Compression shirts have gotten a bad rap in the past. They are largely misunderstood as just being a garment that makes you look slimmer. In reality, a compression undershirt can help your muscles recover faster after an intense workout. Not only that – they help to pronounce a good physique beneath a tee or business shirt, prevent visible sweat marks, ensure the perfect fit in that new suit – basically, a compression undershirt is the universal tool to help you look good, feel good, recover faster and gain confidence.
If you’re in the market for a compression undershirt and have no clue what to look for, we’ve got your back. This guide is going to walk you through all the factors you need to look for in a compression shirt, then show you some of the best options on the market right now.
Remember, it’s not just about how you look – the right compression undershirt can be the key to better recovery and a new, more confident attitude. As long as you know what to look for, the right shirt can make a huge difference both in and out of the gym.
How to Choose the Best Compression Undershirt
Different Types
There is more than one type of compression undershirt out there. You’ll want to pick the type that fits your needs, whether that is serious workout recovery or a slimmer build.
Athletic, or what a lot of people might refer to as “showoff” compression shirts are the kind you often see people wearing in the gym. They are usually made out of a lightweight, spandex or nylon material and cling tight to the body while whisking away sweat. These kinds of compression shirts are meant to cling to and pronounce muscles and stay in place. They’re not just for the gym – it’s a great way to reduce sweat at work or cover up tattoos under a thinner shirt.
A minimizing undershirt is less about pronouncing muscles and more about reducing the appearance of unwanted flab. These are generally much tighter and have more compression than an athletic shirt. You’ll usually find them in tank top style, so that they can be worn discretely under any shirt, and they often come with a front zipper or clasp to make them easier to put on and take off.
Minimizing undershirts are the key to building confidence while you work on losing weight. They are really popular among businessmen who are hard-pressed to make a good impression – it’s just like wearing any other undershirt, only a little tighter. They also help to increase circulation and prevent excessive sweating.
Recovery shirts are the last category of compression shirt you will see – these are designed to help your muscles recover after a tough workout, or to keep you warm if you are working out in a cold area. The material is usually thicker and the fit is extremely tight. These types of undershirts are popular with bodybuilders and other serious athletes.
Fit and Closure
Alongside different types, there is also a wide range of fits and styles of compression shirts. One of the key things you will want to look out for when you are making your purchase is how the shirt is going to fit and how easy it is going to be to put on and take off.
Shirts that are a little looser, and made with stretchy, light material, are going to be easier to get in and out of, but they will not be as slimming under a shirt. They also won’t have the same recovery quality as a tighter-fitting shirt.
If you choose a tighter, more slimming shirt, we recommend looking for one that has a front zipper or hook and eye closure. These kinds of shirts will be easy to slip on in the morning and will have the best slimming effect without too much effort.
You should also take a look at the sleeve length before you purchase a compression shirt. If you plan on wearing it underneath your ordinary shirts, make sure the sleeves are slim enough to keep it light and discrete.
Material
The material of your compression undershirt is going to make a huge difference in how comfortable it is. It does not have to be thick and stifling to have good compression – keep an eye out for lighter, breathable fabrics that are going to whisk away sweat and keep you cool, rather than overheating you.
A spandex, nylon or polyester blend is going to be your best bet for a tight, compressing fit without being too hot and uncomfortable. If the material is light enough, you shouldn’t even notice you have the compression shirt on throughout the day.
Top Compression Undershirts of 2021
Compression undershirts are gaining popularity amongst men, for their recovery and slimming capabilities. That means there are tons of options on the market right now – too many to be able to choose from, honestly.
To help narrow down your options, here are a few of the best-rated modern compression shirts available right now. These all have their individual pros and cons, but they are definitely high quality and reasonably priced.
1. GKVK Men’s Slimming Body Shaper
Highlights & Specs
Summary
This first shirt is specifically designed to be slimming and help reduce the appearance of flab beneath a tee shirt, especially on the chest. It also supports your back and can help to improve your posture.
This is a tight-fitting compression shirt, but the nylon material is light and breathable. Mesh shoulders make it easier to put on and take off without decreasing the compression capability. All-in-all, it’s the ideal undershirt for slimming and fat reduction under your everyday wear.
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2. Gotoly Men Compression Shirt
Highlights & Specs
Summary
This is another compression shirt that’s great for weight loss. It fits invisibly under an ordinary shirt or tee shirt, reduces the appearance of belly or chest fat, and actually helps with weight loss by improving blood circulation.
One big downside here is that there is no closure or mesh – it’s hard to get in and out of.
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3. TAILONG Men’s Compression Shirt
Highlights & Specs
Summary
The Tailong shirt is one of our favorite professional options. It is a little more expensive, but the material is super high-quality and the fit is really slimming, not to mention discrete under even a thin tee shirt. The front zipper makes it easy to put on and take off, despite being so tight, and the material is so comfortable you’ll forget you even have it on.
One problem: with double fabric layers and thicker sleeves, you may get a little hot in this shirt.
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4. Shaxea Men's Extreme Compression Shirt
Highlights & Specs
Summary
Shaxea is a fairly well-known shapewear brand, and this undershirt is one of their more high-quality men’s garments. The nylon / spandex material is really light and breathable under a business or formal shirt, and it’s great under a tee shirt at the gym.
This isn’t the best shirt for muscle recovery, but it is perfect for slimming and minimizing stomach and chest fat.
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5. Go Athletic Compression Men’s Undershirt
Highlights & Specs
Summary
This is one of the best shirts on our list for reducing gynecomastia, or chest fat. It fully compresses the chest area as well as around the shoulders, without being too stifling and hot. You can get it in black or white – and the white fabric is actually equipped with UV ray protection for someone with more sensitive skin.
One thing we don’t like about this shirt is that it is a lot more visible than others, especially under a tee. It might not be the best for discrete everyday wear.
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6. Shaxea Men's Seamless Compression Shirt
Highlights & Specs
Summary
Like the other Shaxea shirt on this list, this undershirt is designed to be slimming without a lot of fuss. It’s really discrete – looks and fits like an ordinary tank top or undershirt – but helps to tuck in belly fat and promote blood flow.
This is a great shirt for someone who just wants a little additional slimming from their usual undershirt.
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7. BXUSOZL Men's Slimming Body Shaper
Highlights & Specs
Summary
This is another great option for someone who does not need a lot of compression, but wants to hide a little extra belly fat. The y-shaped back puts less stress on your shoulders, so it’s easy to move around in – great at the gym.
This is also one of the most affordable shirts on our list. Get two or three and change them out under your everyday wear – it’s like an upgrade to your normal undershirt while you are working on weight loss.
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8. Sbaba Men’s Body Shaper
Highlights & Specs
Summary
The Sbaba compression shirt is one of the more intense shirts on our list. It has an X-shape design for a really slimming fit and a front zipper that makes it easy to get in and out of, even though it is so tight.
The material is extra light – all the compression is in the pattern, so you can wear this shirt at the gym or under your ordinary clothes without getting too hot and sweaty. It is a little cheaper, so it might not last you as long, but it’s great for reducing belly and chest fat.
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Conclusion
Look good, feel good, recover faster and boost your confidence – a compression undershirt is a simple purchase that can totally change your attitude and appearance.
Finding the right shirt for you is all about looking for the fit and material that will suit your needs best. Whether you are going to wear it to work, to the gym or everywhere, make sure you choose a shirt that will be discrete and comfortable all day long.