The Best ¾ Length Basketball Tights for 2024

¾ length options that boost your game and fit great under shorts.

As compression tights continue to grow in popularity for athletes across the sports world, basketball is one such sport where we’ve seen tights widely utilized for both training and in-game performance.

It’s clear that leading activewear brands have taken note of this, as the options for basketball tights continue to evolve in style, design, and technology.

More recently, the ¾ length has become the de facto length for basketball tights, as many brands market this length as their standard basketball tights option.

And among NBA players, the ¾ length has become the most common choice.

This may not even be entirely noticeable at first, as the ¾ length tends to rest near the top of the sock line and appear as if they’re full-length tights.

But with a closer look, you’ll see the break in fabric between compression tights and socks as the players move around the court.

To help give your game a boost, we’ve picked out the best ¾ length compression tights for basketball.

Determining the Best ¾ Length Tights for Basketball

Here are the criteria we used for putting together our list of the best ¾ 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.

1. Curry Brand ¾ Leggings

The Curry Brand ¾ Leggings feature a very cool two-toned fabric design with Under Armour HeatGear technology and 4-way stretch for mobility. These tights sport strategic mesh panels for improved ventilation and comfortable wear under shorts.

Shop at Under Armour: Curry Brand ¾ Leggings

The Curry Brand’s ¾ Leggings utilize an ergonomic design that keeps seams off high abrasion areas and a wide stay-put elastic waistband. These tights are sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and have a drop-in Strength Pocket for secure storage.

2. Under Armour HeatGear ¾ Leggings

The Under Armour HeatGear ¾ Leggings are the latest version of the original UA performance baselayer and are constructed with an ergonomic design for extra comfort, durability, and superior coverage.

Shop at Under Armour: Under Armour HeatGear ¾ Leggings

Under Armour’s HeatGear ¾ Leggings feature lightweight fabric and 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.

3. Under Armour HeatGear Armour ¾ Leggings

The Under Armour HeatGear Armour ¾ Leggings feature original HeatGear performance fabric for an incredibly lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying fit. These tights forego pockets for an extra smooth and comfortable wear under shorts.

Shop at Under Armour: UA HeatGear Armour ¾ Leggings

Under Armour’s HeatGear Armour ¾ Leggings sport an updated ergonomic design that’s durable and keeps seams off high abrasion areas. These tights utilize 4-way stretch, a stretch-mesh gusset, and inseam panels for strategic ventilation.

4. Nike Pro Dri-FIT ¾ Tights

The Nike Pro Dri-FIT ¾ 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 ¾ Tights

The Nike Pro Dri-FIT ¾ Tights have a snug and soft elastic waistband, as well as flat seams throughout for a smooth feel on your skin. These tights feature a right hip pocket for storage and mesh fabric in the front pouch and upper back for improved airflow.

5. Nike Pro Dri-FIT ¾ Fitness Tights

The Nike Pro Dri-FIT ¾ 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 ¾ Fitness Tights

Nike’s Pro Dri-FIT ¾ 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.

6. Jordan Sport Dri-FIT ¾ Tights

The Jordan Sport Dri-FIT ¾ Tights feature a performance stretch-knit fabric for a snug and supportive fit that provides a full range of movement. These tights utilize sweat-wicking Dri-FIT technology to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable.

Shop at Nike: Jordan Sport Dri-FIT ¾ Tights

The Jordan Brands’ Sport Dri-FIT ¾ Tights have mesh panels on the side for improved breathability, a soft woven elastic waistband that lays flat, and a side hip pocket for secure storage.

7. Adidas Techfit AEROREADY ¾ Tights

Adidas Techfit AEROREADY ¾ Tights feature a sleek and compressive fit with moisture absorbing AEROREADY to keep you dry and moving freely. The Techfit design supports your muscles and focuses energy to boost explosiveness, agility, and endurance.

Shop at Adidas: Adidas Techfit AEROREADY ¾ Tights

Adidas’s Techfit AEROREADY ¾ 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.

8. Lululemon License to Train ¾ Tights

The Lululemon License to Train ¾ 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 ¾ Tights

Lululemon’s License to Train ¾ 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.

9. Sleefs ¾ Compression Tights

The Sleefs ¾ Compression Tights feature a comfortable and durable performance fabric with non-woven stretch fabrication for advanced movement.

Shop at Sleefs: Sleefs ¾ Compression Tights

Sleefs’ ¾ 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 several color options.

10. Klutch x New Balance ¾ Baselayer Tights

The Klutch x New Balance ¾ 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 ¾ Baselayer Tights

Klutch x New Balance’s ¾ 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.

11. NELEUS Dry Fit ¾ Compression Leggings

The NELEUS Dry Fit ¾ Compression Leggings feature a high-performance design with 4-way stretch for superior comfort and freedom of movement.

Available on Amazon: NELEUS Dry Fit ¾ Compression Leggings

NELEUS’ Dry Fit ¾ 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.

12. McDavid Basketball Compression ¾ Tights with Knee Support

McDavid Basketball Compression ¾ Tights are specifically designed with the muscle support and abrasion protection basketball players require on the court, whether training, practicing, or in-game.

Shop at McDavid: McDavid Basketball Compression ¾ Tights

Available on Amazon: McDavid Basketball Compression ¾ Tights

McDavid’s Basketball Compression ¾ Tights feature moisture management technology to keep you cool and dry, as well as 6-thread flat-lock seams for extra durability and comfort.

13. McDavid Elite HEX 2-Pad ¾ Tights

The McDavid Elite HEX 2-Pad ¾ Tights feature integrated HEX padding protection that’s lightweight, flexible, and breathable. These compression shorts utilize a 2-pad knee protection design that offers a secure fit for basketball players.

Shop at McDavid: McDavid Elite HEX 2-Pad ¾ Tights

McDavid’s Elite HEX 2-Pad ¾ Tights have sweat-wicking Moisture Management Technology to you dry and an elite compression fit that’s comfortable and offers lower-body protection from court abrasions.

14. McDavid HEX Hip & Tailbone Pads ¾ Tights

The McDavid HEX Hip & Tailbone Pads ¾ Tights feature a performance basketball compression tight design with integrated HEX padding protection at the hips and tailbone that contours and flexes with your body.

Shop at McDavid: McDavid HEX Hip & Tailbone Pads ¾ Tights

McDavid’s HEX Hip & Tailbone Pads ¾ Tights utilize 6-thread flat-lock seams for comfort and durability, as well as sweat-wicking hDc Moisture Management technology to keep you cool and dry.

Difference Between ¾ Length and Full-Length Compression Tights

Apart from the length of leg, there’s very little difference in design, fit, or style between ¾ length compression tights and full-length compression tights.

Unlike with full-length compression tights, which extend all the way to your ankle, the ¾ length compression tights extend over your knee and end just after the curve of your calve muscle, typically resting just past mid-shin.

So, how do you choose between these two lengths?

Choosing between the two is really just a matter of feel and preference.

There’s no technical advantage that one has over the other or extra benefits either.

Both lengths will fit great under shorts, stay secure while you play, and offer support to your leg muscles.

The ¾ length has become the popular choice for most NBA and college players.

This length, which serves as a hybrid between full-length and compression shorts, allows players to enjoy the benefits of compression tights while still feeling as though they’re wearing a sort of extended compression shorts.

Why Do Basketball Players Wear Compression Tights?

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 Full-Length 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.