The Best Compression Shorts for Baseball 2024
Game-ready options that boost performance and fit great under baseball pants.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an infielder or outfielder, digging into the batter’s box or the pitcher’s mound, baseball is all about being prepared, staying ready, and performing at the crack of a bat.
And the same needs to be true of your gear.
That’s why baseball players of all skill levels—from little league to the big leagues—opt to wear compression shorts or sliding 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 baseball pants.
Baseball requires bursts of highly skilled, highly athletic maneuvers, so players need baselayer garments that are designed to support those movements while remaining comfortable and breathable.
When you’re competing on the field, you want to stay in the zone, locked-in and reacting freely, not distracted or restricted by an uncomfortable fit.
So, we’ve put together a list of the best baseball compression shorts and sliding shorts.
Grab a couple pairs and take your game to the next level this season.
How To Choose the Right Baseball Compression Shorts
When choosing a pair of compression shorts to wear for baseball, always keep in mind the high levels of speed, flexibility, and skill 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 provide you with worry-free security and a smooth fit and feel under your baseball pants that eliminates any bunching or chafing.
A good indicator that you’ve found the right pair is that you aren’t thinking about them while you play.
Additionally, most compression short styles that are designed specifically with baseball in mind feature a cup pocket, which is a sleeve that holds a protective cup in place.
Look for options that prioritize a secure and comfortable fit and keeps your protective cup in a natural position while you play.
Otherwise, you’ll be left with a huge distraction that can also be quite uncomfortable while you run, swing, throw, and perform other essential movements.
It’s also common for baseball players to opt for additional leg protection from their compression shorts in the form of sliding shorts.
Sliding shorts have extra padding at the hip and thigh areas that protects against scrapes and bruises while still maintaining the sleek and flexible fit of compression shorts.
Remember, as you’re choosing your compression shorts, comfort is key.
Make sure your compression shorts provide 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.
Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.
1. McDavid Double Compression Sliding Shorts
The McDavid Double Compression Sliding Shorts feature premium double layer compression for added protection and confidence when sliding and an enhanced compression fit for muscle support.
Shop at McDavid: McDavid Double Compression Sliding Shorts
Available on Amazon: McDavid Double Compression Sliding Shorts
McDavid’s Double Compression Sliding Shorts sport incredibly soft and flexible fabric with hDc Moisture Management Technology to keep you cool and dry. These compression shorts have an integrated Core Flex Cup Pocket designed to hold in a natural position.
2. McDavid Performance Boxer with FlexCup
The McDavid Performance Boxer with FlexCup features a performance stretch fabric with hDc Moisture Management Technology to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable. These compression shorts sport a breathable mesh cup pocket for enhanced ventilation.
Shop at McDavid: McDavid Performance Boxer with FlexCup
McDavid’s Performance Boxer with FlexCup utilizes a lightweight and protective FlexCup with soft impact-absorbing edges that conform and cushion. The FlexCup also contains five airflow ports for superior breathability and a deep contoured shape for enhanced protection.
3. Shock Doctor Ultra Pro Compression Shorts
The Shock Doctor Ultra Pro Compression Shorts feature a super stretchy and moisture-wicking fabric with an ultra-comfortable micro-knit waistband. These compression shorts come with an Ultra Carbon Flex Cup that’s designed to transfer shock away from the protected area.
Shop at Shock Doctor: Shock Doctor Ultra Pro Compression Shorts
Shop at Shock Doctor: Shock Doctor Ultra Pro Compression Shorts (Long)
Shock Doctor’s Ultra Pro Compression Shorts utilize an Ultra Cup Retention System for maximum comfort and a dual mesh panel for ventilation. These compression shorts are available in both a long version and classic boxer brief length.
4. Shock Doctor Core Compression Shorts
The Shock Doctor Core Compression Shorts feature premium 4-way stretch fabric with moisture-wicking technology to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable. These compression shorts sport a comfort waistband to eliminate irritation and chafing.
Shop at Shock Doctor: Shock Doctor Core Compression Shorts
Shop at Shock Doctor: Shock Doctor Core Compression Shorts (with Bio-Flex Cup)
Shock Doctor’s Core Compression Shorts utilize a core flex pocket design with an integrated cup lock for a stay-put fit in a natural position. These compression shorts come in multiple styles and have an optional Bio-Flex cup with a gel perimeter for superior comfort and protection.
5. Under Armour Utility Pro Sliding Shorts
The Under Armour Utility Pro Sliding Shorts feature extra leg protection for sliding with super lightweight and breathable HeatGear fabric. These compression shorts sport sweat-wicking and quick-drying material with comfortable 4-way stretch.
Shop at Under Armour: UA Utility Pro Sliding Shorts
Shop at Under Armour: UA Utility Pro Sliding Shorts (¾ Length)
Under Armour’s Utility Pro Sliding Shorts utilize a cup pocket and an extra-wide performance waistband to keep everything securely in place. These compression shorts have a stretch-mesh gusset and panels for strategic ventilation.
6. Under Armour Utility Slider Shorts
The Under Armour Utility Slider Shorts feature extra leg protection for sliding in a lightweight and breathable design. These compression shorts sport sweat-wicking and quick-drying HeatGear fabric with comfortable 4-way stretch.
Shop at Under Armour: UA Utility Slider Shorts
Shop at Under Armour: UA Utility Slider Shorts (with Cup)
Under Armour’s Utility Slider Shorts utilize a cup pocket and an extra-wide performance waistband to keep everything securely in place. These compression shorts have a stretch-mesh gusset and panels for strategic ventilation.
7. Nike Pro Baseball Slider Shorts
The Nike Pro Baseball Slider Shorts feature screen-printed panels on the sides for extra durability and abrasion resistance when sliding and fielding. These compression shorts sport sweat-wicking technology to keep you dry and comfortable.
Shop at Nike: Nike Pro Baseball Slider Shorts
Nike’s Pro Baseball Slider Shorts utilize a reinforced cup pocket and a stay-put elastic waistband for a locked-in fit. These compression shorts are designed for a smooth fit under uniform pants are available in classic black, grey, and white colors.
8. 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 are available in a classic and long version with a 9-inch inseam.
9. 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 have a lightweight feel and a sleek design that layers great.
10. Champro Wind-Up Compression Sliding Shorts
The Champro Wind-Up Compression Sliding Shorts feature a high-compression fit with 4-way stretch fabric and integrated sliding pads for leg protection.
Available on Amazon: Champro Wind-Up Compression Sliding Shorts
Available on Amazon: Champro Wind-Up Compression Sliding Shorts (with Cup)
Champro’s Wind-Up Compression Sliding Shorts utilize a breathable pin-dot mesh cup pocket and a 2-inch jacquard elastic waistband for a secure fit. These compression shorts are available in both white and grey colors.
How Should Baseball Compression Shorts Fit?
When you try on either your compression shorts or sliding shorts, they should fit tightly on your body but not too tight that they restrict any of your movement.
While you shouldn’t see any loose or baggy spots in the fabric, any bulging in the thigh area could indicate that the fabric is pressing too tight on your body.
While compression shorts should lay smooth and flat, some leg rolling and bunching is to be expected when you’re active.
This is also true of the additional padding used by sliding shorts along the legs.
Compression shorts worn under baseball pants can vary in length but typically extend close to the full length of the thigh to optimize coverage and protection.
An important factor to keep in mind when wearing compression shorts under your baseball pants is that you’ll want to have a pair that layers well, rather than a pair designed to be worn as outerwear.
Compression shorts that are designed to be worn on their own as outerwear tend to have slightly thicker fabric and may have bulky features like pockets, drawstrings, and other unnecessary detailing.
In other words, you want a lightweight design with a smooth and snug fit beneath your baseball pants that prioritizes breathability, mobility, and security.
For more about the fit, style, and wear of compression shorts, be sure to check out our Comprehensive Guide to Compression Shorts.
A great pair of compression shorts isn’t the only baseball essential that you’ll need.
Be sure to check out our top picks for this season's best baseball cleats.
