The Best Men’s Basketball Compression Shorts for 2024

Game-ready options that boost performance and fit great under shorts.

Between all the sweat you pour out and the endurance required of your leg muscles, basketball players of any skill level can benefit from wearing compression shorts while they play.

The snug and stretchy fabric of compression shorts fits like a second skin and wears perfectly under the looser fitting design of basketball shorts.

Since basketball requires a lot of quick cutting, sprinting, jumping, and defensive shuffling, players need baselayer garments designed to handle high-intensity activity and movement.

It’s also common for players to end up knocked down on the court, whether taking a charge or taking contact at the rim.

Compression shorts provide a secure baselayer, so no matter how much your basketball shorts shift, slide down, or ride up as you play, you can count on your compression shorts staying in place no matter what.

When you’re battling on the court, you want to stay in the zone, reacting freely and creating plays, not distracted or restricted by an uncomfortable fit.

So, we’ve put together a list of the best men’s basketball compression shorts. Grab a couple pairs and take your game to the next level this season.

How To Choose the Right Basketball Compression Shorts

When choosing a pair of compression shorts to wear for basketball, always keep in mind the high levels of agility and speed the game requires.

In other words, you don’t want anything holding you back, constricting your muscles, or limiting your mobility.

The right pair of compression shorts should fit and feel like a second skin—snug but not restrictive. They should offer your leg muscles support but still allow you to move freely and comfortably.

A good indicator that you’ve found the right pair is that you aren’t thinking about them while you play.

The snug and secure fit of compression shorts should provide you with worry-free security and their smooth fabric should fit and feel great under your basketball shorts while eliminating any bunching or chafing.

Remember, as you’re choosing compression shorts, comfort is key. Your compression shorts should have a very pleasant and comfortable fit that feels great even for extended periods of time.

A great way to maintain comfort and optimal performance is to have a few pairs of compression shorts available, especially if you have a long season ahead with many practices and games.

Even with their sweat-wicking capabilities, you always want to opt for a clean and dry pair each time you gear up. And be sure to wash your compression shorts after every use.

Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.

1. Curry HeatGear Compression Shorts

The Curry HeatGear Compression Shorts feature extra lightweight HeatGear fabric for superior coverage and strategic mesh panels for ventilation where it’s needed most. These compression shorts are sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and have a wide stay-put waistband.

Shop at Under Armour: Curry HeatGear Compression Shorts

The Curry Brand’s HeatGear Compression Shorts utilize an ergonomic design that keeps seams off high abrasion areas and foregoes pockets for a smooth fit that works great under basketball shorts.

2. Under Armour HeatGear Compression Shorts

The Under Armour HeatGear Compression Shorts feature stretchy performance HeatGear fabric that’s sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and extra lightweight. These compression shorts utilize strategic mesh panels for added ventilation and a wide stay-put waistband.

Shop at Under Armour: UA HeatGear Compression Shorts

Shop at Under Armour: UA HeatGear Compression Shorts (Long)

The Under Armour HeatGear Compression Shorts sport an ergonomic design that keeps seams off high abrasion areas and a drop-in pocket for secure storage. These compression shorts have a 6-inch inseam and are also available in a long 9-inch inseam version.

3. Under Armour HeatGear Mid Compression Shorts

The Under Armour HeatGear Mid Compression Shorts feature the latest UA performance baselayer HeatGear fabric and are constructed with an ergonomic design for extra comfort, durability, and superior coverage.

Shop at Under Armour: UA HeatGear Mid Compression Shorts

Under Armour’s HeatGear Mid Compression Shorts sport a lightweight and breathable design with mesh paneling for extra ventilation. These compression shorts are sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and have comfortable 4-way stretch material.

4. Nike Pro Dri-FIT Compression Shorts

The Nike Pro Dri-FIT Compression Shorts 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 Compression Shorts

Shop at Nike: Nike Pro Dri-FIT Compression Shorts (Long)

The Nike Pro Dri-FIT Compression Shorts have a snug elastic waistband and flat seams throughout for a smooth feel on your skin. These compression shorts also feature mesh fabric in the front pouch and upper back for improved airflow.

5. Nike Pro Dri-FIT Fitness Shorts

The Nike Pro Dri-FIT Fitness Shorts feature a comfortable stretchy knit fabric with a snug body-hugging feel that moves naturally with your body. These compression shorts utilize sweat-wicking Dri-FIT technology to keep you dry and focused.

Shop at Nike: Nike Pro Dri-FIT Fitness Shorts

Shop at Nike: Nike Pro Dri-FIT Fitness Shorts (Long)

Nike Pro Dri-FIT Fitness Shorts sport a soft and stretchy waistband that stays put through all activity and side pockets for secure small item storage. These compression shorts are also available in a long version with a 9-inch inseam.

6. Jordan Dri-FIT Compression Shorts

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

Shop at Nike: Jordan Dri-FIT Compression Shorts

Jordan Brand’s Dri-FIT Compression Shorts have mesh panels on the side for improved breathability, a woven elastic waistband, and a side slip pocket for storage.

7. Adidas TechFit Training Short Tights

Adidas Techfit Training Short 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 Short Tights

Adidas’s Techfit Training Short Tights feature a performance stretch fabric, comfortable elastic waistband, and a 3D sculpted pouch. These compression shorts fit great under shorts and are available in both black and white colors.

8. 2XU Base Layer Compression Shorts

The 2XU Base Layer Compression Shorts feature a smooth and lightweight design that’s perfect for layering under shorts with a flat elastic waistband and an inner leg mesh gusset for enhanced breathability.

Shop at 2XU: 2XU Base Layer Compression Shorts

2XU’s Base Layer Compression Shorts utilize flatlock seams to reduce chafing and moisture-wicking technology to keep you cool and dry. These compression shorts have a mild compression fit that’s supportive while providing a barely there feel.

9. Reebok Compression Briefs

The Reebok Compression Briefs feature angled side seams for superior freedom of movement and signature Speedwick fabric to keep you cool and dry. These compression shorts have a classic compression fit for muscle support and stability

Shop at Reebok: Reebok Compression Briefs

Reebok’s Compression Briefs feature comfortable and stretchy performance fabric, an inner leg gusset, and a stay-put elastic waistband.

10. Sleefs Compression Shorts

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

Shop at Sleefs: Sleefs Compression Shorts (Black)

Shop at Sleefs: Sleefs Compression Shorts (White)

Sleefs’ Compression Shorts have a smooth and sleek fit that layers well under shorts with a breathable design for temperature regulation. These compression shorts utilize a stay-put elastic waistband and are available in multiple colors.

11. Klutch x New Balance Baselayer Shorts

The Klutch x New Balance Baselayer Shorts feature a lightweight polyknit construction with moisture-wicking NB DRY technology to keep you dry and comfortable.

Shop at New Balance: Klutch x NB Baselayer Shorts

Klutch x New Balance Baselayer Shorts sport a form-fitting silhouette with a mid-rise design that sits just below the waste for easy movement. These compression shorts have a stretch athletic waistband and a 9-inch inseam.

12. NELEUS Performance Compression Shorts

The NELEUS Performance Compression Shorts feature a high-performance design with 4-way stretch for superior comfort and freedom of movement.

Available on Amazon: NELEUS Performance Compression Shorts

NELEUS’ Performance Compression Shorts 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.

13. McDavid Hex 3-Pad Basketball Compression Shorts

The McDavid Hex 3-Pad Basketball Compression Shorts feature integrated HEX padding protection that’s lightweight, flexible, and breathable. These compression shorts utilize a basketball-specific 3-pad design for thigh and tailbone protection.

Shop at McDavid: McDavid Hex 3-Pad Basketball Compression Shorts

Available on Amazon: McDavid Hex 3-Pad Basketball Compression Shorts

McDavid’s Hex 3-Pad Basketball Compression Shorts have sweat-wicking Moisture Management Tech, a comfortable compression fit, and are conveniently machine washable.

14. McDavid HEX Hip & Tailbone Pad Compression Shorts

The McDavid HEX Hip & Tailbone Pad Compression Shorts feature a performance basketball compression short 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 Pad Compression Shorts

Available on Amazon: McDavid HEX Hip & Tailbone Pad Compression Shorts

McDavid’s HEX Hip & Tailbone Pad Compression Shorts 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.

How to Wear Compression Shorts for Basketball

When it comes to basketball, players very commonly wear compression shorts as a baselayer under their uniform shorts.

In other words, the snug and stretchy compression shorts are put on first and worn right against the skin with the basketball shorts then worn over the top.

The vast majority of basketball players wear compression shorts with a leg length that is shorter than the leg length of their uniform shorts.

So, not only are the compression shorts worn underneath the basketball shorts but also shorter in length, further reducing their visibility.

When playing basketball your compression shorts will only make minimal appearances while you’re active (running, jumping, shuffling, getting up from court, etc.).

The freer fit of your basketball shorts may reveal the snug fit of your compression shorts. But this is typically just the bottom few inches of the compression short legs that are visible.

And note that it’s really no problem when they do. Compression shorts showing during play isn’t given any thought or worry by players in the way that an athlete might be concerned about their underwear showing.

Additionally, note that another style of wearing compression shorts for basketball is where the compression shorts extend an inch or two past the length of the basketball shorts.

This style tends to be less common and is simply a personal preference choice. There’s no physical or competitive advantage gained by wearing compression shorts this way when playing basketball.

For more about the fit, style, and wear of compression shorts, be sure to check out our Comprehensive Guide to Compression Shorts.

And if you’re looking for additional compression options to wear under your basketball shorts, check out our top picks for ¾ basketball tights and full-length basketball tights.