Best Women’s Basketball Compression Shorts of 2023
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 women’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. Nike Pro Compression Shorts
The Nike Pro Compression Shorts are a popular choice among athletes, including basketball players. These shorts have a sleek and supportive fit that wear great under shorts and offer tremendous performance and versatility.
Shop at Nike: Nike Pro Compression Shorts 3”
Shop at Nike: Nike Pro Compression Shorts 5”
Nike Pro shorts have a snug and comfortable design with wider waistband elastic for pro-grade support. These compression shorts also utilize sweat-wicking Dri-FIT technology to keep you dry and comfortable.
2. Under Armour HeatGear Compression Shorts
The Under Armour HeatGear Compression Shorts feature UA’s original performance baselayer fabric, which is ultra-light and stretchy for full mobility. These compression shorts have a snug second-skin fit that provides full coverage without any restriction.
Shop at Under Armour: Under Armour HeatGear Middy Shorts
Shop at Under Armour: Under Armour HeatGear Shorty
Under Armour’s HeatGear Compression Shorts utilize a 4-way stretch design for extra comfort and ergonomic flatlock seams to eliminate chaffing. These compression shorts have a soft exposed waistband that stays put and are also available in a shorter “shorty” version.
3. Adidas Techfit 3 Inch Compression Shorts
The Adidas Techfit 3 Inch Compression Shorts 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 3 Inch Compression Shorts
Adidas’ Techfit 3 Inch Compression Shorts feature a comfortable compression fit in a high-rise design with a stay-put elastic waist. These compression shorts have mesh panels for breathability and a no-show period-proof multilayered protection system.
4. 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 sleek design lines, an adjustable drawstring waistband, and mesh siding for ventilation and improved breathability.
5. New Balance Baselayer Compression Shorts
The New Balance Baselayer Compression Shorts 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 Compression Shorts
New Balance’s Baselayer Compression Shorts provide a full range of motion and have a fitted silhouette that’s great for layering under shorts. These compression shorts utilize flatlock seams to reduce chafing and a thicker waistband that stays put.
6. 2XU Core 5 Inch Compression Shorts
The 2XU Core 5 Inch Compression Shorts feature lightweight performance PWX fabric with circular knit for 360-degree stretch. These compression shorts fit great under shorts and have a signature X logo on the thigh.
Shop at 2XU: 2XU Core 5 Inch Compression Shorts
2XU’s Core 5 Inch Compression Shorts utilize a comfortable flatlock seam design to reducing chafing and a drawstring waistband for an adjustable stay-put fit.
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.
