These Are the Best Women’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 women’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 are pockets or other superfluous features that don’t serve your basketball performance in any way.
2. A quick-drying 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 quick-drying, sweat-wicking fabric to keep your body cool and comfortable 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. 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.
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
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: UA HeatGear Middy Shorts
Shop at Under Armour: UA HeatGear Shorty Shorts
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 mid-rise waistband that stays put and are also available in a shorter “shorty” version.
Why We Like It: Super lightweight and breathable with ergonomic flatlock seams that provide a chafe-free fit.
3. Adidas TechFit Compression Shorts
The Adidas TechFit Shorts feature a comfortable, stretchy, and worry-free compression fit. These compression shorts are a popular choice for volleyball but also enjoy a wider application, as they have a streamlined fit that’s available in 10 different color options.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas TechFit Shorts
Shop at Adidas: Adidas TechFit Shorts (Period Proof)
Adidas TechFit Shorts offer unique design features for comfort and support, including a pre-curved waistband and seams that wrap around your body. These compression shorts have adaptive-fit fabric for a locked-in feel that flexes with your every move.
Why We Like It: A stretchy streamlined fit that’s also available in a no-show period-proof protection system option.
4. 2XU Core Compression Game Day Shorts
The 2XU Core Compression Game Day Shorts feature an extra lightweight and flexible PWX compression fabric in a shorter 5-inch length and beige color for discreet wear under uniform shorts.
Shop at 2XU: 2XU Core Compression Game Day Shorts
2XU’s Core Compression Game Day Shorts utilize flatlock seams to reduce chafe, provide squat-proof coverage, and sweat-wicking circular knit fabric with 360-degree stretch. These compression shorts have a drawstring waistband for a secure and adjustable fit.
Why We Like It: A very high-quality base layer design from a premium brand that’s lightweight, stretchy, and layers great.
5. 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.
Why We Like It: Lightweight PWX fabric with 360-degree stretch and flatlock seams provide comfortable performance in a versatile design.
6. G Gradual Compression Shorts
The G Gradual Compression Shorts feature a perfect blend of compression and comfort with 4-way stretch for a full range of motion. These compression shorts have lightweight material that’s breathable and non-see-through.
Available on Amazon: G Gradual Compression Shorts
G Gradual’s Compression Shorts sport a stretchy elastic waistband for a smooth fit that stays put. These compression shorts utilize sweat-wicking and quick-drying fabric with 4-needle 6-thread construction for a smooth and resilient finish.
Why We Like It: A comfortable high-performance compression short design that comes in an affordable 3-pack.
7. Jordan Sport Compression Shorts
The Jordan Sport Compression Shorts feature a stretchy performance compression fabric in a sporty design that can be worn on their own or layered comfortable under shorts.
Shop at Nike: Jordan Sport Compression Shorts
The Jordan Brand’s Sport Compression Shorts utilize a comfortable 5-inch inseam length and sweat-wicking material that dries quickly to keep you cool and focused.
Why We Like It: A wide stay-put waistband and longer 5-inch inseam length provide an extra secure fit.
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.
More and more basketball players are adding compression sleeves to their game.
We’ve put together a list of the top arm, leg, and ankle sleeves to boost your performance on the court.
