Here’s What the Vast Majority of Players Wear Under Basketball Shorts
Learn the favorite choice of players for comfort and confidence on the court.
Whether you’re new to the sport, just starting to play competitively, or simply curious about the standard practice, you might be wondering what basketball players should wear beneath their shorts when competing.
Having different uniform styles across various sports can always make this choice a little tricky for the uninitiated.
Not to mention, certain sports rely heavily on personal preference whereas others have a best or most common choice.
When it comes to basketball, you want a comfortable solution that keeps you secure, supported, and locked in while you’re moving around on the court.
For many years now, there has been an overwhelming favorite among basketball players, both men and women, that not only meets the basic needs but also elevates overall performance.
So, here we’ll cover what the common practice is among basketball players when it comes to deciding what to wear under basketball shorts.
Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.
Wondering what most basketball players wear under their uniform shorts?
Basketball is a high-intensity sport that requires quick cutting, sprinting, jumping, and defensive shuffling.
It’s also fairly common for players to end up knocked down on the court, whether taking a charge or taking contact at the rim.
Compression shorts are the overwhelming favorite among basketball players to wear under their uniforms.
Basketball players require base layer garments that are designed to handle high-intensity activity.
For this reason, compression shorts are the overwhelming favorite among basketball players to wear under their uniforms.
This is true among both male and female players, including those at the highest levels of play in the NBA and WNBA.
So, why is this exactly? What makes compression shorts so well suited for basketball?
For starters, the snug and stretchy fabric fits like a second skin and wears perfectly under the looser fitting design of basketball shorts.
This provides players with a secure baselayer, so no matter how much your basketball shorts shift, slide down, or ride up as you play, you can count on your compression shorts staying in place no matter what.
Additionally, compression shorts apply slight compressive pressure to your leg muscles, which increases stabilization and overall muscle endurance.
And the fabric is lightweight, breathable, and features sweat-wicking capabilities, which is ideal for a high perspiration sport like basketball.
You might have also noticed how some players wear padded compression shorts, such as these padded compression shorts from McDavid (the brand that pioneered padded compression garments).
Padded compression shorts have built-in padding on the thighs and tailbone that is lightweight, flexible, and well-positioned to protect against the typical bumps and bangs that occur in basketball.
College and NBA players are the most common wearers of these padded options, as the more physical style of play can take a toll on a player’s body over the course of a season.
Our top pick for the best basketball compression shorts for men: Curry HeatGear
While there are several great athletic brands out there today, when it comes to choosing the best compression shorts for basketball, one in particular stands out among the pack.
Under Armour has been a leader in compression base layers for athletes and remain a favorite of basketball players at every skill level.
Shop at Under Armour: Curry HeatGear Compression Shorts
These compression shorts feature the most important characteristics of basketball compression shorts: lightweight fabric, full mobility and stretch, and a sleek design that fits well under basketball shorts (i.e. no pockets or other bulky features).
The Curry HeatGear Compression Shorts also utilize a wide stay-put waistband and strategic mesh panels for ventilation where it’s needed most.
Check out our full list of the Best Men’s Basketball Compression Shorts.
Our top pick for the best basketball compression shorts for women: Nike Pro
Just as with the men’s picks, another leading activewear brand stands out among the choices for women’s basketball compression shorts.
Nike Pro compression shorts have been a popular pick among athletes at the highest levels for many years thanks to their smooth, lightweight, and breathable design.
Shop at Nike: Nike Pro Compression Shorts (3-Inch)
Shop at Nike: Nike Pro Compression Shorts (5-Inch)
Shop at Dick's Sporting Goods: Nike Pro Compression Shorts
These compression shorts sport Dri-FIT technology that moves sweat away from your body to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable.
They also utilize a sleek design that eliminates bunching and fits great under athletic shorts.
Check out our full list of the Best Women's Basketball Compression Shorts.
Certain compression shorts designs work better for basketball than others.
When choosing a pair of compression shorts to wear for basketball, you’ll want to think about maximizing the benefits that this base layer can offer your game.
Your compression shorts should wear like a second skin—snug but not restrictive.
This snug fit provides worry-free security, muscle stability, sweat-wicking ability, and a great fit under shorts that eliminates chafing.
An important factor to keep in mind when choosing a pair to wear under your basketball shorts is opting for a pair that's designed to layer well, rather than a pair designed to be worn as outerwear.
In other words, your compression shorts shouldn’t have any bulky features like pockets, drawcords, or other unnecessary detailing.
Additionally, your compression shorts should actually have a very pleasant and comfortable fit.
The right pair will offer support while also allowing you to move freely and comfortably.
A great indicator of a great pair is that you aren’t thinking about them while you play.
Most basketball players wear their compression shorts in the same common style.
When it comes to basketball, players wear compression shorts as a baselayer under their uniform shorts.
In other words, the snug and stretchy compression shorts are put on first and worn right against the skin with the looser-fitting basketball shorts then worn over the top.
The vast majority of basketball players wear compression shorts with a leg length (or inseam length) that is shorter than the leg length of their uniform shorts.
So, not only are the compression shorts worn underneath the basketball shorts but also shorter in length, further reducing their visibility.
When playing basketball your compression shorts will make minimal appearances while you’re active (running, jumping, shuffling, getting knocked down, etc.), but this is typically just the bottom few inches that are visible.
And note that it’s really no problem when they do.
Compression shorts showing during play isn’t given any thought or worry by players in the way that an athlete might be concerned about their underwear showing.
Prioritizing comfort and function will keep you focused and playing your best.
The absolute most important thing to prioritize when you’re figuring out what works best for you under basketball shorts is comfort and functionality.
When you’re battling on the court, you want to be in the zone, reacting freely and creating plays, not distracted or restricted by an uncomfortable fit.
Other factors like the style or look of the garment should always be secondary.
While it’s true that your compression shorts may occasionally be seen during the course of play, typically little of the garment is usually seen beyond the bottom inch or two of the legs.
So, above all, you want to find a solution that’s comfortable and allows you to perform at your best.
And if you’re looking for a fuller-length compression option for basketball that’s growing in popularity, check out our top picks for the best basketball tights.
