Best Compression Pants
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Size
When it comes to compression pants, the fit you are looking for is going to be different than any other piece of clothing you shop for. Oftentimes, when an article of clothing is too tight, you believe this is an issue and want something looser. However, do not fall into this trap as they are designed to be tight. This is what provides the benefits of compression and if you aim for a looser feel, you are undermining the point of the technology.
But, it is still not a bad idea to advise by prior user’s experiences. If the majority of people claim that they are too tight and you should go up one size, do so. Another important note, when selecting your size, you should do so according to your height and weight. If ever unsure, always reference the sizing charts provided for you by the manufacturer.
Materials
When it comes down to it, there are typically two main fabrics that you will see in this type of pants (or gear in general). The main portion will either be, most of the time, polyester or nylon. At this point, if you have been paying attention to the fabrics of the listed pants, you are probably scratching your head as nylon did not appear too much on this list. Yeah, that is not a coincidence as polyester is simply a superior fiber when it comes to compression. Why, so, though?
Basically, it aids in all the aforementioned vital design factors. Indeed, polyester is a highly breathable material that has a natural tendency to wick away moisture, is able to regulate the moisture to prevent overheating, and is an overall comfortable fabric. But, this type of pants is also oftentimes made with a small blend of spandex. Because of its nature, this is what creates the stretchiness and flexibility of the pants. Keep in mind, when you are looking through various pants, spandex, Lycra, and elastane are all the same synthetic fiber.
Comfort
It does not take a rocket scientist to figure this one out as this is a no-brainer. At the end of the day, you can throw all the benefits of any type of clothing aside. If it is not comfortable to wear, then why would you want to wear it? Stupidly simple question, right? But, comfort truly is everything and if you are going to wear something for an extended period of time, it need not provide discomfort.
Thankfully, manufacturers around the world are not clueless about this fact and do everything in their power to develop comfortable clothes. Besides the fabrics being utilized, which can make a big difference, many designers will implement Flat Out Seams in their pants. Oftentimes, the reason why clothing is so uncomfortable is that of the bulky seams that are present. With this specific type of seam design, this will never be an issue and as a result, it tends to feel smooth and soft against your skin. Of course, comfortability can also be a preference and if you have a specific preference of one seam design over another, prioritize it. As long as you are content with it, that is all that matters.
Breathability
Anyone who has spent extensive time researching this type of gear should know a thing or two about breathability. However, for specific apparel that is designed to be used when you are active, it is borderline mandatory. No matter who you are, when you begin to work out you will eventually perspire. If your apparel is not breathable, you will begin to feel clammy and for lack of better words, gross. There are two key factors that contribute to how breathable these pants are. The first is moisture-wicking.
You do not need Da Vinci’s code to crack this one as moisture-wicking does exactly what you would think it would, pull the excess moisture away from your body. With this technology, your skin will be drier and the clamminess feeling will never be prevalent. Secondly is the ventilation which is garnered by mesh. With this integrated, airflow will be allowed to come in through the mesh paneling.
10 Best Compression Pants
1. Saxx Kinetic
It just does not get much better than this. The Saxx Kinetic Compression Pants are certainly the pinnacle of the compression pants technology. Pair that with Saxx's incredible comfort, moisture-wicking performance and fit to justify this strong statement with ease.
Read morePerformance
Saxx uses nine panels of fabric to create the foundation of their compression pants. The result is support for your hamstrings, quads, thighs and glutes.
Breathability
Two key design features are present to increase the breathability as much as possible. The first are mesh panels that will deliver ventilation to your legs. Second is the moisture-wicking technology that will prevent perspiration from building up.
Comfortability
Comfort is clearly of the essence here and it is obvious once you analyze the design. First off, Saxx only uses Flat Out Seams for their compression pants and this results in smoother contact against your skin. Also, the softer side of the seam is placed inward for further comfort.
Fabrics Utilized
There is a unique blend of fabrics in these tights and it includes polyester, modal, nylon, merino wool and viscose.
Sizing and Fitting
All size options from small to XX-large are available to select from. However, a few consumers have noted that they ran small on them; you may want to go a size up.
Overall
Granted you get the right size for you, again, you may want to consider sizing up, these are the best compression pants out there. Past the performance, the amazing combination of comfort and breathability is unparalleled.
2. CW-X Stabilyx
Despite the fact that several users have claimed the Stabilyx Tights can be a hassle to get on and off and that they tend to run small, their performance advantages and comfortability more than makeup for those few blips.
Read morePerformance
These tights harness the midsection, band together the muscles and ligaments to stabilize the knee, support your lower abdominals, and provide targeted support for both your knees and your cores.
Breathability
The material blend is ideal for breathability as it manages to wick away moisture from your body. In the end, you are left feeling cooler and drier throughout the day.
Comfortability
Thanks to the flat seam construction, the bulkiness of the seams is kept to a minimum. In turn, this increases the comfort as your legs will not feel the seams as much.
Fabrics Utilized
CW-X utilizes a blend of 80 percent CoolMax with 20 percent Lycra, and because it is also a four-way stretch fabric, this gives you the properties of flexibility and breathability.
Sizing and Fitting
These tights are designed to better fit women but various users have claimed that they fit tighter than the size indicates. Also, several report it is difficult to take them on and off due to the tightness.
Overall
When it comes to pure performance and compression, for women, it is hard to argue with the results. Add to this excellent comfortability due to the flat seam construction and a material that will wick away moisture, and you get a winner.
3. Nike Hyperwarm
Nike has always been one of the top brands in the world for athletes, period. While they have another pair of compression pants that make their way onto this list, their Hyperwarm Training Tights are the best the juggernaut has to offer.
Read morePerformance
During your average workout, you will really notice the difference that these tights make for you. Overall, they are what you would expect from a pair of high-quality compression pants.
Breathability
In areas where you need it the most (such as the lower back leg), thermal mesh has been integrated. In addition to this, the Dri-FIT fabric will pull moisture away from your body and the material itself.
Comfortability
Due to the flatlock seams that knit the fabric together, which reduces the overall amount of chafing that you will experience, you are left with a feel that hugs your skin without irritating it.
Fabrics Utilized
The main body of the Hyperwarm Tights is made from a blend of polyester (88 percent) and spandex. Meanwhile, the mesh insets are also made of polyester and spandex, with a little more polyester (92 percent).
Sizing and Fitting
While some users have claimed the fit can be narrow, the waist does provide you with a wide stretch for a streamlined fit. For size options, select from small to XX-large.
Overall
The blend of polyester and spandex creates the foundation for the Hyperwarm Tights, and it does an admirable job doing so. This produces next-level comfort and overall, one of the best products out there.
4. Skins A400
This pair of almost perfect pants have amazing compression abilities and have the ability to help regulate your body temperature. However, an interesting, and potentially embarrassing, issue persists with the A400 Compression Pants. With that said, it is certainly not enough to prevent these pants from being the highest recommendation.
Read morePerformance
From the calf all the way to the upper thigh muscles, there is compression. What this means for you is a more efficient workout and when it concludes, a faster recovery time for your legs.
Breathability
Skins integrates Adaptive HEIQ Technology into their compression pants and it allows them to properly regulate your body temperature. When you begin to overheat, they will cool you down and vice versa.
Comfortability
All the major seams consist of A-Seams. Besides being very durable, this also makes the tights incredibly comfortable against your skin. In addition, the ankle cuffs feature bonded seams for additional comfort.
Fabrics Utilized
The main portion of the A400 Compression Pants is made from a blend of nylon and spandex, with the majority being nylon (76 percent).
Sizing and Fitting
To optimize the sizing as much as possible, Skins uses all measurements of the body (chest, limbs, weight and height). As far as selections go, you can choose from small to extra-large.
Overall
So, what exactly is that “embarrassing” issue? Various reviewers claim that the crotch area creates what is known as “camel toe”. In public, it may be necessary to wear something underneath to prevent this. But, it does not affect the performance in any way.
5. U Perform Tights
In terms of performance, the 2XU Compression Tights offer so much compression support benefits for you while you exercise that it is almost hard to fathom. However, a base layer underneath (at least underwear) may be necessary as users have noted the crotch area can be uncomfortable.
Read morePerformance
Indeed, the benefits here are nearly endless and enough to keep you coming back for more. This includes support for your quads, hamstrings, abductors, IT band, and glutes, muscle containment which results in reduced vibrations and minimized fatigue, and increased circulation for an improvement in recovery time.
Breathability
Overall, the material is very lightweight and breathable. Furthermore, it is also antibacterial. As such, the build-up of potentially harmful bacteria to create potent odors will be thwarted.
Comfortability
In terms of freedom of movement, these pants are not restrictive and allow for motion. However, some buyers have taken issue with the groin area; stating that it is the least comfortable area of the tights.
Fabrics Utilized
These are crafted from 100 percent Lycra spandex. Thus, providing you with all the great benefits of spandex with the most obvious being its stretchy appeal.
Sizing and Fitting
A wide range of sizes are available for you including everything from extra-small to XX-large. Again, sizing can slightly vary, leading to some users recommending a size up.
Overall
Word of advice, if you are going to invest in these (which is not a bad decision on your part), you may want to wear underwear underneath of them. Despite the small problem in the groin area, these truly are a fantastic investment.
6. Dragon Fit Compression Yoga Pants
Among the impressive features of these pants from Dragon Fit, the contoured fit may stand above the rest of the pack. The high-performance fabric blend wicks away moisture to prevent it from building-up during intense exercises and provides a high level of breathability, all while tucking in your tummy. Another stellar characteristic of this pant is the hidden pocket in the waistband. A pocket! In your compression pants! Admittedly, the pocket is small, but it is able to hold a key or something small.
Read morePerformance
Overall, these are yoga pants with added compression to provide additional support for vascular system all while tucking and smoothing your bumps into curves. The fabric is very thick and stretchy, allowing you to buy your regular size or even size down for more of a compression effect, all while still being comfortable and without the fabric becoming sheer from stretching.
Breathability
These pants were designed with hot yoga in mind. No more worrying about swimming in your sweat! The nylon/spandex/cotton material blend effectively wicks moisture away as it occurs. This quick drying material helps to keep you dry and comfortable.
Comfortability
Dragon Fit created a seamless product to help prevent chaffing during an active workout, or even from all day casual wear. Reviewers repeatedly mention how thick and comfortable the fabric blend is on these pants, praising them as not only their favorite workout pants but favorite pants in general!
Fabrics Utilized
These pants are crafted from a nylon/spandex/cotton material blend. This soft fabric offers a low-friction performance and a perfect amount of stretch.
Sizing and Fitting
Most reviewers claim that the pants run true to size according to the sizing chart provided by Dragon Fit. A wide selection of sizes is offered, ranging from small to XXL. If you want more of a compression effect, it is suggested to buy a size down.
Overall
These almost seem like a perfect pair of yoga pants due to the compression factor. However, some users have reported that the compression seems to be concentrated in the tummy area where the pants are smoothing and tucking. While it has been recommended to size down to get more of a universal compression effect, this is a drawback for some people.
7. DRSkin Pants
Many users will agree, due to the immense popularity of these, that DRSKIN did a superb job of designing their compression pants. These pants are breathable and perfect for summer or winter and available in a wide variety of sizes.
Read morePerformance
These tights, as the name implies, are indeed tight fitting and this improves the blood circulation and will improve your recovery time when dealing with an injury. Plus, it will increase the efficiency of your workout and provide strong medical effects as a result.
Breathability
In the winter, this will feature heat retention and in the summer, will prevent your legs from overheating. This is accomplished with their two-way air circulation and moisture-sensing technologies.
Comfortability
The fabric blend is smooth and soft against your skin and because of the materials and does not restrict your motion. However, due to the seam that runs straight down the front, it may be wise to wear underwear underneath to prevent chafing near the groin area.
Fabrics Utilized
92 percent of these pants are made from polyester and the other 8 percent belongs to spandex.
Sizing and Fitting
Even though it may seem minor, the amount of size options provided is incredible and will adapt to several people. Everything from XXXX-small to XXXXX-large is available.
Overall
Despite a few design flaws that are present, it is difficult to argue with the goods that are delivered here. As a huge bonus for those of you who struggle to find your size, there is an unfathomable amount of options.
8. U Elite MCS
2XU is an Australian company that was founded in 2005 and has been releasing quality products ever since. This company offers a plethora of compression products including tights, shorts, and shirts. The difference between these Elite tights and the Perform tights is the fact that these tights provide even more muscle support and have a slightly higher price tag.
Read morePerformance
The MCS in the name of these tights stands for Muscle Containment Stamping. The MCS adds even more targeted compression benefits to your quads and calves. All the benefits of compression, including special emphasis on your glutes, lower back, and calf muscles, are provided for you. For athletics and injury recovery, these are perfect.
Breathability
Due to the high filament yarn that is utilized in these pants, they manage to disperse the moisture and heat produced by your body. All in all, they breathe well.
Comfortability
The specialized knit structure, which allows for multi-directional stretch, not only aids in breathability but because of the technically advanced patterns of the fabric, it also excels in comfort for long uses.
Fabrics Utilized
In addition to being an extremely well-crafted performance pant, the main fabric used in these compressions pants is a high-quality Invista lycra. This not only allows for all the benefits of comfortability and breathability, but it is also a very form flattering material.
Sizing and Fitting
While 2XU claims that the sizes are typical and true, some users have reported otherwise. Many reviewers have reported the waistband being very snug and they have had a better fit by sizing up from their normal size. Due to the design and desirable fabric return from the Invista lycra, the sizing up did not negatively affect the fit of the rest of the pants. No matter, you can select from extra-small to large.
Overall
Despite the sizing issues that seem to be present, these are a fantastic pair of compressions pants that every woman would be enthralled to own. At their core, they are comfortable, manage moisture efficiently, and provide all the performance benefits of compression.
9. Nike Hypercool
If not for various claims of questionable durability and fabric integrity, the Hypercool Training Tights could quite possibly be among the elite of compression pants. While not quite there, there is still enough quality present to warrant interest.
Read morePerformance
No matter the training or exercise regimen that you are partaking in, the compression fit of these tights will provide freedom of movement and long-lasting support for your muscles.
Breathability
Nike implements advanced cooling technology into their Hypercool Tights that makes them more breathable than their predecessors. What significantly aids in this is the mesh that is designed throughout the back and sides of the pants.
Comfortability
Because Nike went with flat seams, there is virtually no skin irritation associated with the Hypercool Compression Pants.
Fabrics Utilized
As opposed to some of the others, the polyester and spandex blend features a touch more spandex (14 percent). As for the mesh panels, it is nearly identical (88 percent polyester and 12 percent spandex).
Sizing and Fitting
These are not full-length tights. Instead, they are only ¾-length and this can add a bit of versatility to your workout. Furthermore, you can select from small to XX-large, in terms of sizes.
Overall
Again, the durability and integrity of the fabric do come into question here from various users. As such, be cautious when washing and wearing these pants. Erring on the side of caution, you will notice the benefits right away.
10. Under Armour Pants
When it comes to base layers, compression, or any other piece of apparel that fits “close to your skin”, Under Armour’s name always seems to get brought up. This is no coincidence as they have a pretty good indication of what their users crave and the design of their compression pants is no different.
Read morePerformance
All the benefits of compression gear are present here and the locked-in feel provided only enhances it.
Breathability
To prevent moisture from building up over time and causing your body to overheat, these pants do feature moisture-wicking technology. Plus, as odor can be an issue, also integrated is anti-odor technology to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Comfortability
For all-day workouts and adventures, these will stay comfortable for the extent of it. This is thanks to the ultralight feel, in conjunction with the second-skin fit that is delivered.
Fabrics Utilized
The blend of fabrics here is polyester and elastane (which is another word for spandex) with a majority of it being polyester (84 percent). The knitting is also done in such a way that allows for four-way stretch fabrication.
Sizing and Fitting
The choice is yours and you have the options from small to XXXX-large.
Overall
When you are contemplating investing in a piece of apparel made from Under Armour, it is never a bad idea. They consistently produce high-quality gear and while their compression pants may have some concerns about longevity, they show why the manufacturer is so well-known in the world today.