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Writer's pictureCompression Athlete

These Are the Best ¾ Length Tights for Basketball 2024

3-quarter length options that boost your game and fit great under shorts.

Two basketball players wearing 3/4 length compression tights.

As compression tights continue to grow in popularity among athletes, basketball is one sport where they’ve practically become a fixture in training, practice, and games.

 

In particular, the ¾ length compression tight has become the de facto length for basketball, as many activewear brands market this length as their standard basketball tights option.

 

Among collegiate and professional ballers, the ¾ length is the most common choice.

 

This may not even be entirely noticeable at first, as the ¾ length tends to rest near the top of the sock line and appear as if they’re full-length tights.

 

But with a closer look, you’ll see the break in fabric between compression tights and socks as the players move around the court.  

 

To help give your game a boost, we’ve put together a list of the best ¾ length compression tights for basketball.

 

 

Basketball players choose ¾ length tights for secure and flexible performance.

 

First and foremost, it’s the way these tights fit so great under basketball shorts.

 

They provide a snug, smooth, and secure base layer under looser-fitting basketball shorts, so no matter how much those shorts might move around, you can count on your tights staying in place.

 

But equally important to the fit is what compression tights provide to your performance.


Compression tights give basketball players a secure fit and full range of motion.

The basketball season is a long and grueling one that requires a ton of physical effort and puts lots of wear and tear on your body.

 

Many players opt to wear compression tights, compression sleeves, and other compression garments that support their in-game performance, help prevent injury, and boost muscle recovery.

 

The ¾ length of compression tights, which extends over your knee and ends just past the curve of your calve muscle, has become the popular choice for most NBA and college players.

 

This hybrid length falls between full-length tights and compression shorts and allows players to enjoy the benefits of compression tights while still offering breathability to your legs.



Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.



1. Curry Brand ¾ Leggings


The Curry Brand ¾ Leggings feature extra lightweight Under Armour HeatGear fabric for superior coverage and 4-way stretch for mobility. These tights sport strategic mesh panels for improved ventilation and comfortable wear under shorts.


Athlete wearing Curry Brand ¾ Leggings.

Shop at Under Armour: Curry Brand ¾ Leggings


The Curry Brand’s ¾ Leggings utilize an ergonomic design that keeps seams off high abrasion areas and a wide stay-put elastic waistband. These tights are sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and have a drop-in Strength Pocket for secure storage.


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 Curry name.



2. Under Armour HeatGear ¾ Leggings


The Under Armour HeatGear ¾ Leggings are the latest version of the original UA performance baselayer and are constructed with an ergonomic design for extra comfort, durability, and superior coverage.


Athlete wearing Under Armour HeatGear ¾ Leggings.

Shop at Under Armour: Under Armour HeatGear ¾ Leggings


Under Armour’s HeatGear ¾ Leggings feature lightweight fabric and mesh paneling for extra ventilation. These tights have a wider waistband for added support, a drop-in pocket for storage, and are a UA best seller.


Why We Like It: HeatGear fabric layers great and offers the perfect mix of lightweight yet durable, breathable yet secure.



3. Under Armour Gameday Armour 2-Pad Basketball ¾ Tights


The Under Armour Gameday Armour 2-Pad Basketball ¾ Tights pair comfortable HeatGear fabric with McDavid HEX pads for lightweight and durable protection where basketball players need it most.


Athlete wearing Under Armour Gameday Armour 2-Pad Basketball ¾ Tights.

 

Under Armour’s Gameday Armour 2-Pad Basketball ¾ Tights utilize sew-free welded padding for a distraction-free fit and 4-way stretch material for a full range of motion. These tights sport stretch-mesh panels for strategic ventilation.

 

Why We Like It: All the great performance features of HeatGear fabric paired with superior McDavid padding protection.



4. Nike Pro Dri-FIT ¾ Fitness Tights


The Nike Pro Dri-FIT ¾ Fitness Tights feature a comfortable stretchy knit fabric with a snug body-hugging feel that moves naturally with your body. These tights utilize sweat-wicking Dri-FIT technology to keep you dry and focused.


Athlete wearing Nike Pro Dri-FIT ¾ Fitness Tights.


Nike’s Pro Dri-FIT ¾ Fitness Tights sport a soft and stretchy waistband that stays put through all activity, side pockets for secure small item storage, and are available in several color options.


Why We Like It: The Nike Pro design is an all-time pick that’s popular among athletes at the highest levels. A smooth, lightweight, and breathable design for the win.



5. Jordan Sport Dri-FIT ¾ Tights


The Jordan Sport Dri-FIT ¾ Tights feature a smooth and stretchy performance fabric with a supportive fit that provides a full range of movement. These tights utilize sweat-wicking Dri-FIT technology to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable.


Athlete wearing Jordan Sport Dri-FIT ¾ Tights.

 

The Jordan Brands’ Sport Dri-FIT ¾ Tights sport a mesh front pouch for enhanced breathability and a stretchy jacquard waistband for a stay-put fit. These tights are available in classic black and white color options. 

 

Why We Like It: A smooth high-performance tight design from the iconic Jordan brand that sports a mesh pouch for improved breathability when layered under shorts.



6. Lululemon License to Train ¾ Tights


The Lululemon License to Train ¾ Tights feature a locked-in and distraction-free fit with slick low-friction support. These tights are breathable, sweat-wicking, and feel cool to the touch.


Athlete wearing Lululemon License to Train ¾ Tights.


Lululemon’s License to Train ¾ Tights utilize 4-way stretch and a bonded construction for flat and smooth seams. These tights keep in place with silicone grippers on the inner waistband and have an interior pocket.


Why We Like It: High-quality and versatile tights that you can wear on the court or training and silicone grippers will keep you locked in for an extra secure fit.



7. Sleefs ¾ Compression Tights


The Sleefs ¾ Compression Tights feature a comfortable and durable performance fabric with non-woven stretch fabrication for advanced movement.


Athlete wearing Sleefs ¾ Compression Tights.


Sleefs’ ¾ Compression Tights have a smooth and sleek fit that layers well under shorts and can also be worn on their own. These compression tights utilize a stay-put elastic waistband and are available in several color options.


Why We Like It: A classic compression tight design with high-quality fabric, a great stay-put elastic waistband, and comes in multiple color options.



8. NELEUS Dry Fit ¾ Compression Leggings


The NELEUS Dry Fit ¾ Compression Leggings feature a high-performance design with 4-way stretch for superior comfort and freedom of movement.


Two pairs of NELEUS Dry Fit ¾ Compression Leggings.


NELEUS’ Dry Fit ¾ Compression Leggings 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 tight design that comes in an affordable 3-pack.



9. McDavid Basketball Compression ¾ Tights with Knee Support


McDavid Basketball Compression ¾ Tights are specifically designed with the muscle support and abrasion protection basketball players require on the court, whether training, practicing, or in-game.


Athlete wearing McDavid Basketball Compression ¾ Tights.


McDavid’s Basketball Compression ¾ Tights feature moisture management technology to keep you cool and dry, as well as 6-thread flat-lock seams for extra durability and comfort.


Why We Like It: The perfect ¾ tights design for those who need extra knee support without sacrificing comfort or performance.



10. McDavid Elite HEX Padded ¾ Tights


The McDavid Elite HEX 2-Pad ¾ Tights feature integrated HEX padding protection that’s lightweight, flexible, and breathable. These compression shorts utilize a 2-pad knee protection design that offers a secure fit for basketball players.


Athlete wearing McDavid Elite HEX 2-Pad ¾ Tights.


McDavid’s Elite HEX 2-Pad ¾ Tights have sweat-wicking Moisture Management Technology to you dry and an elite compression fit that’s comfortable and offers lower-body protection from court abrasions.


Athlete wearing McDavid HEX Hip & Tailbone Pads ¾ Tights.


McDavid also offers a Hip & Tailbone Pads ¾ Tights 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.



Be sure to also check out our picks for the Best Basketball Compression Shorts and Best Full-Length Basketball Tights.


And if you'd like to learn more about the fit, use, and benefits of compression tights for basketball players, check out our Complete Guide.

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