How to Choose the Best Compression Shirt
There are two athletes in this scenario. One is heading out to right field on a chilly Friday night in October. As they make their way out, they realize something: it’s freezing. They get distracted and, when a ball is hit in play towards them, they’re unprepared for it since they've been wondering about how to stay warm and just how long this inning might possibly last until they’re back in the warmth of the dugout. Another athlete is heading out for a run in the heat. Just a few minutes later, they begin to sweat through their shirt. It gets heavy, it gets hot, and they’re over it. What could’ve helped both these athletes?
A compression shirt.
Your first thought on a compression shirt might be that it’s skin-tight fit wouldn’t benefit you in the heat. Wouldn’t you get too hot with it on? Even in the cold, wouldn’t it get all stuffy and uncomfortable? That's not the case—if you get the right one.
What is a Compression Shirt, Really?
A compression shirt is a type of baselayer that you put on first and take off last when you’re about to get to work. Think of it as your first layer of defense against things like hot and cold conditions, as well as a piece of gear that’ll let you move better, stay cool, and feel your body in space with its fabrics. You’ll find compression shirts are generally made with synthetic fabrics like Elastane, nylon, and polyester. These help give compression shirts their lightweight feel, as well as the ability to stretch in every direction, avoid annoying chafing and pulling, and help serve as a solid layering option underneath your other clothes.
For hot conditions, you can look for compression shirts that’re lightweight, dry fast, and come with plenty of ventilation to keep you cool. For colder conditions, you’ll want a compression shirt that keeps you warm with things like brushed interiors that dump excess heat, mock necks for added protection against the chilly wind, and something that stays lightweight without the added bulk.
Benefits of Wearing Compression Shirts
Compression shirts help serve as a kind of baselayer armor, if you will. They stay tight to your skin, acting as the first line of defense against the challenges you face when you’re active. In the Summer, that might look like scorching heat and dripping sweat so bad your clothes weigh you down. In the colder months, that can look like freezing temperatures that hinder your ability to move comfortably and stay warm when your name is called on the field. Compression shirts should help you as an athlete by tossing distractions out the window and letting you get to work. The benefits include the following:
Added warmth: When the temperatures drop and it’s time to make a play, the right compression shirt should keep you warm without the added bulk. A good cold weather compression shirt might be a long sleeve with a mock neck for additional coverage and warmth against chilly winds, as well as one with brushed interiors that dry fast on the outside and dump excess heat.
Staying cool in the heat: Short sleeve and sleeveless compression shirts can be a great option to go either under your jersey or just as one layer you wear when things get hot. They should be lightweight and stretchy, as well as ventilated throughout the design so you stay cool in the hottest of workouts. Having the skin-tight feeling lets you feel your body and muscles when you’re putting in the work, too, helping you stay engaged.
You move comfortably: Being able to move in any direction in your sport is important. Being able to do it comfortably is a whole lot more important. Look for compression shirts that are lightweight, breathable, and most importantly, flexible. That means you can put a compression shirt underneath your football pads, hockey pads, sweatshirt—whatever layers you choose to wear on top, if any—and move freely in every direction. Baselayers like compression shirts help regulate body temperature and should prevent rubbing and chafing when you move as well.
Sport-Specific Considerations
Depending on the sport you play and the season in which it takes place, the compression shirt you choose to wear might differ from other athletes. For example, a football player may wear a long sleeve compression shirt that’s made to keep them warm under the chilly Friday night lights in November. A basketball player would probably opt for a lighter compression shirt that’s going to keep them cool while they run baseline to baseline in a hot gym. Here are some sport-specific things to keep in mind when looking for a new compression shirt.
Soccer: You’re going to move a bunch on the pitch. For colder nights out, get a long sleeve compression shirt made with stretchy materials that let you stay comfortable and won’t restrict your freedom of movement. Same goes for what you’ll want in the heat, just maybe in short sleeve form. Look for a compression shirt that’s lightweight enough to handle long sessions on the field and comes ventilated to help you stay cool when temperatures rise.
Football: For those hot Summer days of doubles and pre-season training, stick to a short sleeve or even a sleeveless compression shirt that isn’t going to bunch up or chafe when you’re running routes, blocking, and more. This should be a shirt that’ll dry fast to keep up with the heat, letting you get through the work unbothered by any sweat buildup. When it comes time to play in your regular season and things are a bit chilly, look for a long sleeve compression shirt, perhaps one even with a mock neck, that’ll stay clear of pinching on your body and your pads. This compression shirt should trap heat without overheating your body, and should be light enough to let you add layers like a thermal, plus your pads and jersey.
Basketball: Jumping for a rebound, a shot, or even a block requires a bunch of movement in your upper body. Your compression shirt for basketball should be tight, yes, but it should be stretchy so you’re able to move in every direction without being held back. If your ability to shoot, or do anything fundamentally in basketball is impeded by the inability to move, your entire game can suffer. Some basketball players prefer to wear short sleeve compression shirts, or even sleeveless ones, to really help them stay dry and cool throughout games and practices.
Baseball: Like basketball, if you’re not able to move your upper body comfortably, you’re asking for trouble. Look for compression shirts made with stretchy fabrics that let you swing and throw with a full range of motion. Some baseball players will wear long sleeve compression shirts even in the heat, as they’re made to wick sweat fast and keep you cool while compressing down to your wrists for potential better protection on their throwing arms.
Running: You’ll want a long sleeve one when you train in the Fall and Winter, preferably something you can layer other gear on comfortably. In the heat, a compression shirt that’s going to keep you cool and dry throughout those long miles would be your best bet.
Training: You’re going to be working up a sweat when you train, so your top priorities when looking for a compression shirt for the gym should be getting something that’ll stay chafe-free and stretchy so your lifts go unbothered, as well as sweat-wicking so you stay dry when things get hot. A compression shirt is going to hug your muscles while you work out, so you might feel it a little bit more in your arms once you’ve warmed up and get a pump going, too.
Compression Shirt FAQs
What’s the best way to wash a compression shirt?
By following the step-by-step actions below, you’re giving your compression shirts a chance to last longer and perform just as well as they do now in the future.
1. Check the Tag: Look for any care instructions printed inside the shirt. While most compression gear follows standard guidelines, some may have unique washing requirements.
2. Turn the Shirt Inside Out: This helps protect the outer layer, and any logos or prints from wear and tear during the wash.
3. Use Cold Water: Set your washing machine to cold water. Hot water can damage the stretch fibers and cause the shirt to lose its compression. Wash with like colors. Avoid chlorine bleach or fabric softeners.
4. Select a Gentle Cycle: Choose the “delicate” or “gentle” cycle to minimize agitation, which can break down the fabric over time.
5. Use a Mild Detergent: Avoid harsh detergents, chlorine, fabric softeners, bleach, or dryer sheets. These can clog the fabric and reduce its sweat-wicking properties.
6. Wash with Similar Fabrics: Wash compression shirts with other performance gear or lightweight items. Avoid washing with jeans, towels, or anything with zippers or Velcro. Consider using a mesh laundry bag to protect it from damage if washing with other items.
7. Dry on Low, or Air Dry: Dry your shirt on low heat or air dry by laying the shirt flat or hanging it up.
8. Avoid Ironing or Dry Cleaning: Compression fabric doesn’t handle heat well. There’s no need to iron or dry clean—just let it air dry naturally or dry on a low heat setting.
Can compression shirts be worn under uniforms?
Yes! You’ll see plenty of athletes in any sport wear a compression shirt under a uniform. Wearing one under a uniform is ideal for keeping yourself cool and dry when you begin to sweat, keeping that sweat from soaking your gear. Wearing a compression shirt under a uniform or piece of athletic gear can also help limit chafing, pinching, and bunching that can distract you from the task at-hand—being better.
What types of athletes wear compression shirts?
As briefly mentioned above, any athlete can wear a compression shirt. If you’re in a cold-weather sport like football, soccer, hockey, or another sport, a compression shirt made with warm, brushed interiors and fast-drying exteriors help you stay warm without overheating when you’re out doing your thing. For hot-weather athletes, a compression shirt like a T-shirt or sleeveless option would be your best bet. Something that’s lightweight and dries fast when the heat begins to pick up can help you stay focused when the heat tries to distract you.