Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.5 Best Compression Shorts For Men | Stop Chafing, Start PRs

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The Nike Pro Training Compression Shorts sit at the top of this list because they nail the fundamentals better than any other pair I’ve analyzed. The Dri-FIT fabric wicks moisture aggressively, keeping your skin dry even through back-to-back squat sets. The flat-locked seams run flush against the quad and glute regions, eliminating the hotspot that kills focus during heavy pulls.

The compression level is firm but not restrictive — you feel supported through the hamstrings and hip flexors without that sausage-casing sensation. The waistband stays put across a full range of motion, from the hole at the bottom of a deadlift to the top of a box jump. Nike uses a 92/8 polyester-spandex ratio that holds its elasticity well beyond 30 washes.

One downside: there’s no phone pocket. If you’re someone who runs errands in your gear or wants to keep a phone secure during a treadmill session, you’ll need to layer these under shorts with a pocket. But as a pure performance base layer, these are the gold standard for serious training.

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The NELEUS 3-Pack hits a sweet spot that few compression shorts reach: genuine utility at a per-unit cost that makes buying a single pair feel wasteful. Each short uses a 92% polyester and 8% spandex blend that delivers reliable compression through the quads and glutes. The fabric weight is light enough for running but dense enough to feel supportive during resistance training.

The standout feature here is the zip pocket on the side of each pair. It’s large enough to hold a modern smartphone securely, and the zipper closure keeps it from bouncing during sprints. The waistband is wide and elastic, with a smooth interior that doesn’t grab at your shirt or outer layer. The flat-locked seams run along the inner leg and crotch area, reducing friction on longer sessions.

Color options include black, gray, and navy in the standard pack, which makes rotation easy without looking mismatched. The only real compromise is the fabric’s long-term stretch recovery — after about 50 washes, the waistband tension softens noticeably compared to premium competitors. But given the price per pair, that’s a trade-off most guys will happily accept.

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The RDX Compression Shorts were built with combat sports in mind, and that design DNA makes them exceptional for any sport requiring explosive lateral movement. The 92% polyester and 8% spandex fabric delivers a noticeably tighter compression profile than most mid-range options. It hugs the abductors and glutes firmly, providing proprioceptive feedback that helps with body awareness during kicks, sprawls, or heavy lunges.

The rear panel and inseam use an ergonomic cut that doesn’t ride up when you’re in a ground-based athletic stance. The flat-locked seams run along high-friction zones — inner thigh and saddle area — without creating hot spots. The fabric also has temperature-regulating properties that pull sweat away quickly, which is critical during high-volume training sessions where moisture buildup leads to chafing.

The waistband is thick enough to stay in place but not bulky under a gi or singlet. The only notable omission is a pocket — there’s nowhere to stash a phone or card, so these are strictly for training, not errands. The fabric also pills slightly after repeated machine washing, though the compression integrity remains intact for well over a year of regular use.

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The maamgic 2-in-1 shorts solve a specific problem: guys who want the coverage of an outer short with the support of a compression liner in one piece. The outer shell uses a lightweight, quick-dry fabric that doesn’t cling, while the integrated compression liner provides muscle support and keeps everything contained. It’s a smart design for runners who don’t want to layer two separate garments.

The inseam is available in 5-inch and 7-inch lengths, so you can choose your preferred coverage. The compression liner runs about 4 inches deep and uses a polyester-spandex blend with decent stretch recovery. There’s also a zip pocket on the outer shell’s right side that fits a phone securely. The waistband uses a drawstring closure for adjustability, which is helpful if you’re between sizes.

The main trade-off is that the compression liner is not as firm as standalone compression shorts. If you’re used to the locked-in feel of a Nike Pro or RDX short, the liner here is more of a mild support layer. It works great for running, CrossFit, and general gym work, but dedicated powerlifters may want a standalone short underneath for heavier sessions.

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The Under Armour Tech Graphic Shorts sit in a different lane than the compression-specific options above. These are loose-fit shorts designed for casual wear and light activity, not for providing muscle support during a heavy training session. The UA Tech fabric is lightweight and breathable, making them a solid choice for warm-weather walks, errands, or low-impact gym days where compression isn’t needed.

The fabric wicks moisture reasonably well and dries quickly, but there’s no compression element here — it’s a relaxed cut that gives you full freedom of movement without any squeezing. The waistband uses a drawstring and elastic combo that’s comfortable for all-day wear. The graphic options add some personality, but the fit and feel are standard for a loose athletic short.

If you need real compression for lifting, running, or combat sports, these won’t deliver. They belong in a rotation as a recovery-day or casual short, not as a primary training tool. That said, for the price, they’re a reliable pair for guys who want the brand and don’t need the tight fit.