These Are the Best Men’s Basketball Compression Shorts for 2024
Game-ready options that boost performance and fit great under shorts.
Between the high endurance required of your legs and all the sweat you pour out on the court, basketball players of any skill level benefit from wearing compression shorts during 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 the sport requires a lot of quick cutting, sprinting, jumping, and defensive shuffling, players need base layer 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 base layer, 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.
Here, we’ve put together a list of the best men’s basketball compression shorts for the 2024-2025 season.
Grab a couple pairs and take your game to the next level this season.
Our top picks prioritize a smooth performance fit that layer great under uniform shorts.
There are right and wrong picks when it comes to choosing a pair of compression shorts to wear under basketball shorts.
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.
You should look for two key features from your basketball compression shorts.
1. A smooth fit that’s geared toward performance.
What you’re looking for here is stretchy support for your muscles in a streamlined fit.
What you don’t want is any pockets, drawcords, or other superfluous features that don’t serve your basketball performance in any way.
2. A breathable and lightweight design that’s optimized for layering.
You want lightweight performance fabric that’s designed to be layered rather than thicker performance fabrics that are meant to be worn on their own.
Also look for strategic ventilation, such as mesh panels, to improve airflow and prevent overheating when layered.
A few additional factors to keep in mind:
When choosing a pair of compression shorts to wear for basketball, keep in mind the high levels of agility and speed the game requires.
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.
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.
Why We Like It: The ergonomic design, smooth performance fit, and strategic mesh panel ventilation make these a no-brainer pick worthy of the iconic name.
2. 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
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.
Why We Like It: An all-time pick that’s popular among athletes at the highest levels. A smooth, lightweight, and breathable design for the win.
3. Adidas TechFit Training Compression Shorts
The Adidas TechFit Training 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 Training Compression Shorts
Adidas’s TechFit Training Compression Shorts sport a performance stretch fabric, comfortable elastic waistband, and a 3D sculpted pouch. These compression shorts use breathable mesh ventilation for a fit great under shorts.
Why We Like It: 3D sculpted pouch and mesh ventilation provide comfortable support, breathability, and a great fit under shorts.
4. Adidas TechFit Pro Series Compression Shorts
The Adidas TechFit Pro Series Compression Shorts feature an energy-focusing TechFit design for improved performance and endurance. These compression shorts have a smooth-fitting seamless design that’s great for layering.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas TechFit Pro Series Compression Shorts
Adidas’ TechFit Pro Series Compression Shorts sport moisture-wicking AEROREADY fabric to keep you dry, comfortable, and focused. These compression shorts are available in 3 classic color options.
Why We Like It: Seamless design layers great under shorts and the high-performance TechFit technology keeps you locked in and going strong.
5. 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.
Why We Like It: A very high-quality base layer design from a premium brand and the inner leg mesh gusset is a great touch for added breathability when layering.
6. 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.
Why We Like It: A classic compression short design with high-quality fabric and a great stay-put elastic waistband.
7. 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.
Why We Like It: A comfortable high-performance compression short design that comes in an affordable 3-pack.
8. 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.
Shop at McDavid: McDavid HEX Hip & Tailbone Pad Compression Shorts
Available on Amazon: McDavid HEX Hip & Tailbone Pad Compression Shorts
McDavid also offers the HEX Hip & Tailbone Pad Compression Shorts with integrated HEX padding protection at the hips and tailbone that contours and flexes with your body.
Why We Like It: The true pioneer of padded performance garments, McDavid is the go-to brand of NBA players.
Here’s How Basketball Players Wear Their Compression Shorts
When it comes to basketball, players overwhelmingly choose to wear compression shorts as a base layer under their uniform shorts.
In fact, really the only deviation from this preference is when players opt for compression tights, which are really just a longer coverage option of the same idea.
When gearing up for play, the snug and stretchy compression shorts are put on first and worn right against the skin with the looser-fitting basketball shorts worn over the top.
Most basketball players choose compression shorts with an inseam length shorter than the length of their uniform shorts, minimizing their overall visibility.
During play your compression shorts typically only make minimal appearances as you’re active (running, jumping, shuffling, getting up from court, etc.).
But keep in mind 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.
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.
