Compression Athlete
7 min
What some assumed would be a short-lived trend instead appears to be sticking around for the long haul, as more and more basketball players are opting to wear compression tights under their shorts.
It’s actually not all that surprising.
Athletes in a variety of sports have been adopting and incorporating compression tights into both their training and game-time performance.
Basketball is a sport where those compression benefits are immediately noticeable.
Between all the sweat you pour out and the beating your leg muscles take, basketball players of all skill levels can benefit from utilizing compression tights on the court.
To help give your game a boost, we’ve picked out the best full-length compression tights for basketball.
Here are the criteria we used for putting together our list of the best full-length basketball tights:
Prioritizes Mobility: First, and perhaps most important, is finding compression tights that don’t restrict your movement in any way. Basketball requires a lot of quick, agile, and explosive movements. You need tights that support your moves, not hinder them.
Secure Fit: Compression tights serve as your baselayer—the armor under your uniform. You need a pair you can count on to stay in place and keep you locked in no matter what your shorts and jersey do. A secure fit keeps your head in the game.
Optimized Design: Why opt for tights over shorts? To extend those compression benefits. But the extra length won’t matter if you have an inferior product. We’re looking for leading activewear brands with the best fabric, design, and technology to boost your performance.
Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.
The Nike Pro Dri-FIT Tights utilize supportive and lightweight fabric in a stretchy design that offers a full range of motion. Nike’s Dri-FIT technology moves sweat away from your body to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable.
Shop at Nike: Nike Pro Dri-FIT Tights
The Nike Pro Dri-FIT Tights have a snug elastic waistband and flat seams throughout for a smooth feel on your skin. These tights also feature mesh fabric in the front pouch and upper back for improved airflow.
The Nike Axis Performance System Dri-FIT ADV Tights feature a smooth and secure fit that’s lightweight, breathable, and designed to layer well. These tights have a sleek and sporty look paired with 4-way stretch for a full-range of movement.
Shop at Nike: Nike Axis Performance System Dri-FIT ADV Tights
Nike’s Axis Performance System Dri-FIT ADV Tights utilize a stay-put elastic waistband, advanced moisture-wicking technology, and mesh in the upper back for extra breathability.
The Nike Pro Dri-FIT Fitness Tights feature a comfortable stretchy knit fabric with a snug body-hugging feel that moves naturally with your body. These tights utilize sweat-wicking Dri-FIT technology to keep you dry and focused.
Shop at Nike: Nike Pro Dri-FIT Fitness Tights
Nike’s Pro Dri-FIT Fitness Tights sport a soft and stretchy waistband that stays put through all activity, side pockets for secure small item storage, and are available in several color options.
The Under Armour HeatGear Leggings are the latest version of their original performance baselayer and are constructed with an ergonomic design for extra comfort, durability, and superior coverage.
Shop at Under Armour: Under Armour HeatGear Leggings
Under Armour’s HeatGear fabric is lightweight and features mesh paneling for extra ventilation. These tights have a wider waistband for added support, a drop-in pocket for storage, and are a UA best seller.
The Under Armour Iso-Chill Leggings feature science infused Iso-Chill fabric that helps to disperse body heat away from your skin for a cool feel. These 100% polyester leggings wick sweat, dry quickly, and have mesh panels for extra ventilation.
Shop at Under Armour: Under Armour Iso-Chill Leggings
Under Armour’s Iso-Chill Leggings utilize a durable ergonomic design that places seams away from high-abrasion areas. These leggings also have a stay-put elastic waistband and a drop-in pocket on the right side.
The Under Armour HeatGear Vent Leggings feature an incredibly soft, smooth, and lightweight HeatGear fabric with mesh panels for all-over ventilation that wears great under shorts.
Shop at Under Armour: UA HeatGear Vent Leggings
Under Armour’s HeatGear Vent Leggings utilize a wide elastic waistband for a secure fit, sweat-wicking and quick-drying material to keep you comfortable, and a drop-in Strength Pocket for secure storage.
Adidas Techfit AEROREADY Training Tights feature a sleek and compressive fit with moisture absorbing AEROREADY to keep you dry. The Techfit design supports your muscles and focuses energy to boost explosiveness, agility, and endurance.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas Techfit AEROREADY Training Tights
Adidas’s Techfit AEROREADY Training Tights feature a performance stretch fabric, comfortable elastic waistband, and a 3D sculpted pouch. These tights are a great option for both indoor and outdoor competition and look awesome under shorts or on their own.
The Adidas Techfit Control X Rheon Leggings feature a sleek performance design with Techfit RHEON technology to focus muscle energy. These tights have a comfortable and reactive compression fit that adapts to your movement for enhanced support.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas Techfit Control X Rheon Leggings
Adidas’ Techfit Control X Rheon Leggings utilize moisture-wicking AEROREADY technology to keep you dry and focused, as well as a comfortable 3D sculpted pouch and a stay-put elastic waistband.
The Lululemon License to Train Tights feature a locked-in and distraction-free fit with slick low-friction support. These tights are breathable, sweat-wicking, and feel cool to the touch.
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon License to Train Tights
Lululemon’s License to Train Tights utilize 4-way stretch and a bonded construction for flat and smooth seams. These tights keep in place with silicone grippers on the inner waistband and have an interior pocket.
The LSKD Perform Tights feature signature Advantage technical fabric that’s built to perform with a sleek, stretchy, and durable fabric blend. These compression tights sport dual side phone pockets that provide bounce-free storage.
Shop at LSKD: LSKD Perform Tights
LSKD’s Perform Tights utilize a low-cut elastic waistband with an internal drawcord for a secure fit, a comfortable front pouch, and work great both on their own or paired with shorts.
The 2XU Force Compression Tights utilize signature Muscle Containment Stamping technology for superior muscle support and endurance. These tights are designed to be layered under shorts with a smooth feel and flat elastic waistband.
Shop at 2XU: 2XU Force Compression Tights
2XU’s Force Compression Tights utilize lightweight performance PWX fabric with circular knit for 360-degree stretch. These tights have flatlock seams to reduce chafing and are moisture-wicking and quick-drying to keep you cool and dry.
The Sleefs Compression Tights feature a comfortable and durable performance fabric with non-woven stretch fabrication for advanced movement.
Shop at Sleefs: Sleefs Compression Tights
Sleefs’ Compression Tights have a smooth and sleek fit that layers well under shorts and can also be worn on their own. These compression tights utilize a stay-put elastic waistband and are available in many color options.
The Klutch x New Balance Unleash Baselayer Tights feature a lightweight polyknit construction with moisture-wicking NB DRY technology to keep you dry and comfortable.
Shop at New Balance: Klutch x New Balance Baselayer Tights
Klutch x New Balance’s Unleash Baselayer Tights sport a form-fitting silhouette with a mid-rise design that sits just below the waste for easy movement and a comfortable stretch athletic waistband.
The NELEUS Dry Fit Compression Leggings feature a high-performance design with 4-way stretch for superior comfort and freedom of movement.
Available on Amazon: NELEUS Dry Fit Compression Leggings
NELEUS’ Dry Fit Compression Leggings are ergonomically designed to shape to your body and fit like a second skin. These tights have a stay-put elastic waistband and flat lock seams for anti-chaffing comfort.
When you begin incorporating a quality pair of compression tights into your activewear ensemble, it won’t take long for you to notice just how versatile and widely applicable they can be.
Truly anytime that you’re active, compression tights can be worn to provide your lower half with comfort, mobility, support, temperature regulation, and more.
Whether you’re training or competing in-game, you’ll benefit from wearing compression tights whenever you’re pushing your body.
Even beyond activity, compression tights have beneficial application.
While compression garments alone won’t save you from muscle soreness, they can assist and speed up your recovery.
So, be sure to consider compression tights as a post-activity option, as well.
You can check out more of our picks for the top muscle recovery tools here.
In the NBA, players compete in a long and grueling season that requires a ton of physical effort and puts lots of wear and tear on their bodies.
Many players wear compression tights and other compression garments to assist their in-game performance while also aiding in injury prevention and muscle recovery.
You may also notice that some basketball players wear padded compression tights, which are worn for the same reasons.
The padding helps with injury prevention and reducing general wear and tear on the body. All those bumps and bruises can add up and affect overall performance.
Basketball players of all skill levels can wear compression tights to achieve these same performance and injury-prevention benefits.
It doesn’t matter whether you play competitively or recreationally, anyone competing on the court knows that you can find yourself drenched in sweat and feel your leg muscles burning in no time at all.
Compression tights wick sweat from your body to help keep you cool, comfortable, and dry while you play.
Additionally, the compressive pressure applied to your legs offer muscle support and improved circulation. This helps players perform at a higher level for longer and many notice an improvement in muscle recovery time, as well.
Be sure to also check out our picks for the Best Basketball Compression Shorts and Best ¾ Basketball Tights.
And for more on picking out a great pair of compression tights, check out our Comprehensive Guide to Compression Tights. We cover all of the most common questions surrounding wear, fit, and use.