The Best Men’s Compression Shorts with Pockets 2023
Securely store important items while you’re active.
Whether you’re walking, running, working out, or active in any other way, if you’re looking to securely store important items while you exercise, a compression pocket is the way to go.
The snug and smooth fit of compression shorts fit like a second skin against your body and their pockets offer comfortable and secure storage for your phone, keys, and other personal items during activity.
You’ve likely already noticed how the pockets on looser-fitting garments shift and bounce around as your legs move.
Not only is this distracting but it can also be painful having those items repeatedly bang against your thighs.
Compression shorts offer a unique solution to this.
The stretchy fabric lays tight against your body while allowing a full range of motion, so your stored items stay in place and move with you, eliminating any bouncing or shifting around.
Not only do you get this superior storage ability, but you’ll also enjoy the many benefits that compression shorts have to offer.
For example, the snug and smooth fit of compression that’s great for secure storage also reduces the possibility of chafing and provides comfort for extended wear.
Additionally, the compressive pressure supports your muscles as you exert energy and the moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cool, dry, and comfortable while you sweat.
Here, we’ve put together a list of the best men’s compression shorts with pockets.
Grab a pair to secure your items and don’t let anything slow you down.
Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.
1. WOLACO North Moore Shorts
The WOLACO North Moore Shorts feature ultra-luxe performance fabric with moderate compression for extended comfort. These compression shorts are moisture-wicking and sport two compression pockets with 360-degree waterproof protection.
Shop at Wolaco: WOLACO North Moore Shorts
WOLACO’s North Moore Shorts utilize durable anti-pilling fabric and a comfortable elastic waistband. These compression shorts have a chafe-free ergonomic fit with 1-inch hem cuffs for a no-ride-up design and are available in 6-inch and 9-inch inseam lengths.
2. WOLACO Distance Half Tights
The WOLACO Distance Half Tights feature premium double-layered fabric that’s extra comfortable, sweat-wicking, and chafe-reducing. These compression shorts have a signature high-stretch modesty layer in front and are 100% opaque and squat-proof.
Shop at Wolaco: WOLACO Distance Half Tights
WOLACO’s Distance Half Tights provide two sweat-proof side compression pockets and two high-stretch back pockets for convenient no-bounce storage. These compression shorts sport a 10-inch inseam length and a drawcord waistband with silicone stay-put grip.
3. Under Armour RUSH SmartForm Long Shorts
The Under Armour RUSH SmartForm Long Shorts feature a patented infrared technology that reflects your body’s energy to increase muscle endurance. These compression shorts utilize SmartForm pattern technology that forms to your shape for a custom fit.
Shop at Under Armour: UA RUSH SmartForm Long Shorts
Under Armour’s RUSH SmartForm Long Shorts have strategic mesh panels for increased breathability and comfort. These compression shorts wick sweat, dry very quickly, and have a drop-in strength pocket for storage.
4. Under Armour HeatGear Pocket Long Shorts
The Under Armour HeatGear Pocket Long Shorts 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: UA HeatGear Pocket Long Shorts
Under Armour’s HeatGear Pocket Long Shorts feature lightweight fabric and mesh paneling for extra ventilation. These compression shorts have a wider waistband for added support, a drop-in pocket for storage, and are a longstanding UA best seller.
5. Lululemon Vital Drive Training Half Tights
The Lululemon Vital Drive Training Half Tights are designed for joint and muscle support with interior gripping that helps to stabilize key muscle groups. These compression shorts feature added Lycra fiber for comfort, stretch, and shape retention.
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Vital Drive Training Half Tights
Lululemon’s Vital Drive Training Half Tights are engineered to handle tough training sessions with abrasion-resistant fabric that wicks sweat and dries quickly. These compression shorts have a 10-inch length and side drop-in pockets for storage.
6. Lululemon Surge Half Tights
The Lululemon Surge Half Tights feature signature Nulux fabric for weightless coverage and comfortable four-way stretch. These compression shorts are designed for running with reflective detailing and silicone grippers on the hem to prevent any ride-up.
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Surge Half Tights (8-Inch)
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Surge Half Tights (10-Inch)
Lululemon’s Surge Half Tights utilize a sleek and cool to the touch material that’s breathable, quick-drying, and wicks away moisture. These compression shorts have side drop-in pockets and easy-access gel pockets on the waistband.
7. 2XU Light Speed Compression Shorts
The 2XU Light Speed Compression Shorts are designed with Muscle Containment Stamping technology to reduce muscle movement, damage, and fatigue. These compression shorts feature flexible, lightweight, and quick-drying PWX fabric.
Shop at 2XU: 2XU Light Speed Compression Shorts
2XU’s Light Speed Compression Shorts use flatlock seams to reduce chaffing and 360-degree stretch for extra comfort. These compression shorts have a large phone pocket and an adjustable drawstring waistband with multiple pockets for storage.
8. Adidas Own The Run ½ Leggings
The Adidas Own The Run ½ Leggings feature a snug and stretchy mid-rise design for a secure fit with a full range of motion. These compression shorts utilize AEROREADY technology to manage moisture and keep you dry.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas Own The Run ½ Leggings
Adidas’ Own The Run ½ Leggings have a comfortable flat seam construction, a compression pocket on the side for secure phone storage, and a drawcord elastic waistband.
9. Saucony Bell Lap Shorts
The Saucony Bell Lap Shorts offer a classic compression short design with streamlined support for your muscles in a clean and stylish look. These compression shorts utilize a recycled nylon fabric with plenty of stretch that allows for your natural range of motion.
Shop at Saucony: Saucony Bell Lap Shorts
Saucony’s Bell Lap Shorts feature a drop-in pocket for secure phone storage, an internal drawcord for adjustable comfort, and a reflective logo and detailing for added visibility in low-light conditions.
10. New Balance Q Speed ½ Tights
The New Balance Q Speed ½ Tights feature an extra soft and lightweight feel with Shape Shield performance fabric that wicks moisture and provides superior stretch and coverage. These compression shorts have side drop-in pockets and zippered back pockets.
Shop at New Balance: NB Q Speed ½ Tights
New Balance’s Q Speed ½ Tights sport a 9-inch inseam length, premium quick-drying NB DRYx technology, and reflective accents for improved visibility.
11. Brooks Source Short Tights
The Brooks Source Short Tights are designed for speed and performance with a sleek and streamlined fit. These compression shorts have a semi-compressive design that allows for a complete range of motion.
Shop at Brooks: Brooks Source Short Tights
Brooks’ Source Short Tights feature easy and secure storage with two pockets, easy adjustability in the waistband, and great stretch and support for distraction-free running.
12. DSG Pocket Compression Shorts
The DSG Pocket Compression Shorts feature a soft comfort stretch material for a customized fit and full range of motion. These compression shorts utilize a flatlock seam construction for improved durability and extended comfort.
Shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods: DSG Pocket Compression Shorts (7-Inch)
Shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods: DSG Pocket Compression Shorts (10-Inch)
DSG’s Pocket Compression Shorts have a performance fit with sweat wicking technology that keeps you dry and comfortable. These compression shorts have a media pocket on the left leg for secure and convenient storage.
How to Keep Your Phone and Keys Secure When Running
Here’s a dilemma that every runner is faced with at least one time or another. What to do with your valuable items—phone, keys, credit card, etc.— while you’re out running.
Holding items in your hand is risky. Tucking them in your waistband or shoelaces isn’t a great or all-too-comfortable fix.
And nobody likes the feel of things bouncing around in their pockets while trying to focus on the task at hand.
Even just out for a walk, you might find the feel of your phone or keys sliding back and forth kind of irritating.
And kick up the intensity on your workout and those items will start banging all around like crazy.
Thankfully, there are a few different solutions that have popped up over the years to combat this problem.
For example, some people prefer to use a running arm band, like this running arm band from Lululemon, as a way to secure their phone to their body while running.
Another option is the running belt or fanny pack, like this stylish option from Nike.
And for those that are going for distance and require both storage and hydration along for the ride, a running vest, like this running vest from Under Armour, is a popular choice.
However, it’s worthwhile to note that each of these options adds an additional garment to your body.
And while they’re designed to minimize bulk and not interfere with your movements, many runners prefer the less is more approach.
So, if you’re looking for an option that doesn’t require any extra garments, superfluous fabric, or additional items to wear on your body, then a pair of compression shorts or tights with side drop-in pockets and waistband pockets is the best choice.
The side drop-in pockets on compression shorts and compression tights, like those in the picks listed above, are a great way to securely store your phone.
The stretchy and snug compression fabric secures the pocketed item tightly and comfortably against your leg or waistband.
This way the item wont shift or bounce around, throwing off your concentration or causing you discomfort.
Keys also store well in drop-in pockets; though, many compression shorts and tights also provide a zippered or fold-in waistband pocket that’s perfect for storing smaller objects.
And the best part about a compression pocket is that you’re still able to move freely with the pocketed item.
The compression fabric snuggly fits the item against your body while its stretchy properties allow your body a full range of motion.
For more great running short options, check out our list of the Best Compression Shorts for Running.
And if you’re looking for additional help on picking out a great pair of compression shorts, check out our Comprehensive Guide to Compression Shorts.
