6 Best Compression Shorts for Weightlifting in 2024

The best compression shorts for weightlifting can be made of several materials and even some unique ones like Supplex Sport. The materials will increase the breathability and comfort of the shorts, while keeping the inseam the right amount, so that the shorts don’t impede any movement.

There are also additionally fast drying or moisture-wicking benefits that can be derived from the short you end up picking. 

Top 6 Compression Shorts For Weightlifting Reviewed

1. WBCM Men’s Compression Shorts L8 – Top Pick
2. Virus Men’s Compression Shorts – Runner-Up
3. Virus Men’s Complex Tech Shorts
4. Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Compression Shorts
5. Runhit Compression Shorts
6. NELEUS Men’s Compression Shorts

Product	Total	Material Quality	Sizing	Colour Diversity	Resistance & Protection	Comfort	Design	Value forMoney
WBCM Shorts	69	10	10	9	10	10	10	10
Virus Compression Shorts	67.5	9	10	10	9	10	10	9.5
Virus Complex Shorts	66	9	10	10	9	9	10	9
Under Armour	64.5	9	10	10	9	8.5	9	9
Runhit	63.5	9	10	10	9	8.5	8.5	8.5
Neleus	63	9	10	10	8.5	8.5	8.5	8.5

The WBCM compression shorts are made of a unique material called Supplex Sport, which adds to the durability of the product by enhancing the life of the shorts which come into contact with the bar. So, the wear and tear of lifting won’t have a major effect on the shorts.

Shorts can lose their colouring after a few washes, but you don’t have to worry about that with the WBCM shorts as they use a sublimation process to combat such issues. That’s one reason why they are a top pick for weightlifting compression shorts. 

While the colour choices are minimal, you can pick from extra small to double XL in size. The shorts have a pull on closure type, which sits around the waistline of the user and are stretchable and breathable enough to have a comfortable fit.

The bioceramic fabric of the Virus Men’s shorts is a special material that enhances the heating component of compression shorts to aid with the health benefits. The shorts are also comfortable to wear with their pull on style as they come with a moisture-wicking component to keep you cool and dry during your workout.

The colour options are once again limited, however, there are seven sizing options to cover all your needs. The shorts are on the higher price end, but should be durable enough to last a long time. They can work as powerlifting compression shorts or for other lifting compression shorts, too.

These Complex Tech Shorts are made of nylon, which can provide similar heating and compression benefits as other products, but it isn’t as comfortable or breathable as other materials such as polyester. You get a little more variety in color, as you can pick between two options. While the sizing variety goes to triple XL. 

Again, the Virus product is a bit on the pricer end even though the design is sleek and the pull on closure type should provide you with a tight fit that doesn’t interfere with your workout.

The Under Armour compression shorts are made of a combination of polyester and elastane to give them a comfortable and breathable feel when you put them on.

They also have a special HeatGear fabric that makes the shorts even more lightweight than they normally are. While, during your workout, you should feel cool and dry because the shorts are moisture wicking.

They also provide you with a various color palette with a wide range of sizing options and even come with a pocket.

The Runhit Compression Shorts come with flatlock stitching, which enhances the durability of the shorts. Also, the polyester material is supposed to have moisture wicking properties to it to keep you cool and the shorts breathable during your workout.

They are also designed to be worn for any sport, rather than being specific for just one, which is why there are various sizing and color options to the shorts. 

The pull over style of the shorts should result in a comfortable and tight fit, along with its inseam length. There should be no interference during your workout.

The Nelelus compression shorts are made of stretchy and soft polyester material that make them comfortable and breathable to wear. They also have a quick drying component to them to keep you dry while the compression benefits your muscles.

The waist also has a wider stretch than most other compression shorts, which adds to the comfort of the product. 

However, the 8 inch seam can be on the longer side and might not be for everyone, as it can interfere with your workout. It is also something that takes some time getting used to.

What To Look For In Compression Shorts For Weightlifting

1. Stretch

With compression shorts, the fit is skin tight, almost as if the shorts are part of you. However, you want some that stretch naturally with you as you squat or do other weightlifting movements. If the shorts don’t have some stretch to them, they could ride up your quad or interfere with your workout. 

2. Breathability 

With compression shorts, some people can misinterpret them and think the tighter they are, the better they will be. When in reality, that isn’t the case. You don’t want to have shorts that are so tight that they interfere with your movements or restrict any range of motion. 

Such discomfort would impede your weight training. So, the shorts should be breathable and give a little leeway during your workout.

3. Material Used

A typical compression short is made of polyester and nylon, which is then combined with such materials as spandex, elastane, or lycra. It is this combination that makes the shorts both stretch and compress accordingly.

This blend also gives the compression shorts the unique muscle recovery advantage as well. Also, depending on the material, you can get thick compression shorts or thinner ones. 

4. Stitching

Stitching is an undervalued component of picking the right compression short for you. One type of stitching that is superior to others is flatlock stitching. With this technique, the seam is stitched together. This can be important for the durability of the compression shorts, especially if you’re planning on using them consistently.

FAQ

Is Compression Clothing Good for Weight Lifting?

When looking for olympic weightlifting shorts, compression materials can be a great choice. Compression shorts are less likely to ride up your leg when working out, unlike traditional shorts. Also, compression clothes can help improve the oxygen in a specific muscle, so part of the body will be at a lesser risk for injuries and strains.

Do Compression Shorts Help Tight Hamstrings?

As mentioned earlier, compression shorts can aid with injury prevention through increasing oxygen in that area. It works the same way with tight hamstrings as the compression material can help the hamstring relax as it aids flexion and extension of the hamstring muscle.

Conclusion

For lifting compression shorts, you want to be able to feel comfortable and secure with your shorts, so you can maximize its health benefits and even utilize components such as moisture-wicking and fast drying. A pair of weightlifting compression shorts that fit this bill is the WBCM Men's Compression Shorts. 

What benefits do you feel when you workout with compression shorts? Does the heating element help you recover faster or loosen your muscles during your workout? What’s a must have for you when you look for a pair of compression shorts?

Let’s discuss all of this and any other questions you might have in the comment section below! 

Also read:

• What Do Compression Shorts Do
• Best Shorts For Squats
• Best Functional Fitness Shorts for Women
• Best Functional Fitness Shorts for Men
• Best Weighted Vest
• Best Weight Training Shoes

References:

1. Comprehensive Guide to Compression Shorts // Compression Athlete:
   https://www.compressionathlete.com/post/compression-shorts-guide
2. Your Ultimate Guide to Compression Wearables // Men's Health: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a19536211/compression-shorts-guide/