Compression Athlete
8 min
Whether you’re walking, running, working out, or active in any other way, if you’re looking to securely store important items while you exercise, a compression pocket is the way to go.
The snug and smooth fit of compression shorts fit like a second skin against your body and their pockets offer comfortable and secure storage for your phone, keys, and other personal items during activity.
You’ve likely already noticed how the pockets on looser-fitting garments shift and bounce around as your legs move.
Not only is this distracting but it can also be painful having those items repeatedly bang against your thighs.
Compression shorts offer a unique solution to this.
The stretchy fabric lays tight against your body while allowing a full range of motion, so your stored items stay in place and move with you, eliminating any bouncing or shifting around.
Not only do you get this superior storage for your things, but you’ll also enjoy the many benefits that compression shorts have to offer.
For example, the snug and smooth fit of compression that’s great for secure storing also reduces the possibility of chafing and provides comfort for extended wear.
Additionally, the compressive pressure supports your muscles as you exert energy and the moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cool, dry, and comfortable while you sweat.
Here, we’ve put together a list of the best women’s compression shorts with pockets.
Grab a pair to secure your items and don’t let anything slow you down.
Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.
The WOLACO North Moore Shorts feature ultra-luxe performance fabric with moderate compression for extended comfort. These compression shorts are moisture-wicking and provide two compression pockets with 360-degree waterproof protection.
Shop at WOLACO: WOLACO North Moore Shorts
WOLACO’s North Moore Shorts utilize durable anti-pilling fabric and a comfortable elastic waistband. These compression shorts have a chafe-free ergonomic fit with 1-inch hem cuffs for a no-ride-up design and are available in 4-inch, 7-inch, and 9-inch inseam lengths.
The WOLACO Distance Half Tights feature premium double-layered fabric that’s extra comfortable, sweat-wicking, and chafe-reducing. These compression shorts have a signature high-stretch modesty layer in front and are 100% opaque and squat-proof.
Shop at WOLACO: WOLACO Distance Half Tights
WOLACO’s Distance Half Tights provide two sweat-proof side compression pockets and two high-stretch back pockets for convenient no-bounce storage. These compression shorts sport a 10-inch inseam length and a drawcord waistband with silicone stay-put grip.
The Lululemon SenseKnit Running High-Rise Shorts feature signature SenseKnit technology for targeted support, breathability, and unrestricted running freedom. These compression shorts sport a high-rise design with an 8-inch inseam length.
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon SenseKnit Running Shorts
Lululemon’s SenseKnit Running High-Rise Shorts have comfortable four-way stretch and foldover envelope pockets for secure storage. These compression shorts utilize a continuous drawcord and engineered grippers at the hem to keep in place.
The Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Shorts pair a lightweight Nulux fabric for squat-proof weightless coverage with a seam-free inner thigh for smooth strides. These compression shorts are sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and have a 6-inch inseam length.
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Shorts
Lululemon’s Fast and Free High-Rise Shorts utilize a continuous easy-cinch drawcord and silicone grippers on the hem for a stay-put fit that won’t ride up. These compression shorts have two drop-in pockets, three waistband pockets, and reflective details.
The Adidas DailyRun 5-Inch Short Leggings feature sleek and lightweight Adiform fabric that’s both comfy and supportive. These compression shorts utilize moisture-absorbing AEROREADY technology to keep you dry and comfortable.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas DailyRun 5-Inch Short Leggings
Adidas’ DailyRun 5-Inch Short Leggings have secure drop-in pockets and a back waist phone pocket. These compression shorts sport an elastic drawcord waistband and reflective details for low light conditions.
The Under Armour Run Stamina ½ Tights feature super smooth structured free cut fabric that’s supportive and comfortable. These compression shorts sport an expandable center-back Speedpocket for water-resistant, no-bounce phone storage.
Shop at Under Armour: UA Run Stamina ½ Tights
Under Armour’s Run Stamina ½ Tights utilize sweat-wicking and quick-drying fabric with mesh panels and strategic laser perforations for increased breathability. These compression shorts have a 6-inch inseam length, secure side drop-in pockets, and a high-rise stay-put waistband.
The Under Armour Launch Shorts feature incredibly light and smooth HeatGear fabric with free cut hems for added comfort. These compression shorts sport comfortable 4-way stretch material and are available in classic black and grey colors.
Shop at Under Armour: UA Launch Shorts
Under Armour’s Launch ½ Shorts utilize sweat-wicking material that dries quickly and minimizes odor. These compression shorts have a high-rise waistband with an interior drawcord, side drop-in pockets, and reflective details for visibility.
The 2XU Light Speed Compression Shorts are designed with Muscle Containment Stamping technology to reduce muscle movement, damage, and fatigue. These compression shorts feature flexible, lightweight, and quick-drying PWX fabric.
Shop at 2XU: 2XU Light Speed Compression Shorts
2XU’s Light Speed Compression Shorts use flatlock seams to reduce chaffing and 360-degree stretch for extra comfort. These compression shorts have a large phone pocket and an adjustable drawstring waistband with multiple pockets for storage.
The Nike Pro High-Waisted Training Shorts feature stretchy performance fabric with mesh panels on the legs for extra breathability during high-intensity workouts. These compression shorts have side drop-in pockets for secure storage.
Shop at Nike: Nike Pro High-Waisted Training Shorts
Nike’s Pro High-Waisted Training Shorts sport a wide elastic waistband for extra support and sweat-wicking Dri-FIT technology to keep you dry and comfortable.
The LSKD Fusion Shorts feature a versatile performance design in a supportive fit and no front rise seam for extra comfort. These bike shorts sport 4-way stretch fabric with a soft matte finish and side pockets for secure storage.
Shop at LSKD: LSKD Fusion Shorts
Shop at LSKD: LSKD Fusion Shorts (Mid)
LSKD’s Fusion Shorts utilize a comfortable flat lock seam construction, a high-rise fold over waistband, and are available in several stylish color options.
The LSKD Rep Shorts feature signature 4-way stretch Rep fabric with a soft matte finish and body contouring panels. These bike shorts utilize a core support waistband and supportive compression in the areas you need it most.
Shop at LSKD: LSKD Rep Shorts
Shop at LSKD: LSKD Rep Shorts (Mid)
LSKD’s Rep Shorts sport a comfortable flatlock seam construction and breathable moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and focused. These bike shorts have a secure phone pocket and are available in several colors and designs.
The Baleaf Laureate High Rise Shorts feature a soft and breathable performance fabric with a body-contouring flat lock seam construction that provides a flattering chafe-free fit.
Shop at Baleaf: Baleaf Laureate High Rise Shorts
Baleaf’s Laureate High Rise Shorts have a wide waistband for maximum coverage, a gusseted crotch to eliminate camel toe, and a 3-pocket design with 2 drop-in side pockets and 1 hidden waistband pocket.
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The New Balance Sleek High Rise Shorts feature 4-way stretch fabric designed to fit your shape and allow freedom of movement during high-intensity runs.
Shop at New Balance: NB Sleek High Rise Shorts
New Balance’s Sleek High Rise Shorts sport premium fast-drying NB DRYx technology and silicone stay at the bottom hem for a distraction-free fit. These compression shorts are available in both a 3-inch and 6-inch inseam length.
The Athleta Salutation Stash Shorts feature a signature buttery soft Powervita fabric with gentle compressive support. These compression shorts utilize breathable fabric with minimal seams for a smooth and flattering fit.
Shop at Athleta: Athleta Salutation Stash Shorts (5-Inch)
Shop at Athleta: Athleta Salutation Stash Shorts (7-Inch)
Athleta’s Salutation Stash Shorts sport side stash pockets for secure storage and are available in 5-inch and 7-inch inseam lengths. These compression shorts are sweat-wicking and quick-drying to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable while you sweat.
The Saucony Fortify Shorts feature a stylish and performance driven design with ultra-stretchy fabric that’s supportive and fits like a second skin. These compression shorts stay-put as you’re active while also providing a full range of motion.
Shop at Saucony: Saucony Fortify Shorts (3-Inch)
Shop at Saucony: Saucony Fortify Biker Shorts (8-Inch)
Saucony’s Fortify Shorts have a comfortable power waistband with storage pockets to keep everything secure. These compression shorts have a mid-rise design and are available in 3-inch and 8-inch inseam lengths.
Here’s a dilemma that every runner is faced with at least one time or another. What to do with your valuable items—phone, keys, credit card, etc.— while you’re out running.
Holding items in your hand is risky. Tucking them in your waistband, bra strap, or shoelaces isn’t a great or all-too-comfortable fix.
And nobody likes the feel of things bouncing around in their pockets while trying to focus on the task at hand.
Even just walking you might find the feel of your phone or keys sliding back and forth kind of irritating.
Kick up the intensity on your workout and those items will start banging all around like crazy.
Thankfully, there are a few different solutions that have popped up over the years to combat this problem.
For example, some people prefer to use a running arm band, like this running arm band from Lululemon, as a way to secure their phone to their body while running.
Another option is the running belt or fanny pack, like this stylish option from Nike.
And for those that are going for distance and require storage and hydration along for the ride, this hydration belt from Nike is a popular choice.
However, it’s worthwhile to note that each of these options adds an additional garment to your body.
And while they’re designed to minimize bulk and not interfere with your movements, many runners prefer the less is more approach.
So, if you’re looking for an option that doesn’t require any extra garments, superfluous fabric, or additional items to wear on your body, then a pair of compression shorts or tights with side drop-in pockets and waistband pockets is the best choice.
The side drop-in pockets on compression shorts and compression tights, like those in the picks listed above, are a great way to securely store your phone.
The stretchy and snug compression fabric secures the pocketed item tightly and comfortably against your leg or waistband.
This way the item wont shift or bounce around, throwing off your concentration or causing you discomfort.
Keys also store well in drop-in pockets; though, many compression shorts and tights also provide a zippered or fold-in waistband pocket that’s perfect for storing smaller objects.
And the best part about a compression pocket is that you’re still able to move freely with the pocketed item.
The compression fabric snuggly fits the item against your body while its stretchy properties allow your body a full range of motion.
For more great running short options, check out our list of the Best Compression Shorts for Running.
And if you’re looking for additional help on picking out a great pair of compression shorts, check out our Comprehensive Guide to Compression Shorts.