10 Best Compression Shorts for Men, Tested by Fitness Editors

ProsImpeccable fitMesh panels offer maximum ventilationSide drop-in pocket for phone storageOver a dozen colors availableSolid price pointConsPopular sizes often sell out fastUnder Armour comes through yet again with these HeatGear Compression Shorts. "There's a reason that Under Armour is so popular when it comes to compression garments," explains MH Fitness Director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., who has been wearing these for years thanks to a seamless, second-skin fit. You'll barely even notice wearing these mid-length shorts.The design features smart craftsmanship to keep seams off chafe-prone areas, while strategically-placed mesh panels ventilate the areas where you need breathability most. I've been wearing these compression shorts for years, and put them through all kinds of workouts. They've never failed me. At under $30, they're also surprisingly affordable, especially among Under Armour's premium-priced offerings.Read More: Best Workout Shirts, Tested by UsFabricPolyester / 16% elastaneLength6 in.Sizes AvailableXS-4XL (regular and tall)Colors Available18ProsIncredible priceQuick-dryingMaterial and fit is everything you would hope forConsWon't last as long as some higher-end optionsNo-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 means they shield you from the sun's harmful rays during outdoor workouts.We recommend sizing up in these, as the compression is pretty unforgiving. (Which, by the way, we much prefer compared to weak compression that feels nearly indistinguishable from a pair of underwear.) At less than $6/pair for this 5-pack, it's one of the best value compression shorts we've tried, and the compression seriously delivers.Read More: Best Underwear for Men, Tested by UsFabricPolyester / spandexLength6 in.Sizes AvailableS-XXLColors Available3Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsLuxurious Italian-made fabricQuick-dryingLong lifespanAnti-odor treatmentStreamlined side pocket for stashing a smartphoneConsFit can be a little too snug for someOnly available in blackTen Thousand's Compression Short is just as high-quality as their top-rated Interval Short. "These shorts not only stay locked in place, but are also incredibly comfortable. Zero pinching and zero chafing by design," explains Samuel. 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, ultra-soft 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.Read more: Best Gym Floor Mats, Tested by UsFabric78% nylon / 22% spandexLength7 in.Sizes AvailableXS-XXLColors Available1 (Black)ProsFunctional for layering in any seasonPerfect amount of compressionThermoregulatingConsBuyers report they run a little longThese all-season sweat-wicking shorts from CompressionZ breathe during the summer and trap heat during the winter, leaving you dry and comfortable all year long. The four-way-stretch material offers a great amount of squeeze without feeling too constricting or hard to get on or off. The fabric is thinner than some competing compression shorts we tested, but without compromising on compression quality.Because they're so thin and the thermoregulating tech actually works, these shorts are one our go-to for layering in any season. Because they are built for this, they are also tighter than other options, so sometimes it's best to order a size up than your regular.Read more: Best Gym Shorts, Tested By UsFabric85% nylon / 15% spandexLength9 in.Sizes AvailableXS-4XLColors Available10Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsTwo water-resistant pockets protect techFlatlock seams minimize chafingAvailable in two lengthsConsLimited sizes for larger guysMore expensive than other optionsFeaturing 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. I have been wearing these for marathon training, long runs, and track work, and have been thoroughly impressed with the performance. The patented sweat-proof pocket system is great at keeping my phone dry,This pair airs on the side of minimalism, except when it comes to the logo of course, but also features a moisture-wicking waistband and flatlock stitching which add to the comfort value. The fit is great, material is soft, waistband is nice and thick, and compression is in that 'just right' Goldilocks range.Fabric88% polyester / 12% spandexLength6 or 8 in.Sizes AvailableS-XLColors Available6ProsHigh level of comfortLightweight and quick-wickingOver 9,000 five-star ratingsWide array of colors and patterns availableGreat priceConsBudget construction isn't as durable as competitorsThese Runhit compression shorts are a bestseller on Amazon for a reason. Not only are they super affordable (less than $10 per pair!), but we found them incredibly comfortable. Our favorite feature? Flatlock stitching that increases durability and even prevents chafing. With a smart synthetic blend of primarily polyester and a little spandex, they're stretchy, lightweight, and quick-wicking to keep you cool and dry.We like that they're available in more than a dozen colors and a good variety of sizes, ranging from small to 4XL, making these an accessible choice for most guys. On the downside, we did notice some fraying at the seams after about seven cycles of wearing and washing (no machine drying). But, given the incredible price point, you can easily stock up on a year's worth of these shorts for less than a 3-pack of brand-name alternatives.Read more: Best Moisture-Wicking Tees, Tested By UsFabric88% polyester / 12% spandexLength7 in.Sizes AvailableS-4XLColors Available24 combinationsAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsGreat priceFlatlock seams minimize chafingCool Comfort tech wicks away moistureConsWill lose elasticity over timeThe iconic underwear brand also has its own performance apparel line, and just like its briefs, this compression short is worthy of cult-classic status. The primarily polyester and spandex blended fabric lives up to its cooling claims, wicking away moisture as you sweat. The contrast elastic waistband and chafe-resistant flatlock seams contribute to an overall comfy wear and a fit that doesn't budge.These aren't the most compressive shorts on this list, but the squeeze isn't weak either. If you prefer a level of compression that feels snug and athletic without feeling noticeable as you move throughout your workout, these may be a good choice for you. They come at a great price and are often on sale on Amazon, making them hard to beat for a budget buy.Fabric84% polyester / 16% spandexLength9 in.Sizes AvailableS-XXLColors Available5ProsSoft, stretchy jersey knit fabricLayers well or can be worn standaloneOdor-resistant and moisture-wickingStylish designConsFit is not as tight as some might preferOnly available in two colorsLeave 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 odor-resistant and moisture-wicking to keep you cool and dry. We found them highly versatile, as they work well as standalone shorts or underneath a pair of running shorts—your call. An adjustable waistband drawcord ensures a perfect fit that's neither too loose nor too tight, which is a thoughtful touch to keep compression shorts in place and fitting comfortably.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 (i.e., these aren't super compressive). Still, we like the look, the versatility, and, most importantly, the adjustable waistband.Read more: Best Compression Boots, Tested By UsFabric75% nylon / 25% elastaneLength9 in.Sizes AvailableS-2XLColors Available2Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsAffordable priceComes in tall sizesSecure fitThe Adidas Techfit Training Short Tights are a great choice for those seeking reliable performance under $30. Thanks to Adidas’ AEROREADY technology, these shorts excel at keeping you cool during intense workouts, making them perfect for high-intensity sessions. Plus, they're crafted with at least 60% recycled content, which is a nice nod to eco-conscious practices.One of the best features is their ability to regulate temperature effectively, making them a versatile choice for year-around training. Whether it was chilly outside or we were in the midst of a heated workout, these shorts kept our lower body at just the right temperature without feeling too tight or overheated.In terms of durability, these shorts held up well. Even after multiple washes and drying cycles, they maintained their compression better than many others in the same price range.As for sizing, we found that the medium size fits true to waist sizes 32- to 34-inches, providing a comfortable and secure fit. The availability of petite and tall sizes is also a nice touch, ensuring a proper inseam length for individuals of different heights.Fabric83% polyester / 17% elastaneLength9 in.Sizes Available2XS-3XLColors Available3ProsThick, secure waistband with internal drawcordComfortable length for most guysZippered pocket at center back to secure your belongingsConsOnly available in three colorsIt can be tricky to find a compression short for running—a pair with a good balance of compression and fit. These 8" tights from Brooks can be worn as true compression shorts, while still promising full range of movement and a fit that neither slides down or rides up. The moisture-wicking nylon fabric helps to keep you cool and dry for all-day wear. Bonus: A surprising amount of pocket space for stashing your phone, ID, and more.Like most products in Brooks' catalog, these premium compression shorts are durable enough to keep up with your speed runs, long runs, and everything in between. For a near-perfect fit and a few final touches that help meet the unique demands of most runners, we found these to fall neatly into the category of 'best compression shorts for running.'Fabric78% Recycled Polyester / 22% spandexLength8 in.Sizes AvailableXS-XXLColors Available3Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world. Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.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, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News.