15 Best Compression Shirts for Men to Wear for Workouts 2022

By Emily Lemon On Feb 15, 2022

Focused man doing barbell biceps curls at gym

Caiaimage/Sam EdwardsGetty Images

Let’s state the obvious first: Compression shirts make you look bigger because your shirt is tighter.

We’d be lying if we didn’t say that’s perhaps one of the biggest benefits of compression shirts in our book. But in addition to highlighting your upper body physique, we also love that many compression shirts provide moisture-wicking technology to keep you cool while you run, lift, or try to master that whole downward dog thing.

Some companies also claim that compression shirts can boost athletic performance, since they are said to promote blood flow in your body and increase the amount of oxygen that goes to your muscles. (More science is needed to back all of this up, FYI.) Anecdotally, many people also say that compression shirts also may have some benefit in post-workout recovery. The idea here is that they fuel speedier recoveries, so you can get back to the weight rack for longer sessions, and more often, too. A 2016 scientific review of studies published in Sports Medicine found that when runners wore compression clothing endurance performance metrics improved slightly “due to improvements in running economy, biomechanical variables, perception, and muscle temperature,” and further noting that runners “should also benefit from reduced muscle pain, damage, and inflammation.”

Some other solid perks of compression shirts besides highlighting your muscles and keeping moisture in check? UPF sun protection, anti-odor features, flatlock seams for additional comfort, and machine-washable styles.Ready to hop aboard the compression shirt bandwagon? Whether you’re hoping for potential benefits in getting those gains or simply want a super comfy shirt that keeps you cool while you pump or cycle, read on for our top picks.

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Havok Short Sleeve in Pitch Black

This moisture-wicking and wrinkle-resistant tee-shirt is ideal if you’re looking for light compression. Made with a polyester and spandex blend, the tailored shirt is almost stylish enough to wear to the bar for that post-workout toast (maybe apply deodorant first, though). The lightweight, breathable shirt is meant to withstand tough workouts and comes in several hues such as black, white, blue, and gray.

Nike Pro Cool Compression Short-Sleeved T-Shirt

Stay dry and cool in a short sleeve compression tee that wicks away sweat and breathes, thanks to strategically-placed mesh panels. You’ll get a fit that’s snug, yet comfortable. And with flat, ergonomic seams, you’ll never have to worry about chafing.

HeatGear Armour Short Sleeve Compression Shirt

This short sleeve compression tee is made with Under Armour’s sweat-wicking HeatGear fabric, which features anti-odor technology to keep you—and your shirt—smelling fresh during sweaty sessions. Also available in sleeveless and long sleeve versions.

Reebok United By Fitness Compression Long Sleeve Shirt

Looking for a workout tee to pair with your beloved Rebook Nano sneaks? We’re big fans of this long sleeve shirt from United by Fitness Reebok apparel collection that’s designed and tested with and for athletes. Here, we particularly dig the Speedwick fabric that takes moisture away from your skin in, well, a speedy manner, and the laser-cut perforations on the back to improve ventilation in this sweaty part of your body. Another nice feature? Woven panels on the sleeves provide abrasion resistance for certain barbell moves and those rope climbs you know you should be doing.

Ten Thousand Fight Rash Guard

If you’re into combat sports like jiu jitsu, you use compression gear for more than just looks. The close fitting gear is a must for no-gi rolling, both to keep your opponent from getting a grip and to prevent mat burns. This top from Ten Thousand features heavy duty stitching and permanent anti-odor protection to fight stank, too.

adidas Training Alphaskin Sport Short Sleeve Tee

This is the short sleeve tee for the guy who only wants light compression. You’ll score a supportive fit with a mesh back and the moisture-wicking Climalite tech. Bonus: This tee is fashioned with recycled polyester (along with standard polyester and spandex).

Runhit Long Sleeve Compression Shirt

Elastic closure? Machine wash? Flatlock stitching? Check, check, check, and there’s even a stretch-mesh underarm, to boot. This moisture-wicking compression shirt made from polyester and spandex also features UPF 50+ protection from the sun. This three-pack of shirts comes in a slew of color choices.

TSLA Men’s Thermal Long Sleeve Compression Shirt

Perfect for layering or wearing on its own, this long sleeve tee designed for winter use is fleece-lined and features smooth exterior fabric and UPF 50+ protection. Size up if you don’t want extreme compression. It’s also got four-way stretch for enhanced range of motion and has great breathability.

Reigning Champ Long Sleeve Compression Shirt

Currently on sale for more than 50 percent off its $95 list price, this black compression shirt looks nice enough to pair with jeans or khakis but is durable enough to get you through countless supersets at the gym. The comfy shirt is also crafted with sustainability in mind thanks to the use of 74 percent recycled nylon in the nylon-and-elastane fabric blend.

CompressionZ Short Sleeve

This highly-rated all-season tee offers comfortable, second-skin support in anti-odor, anti-itch, moisture-wicking fabric. A bottom rubber seam keeps your hem from riding up, while strategic vents ensure maximum breathability.

GYM GALA Sports Compression Shirt

Channel your inner Superman (or Batman, Spiderman, etc.) with these compression tees from Gym Gala. Your muscles might feel super-powered, but the polyester and spandex material will keep them in check

Champion Double Dry Compression Shirt

Champion

This basic short sleeve performance shirt offers support without restricting movement. Moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cool and dry, while flatlock stitching ensures you’ll experience minimal chafing.

Nike Pro Warm Men’s Long-Sleeve Top

Reach for this mock neck compression shirt on days when you need more coverage. The second-skin fit offers support, while four-way-stretch fabric wicks moisture for maximum comfort.

Mava Sports Compression Long Sleeve Top

This nylon-and-spandex long sleeve compression shirt is perfect for those brisk early spring and late fall runs or even indoor workouts in the winter. It’s not meant to keep you warm on its own, but it’s a great base layer. Even better, it’s well ventilated, so you don’t get drenched in sweat and even though it has a tight-fitting silhouette still allows for a wide range of motion.

2XU Ignition Compression Long Sleeve

Featuring a mock turtleneck this black compression top with silver details is lightweight yet warming thanks to its thermal properties. Train with it outdoors or indoors and take note of the flatlock seams to reduce chafing, the flexible nylon and Lycra fabric, and solid compression support.

Lauren Bedosky
Lauren Bedosky is a freelance health and fitness writer who specializes in covering running and strength training topics.

Perri O. Blumberg
Perri is a New York City-born-and-based writer; she holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Columbia University and is also a culinary school graduate of the plant-based Natural Gourmet Institute, which is now the Natural Gourmet Center at Institute Of Culinary Education.

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