Best Cold Weather Compression Shirts for Men 2023
Long sleeve options to keep you warm and keep you going in the winter months.
There’s no denying that when the temps start to drop it gets tougher both physically and mentally to stay active outdoors.
But if you’ve got the right gear, you’re much more likely to get out there and take on those chilly conditions.
Opting for high-quality baselayers, such as a long sleeve compression shirt, can make a huge difference in the winter months.
Wear it alone when the weather gets cool or layer it up when conditions turn frigid, either way your muscles will appreciate the extra warmth and support.
Here, we’ve put together a list of the best cold weather compression shirts for men. Check it out, grab your favorite, and forge ahead through those rough winter months.
Determining the Best Compression Shirts for Cold Weather
Here are the criteria we used for putting together our list of the best cold weather compression shirts:
Breathable Baselayer: Even in the cold, you need a baselayer with breathability so that you don’t overheat. The solution is a compression shirt with strategic ventilation, so that you stay warm but not too warm.
Extended Comfort: We’ve gathered shirts that don’t sacrifice comfort for warmth. These two should work hand in hand. An uncomfortable compression shirt isn’t a working solution for your cold weather pursuits.
Cold-Weather Design: While a general compression shirt would fair better than other fabrics in the cold, we’re looking for long-sleeved shirts specifically designed to combat the elements. Not just a thicker fabric but technology designed to keep you warm during cold weather activity.
Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.
1. Under Armour ColdGear Compression Mock
The Under Armour ColdGear Compression Mock features a dual-layer fabric with a quick-drying exterior and a brushed interior for extra warmth. This compression shirt has a lightweight feel and mock neck construction for added coverage.
Shop at Under Armour: UA ColdGear Compression Mock
Under Armour’s ColdGear Compression Mock has a 4-way stretch construction for stay-put stretch that cuts down on bunching when you move. This compression shirt has strategic ventilation and an ergonomic design to keep seams off high abrasion areas.
2. Lululemon Keep the Heat Thermal Long Sleeve Shirt
The Lululemon Keep the Heat Thermal Long Sleeve Shirt features a high-performance design that wicks sweat and insulates against the cold. This compression shirt utilizes a breathable wool-blend that dries quickly and helps to regulate body temperature.
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Keep the Heat Thermal Long Sleeve Shirt
Lululemon’s Keep the Heat Thermal Long Sleeve Shirt features a body-hugging fit with a minimal seam design to reduce chafing. This compression shirt utilizes ribbed textures over key muscles for support and breathability.
3. Adidas TechFit COLD.RDY Training Long Sleeve Tee
The Adidas TechFit COLD.RDY Training Long Sleeve Tee pairs insulating microfleece for warmth with supportive Techfit to focus your muscle energy. This compression shirt has strategic seam placements for a comfortable fit that moves freely.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas TechFit COLD.RDY Training Long Sleeve Tee
Adidas’ TechFit COLD.RDY Training Long Sleeve Tee features a mock neck design with lightly compressive support for your muscles. This compression shirt has stylish contrast articulated seams and can be worn layered or on its own.
4. New Balance Baselayer Long Sleeve Top
The New Balance Baselayer Long Sleeve Top features a lightweight polyknit fabric with moisture-wicking NB DRY technology to keep you dry and comfortable. This compression shirt has a breathable design and classic crew neck collar.
Shop at New Balance: New Balance Baselayer Long Sleeve Top
New Balance’s Baselayer Long Sleeve Top provides a performance design in a fitted silhouette that allows a full range of motion. This versatile compression shirt eliminates any excess fabric, making for easy layering.
5. 2XU Ignition Compression Long Sleeve
The 2XU Ignition Compression Long Sleeve features a soft brushed PWX Thermal that traps in body heat for warmth and allows breathability with strategic underarm ventilation. This compression shirt is lightweight and offers flexible support.
Shop at 2XU: 2XU Ignition Compression Long Sleeve
2XU’s Ignition Compression Long Sleeve utilizes durable moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry and flatlock seams to reduce chafing. This compression shirt improves blood flow to your muscles and allows thermoregulation through vent paneling.
6. Reebok Base Layer Top
The Reebok Base Layer Top features an extra soft performance fabric with a stretchy fit that’s designed to be layered for cold weather activities.
Shop at Reebok: Reebok Base Layer Top
Reebok’s Base Layer Top is a perfect base layer for outdoor training with flatlock seams and tagless labels for a smooth and distraction-free fit.
7. Columbia Heavyweight Stretch Baselayer Shirt
The Columbia Heavyweight Stretch Baselayer Shirt is a stretchy and comfortable cold-weather essential. This compression shirt features lightweight heat-reflective Omni-Heat lining and Omni-Wick sweat-wicking power.
Shop at Columbia Sportswear: Columbia Heavyweight Stretch Baselayer Shirt
Columbia’s Heavyweight Stretch Baselayer Shirt utilizes 4-way comfort stretch and ergonomic seaming with flatlocked construction. This compression shirt provides extra warmth in a tight fit that’s also great for layering.
8. DSG Cold Weather Compression Mock Neck
The DSG Cold Weather Compression Mock Neck has a brushed interior fabric for warmth and sweat-wicking technology to keep you dry. This compression shirt has smooth jersey fabric and is available in solid or heather designs.
Shop at Dick’s: DSG Cold Weather Compression Mock Neck
Shop at Dick’s: DSG Cold Weather Compression Crewneck
DSG’s Cold Weather Compression Mock Neck utilizes flatlock stitching for seams that have moveable comfort and a smooth, next-to-skin feel. This compression shirt is also available in a classic crew neckline.
9. TSLA Thermal Long Sleeve Compression Shirt
The TSLA Thermal Long Sleeve Compression Shirt features a performance stretch fabric paired with a soft micro-fleece inner lining for extra warmth. This compression shirt utilizes 2-way air circulation to regulate body temperature in cold conditions.
Available on Amazon: TSLA Thermal Long Sleeve Compression Shirt
TSLA’s Thermal Long Sleeve Compression Shirt utilizes ergonomic Body Geometry Fit technology for superior performance. This compression shirt has 360-degree stretch, quick-drying properties, and a mock neck design to optimize heat insulation.
How Does Compression Keep You Warm?
Wondering how exactly compression garments are so much better than other fabrics at keeping you warm while still allowing you to perform at a high level?
The key here is body temperature regulation. Compression garments create a breathable shell that helps to trap body heat without overheating.
Without the breathability that compression allows, you might be surprised at how quickly your body can overheat during activity—even in cold conditions!
Another helpful factor is the compressive pressure applied to your muscles, which stabilizes and reduces excess vibration and shivering. This otherwise lost energy can be used to keep your body warm and lengthen your endurance.
Additionally, many compression garments designed to combat cold weather will have a brushed or thermal interior.
This provides a toasty interior in both performance and feel, which is a great way to keep you going in damp and chilly conditions.
How to Wear Compression Garments to Combat Cold Weather
If you’re looking to keep toasty against frigid temperatures, it’s important that you wear and layer your compression gear the correct way.
For starters, compression is designed to be worn as a baselayer, which means it should be worn right against the skin without any barriers between the fabric and your skin.
When you wear compression garments correctly in this way, you maximize the compressive benefits of the garment and allow them to function properly.
This is key when it comes to combating cold weather conditions and maintaining an optimal body temperature.
In order for compression gear to effectively help with body temperature regulation, it must be worn right against the skin, allowing the garment to wick sweat away from the body and serve as a breathable barrier against the elements.
Keep in mind that layering is an option when it comes to wearing compression.
In cold conditions, some athletes might be tempted to put a t-shirt under their compression shirt or shorts under their compression tights.
Note, however, that additional layers should always be worn over the top.
Not only will the compression garment be allowed to function properly and help you perform your best but this will also eliminate any garment bunching and rubbing from occurring that can result in discomfort and chafing.
Looking to extend your baselayer coverage to combat the cold weather? Be sure to check out our picks for the Best Cold Weather Compression Tights.
