Best Cold Weather Compression Shirts for Women 2022

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 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. Lululemon Rulu Run Long Sleeve

The Lululemon Rulu Run Long Sleeve features a soft and warm fabric with four-way stretch and sweat-wicking capabilities. This long sleeve 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

Lululemon’s Rulu Run Long Sleeve fits closely to your body and sits below your waistband for additional coverage. This long sleeve shirt has reflective details and a zippered pocket for storage.

2. Lululemon For the Chill of It Long Sleeve

The Lululemon For the Chill of It Long Sleeve is designed around your body’s heat map to optimize breathability with several textures of integrated mesh ventilation. This long sleeve shirt utilizes a minimal seam design to reduce chafing.

Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon For the Chill of It Long Sleeve

Lululemon’s For the Chill of It Long Sleeve has a snug fit that contours your body and sits right around your waistband. This long sleeve shirt has four-way stretch, sweat-wicking capabilities, and thumbholes.

3. Under Armour Authentics Mock Neck

The Under Armour Authentics Mock Neck features a dual-layer fabric with a quick-drying exterior and a brushed interior for extra warmth. This long sleeve shirt wicks sweat to keep you dry and has a mock neck construction for added coverage.

Shop at Under Armour: UA Authentics Mock Neck

Under Armour’s Authentics Mock Neck has a 4-way stretch construction for stay-put stretch that cuts down on bunching when you move. This long-sleeve shirt has mesh underarm panels for added ventilation and is also available in a classic crew neckline.

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 and allows breathability with strategic underarm ventilation. This long sleeve 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 thermal compression shirt improves blood flow to your muscles and allows thermoregulation through vent paneling.

5. Columbia Heavyweight Stretch Long Sleeve

The Columbia Heavyweight Stretch Baselayer Shirt is a stretchy and comfortable cold-weather essential. This baselayer features lightweight heat-reflective Omni-Heat lining and Omni-Wick sweat-wicking power.

Shop at Columbia: Columbia Heavyweight Stretch Baselayer Shirt

Columbia’s Heavyweight Stretch Baselayer Shirt utilizes 4-way comfort stretch and ergonomic seaming with flatlocked construction. This long sleeve shirt provides extra warmth in a tight fit that’s still great for layering.

6. DSG Cold Weather Compression Long Sleeve

The DSG Cold Weather Compression Long Sleeve has a brushed interior fabric for warmth and sweat-wicking technology to keep you dry. This fitted long sleeve 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. This shirt is available in several color options.

How Does Compression Keep You Warm?

Wondering how exactly compression garments are so much better than other fabrics at keep 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 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 as a baselayer, which means it should be worn right against the skin without any barriers between the fabric and your skin. When worn correctly like this, you maximize the compression benefits of the garment and allow it 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. This allows 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.