These Men’s Compression Shirts Are Designed to Handle Cold Weather: Top Picks for 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 men.
Check it out, grab your favorite, and forge ahead through those rough winter months.
Our top picks feature cold combating technology to keep you warm without overheating or limiting mobility.
While it’s true that most any compression shirt would fare better than other fabric choices in cold weather, certain designs can actually boost your performance in chilly conditions.
Look for these two key features when choosing a compression shirt to wear in cold weather.
1. A warm yet breathable design.
Warmth and breathability need to work hand in hand when your body is active in the cold.
Sure, thick and heavy fabrics keep you warm, but they also slow you down and cause you to overheat in surprisingly short order.
You’re going to want to pair warm thermal fabrics and brushed fleece interiors with breathable design features that allow all that body heat you’re generating to escape.
2. Features that are protective and functional.
Choosing a compression shirt that won’t let you down matters just that much more in cold weather.
Mock neck designs add a little extra coverage around the neck, which comes in handy against windy conditions.
Also, look for helpful features like flatlock seams to reduce chafing while you’re active, as well as sweat-wicking and quick-drying technology to keep you dry, comfortable, and focused.
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
Available on Amazon: 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.
Why We Like It: The true pioneer of performance compression gear and still leading the way, Under Armour’s ColdGear is exactly what you need to stay warm, remain comfortable, and perform at a high level.
2. 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.
Why We Like It: 2XU consistently makes some of the highest quality compression gear you’ll come across. No exception here—this long sleeve brings the perfect mix of warmth and performance for chilly conditions.
3. Nike Pro Warm Long Sleeve
The Nike Pro Warm Long Sleeve features soft French terry fabric for smooth warmth with Dri-FIT technology that wicks sweat and dries quickly to keep you dry and comfortable.
Shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods: Nike Pro Warm Long Sleeve
Nike’s Pro Warm Long Sleeve sports mesh panels on the back and under the arms for ventilation where it’s needed, a rounded hem for extra coverage, and added length so that it stays tucked in when you need it to.
Why We Like It: The perfect mix of warmth and performance with strategic ventilation and a little extra length for coverage against the cold—a no brainer for cold weather performance!
4. 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.
Why We Like It: You’ll love the warm fleece lining, and the 2-way air circulation technology is exactly what athletes need to perform in cold weather—breathability and cold air protection.
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 warmth in a tight fit that’s also great for layering.
Why We Like It: A very cool Omni-Heat lining that’s effective against the cold, and the ergonomic seaming helps this fit, feel, and perform great.
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 compression shirt has smooth jersey fabric and is available in several color options.
Shop at Dick’s: DSG Cold Weather Compression Crewneck
Shop at Dick’s: DSG Cold Weather Compression Mock Neck
DSG’s Cold Weather Compression Long Sleeve utilizes flatlock stitching for seams that have moveable comfort and a smooth, next-to-skin feel.
This compression shirt is available in both crewneck and mock neck designs.
Compression garments help athletes perform better in cold weather.
It’s really one of the most effective tools an athlete can utilize in cold weather.
The unique fabric blend of compression gear fortifies against chilly weather better than lighter fabrics like cotton blends and its snug fit is unaffected by gusting winds.
Also, while it might seem counterintuitive at first, breathability is an important element in your cold weather gear.
If you’re wearing layers that trap in your body heat, you’ll end up overheating and drenched in sweat as you’re competing, even in frigid temperatures.
The sweat-wicking capabilities of compression help you strike the perfect balance you need for endurance and warmth.
Compression fabric moves sweat away from the body to allow for proper temperature regulation, while still protecting you from the cold.
In cold weather conditions, some athletes prefer to layer their compression shirts for some additional warmth (whether under a uniform, jacket, etc.).
Keep in mind, however, that compression garments are designed to be worn as a base layer (i.e. right against the skin).
So, any additional layers should be worn on top of your compression garments so as not to interfere with the many performance benefits they can provide.
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.
