9 Compression Shorts That Will Keep You Cool, Dry, and Not All That Gross
If your gym-going wardrobe is already kitted-out with some breezy bottoms, you might think you can pass on the best compression shorts for men altogether. And if you're not into a snug fit below the belt, that may be true.
But your base layer needs vary from activity to activity, and one of the main benefits of wearing compression shorts is that the tighter fit exerts light pressure on your lower half—boosting blood flow to your muscles and keeping you supported. Unlike your everyday cotton boxers, the lightweight, stretchy materials they're made with also help prevent chafing and abrasion down there, ensuring that you're about as dry and comfortable as you can be when you're drenched in sweat.
The Best Compression Shorts, at a GlanceAlready know what you're looking for from your next pair of compression shorts? Find our top picks right here without diving into the details.
The Best Compression Shorts, Overall: Under Armour Heatgear, $30The Best Upgrade Compression Shorts: Ten Thousand, $54The Best Budget Compression Shorts: Nike Pro Dri-FIT, $25The Best Compression Shorts for Running: Tracksmith Allston, $108The Best Compression Shorts to Buy in Bulk: DEVOPS (3-pack), $25The Best Compression Shorts to Wear on Their Own: Alo Yoga Warrior, $68The Best Compression Shorts for Heavy Workouts: 2XU Light Speed, $80The Best Compression Shorts for Running: Janji 7" Multi-Short, $86The Best Compression Shorts for Tall People: Lululemon Surge Half Tight, $98If you haven't bothered to buy a new pair of compression shorts since college—or, heaven forbid, if you've lapsed into wearing regular-ass, swampy underwear to the gym—you're in the right place. Below, we found the best compression shorts to add to your workout kit, whether you're a newbie at the gym or you're about to benchpress twice your weight.
JUMP TO: How to shop for compression shortsThe Best Compression Shorts, Overall: Under Armour Heatgear
UnderArmour
Heatgear Compression Shorts$30Amazon
Material: Polyester, elastaneInseam: 6 inchesSizes available: XS to 4XL
Under Armour's Heatgear compression shorts are about as good as it gets when it comes to this underrated product category. And for under $30, you have almost nothing to lose when you try these out (OK, theoretically you could lose $30 if you don't like them, but trust us: You'll like ‘em). The beefy waistband feels snug and secure, and while the shorts aren’t made of cotton—it's a polyester-elastane blend—they're extremely comfortable without trapping heat. You'll find ventilated mesh exactly where you need it for extra breathability, and we'd say the only thing that these compression shorts are missing is a convenient fly for easy access in the bathroom.
The Best Upgrade Compression Shorts: Ten Thousand
Ten Thousand
Compression Shorts$54Ten Thousand
Material: Nylon, spandexInseam: 7 inchesSizes available: XS to 2XL
Everything about Ten Thousand's compression shorts feel luxe. From the quick-drying Italian fabric, which just so happens to be comfortable as hell, to the silver ion treatment meant to fight odor for the lifespan of the shorts, these are about the hardest-wearing bottoms we could find that don't cost you a fortune. To fight any riding up during your workouts, the hem was designed to stick to your body and avoid the dreaded mid-workout wedgie. If you care about looking good and feeling good in your workout gear, cop these compression shorts.
The Best Budget Compression Shorts: Nike Pro Dri-FIT
Nike
Pro Dri-FIT$30 $19Nike
Material: Nylon, spandexInseam: Varies by sizeSizes available: XS to 2XL
If you've ever tried a single Nike product with Dri-FIT, then you'll especially appreciate the quick-drying abilities of the fabric in your compression shorts. These lightweight bottoms feel like you're not wearing much, especially because of the flat seams that sit flush against your skin—but don't worry, because you are wearing bottoms and you're perfectly covered. Additionally, mesh is interspersed throughout for ideal ventilation. We appreciate that Nike makes these compression shorts in a wide range of sizes from small to 4XL tall, too.
The Best Compression Shorts for Running: Tracksmith Allston
Tracksmith
Allston Half Tights$110Tracksmith
Material: Nylon, elastaneInseam: 8 inchesSizes available: S to XL
Tracksmith's top-of-the-line running gear is as functional as it is stylish. Its super-stretchy compression shorts made of a nylon-elastane blend dry quickly when you're working up a sweat, and the fabric is also designed to help regulate your temperature. Whether you're a long-distance runner or going for a quick jog, the Allston's silicone cuffs will make sure your shorts stay put and that you don't have to constantly adjust your bottoms as you're pounding the pavement. You can opt to get the compression shorts in either a lined or unlined version, though the lined Allstons feature a lightweight antimicrobial brief as an added perk. Even better is the storage—three pockets round out the Allston so you can go hands-free instead of running phone-in-hand like a maniac.
The Best Compression Shorts to Buy in Bulk: DEVOPS
DEVOPS
Compression Shorts (3-pack)$20Amazon
Material: Nylon, elastaneInseam: 9 inchesSizes available: S to XL
At under $10 a pop, DEVOPS' compression shorts are an easy way to make sure you're compressed and stocked up on workout bottoms. With a whopping 16,000 glowing reviews in their favor, this set is one of the most popular bulk buys you can find on the 'Zon. One super fan of these wrote, “If you are looking for the best compression shorts, look no further. Don't waste your money on super expensive ones. These deliver as well as the expensive stuff, will last significantly longer, and the price point is unbeatable.” They also offer UPF 50+ sun protection if you're sweating it out in the great outdoors, and the side pocket is a nice touch for holding your valuables. Just note that the pocket isn't secured with a zipper so if you put your phone in there while running, there is a chance it could pop out mid-stride.
The Best Compression Shorts to Wear on Their Own: Alo Yoga Warrior
Alo
Yoga Warrior Compression Shorts$68Alo
Material: Nylon, spandexInseam: Varies by sizeSizes available: S to 2XL
If you're on the fence about compression shorts, these GQ Fitness Award winners will be the ones to make you a believer. The nylon-spandex construction is exceptional, moving with your body instead of constricting you. And for those brave souls who decide to wear these shorts without another pair on top, the Warrior's flat-seam construction and gusset paneling keep your junk secure and out of sight so you can avoid any indecent exposure at the gym. These have a longer inseam—between 8.25 to 9.25 inches, depending on the size—than their peers, too, which we like because you get more coverage and better compression on your lower muscles. They also have a drawstring so you can comfortably adjust them to your liking.
The Best Compression Shorts for Heavy Workouts: 2XU Light Speed
2XU
Light Speed Compression Shorts$85 $61Amazon
Material: Nylon, lycraInseam: Varies by sizeSizes available: XS to 2XL
The heavy lifters among us will love 2XU's Light Speed shorts because they're specifically developed to help you maximize your workout performance and recovery. These ones have muscle containment stamping (MCS) technology baked in, which is essentially targeted compression to help provide proper squeeze to specific leg muscles and reduce muscle fatigue. They're super stretchy, durable, and rated UPF 50+ for added sun protection.
The Best Compression Shorts for Running: Janji
Janji
7" Multi Short$86 $69Janji
Give them the gift of pockets — one on each thigh and five built into the waistband — and leave the running up to them.Material: Nylon, elastaneInseam: 7 inchesSizes available: S to XL
Janji's multi-short looks like a regular pair of shorts. That's because under that loosey-goosey material is a compression brief liner that keeps everything in check (i.e. not swinging around) and your calves and hamstrings constricted (in a good way). These 2023 GQ Fitness Award winners also wowed our testers with their storage capacity. Allegedly, they can store up to 50 energy gels within their five built-in pockets, which is a major win for all overpackers.
The Best Compression Shorts for Tall People: Lululemon Surge Half Tight
lululemon
Surge Half Tight$98 $79Lululemon
Material: Nylon, elastaneInseam: 10 inchesSizes available: S to XL
When you're shopping for compression shorts, inseam is an important detail to consider. You'll mostly want longer inseams to target more of your leg muscles. While most of the compression shorts we recommend are on the longer side, few can compete with Lululemon's Surge half tights. Clocking in at 10 inches, the proportions are great for lanky dudes who feel like the offerings out there are never extending low enough to give them the squeeze they need. Plus, they're ventilated to air you out below the belt, with zip-up pockets on the sides for extra storage.
How to shop for compression shortsMaterial: Given all compression shorts are stretchy, you're bound to find some sort of material that gives it, well, its give. Spandex or elastane usually account for that stretchiness, with either polyester or nylon making up the rest. Because you want compression shorts to actually be tight, you'll want to look for a pair that doesn't offer too much give, or turn your legs into sausages with a vice-like fit.
Special features: Aside from the benefits of a snug fit, some shorts possess additional features that might sell you on buying one. For example, some compression shorts will be moisture-wicking, while others will have some sort of UV protection if you plan on doing your workout in the great outdoors. Also, big ups to compression shorts that have anti-odor properties or those with built-in pockets because dudes love pockets.
Inseam: We love our short shorts, but when it comes to compression shorts, we think the longer the inseam, the better. This is mainly because we want compression that run the full length of the calves and hamstrings for targeted effectiveness. Shorter inseams don't offer enough coverage to target the compression where you might want it, and they're slightly more prone to riding up. If you see a guy fixing a wedgie at the gym, he's probably wearing compression shorts that are a little too small.
More Great GQ Sports StoriesLeBron James Has Entered His ‘Uncle Style’ Era
Jonathan Toews Opens Up About His Healing Trip to India and Whether He’ll Ever Play Hockey Again
On the Road With Tom Brady, Who Won’t Be Caught With Gray in His Beard
Christian Pulisic Is Doing Things in European Soccer That No American Has
Tre Mann Is Single-Handedly Bringing Giant Shorts Back to the NBA
Not a subscriber? Join GQ to receive full access to GQ.com.
Tyler Chin is GQ's associate commerce editor, and has covered Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales for six years. Overseeing all things lifestyle—from fitness to tech to home goods—he's been able to identify all the worthwhile deals from the brands and products that GQ readers love and want the most.... Read moreAssociate Commerce Editor of LifestyleInstagramRelated Stories for GQNikeAdidasNew BalanceUnder ArmourGQ RecommendsBest StuffGym Clothes