Author: Ihor Shymechko (26 years of Oly Lifting & Training experience)
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (Olympian with 21 years of Oly Lifting experience)
The best compression shorts for weightlifting can be made of several materials and even some unique ones like Supplex Sport. The materials will increase the breathability and comfort of the shorts, while keeping the inseam the right amount, so that the shorts don’t impede any movement.
There are also additionally fast drying or moisture-wicking benefits that can be derived from the short you end up picking.
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the WBCM Men's Compression Shorts L9.
WBCM's Supplex Sport compression shorts are a durable pick, resilient against wear from weightlifting, and their sublimation process maintains color, making them a preferred option for weightlifters.
Top 6 Compression Shorts For Weightlifting Reviewed
1. WBCM Men's Compression Shorts L9 – Top Pick
- Material: Supplex Sport
- Inseam: 6.5"
- Sizes: XS to XXL
- Color palette: Black
- Closure type: Pull on
- Rise Style: Standard
The WBCM compression shorts are made of a unique material called Supplex Sport, which adds to the durability of the product by enhancing the life of the shorts which come into contact with the bar. So, the wear and tear of lifting won’t have a major effect on the shorts.
Shorts can lose their colouring after a few washes, but you don’t have to worry about that with the WBCM shorts as they use a sublimation process to combat such issues. That’s one reason why they are a top pick for weightlifting compression shorts.
While the colour choices are minimal, you can pick from extra small to double XL in size. The shorts have a pull on closure type, which sits around the waistline of the user and are stretchable and breathable enough to have a comfortable fit.
Positives:
Supplex Sport material to enhance the life of the shorts
Sublimation process to keep the shorts looking fresh
Are both stretchable and breathable for comfort
Could be better:
Limited color options
2. Virus Men’s Compression Shorts – Runner-Up
- Material: Bioceramic fabric
- Inseam: 9"
- Sizes: XS to 3XL
- Color palette: Black
- Closure type: Pull on
- Rise Style: Standard
The bioceramic fabric of the Virus Men’s shorts is a special material that enhances the heating component of compression shorts to aid with the health benefits. The shorts are also comfortable to wear with their pull on style as they come with a moisture-wicking component to keep you cool and dry during your workout.
The colour options are once again limited, however, there are seven sizing options to cover all your needs. The shorts are on the higher price end, but should be durable enough to last a long time. They can work as powerlifting compression shorts or for other lifting compression shorts, too.
Positives:
Bioceramic fabric to increase health benefits
Shorts stay dry thanks to moisture-wicking properties
Very wide range of sizing options
Could be better:
Simple design that might not be for everyone
Very long inseam length
- Material: Polyester and elastane
- Inseam: 6"
- Sizes: XS to 4XL
- Color palette: Various
- Closure type: Pull on
- Rise Style: Standard
The Under Armour compression shorts are made of a combination of polyester and elastane to give them a comfortable and breathable feel when you put them on.
They also have a special HeatGear fabric that makes the shorts even more lightweight than they normally are. While, during your workout, you should feel cool and dry because the shorts are moisture wicking.
They also provide you with a various color palette with a wide range of sizing options and even come with a pocket.
Positives:
HeatGear fabric to make the shorts lighter
Really wide range of color and sizing options
Moisture wicking component to keep you dry
Could be better:
The short Inseam might be uncomfortable for some
- Material: Polyester and spandex
- Inseam: 6.5"
- Sizes: S to 4XL
- Colour palette: Various
- Closure type: Pull on
- Rise Style: Standard
The Runhit Compression Shorts come with flatlock stitching, which enhances the durability of the shorts. Also, the polyester material is supposed to have moisture wicking properties to it to keep you cool and the shorts breathable during your workout.
They are also designed to be worn for any sport, rather than being specific for just one, which is why there are various sizing and color options to the shorts.
The pull over style of the shorts should result in a comfortable and tight fit, along with its inseam length. There should be no interference during your workout.
Positives:
Flatlock stitching for better durability
Material comes with moisture wicking properties
Various color and size option
Could be better:
The 4-way stretch material can make the shorts transparent sometimes
- Material: Polyester and spandex
- Inseam: 8"
- Sizes: Small to 3XL
- Colour palette: Various
- Closure type: Pull on
- Rise Style: Standard
The Nelelus compression shorts are made of stretchy and soft polyester material that make them comfortable and breathable to wear. They also have a quick drying component to them to keep you dry while the compression benefits your muscles. The waist also has a wider stretch than most other compression shorts, which adds to the comfort of the product.
However, the 8 inch seam can be on the longer side and might not be for everyone, as it can interfere with your workout. It is also something that takes some time getting used to.
Positives:
Quick drying component to the shorts
Extra stretchy waistband for comfort
HeatGear fabric for a lightweight feel
Could be better:
8 inch seam can make the shorts fit awkwardly
Very simple design
- Material: Nylon and spandex
- Inseam: 9"
- Sizes: S to 3XL
- Colour palette: Black, green, and grey
- Closure type: Pull on
- Rise Style: Standard
These Complex Tech Shorts are made of nylon, which can provide similar heating and compression benefits as other products, but it isn’t as comfortable or breathable as other materials such as polyester. You get a little more variety in color, as you can pick between two options. While the sizing variety goes to triple XL.
Again, the Virus product is a bit on the pricer end even though the design is sleek and the pull on closure type should provide you with a tight fit that doesn’t interfere with your workout.
Positives:
Sizing range can cover up to 3XL
Sleek design with color options
Has some of the feature of the bioceramic fabric
Could be better:
No special adherence to comfort or breathability
High price tag that doesn’t come with special features
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What To Look For In Compression Shorts For Weightlifting?
1. Stretch
With compression shorts, the fit is skin tight, almost as if the shorts are part of you. However, you want some that stretch naturally with you as you squat or do other weightlifting movements. If the shorts don’t have some stretch to them, they could ride up your quad or interfere with your workout.
2. Breathability
With compression shorts, some people can misinterpret them and think the tighter they are, the better they will be. When in reality, that isn’t the case. You don’t want to have shorts that are so tight that they interfere with your movements or restrict any range of motion.
Such discomfort would impede your weight training. So, the shorts should be breathable and give a little leeway during your workout.
Tips From the Champ
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
3. Material Used
A typical compression short is made of polyester and nylon, which is then combined with such materials as spandex, elastane, or lycra. It is this combination that makes the shorts both stretch and compress accordingly.
This blend also gives the compression shorts the unique muscle recovery advantage as well. Also, depending on the material, you can get thick compression shorts or thinner ones.
4. Stitching
Stitching is an undervalued component of picking the right compression short for you. One type of stitching that is superior to others is flatlock stitching. With this technique, the seam is stitched together. This can be important for the durability of the compression shorts, especially if you’re planning on using them consistently.
FAQ
Is Compression Clothing Good for Weight Lifting?
When looking for olympic weightlifting shorts, compression materials can be a great choice. Compression shorts are less likely to ride up your leg when working out, unlike traditional shorts. Also, compression clothes can help improve the oxygen in a specific muscle, so part of the body will be at a lesser risk for injuries and strains.
Do Compression Shorts Help Tight Hamstrings?
As mentioned earlier, compression shorts can aid with injury prevention through increasing oxygen in that area. It works the same way with tight hamstrings as the compression material can help the hamstring relax as it aids flexion and extension of the hamstring muscle.
Conclusion
For lifting compression shorts, you want to be able to feel comfortable and secure with your shorts, so you can maximize its health benefits and even utilize components such as moisture-wicking and fast drying. A pair of weightlifting compression shorts that fit this bill is the WBCM Men's Compression Shorts.
What benefits do you feel when you workout with compression shorts? Does the heating element help you recover faster or loosen your muscles during your workout? What’s a must have for you when you look for a pair of compression shorts?
Let’s discuss all of this and any other questions you might have in the comment section below!
References:
- Comprehensive Guide to Compression Shorts // Compression Athlete:
https://www.compressionathlete.com/post/compression-shorts-guide - Your Ultimate Guide to Compression Wearables // Men's Health: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a19536211/compression-shorts-guide/
- All Photos made by Torokhtiy Media Team.
Why Trust Us?
- Author
- Reviewer
Experience: 26 years
Best Results: Snatch - 208 kg,
C&J - 240 kg
My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships – 105kg division.
I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.
If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com
Experience: 21 years
Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,
C&J - 240 kg
My name is Oleksiy Torokhtiy. I am a professional athlete with 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. I have won multiple European, and World titles and have taken part in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012).
After finishing my career, I have committed myself to coach, and as of 2022, I’ve hosted 200+ weightlifting seminars all over the globe. I’m the founder of an international sportswear and accessories brand, Warm Body Cold Mind (my motto), author, and creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.
If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com
This article was written by our qualified author and proofread by an expert with proven experience. When writing the article we've used our expertise and data from authoritative, scientific, and evidence-based sources. The list of references is provided at the end of the article.
Our team of authors and experts includes professional athletes (Olympians, winners of European and World titles), PhDs in Sports Science, certified coaches, sports nutritionists, CSCSs, physiotherapists, and others. Read more about the team here, and more about how we test here.