A good compression shirt does so much more than just cling to your core. They can help you to keep warm on a cold day, wick away sweat and moisture while you are exercising, and help your muscles to recover after a tough workout. On top of all that, they cling to your form and slim you down, giving you the confidence you need to give it your all.
If you have never shopped for a compression shirt before, don’t worry – we’ve put together a list of some of the top features you need to look out for, as well as a few of the best products on the market right now.
How to Choose the Best Compression Shirt
Different Types
A compression shirt can mean a lot of different things, depending on the type you buy. One of the most common types – and most of the ones on our list – are athletic compression shirts.
An athletic compression shirt is designed to help you in three ways: first it is made out of light, moisture-wicking material that will help you stay cool and dry while you are exercising, no matter what the weather is. Second, an athletic compression shirt is designed to compress your muscles and promote blood flow, so that you can recover faster after a brutal workout.
Another common type of compression shirt you will find is a shirt designed to make you look slimmer. These types of compression shirts might come in a tank top, short sleeve or long sleeve fit. They will often have a double layer of material around the abdomen to tuck in belly fat, and a tighter fit across the chest to reduce the appearance of gynecomastia. These shirts can also help to improve your posture as well as promoting blood flow and recovery.
Fit
The fit of your compression shirt will depend on what you want it for.
All compression shirts fit tight, but some are much tighter than others. There are pros and cons to a really tight fit – it will be more effective at promoting blood flow and improving posture, as well as giving you a slimmer appearance, but it will also be more annoying to put on and take off, and can be uncomfortable to wear for a long time.
You should also consider sleeve length. A lot of the shirts reviewed on the list below have long sleeves and high necks, to cover as much of your core as possible. This is great if you are using the compression shirt as a warming layer. It is also helpful for helping your arm, back and core muscles recover all at once.
You might be more comfortable with a tee shirt or tank top fit if you don’t like to feel too restricted, or if you are exercising outdoors in hot conditions.
Material
One of the most important features of a compression shirt to consider is the material. Ideally, your compression shirt should be made out of a light and breathable fabric. Because they cling to your skin, the lighter the material is, the more comfortable you will be. You should also look for a fabric that will stay dry, and won’t hold in moisture and odors.
A blend of nylon, spandex or polyester is ideal. Some compression shirts will have cotton blends – be aware that cotton is a little stiffer and heavier, so a cotton blend will be hotter and hold in moisture more. Cotton can be helpful for keeping you warm, though.
Top Compression Shirts for Men of 2021
1. TSLA Mens Basic Compression Tee Shirt
Highlights & Specs
Summary
This compression shirt from TSLA is a tee shirt fit, designed to fit tight to your core and help you to workout and recover faster. The fabric is a flexible and moisture-wicking blend, so you will be able to comfortably move in this shirt without overheating.
One of the best features of the TSLA shirt is that it actually protects against UV rays when you are out in the sun. It is also meant to prevent abrasion and discomfort while you are wearing it, so it is great for someone with more sensitive skin.
One downside to this shirt is that it does only come in the tee shirt fit, so you will not get full arm muscle recovery from it. It also runs a little small – the company recommends ordering a size up from what you would normally wear.
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2. EXIO Mens Mock Compression Baselayer
Highlights & Specs
Summary
This compression shirt from EXIO is designed as a base layer. That means it can be worn during biking, running, skiing, etc. – any time you will be active in colder weather. The polyester fabric will help your blood circulate and keep you warm, while at the same time wicking away sweat and odor.
It is not just for use as a base layer, though. The shirt also has UV ray protection in the fabric, so that it can be worn on its own on a hotter day. The fit is very tight, but the material is non-abrasive and super light, designed for comfort.
The only issue you might run into with this shirt is that it is a little cheaper, so the material might not hold up as long as with some other, name brand options. That said, it works great as a base or top layer, and the price is so low that you can always get a set of two or three to interchange.
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3. Nike Men's Pro Cool Compression Top
Highlights & Specs
Summary
Nike is one of the most well-known producers of athletic gear out there. While their products tend to be a little more expensive, they always perform great and last forever. This compression shirt is no exception.
It is made out of a light and stretchy polyester blend that clings without being too restricting. Mesh vents along the core help to keep you cool and prevent you from getting too sweaty while you are working out. Because of the long sleeve fit, it promotes recovery across your body.
On top of all that, this is just a cool, sleek-looking compression shirt – it is hard to deny the power of name brand recognition. The shirt comes in five color options, each with a simple Nike logo on the breast.
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4. MuscleMate Men's Long Sleeve Compression Shirt
Highlights & Specs
Summary
This shirt from MuscleMate is not quite as tight-fitting as some of the other compression shirts on our list, but it will give you a slimming look in the gym and pronounce your build as everyday wear.
The elastic spandex blend is extra stretchy, so this shirt will fit you tightly without being to restrictive or uncomfortable. Unfortunately, spandex is also prone to stretching out and getting saggy over time – this shirt might lose its elastic feel after a few months of wear and wash. It is pretty affordable, though, for the quality.
The best feature of this compression shirt is the fit. It has a lower neck and tapering along the arms that will pronounce the muscles in your arms and chest. This one is a little more about looks than performance, and it will compliment every body well.
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5. Under Armour Men's HeatGear Long Sleeve Compression Shirt
Highlights & Specs
Summary
Like Nike, Under Armour is another big name in the athletic wear biz – especially when it comes to compression shirts. This one is meant to give you the best fit and circulate blood flow without overheating or sweating.
Mesh ventilation under the arms of the shirt gives you a little more breathability, without sacrificing on the compression capabilities. It only comes in long sleeve, but there is a huge variety of color options, and the design is sleek and slimming.
To top it off, this shirt is actually really affordable compared to a lot of other Under Armour products. The material is durable and will hold up to a lot of wear and washes.
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6. Adidas Men's TechFit Baselayer Compression Short Sleeve
Highlights & Specs
Summary
This Adidas tee shirt is a great option for running or playing soccer. It fits a little looser than some of the other shirts on our list – it does not hug the core or arms, but is tight across the chest to give you a comfortable, slimming look.
The material is dry and breathable, but a little thicker than other compression blends. As a base layer, or on its own, it can keep you warm while helping to promote blood circulation and recovery.
The one downside here is that, as an Adidas, it is a little pricey for a tee shirt. But the tougher material will hold up through a lot of use.
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7. Queerier Men's Compression Fitness Shirt
Highlights & Specs
Summary
The last compression shirt on our list is a high-tech option from Queerier. This shirt is very well made and will last for a long time. The material is light and breathable, but the fit is tight enough to help you recover and improve your blood flow while you are working out.
While it may not be the best for keeping your warm, this is a great compression shirt for active wear in or out of the gym.