90% polyester, 10% spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S-XL |
| Inseam | 7.5 in. |
JWJ Men’s 2-in-1 Workout Compression Shorts
Pros
- Women's J Valdi Pocket Luxe Dress Swim Cover Up
- Good support
- Lots of features
Cons
- Limited lifespan
For those who want the benefits of compression shorts without being on full display (if you know what I’m saying), these two-in-one shorts deliver the best of both worlds. The compression liner provides good support, while the top layer lends some modesty. It slim has deep pockets, a hidden zipper pocket, a headphone hole, and a loop for holding a small towel.
Key Specs
| Material | 100% Polyester |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S-XXL |
| Inseam | 7 in. |
Nick Hilden is a writer, globetrotter, and jack-of-many-talents who has written gear reviews for the likes of Runner’s World, Popular Science, Men’s Health, Thrillist, the Daily Beast, COLLUSION jersey shorts in co ord, Greatist, and the Manual, and his lifestyle, culture, and tech writing has slim appeared in Scientific American, Afar, Salon, Vice, Healthline, and many others. Before entering journalism some 15 years ago, he worked as a bartender, brewery manager, sound engineer, recording and touring musician, cook, teacher, and in a variety of other trades. These days, he lives all over the world, performs music sporadically, and spends a lot of time thinking how to best improve his Honda Element conversion.
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