6 Best Compression Shorts for Weightlifting in 2024
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Reviewed by:
(21 years of Oly Lifting experience)
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The best compression shorts for weightlifting can be made of several materials and even some unique ones like Supplex Sport. The materials will increase the breathability and comfort of the shorts, while keeping the inseam the right amount, so that the shorts don’t impede any movement.
There are also additionally fast drying or moisture-wicking benefits that can be derived from the short you end up picking.
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the WBCM Men’s Compression Shorts L9.
WBCM’s Supplex Sport compression shorts are a durable pick, resilient against wear from weightlifting, and their sublimation process maintains color, making them a preferred option for weightlifters.
Top 6 Compression Shorts For Weightlifting Reviewed
- WBCM Men’s Compression Shorts L9 – Top Pick
- Midweight Men’s Seamless Compression Shorts – Runner-Up
- Midweight Compression Shorts
- Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Compression Shorts
- Runhit Compression Shorts
- NELEUS Men’s Compression Shorts
| Product | Total | Material Quality | Sizing | Colour Diversity | Resistance & Protection | Comfort | Design | Value forMoney |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WBCM Shorts | 69 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| NOBULL Midweight Seamless | 67.5 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9.5 | 9.5 |
| NOBULL Midweight Compression | 66 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 |
| Under Armour | 64.5 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8.5 | 9 | 9 |
| Runhit | 63.5 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Neleus | 63 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
1. WBCM Men’s Compression Shorts L9
- Material: Supplex Sport
- Inseam: 6.5″
- Sizes: S to XXL
- Color palette: Black
- Closure type: Pull on
- Rise Style: Standard
The WBCM compression shorts are made of a unique material called Supplex Sport, which adds to the durability of the product by enhancing the life of the shorts which come into contact with the bar. So, the wear and tear of lifting won’t have a major effect on the shorts.
Shorts can lose their colouring after a few washes, but you don’t have to worry about that with the WBCM shorts as they use a sublimation process to combat such issues. That’s one reason why they are a top pick for weightlifting compression shorts.
While the colour choices are minimal, you can pick from extra small to double XL in size. The shorts have a pull on closure type, which sits around the waistline of the user and are stretchable and breathable enough to have a comfortable fit.
The WBCM compression shorts are made of a unique material called Supplex Sport, which adds to the durability of the product.
Positives:
Could be better:
2. NOBULL Men’s Midweight Seamless Compression Short
- Material: 90% nylon, 10% spandex
- Inseam: 9"
- Sizes: S TO 3XL
- Color palette: Black, navy
- Closure type: Pull on
- Rise Style: Standard
NOBULL designed Midweight Men’s Seamless Compression Shorts to provide seamless comfort and support during intense training sessions. You can wear them alone or as a base layer and they’ll give you a next-to-skin fit that’s comfortable and breathable.
The design is seamless so there are no irritating points of compression, and your movement is unrestricted. They have zoned ventilation that helps release body heat and prevents that feeling of being overheated and trapped during workouts. The fabric is breathable and keeps you cool.
It's worth noting that these compression shorts are identical to the gear provided to competitors at the 2023 NOBULL Games®, which speaks volumes of their quality and performance.
The design is seamless so there are no irritating points of compression, and your movement is unrestricted.
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3. NOBULL Men’s Midweight Compression Short
- Material: 4-way stretch compression material
- Inseam: 9"
- Sizes: S to 3XL
- Colour palette: Dark grey, white, black, army green
- Closure type: Pull on
- Rise Style: Standard
Midweight Compression Shorts are another pair of shorts that have a next-to-skin fit and that help with flexibility, exertion, and overall comfort during workouts.
They’re made of 4-way stretch material, which is of solid quality. Nothing exceptional about it, but it’s okay. It provides support and allows for unrestricted movement. It’s not insanely durable, but it won’t fall apart after a few uses. The shorts have large mesh panels for breathability, but the previous pair from NOBULL was better in this aspect.
These are not as comfortable and you won’t stay as cool in them.The gusset construction and flatlock reduce chafing to minimize discomfort during workouts, and the seamless back rise adds to the streamlined fit.
There’s a good selection of sizes and even colors, and all in all, this is a good pair of shorts. Not the best, but hey, they’re in the 3rd place for a reason.
It provides support and allows for unrestricted movement. It’s not insanely durable, but it won’t fall apart after a few uses.
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4. Under Armour Men's HeatGear Compression Shorts
- Material: Polyester and elastane
- Inseam: 6"
- Sizes: XS to 4XL
- Color palette: Various
- Closure type: Pull on
- Rise Style: Standard
The Under Armour compression shorts are made of a combination of polyester and elastane to give them a comfortable and breathable feel when you put them on.
They also have a special HeatGear fabric that makes the shorts even more lightweight than they normally are. While, during your workout, you should feel cool and dry because the shorts are moisture wicking.
They also provide you with a various color palette with a wide range of sizing options and even come with a pocket.
The Under Armour compression shorts are made of a combination of polyester and elastane to give them a comfortable and breathable feel when you put them on.
Positives:
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5. Runhit Compression Shorts
- Material: Polyester and spandex
- Inseam: 6.5"
- Sizes: S to 4XL
- Colour palette: Various
- Closure type: Pull on
- Rise Style: Standard
The Runhit Compression Shorts come with flatlock stitching, which enhances the durability of the shorts. Also, the polyester material is supposed to have moisture wicking properties to it to keep you cool and the shorts breathable during your workout.
They are also designed to be worn for any sport, rather than being specific for just one, which is why there are various sizing and color options to the shorts.
The pull over style of the shorts should result in a comfortable and tight fit, along with its inseam length. There should be no interference during your workout.
The Runhit Compression Shorts come with flatlock stitching, which enhances the durability of the shorts.
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6. NELEUS Men’s Compression Shorts
- Material: Polyester and spandex
- Inseam: 8"
- Sizes: Small to 3XL
- Colour palette: Various
- Closure type: Pull on
- Rise Style: Standard
The Nelelus compression shorts are made of stretchy and soft polyester material that make them comfortable and breathable to wear. They also have a quick drying component to them to keep you dry while the compression benefits your muscles.
The waist also has a wider stretch than most other compression shorts, which adds to the comfort of the product.
However, the 8 inch seam can be on the longer side and might not be for everyone, as it can interfere with your workout. It is also something that takes some time getting used to.
The Nelelus compression shorts are made of stretchy and soft polyester material that make them comfortable and breathable to wear.
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What To Look For In Compression Shorts For Weightlifting
1. Stretch
With compression shorts, the fit is skin tight, almost as if the shorts are part of you. However, you want some that stretch naturally with you as you squat or do other weightlifting movements. If the shorts don’t have some stretch to them, they could ride up your quad or interfere with your workout.
2. Breathability
With compression shorts, some people can misinterpret them and think the tighter they are, the better they will be. When in reality, that isn’t the case. You don’t want to have shorts that are so tight that they interfere with your movements or restrict any range of motion.
Such discomfort would impede your weight training. So, the shorts should be breathable and give a little leeway during your workout.
Tips From the Champ
Choose compression shorts that fit snugly for natural flexibility during workouts; opt for breathable materials to prevent discomfort and ensure a comfortable exercise experience. Additionally, prioritize flatlock stitching for enhanced durability, especially with consistent use.
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
3. Material Used
A typical compression short is made of polyester and nylon, which is then combined with such materials as spandex, elastane, or lycra. It is this combination that makes the shorts both stretch and compress accordingly.
This blend also gives the compression shorts the unique muscle recovery advantage as well. Also, depending on the material, you can get thick compression shorts or thinner ones.
4. Stitching
Stitching is an undervalued component of picking the right compression short for you. One type of stitching that is superior to others is flatlock stitching. With this technique, the seam is stitched together. This can be important for the durability of the compression shorts, especially if you’re planning on using them consistently.
FAQ
Is Compression Clothing Good for Weight Lifting?
When looking for olympic weightlifting shorts, compression materials can be a great choice. Compression shorts are less likely to ride up your leg when working out, unlike traditional shorts. Also, compression clothes can help improve the oxygen in a specific muscle, so part of the body will be at a lesser risk for injuries and strains.
Do Compression Shorts Help Tight Hamstrings?
As mentioned earlier, compression shorts can aid with injury prevention through increasing oxygen in that area. It works the same way with tight hamstrings as the compression material can help the hamstring relax as it aids flexion and extension of the hamstring muscle.
Conclusion
For lifting compression shorts, you want to be able to feel comfortable and secure with your shorts, so you can maximize its health benefits and even utilize components such as moisture-wicking and fast drying. A pair of weightlifting compression shorts that fit this bill is the WBCM Men's Compression Shorts.
What benefits do you feel when you workout with compression shorts? Does the heating element help you recover faster or loosen your muscles during your workout? What’s a must have for you when you look for a pair of compression shorts?
Let’s discuss all of this and any other questions you might have in the comment section below!
Also read:
References:
- Comprehensive Guide to Compression Shorts // Compression Athlete:
https://www.compressionathlete.com/post/compression-shorts-guide - Your Ultimate Guide to Compression Wearables // Men's Health: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a19536211/compression-shorts-guide/
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Author: Ihor Shymechko
Pro Olympic Weightlifter, Coach
Best Results: Snatch – 208 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Ihor has been a professional weightlifter since 1996, boasting over two decades of competition experience. His notable achievements include clinching the European Championship in 2009 and securing a silver medal in the 105kg division at the Senior World Championships in 2011. Ihor represented his country in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics. After retiring from competitive weightlifting, he transitioned to coaching, leveraging his vast experience to guide athletes who now compete on both national and international stages.
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Oleksiy Torokhtiy is a professional athlete boasting 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. With multiple European and World titles under his belt, he has showcased his prowess in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008 and London 2012). Upon concluding his illustrious career, Oleksiy dedicated himself to coaching. By 2022, he had conducted over 200 weightlifting seminars worldwide. He is the visionary behind an international sportswear and accessories brand known for its motto, “Warm Body Cold Mind.” Additionally, he is an esteemed author and the creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.
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Still have questions after reading our article? Unlock your full potential by engaging with our experts and community! Don’t hesitate — leave a comment below and Ihor Shymechko will provide a personalized answer and insights to help you reach your goals.