An Athlete’s Guide to Compression Tights

Get the most out of your compression tights with these helpful tips.

Athletes turn to compression tights as the ideal base layer for both training and competition thanks to their stretchy feel, comfortable layering fit, and performance boosting benefits.

No matter your sport or skill level, any athlete can utilize compression tights to improve their overall athletic performance and muscle recovery.

And a little compression tights knowledge goes a long way.

By understanding the intended design of compression tights and how to best derive their benefits, you can elevate your athletic performance, nurture your hard-working muscles, and enjoy a more comfortable, distraction-free fit.

Here’s what we cover in this guide:

• What’s the correct way to put on compression tights?

• How exactly should compression tights fit?

• Should you wear underwear with compression tights?

• Understand the Difference: Base Layer vs. Outerwear

Here’s how to put on your compression tights correctly to ensure performance benefits.

Of course, this isn’t rocket science.

The basics of putting on a pair of compression tights are the same as putting on any pair of pants.

But compression tights do require a bit more care and attention due to their unique construction.

So, we’ve put together a few pro tips to ensure you receive a comfortable fit, peak athletic performance, and a long lifespan from your tights.

Tip 1: Start by bunching the tights together so that the waistband and the ankle hem meet, allowing you to easily pass your feet through the leg openings.

Tip 2: Fit one portion of your leg at time (calves, thighs, then glutes), smoothing and position the fabric as you go.

Tip 3: The waistband is a common spot of breakdown for compression tights when handled too aggressively, so avoid any garment-stressing pulls at the top.

Tip 4: Smooth out and adjust any areas that feel restrictive to your natural range of motion prior to the start of your activity to boost your performance and avoid distraction. 

Final Note: Bunching your compression tights (rather than simply pulling from the top) not only helps to avoid undo stress on the garment but also helps you avoid unfortunate injuries that can occur from losing your balance or awkwardly straining a muscle.

Make sure your compression tights fit and feel like a second skin.

Even as designs continue to grow and evolve, there remain a few key characteristics that you’ll always want to have in a pair of compression tights.

For starters, compression tights are designed to fit snuggly against your skin.

You should feel their compressive pressure throughout the entire garment, from the waistband all the way through to the hemline near the ankle.

This pressure should be firm but not restrictive.

If your tights are uncomfortable to wear or restricting your movements in any way, then the pressure is too firm.

Athletes commonly choose compression tights to layer underneath their uniform or training gear thanks to their smooth, stretchy, and sweat-wicking characteristics.

Compression tights layered under shorts is popular among basketball players.

During play, you can see how important it is that the tights fit snugly while allowing a full range of motion, wearing like a second skin.

This fit allows the uniform to fit comfortably over the top of the compression tights without causing any bunching, friction, or restriction.

Here’s the simple answer about wearing underwear (or not) under compression tights.

It’s the most common first question we see from athletes that are new to compression tights.

And it’s understandable because these tights are technically a form of pants.

But then you try them on and the snug and stretchy fit has you feeling like underwear might be bulky or redundant.

In this way, compression tights are like a hybrid of underwear and outerwear. 

And there really is no strict “yes” or “no” when it comes to wearing underwear with your compression tights.

"In other words, it’s all about personal preference and how you feel most comfortable when competing, training, or wearing for extended periods."

If we look at the intended design of compression tights, we know that they’re constructed to be worn right against your skin as a base layer for maximum performance benefits.

That being said, choosing to wear underwear beneath your compression tights won’t greatly impact the benefits or hinder your athletic ability.

Some athletes prefer the extra layer of comfort and security while competing.

In other words, it’s all about personal preference and how you feel most comfortable when competing, training, or wearing for extended periods.

The design of compression tights doesn’t require the use of underwear beneath them, but if you prefer wearing them this way, you absolutely can.

Final Note: If you do opt for underwear beneath your compression tights, make sure your choice is well-suited to fit under compression without causing irritation (i.e. form-fitting, breathable, and have a minimal or no-seam design).

Here’s how to tell if your compression tights are designed as a base layer or outerwear.

Compression tights are unique in that they can be worn as both a base layer and as outerwear, and athletes commonly utilize both styles.

But it’s important to note that certain compression tight designs are better suited as a base layer, just as others are better suited as outerwear.

In certain sports, it’s common to wear compression tights as a base layer (i.e. under the uniform).

This style (shorts worn over compression tights) is also a common choice among athletes when training, running, lifting weights, and so on.

On the other hand, it’s just as common to see compression tights worn as an outerwear choice, sometimes serving as a part of an athlete’s uniform.

If you’re wearing compression tights outside the context of a sporting event, such as to the gym or training outdoors, there are tell-tale design features and details that can clue you in on whether they’re intended to be worn as a base layer or as outerwear.

For example, compression tights that utilize thicker fabric or have features like a pocket to hold your phone or a loop to hold a t-shirt are typically worn as outerwear.

Whereas compression tights that utilize thinner fabric (possibly semi-transparent) or have airflow perforations for layering breathability, these are typically worn as a base layer.

For more helpful tips on compression gear, check out our dedicated compression page.