Introduction
What are compression shorts? Compression shorts in basketball or for basketball, are shorts that you wear, sometimes pants length. These shorts, also called tights, are worn by basketball players and athletes to help them compress the muscles in their legs and thighs.
For basketball players in particular, this helps their legs and muscles deal with the pressure and impact of jumping up and down. Compression shorts also help reduce force and help blood flow through the legs, obviously very important when playing a very active game like basketball. They aren’t just super helpful for your muscles and blood flow; they are also very cool looking and sort of poise as a fashion accessory.
Another important reason for wearing these shorts or tights is to help with body temperature regulation. Much like a brace, these shorts help prevent injuries such as knee or thigh injuries and keep muscle strength up.
This shorts also help prevent one of the most common basketball injuries, myositis, also known as inflammation of the muscles. Now that you know how important and useful these shorts can be, you should definitely add them to your game time apparel, organized or recreation. Here are the best compression shorts you can currently find on Amazon.
6 Top Rated Compression Short for Basketball
Hanes Sports Men’s Performance Compression Short
Starting off our list for a player on a budget, Hanes has one of the most highly reviewed compression shorts on all of Amazon and are currently on sale for 68% off. The prices depend on the size, but a pair of XX-Large currently run for $$ (check here) before taxes.
It is important to note that these are only one pair and not a pack, you can get multiple pairs for somewhere around $30 with some of the other products on this list. Coming in five basic colors of blue, red, white, gray, and ebony. These compression are made from 84% polyester and 16% spandex and are machine wash.
They are fit to size and have an elastic waistband along with chafe resistant flatlock seams. They currently have a 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon with 6,219 reviews. These make a perfect pickup if you are just getting into the game.
NELEUS Men’s 3 Pack Performance Compression Shorts
It has to make you wonder how low these companies could charge and still make a profit. Anyway, coming in a plethora of colors with a branded top waist band, these are a great pickup for any athlete. Made from 90% polyester and 10% spandex, these shorts are tight and comfortable.
These shorts still somehow feel loose enough to prevent rubbing and soreness, and don’t ride up. The fabric is nonabrasive and are quick drying.
Important to note, the manufacturer recommends you do not use the size chart from Amazon and check their own size chart for proper measurements. The NELEUS Performance compression shorts currently have a 4.5 out of 5 rating with 4,936 reviews, the 5-star reviews currently sit at 72%.
Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Compression Shorts
Aesthetically, I love the Under Armour waistband. Currently, on Amazon, these shorts range in price from $14 to $60! When selecting my size, it takes the price to an even $30.
Smaller sizes can take as much as $5 off from their retail price before taxes. Under Armour also recommends you check the size with them, rather than checking it with Amazon. Coming in about 12 colors, these shorts are perfect for the multi-sport athlete, or an athlete in offseason training.
Made from 84% polyester and 16% elastane, these shorts are fine to be machine washed. They also come with an upgraded mesh, allowing for exceptional ventilation. The HeatGear compression shorts currently have a 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon and have 3,106 global reviews. The 5-star reviews make up 82%, that is very good for a product on Amazon.
TELALEO 5/6 Pack Compression Shorts Men Spandex Sport Shorts- Baselayer Underwear
The pictured product is 5 pairs of compression shorts, two coming black, two coming in navy and one coming gray. There is no deviation in price from the small to the double extra-large, coming in at $$ for a pair of five. These shorts come with a fabric type of 85% polyester and 15% spandex.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t give washing information, safe to assume its machine washable as the majority of these are. These do come with a great and flexible four way stretching fabric, providing a unique support for hip and thigh muscles. Much like the other shorts on this list, it comes with a branded waistband, I am a massive fan of that.
These are also designed for all sports, so if you play recreation in multiple sports, you can’t beat it. One important thing to note is that according to the manufacturer these shorts dry in about five minutes, that is pretty good.
The reviews on these are pretty and have very recent reviews. Currently sitting with a 4.5 out of 5 rating, and the 5-star reviews sitting at a 74%. For the price and the flexibility in use, these are a good pick-up for any athlete, not just basketball.
JWJ Men’s 2 in 1 Workout Running Shorts, Athletic Gym Shorts with Compression Liner
Saving you precious seconds while getting dressed. They range in price depending on size from $17 to $25. They are on sale for 27% off, no doubt Amazon is looking at getting an early jump on the holiday shopping season.
Made from 100% polyester with a drawstring waist, these shorts are a mesh fabric, allowing for maximum breathability. What is really nice is the pocket on the leg, allowing you to practice and workout with your phone right there. They come in a plethora of colors, including in multiple different camo patterns.
The reviews for these shorts are very favorable, with a 4.4 out of 5 in reviews and a 5-star review percentage of 66. It is up to the consumer if paying extra for having 2 in 1 is worth the price. I don’t think many people see a need for this, but it is nice to have if you are looking to expand your workout wardrobe.
ZENGVEE Compression Shorts Men 3 Pack with Pocket Running Short
Any of these shorts are extremely utilitarian, being able to be used in a multitude of different sports. The ZENGVEE shorts come in a percentage of 85% polyester and 15% spandex with a snap fit.
These are machine wash and are made with a non-abrasion fabric, able to withstand massive amounts of movement and stress. These come with elastic bands along the waist and thighs, making them extremely comfortable. They also come with a four-sided elastic stretch, allowing for maximum grip on the upper leg muscles.
They range in price from $14 to $23 for a pair of three. The largest pair will run you about $$ (check here) for three, not too bad! The reviews on Amazon are high and plentiful. Currently reviewed by 5,788 consumers globally with a 4.6 out of 5, the 5-star ratings are at 76%
Conclusion
In conclusion, compression shorts are not only recommended for NBA stars, but also us as recreation players. These shorts help support the muscles from your hips to your knees, even lower if you decide to go full length.
These are just a few of the pairs I picked, and there are plenty of different variations on Amazon for you to try. I would recommend trying these before you need a knee brace.
