The Best Cold Weather Compression Shirts for Women 2024
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 women.
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 fare better than other fabrics in the cold, we’re looking for long-sleeved shirts specifically designed to combat the elements. Not just thicker fabric but technology designed to keep you going in cold weather.
Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.
1. Lululemon Rulu Run Long Sleeve Shirt
The Lululemon Rulu Run Long Sleeve Shirt features a soft and warm fabric with four-way stretch and sweat-wicking capabilities. This compression shirt has underarm gussets for breathability, as well as thumbholes and cuffs that fold over your fingers for extra warmth.
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Rulu Run Long Sleeve Shirt
Lululemon’s Rulu Run Long Sleeve Shirt fits closely to your body and sits below your waistband for additional coverage. This compression shirt has reflective details and a zippered pocket for storage.
2. Under Armour ColdGear Authentics Crew
The Under Armour ColdGear Authentics Crew features a dual-layer fabric with a quick-drying exterior and a brushed interior for extra warmth. This compression shirt has sweat-wicking material to keep you dry and comfortable.
Shop at Under Armour: UA ColdGear Authentics Crew
Under Armour’s ColdGear Authentics Crew has a 4-way stretch construction for stay-put stretch that cuts down on bunching when you move. This compression shirt has mesh underarm panels for added ventilation and raglan sleeves for mobility.
3. Under Armour ColdGear Authentics Mock Neck
The Under Armour ColdGear Authentics Mock Neck features a dual-layer fabric with a quick-drying exterior and a brushed interior for extra warmth. This compression shirt wicks sweat to keep you dry and has a mock neck construction for added coverage.
Shop at Under Armour: UA ColdGear Authentics Mock Neck
Under Armour’s ColdGear Authentics Mock Neck has a 4-way stretch construction for stay-put stretch that cuts down on bunching when you move. This compression shirt has mesh underarm panels for added ventilation and raglan sleeves for mobility.
4. 2XU Ignition Compression Long-Sleeve
The 2XU Ignition Compression Long Sleeve features a soft brushed PWX Thermal that traps in body heat for warmth while allowing 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.
5. Columbia Omni-Heat Midweight Baselayer
The Columbia Omni-Heat Midweight Baselayer features a stretchy and comfortable cold-weather design with lightweight heat-reflective Omni-Heat lining and sweat-wicking Omni-Wick technology.
Shop at Columbia: Columbia Omni-Heat Midweight Baselayer
Columbia’s Omni-Heat Midweight Baselayer utilizes 4-way comfort stretch and ergonomic seaming with a flatlocked construction. This compression shirt provides extra warmth in a tight fit that’s also great for layering.
6. Baleaf Laureate Mock Neck Compressive Top
The Baleaf Laureate Mock Neck Compressive Top features a soft brushed fleece lining for warmth in a slightly compressive slim fit. This compression shirt has flatlock seams to eliminate chafing and a mock neck for extra coverage.
Shop at Baleaf: Baleaf Laureate Mock Neck Compressive Top
Available on Amazon: Baleaf Laureate Mock Neck Compressive Top
Baleaf’s Laureate Mock Neck Compressive Top has a lightweight design that’s breathable and moisture-wicking. This compression shirt utilizes reflective elements to enhance visibility in low-light conditions.
7. Alo Yoga Refine Turtleneck
The Alo Yoga Alosoft Refine Turtleneck features a velvety warm yet breathable signature Alosoft fabric. This compression shirt has a versatile design with a fitted turtleneck for extra warmth.
Shop at Alo Yoga: Alo Yoga Alosoft Refine Turtleneck
Alo Yoga’s Alosoft Refine Turtleneck is a full-length top with a flattering fit that makes for a perfect studio-to-street look.
8. DSG Cold Weather Compression Long Sleeve
The DSG Cold Weather Compression Long Sleeve Shirt has a brushed interior fabric for warmth and sweat-wicking technology to keep you dry. This compression shirt has smooth jersey fabric and thumbholes to hold the sleeves in place.
Shop at Dick’s: DSG Cold Weather Compression Long Sleeve
DSG’s Cold Weather Compression Long Sleeve utilizes flatlock stitching for seams that have moveable comfort and a smooth next-to-skin feel.
9. CALIA Cold Dash Long Sleeve
The CALIA Cold Dash Long Sleeve features a warm insulating fleece fabrication with sweat-wicking BODYBREEZE technology to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable.
Shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods: CALIA Cold Dash Long Sleeve
CALIA’s Cold Dash Long Sleeve sports cuff flaps that fold over to keep your fingers warm and thumb holes to keep the sleeves in place. This compression shirt has comfortable 4-way stretch and raglan sleeves for a full range of arm movement.
10. 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.
