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Writer's pictureCompression Athlete

These Women’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.

Female athlete wearing cold weather compression shirt.

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.



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. 


Cold weather compression shirt features for athletes.

 

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 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.


Athlete wearing Under Armour ColdGear Authentics Crew.

Shop at Under Armour: UA ColdGear Authentics Crew

Available on Amazon: 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.


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. 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.


Athlete wearing Under Armour ColdGear Authentics Mock Neck.

Shop at Under Armour: UA ColdGear Authentics Mock Neck

Available on Amazon: 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.


Why We Like It: Everything we love about the previous pick but in a mock neck design for some extra coverage against that chilly winter wind.



3. 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.


Athlete wearing 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.



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.


Athlete wearing 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. 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.


Athlete wearing DSG Cold Weather Compression Long Sleeve Shirt.


DSG’s Cold Weather Compression Long Sleeve utilizes flatlock stitching for seams that have moveable comfort and a smooth next-to-skin feel.


Why We Like It: A classic performance design with a warm brushed interior and flatlock stitching—everything you need for high performance in cold weather and none of the distractions.



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.


Athlete wearing compression gear to keep warm in cold weather.

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.

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