The Best ¾ Length Basketball Tights of 2023
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 UNDRTD ¾ Tights
The Curry UNDRTD ¾ Tights are from the new Curry Brand backed by Under Armour. Much like how the Jordan Brand is backed by Nike, Under Armour is now giving similar treatment to Steph Curry.
Shop at Under Armour: Curry UNDRTD ¾ Tights
Under Armour’s Curry UNDRTD ¾ Tights have a very cool two-toned fabric design that utilizes Under Armour HeatGear technology and 4-way stretch for mobility. These tights also have mesh panels for improved ventilation and comfortable wear under shorts.
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.
Also available without the pocket for an extra smooth fit under your shorts: Under Armour HeatGear ¾ Leggings.
3. Adidas Techfit Training ¾ Tights
Adidas Techfit Training 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 Training ¾ Tights
Adidas’s Techfit Training 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.
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. 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.
6. New Balance Baselayer ¾ Tights
The New Balance Baselayer ¾ Tights feature a performance poly knit and spandex material for compression support with moisture-wicking NB Dry technology to keep you dry and comfortable.
Shop at New Balance: New Balance Baselayer ¾ Tights
New Balance’s Baselayer ¾ Tights have a secure elastic waistband, a fitted silhouette that’s great for layering under shorts, and provide a full range of motion.
7. Copper Compression Base Layer ¾ Tights
The Copper Compression Base Layer ¾ Tights feature signature copper-infused nylon fabric that provides superior muscle support, endurance, and recovery. These tights have 4-way stretch for a comfortable fit and full range of motion.
Shop at Copper Compression: Copper Compression Base Layer ¾ Tights
Copper Compression’s Base Layer ¾ Tights are breathable, moisture-wicking, and keep your muscles warm and supported. These tights are great both on their own or layered under shorts as a bulk-free base layer.
8. 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.
9. Puma EXO-ADAPT ¾ Training Tights
The Puma EXO-ADAPT ¾ Training Tights feature ergonomic compression zones that target key muscle groups for improved support and stabilization. These tights also have moisture-wicking dryCELL technology to keep you dry and comfortable.
Shop at Puma: Puma EXO-ADAPT ¾ Training Tights
Puma’s EXO-ADAPT ¾ Training Tights use strategic ventilation for improved body temperature regulation. They also feature 4-way stretch material and a drawcord waistband for adjustable fits.
10. 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
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.
Note: McDavid also offers a padded ¾ tight option called the Elite Hex 2-Pad ¾ Tights.
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.
