Men’s compression tights, or compression pants, have long been a bit of a taboo subject. For a long time, the average gym-goer has likely steered clear of compression tights because they’re worried they’ll reveal (or in some cases, not reveal) their package.
Moreover, many men may feel wearing compression tights in the gym isn’t necessary, and they’re only useful for those who run and sprint outside.
But compression tights and compression gear actually has multiple uses, and you may find it could make all the difference between you reaching and smashing your personal bests.
Benefits Of Compression Pants
Compression pants are invaluable for men who are prone to chafing because they can effectively wick away moisture and stop skin abrasions in their tracks.
However, the greatest benefit, and the reason you should buy compression tights in the first place, is that they are designed to stimulate blood flow, ensuring that strained muscles receive enough oxygen during periods of elevated activity.
Men’s compression tights prevent fluid accumulation in muscle tissue, which is a boon considering how muscle fibres tend to swell and expand under pressure. The restrictive nature of the pants also serves as a valuable recovery tool. The additional pressure provided can reduce swelling – provided you continue to wear them after you’ve hung up the dumbbells, and taken your fifth and final selfie for the workout.
This round-up concerns only compression tights and compression pants. You can also find compression shorts, which are likely to be a more popular category for men because they can be well hidden underneath regular workout shorts. Compression tights extend all the way down to your ankle, which can help to recruit and engage muscle in your entire leg.
We’ve rounded up the very best brands producing compression tights for men right now. They will likely use various materials and fabrics, which have specific uses, so be sure you understand which pair or pairs will be best suited for you.
Some other helpful DMARGE stories about workout clothing:
Under Armour
Under Armour has a range of men's compression tights that can be worn on their own or as a baselayer, although the specific pair you choose will influence this decision.
The company's range makes use of various technologies, such as UA RUSH which helps to return energy to your body, and UA HeatGear which makes the compression tights incredibly light so you feel like you're wearing nothing at all. Compression tights are available in full-length or 3/4-length styles and all are made to last you a lifetime.
Nike
For muscular recovery, their ‘Hypercompression’ tights include silicone panels at key locations where injury likes to make an appearance. These give your thighs and calves plenty of backup and support for cooling down and post-flogging recuperation. If the prospect of a busted hamstring keeps you up at night, Nike compression pants are your bridge over troubled workouts.
2XU
Trusted by professional athletes the world over, 2XU compression tights feature technologies such as Muscle Containment Stamping, which helps to reduce muscle movement in key areas to help minimise injury and strain.
2XU is one company where you need to look at each pair of compression tights individually, as they each have different intended uses. This could be helping you perform at your best during a workout or training session, or aiding and boosting recovery once you're finished.
Whichever you choose, you can be sure of some of the best compression tights around.
Gymshark
Gymshark's leggings won't offer as much in the way of true compression compared to the more expensive brands on this list, but as a supportive baselayer, they're more than capable.
Carefully designed to sculpt themselves to your body shape and muscles, Gymshark compression pants offer support and sweat-wicking properties to help kick your workouts up a notch.
Lululemon
Lululemon offers compression tights that all serve a different purpose. Their Vital Drive Training tight, for example, is specifically designed for strength and weight training, as it is made with abrasion-resistant fabric, whereas the Surge tight is specifically designed for running with its lightweight fabric for a full range of movement.
All of Lululemon’s compression bottoms have four-way stretch, sweat-wicking abilities, and added support, but make sure you purchase the right tights specifically designed for your preferred way of exercising for optimal performance.
Boohoo Man
Granted, the compression qualities won't compare to more expensive competitors, but, similar to Gymshark, as supportive baselayers, BooHoo Man's range is perfect.
All garments are made with stretchy fabric for flexibility and feature sweat-wicking technologies. Perfect for all forms of exercise!
Alo Yoga
While Alo Yoga’s collection of compression tights is limited to just two pairs at the time of publishing, they are designed to be comfortable and allow for a full range of movement. With odour-resistant and moisture-wicking fabric, Alo Yoga compression tights will keep you supported throughout your workout, even if that workout is just a walk to your local coffee shop.
Leorêver
Leorêver's small but incredibly impressive range of compression tights for men is one that you really should be checking out. Despite being a premium activewear brand, the company's compression tights are rather affordable.
Designed to provide comfort and support to your hips and lower body, the tights feature a double-layered front crotch panel, a UV cut finish, and are made with an extremely breathable fabric. These compression tights have even been sported by professional football, basketball, and hockey athletes, so you know they're good.
Available in 11 stylish colours, Leorêver’s compression tights will improve your performance, no matter your exercise of choice.
Matador Meggings
While you can opt for standard black, you may want to look through the whole range of colours and print designs to find something that may be better suited to you.
Not only can Matador Meggings be used for workouts, thanks to a lightweight performance fabric with 4-way stretch, odour-resistant and sweat-wicking properties, but thanks to their colourful designs, they're perfect for festivals and parties too.
You even get a small pocket for your phone and a loop on the back to hold a towel.
How versatile.
Fabletics
Fabletics' Baseline Tight offers just that, an exceptional fit thanks to 4-way stretch fabric, and with anti-chafe, anti-stink properties and breathable properties, you can be sure of a comfortable and effective workout.
Perhaps best of all, Fabletics offers a 90-Day perfect fit guarantee, so if you're not entirely satisfied, you can return it for a full refund.
Vuori
Vuori only has one pair of compression tights on its book, but surely it's better to dedicate your craft to one ultimate pair than several mediocre pairs, right?
Vuori's compression tights are made from a proprietary performance stretch knit fabric, combined with flatlock seams to help prevent chafing. As you'd expect, they're sweat-wicking and quick-drying and, in our opinion, they look incredible.
Brooks Running
The Momentum Thermal Tight, for example, is a heavyweight design intended for runs in colder weather. The stretch fabric contours perfectly to your body to give you support in all the right places, while a conveniently placed pocket will store your phone.