If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best compression shirt for men is, then I’d recommend the Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Armour Short Sleeve Compression T-Shirt as the best one.
Many people utilize compression gear to give themselves an edge in their workout routine.
If you’re looking to take advantage of that, we’re here to help guide you in the right direction. To find the best compression shirt for men, check out our buying guide and reviews of five top-selling shirts.
Here are the top compression shirts we’ll be reviewing:
- Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Armour Short Sleeve Compression T-Shirt
- Baleaf Men’s Short Sleeve Compression Shirts
- TSLA Men’s Cool Dry Compression Baselayer Short Sleeve T-Shirt
- Neleus Men’s Compression Baselayer Athletic Workout T-Shirts
- CompressionZ Men’s Short Sleeve Compression Shirt
Compression Shirts – Buying Guide
There is numerous evidence pointing out how beneficial compression therapy is.
From improving blood flow, aiding in recovery following a workout, stabilizing your muscles, and even protecting areas of your body that you’ve previously injured, compression shirts can do a lot.
None of it may actually matter though if you don’t have the best compression shirt for men.
There are certain characteristics to look out for that high-quality compression shirts have so that you can experience all the benefits that come from this type of therapy.
Materials
A handful of different materials are used to create compression shirts.
Just how well the construction is can determine how effective the compression will actually be as well as whether or not the shirt is even comfortable to wear.
Polyester
One of the main materials you’ll see used in compression shirts is polyester.
It’s a common fiber used in countless of clothing, furniture, etc for its many advantages.
For one thing, it’s inexpensive. Beyond that, polyester is known to dry quickly since it doesn’t absorb moisture.
How useful this can be after a hard workout is apparent.
This is also known to maintain its shape, so your shirt may still look good after the 100th wear and wash.
It may even work well in harsh conditions, so if you’re taking your routine outside, your shirt can see some UV protection and not be prone to fading.
Although polyester is strong in its own right, other materials may have greater durability down the road.
Neoprene
Another type of material that won’t deteriorate under harsh UV rays is neoprene. It’s water-resistant also, and with its thermal capabilities, the material can be heat-resistant.
Since it’s much like rubber, it offers a good amount of durability compared to other materials, which is why it can be a popular choice in exercise gear.
However, what it has in reliability, it may lack in breathability.
Nylon
Nylon is perhaps as common as polyester when used in compression fitness clothing.
Much of it is blended with the likes of lycra, also known as spandex.
Many people enjoy nylon because of how skin-friendly it is.
It may benefit those with any sort of sensitivity, and it’s even lightweight to help with comfort. Also, nylon is almost on par with neoprene in terms of how durable it is.
At the same time, nylon may not always be the best at maintaining its shape as some nylon-based clothing may stretch out.
Lycra/Spandex
You may see “spandex” more often than “Lycra”, but regardless, they are the same type of material.
The majority of compression shirts will use this material because it offers flexibility while attempting to allow the shirt to hold its shape.
Without a quality spandex count, your compression shirt will lack that form-fitting appearance and effect.
In turn, that can render the compression almost useless as you’ll barely feel the shirt.
Fit
It’s tough to get in a good workout if you feel awkward with what you’re wearing.
Compression shirts are intended to fit tight to the body or else, as we stated before, you won’t feel the compression. With that said, it should fit close without being constricting.
Consider the likes of compression stockings used for treatment after procedures.
There are risks that come with wearing some that are too small.
You can cause damage to your skin or cut off proper circulation, which can lead to slowing down your blood flow.
The same can be said for any compression garment such as shirts.
If it doesn’t fit you correctly, it can do some heavy damage, especially if you try to do some intense training that lasts for some time while you wear it.
Be sure that there’s no pinching when you’re wearing the shirt.
If your movement is restricted, then you may have to go up a size.
It may take some getting used to if you’ve never worn a compression shirt before, but it should never hurt.
Comfort
Although having a proper fit plays a role in how comfortable your compression shirt will be, there are other factors to consider.
Check how much breathability the shirt has.
Other than looking at the materials in its construction, consider different features added to the shirt like mesh panels. These can increase ventilation and keep you dry and cozy in your compression gear.
Sweat-wicking properties can also aid in this so that it doesn’t feel like your shirt is sticking to you in all the wrong ways.
Best Compression Shirt for Men – Top 5 Reviewed
Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Armour Short Sleeve Compression T-Shirt
Under Armour is notorious for creating fitness gear, and their Men’s HeatGear Armour Short Sleeve Compression T-Shirt seems to meet their usual level of quality in construction.
Made from a polyester and elastane blend, this shirt is lightweight, soft, and built to last.
It’s touted as a “skin-tight” shirt, and those words appear to ring true.
This should fit you like a second skin as long as it’s sized correctly. Getting that right size may take some trial and error, however, as the shirts tend to run a smaller size than stated.
However, once you have one that properly fits, it provides snugness without being uncomfortably tight.
It’s known to stay in place rather well to lessen your concern with running, jumping, or performing any other heavy movements.
The 4-way stretch fabric helps keep your mobility throughout.
In the underarm area, you’ll find stretch-mesh panels.
These aim to keep you dry along the way by providing some ventilation. If personalization is important to you, these come in more than 10 different colors.
Some are more see-through than others, however.
Pros
- Good level of durability
- Vented mesh panels under the arms
- May not ride up even with heavy movement
Cons
- Some colors are too see-through
- Sizing seems to run small
Baleaf Men’s Short Sleeve Compression Shirts
The Baleaf Men’s Short Sleeve Compression Shirts provide snug fit using ergonomic compression to give you the benefits you need without being overtly constricting.
Instead, stretch material holds onto your muscles while providing you with the necessary range of motion to accomplish your fitness goals.
To make it work with the rest of your gear, you can choose from an assortment of colors.
Majority of construction uses polyester with some elastane woven in. Using flat seams, the shirt is designed to reduce the chance of irritation and chaffing.
However, the stitching doesn’t seem as high in quality as the rest of the shirt since it may fray after a short amount of time.
The material does offer some moisture-wicking properties.
With it pulling the likes of sweat away, it dries quicker, which might help in proper maintenance of the shirt over time.
It’s soft and breathable too so that you have a more comfortable experience even with high-impact workout sessions.
If there’s anything that may get in the way of your comfort, it’s the shirt’s ability to ride up sometimes.
This may be because it runs a little short, so you might have to pull it down often.
Pros
- Does well at wicking moisture away
- Stretches well to aid mobility
- Good amount of snugness
Cons
- Stitching seems subpar
- May fit too short
TSLA Men’s Cool Dry Compression Baselayer Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Available in a multitude of color styles, the TSLA Men’s Cool Dry Compression Short Sleeve T-Shirt is designed for use all-season.
For those of you who have plans to take advantage of Mother Nature, this shirt helps release heat.
Combined with moisture-wicking properties, it can keep you cool and dry under the heat. It can also provide enough insulation for cold weather use.
The polyester and spandex material feels soft against the skin, and it isn’t known to irritate as the fabric is non-abrasive.
It’s built well enough to survive wash after wash so you may be able to use this shirt for a long time down the road.
There’s even quality UV protection to safeguard the fabric and your skin.
There’s a good amount of elasticity in this so that it can work along with your body’s natural movement.
However, the compression might seem uneven to some.
Certain areas, like the underarms, can feel too tight. Meanwhile, other areas, such as the stomach, may need more compression.
There’s even a chance it can ride up at the waistline.
When this compression t-shirt does fit well, it creates a snug fit without hindering you breathless or stiff.
Pros
- Material is comfortable and soft
- Holds up well to frequent washing
- Sheds moisture well
Cons
- Compression might be uneven
- Might ride up at the waistline
Neleus Men’s Compression Baselayer Athletic Workout T-Shirts
The Neleus Men’s Compression Baselayer Athletic Workout T-Shirts are built with polyester and spandex, and the material offers quality elasticity to fit you well.
At the same time, it doesn’t seem to lose its shape no matter how often you wear it and wash it. The fabric is also non-abrasive.
For further comfort, the shirt features Dri-FIT Max.
This is a moisture transportation system that wicks sweat away.
You’re kept cool and dry during your training sessions regardless of what season you work in from the hot summer heat to the cold snowy months.
Generally, if you want standard compression, it fits true to size.
However, it seems that it could benefit from stronger compression to offer better circulation benefits.
There does appear to be too much tightness under your arms though.
Other than that, the shirt feels lightweight overall so that it may be easier to wear for extended workouts.
You still should have ideal mobility so you can perform whatever way you need to.
To help it fit with the rest of your workout clothes, it’s available in a handful of color styles.
Pros
- Quality elasticity
- Material is comfortable and breathes well
- Doesn’t seem prone to shrinking or fraying
Cons
- Might benefit from more robust compression
- Can fit too tight in the underarm area
CompressionZ Men’s Short Sleeve Compression Shirt
The CompressionZ Men’s Short Sleeve Compression Shirt provides you with a small number of color selections, but concerning its actual usefulness, it provides high-performance compression.
It’s fitted while still maintaining a lightweight feel.
Sometimes, the sizing can be off though.
With a non-slip rubber band across the bottom, the t-shirt stays in place well.
The flexibility in it ensures that you can maintain your range of motion while still reaping the benefits of compression therapy.
This is due to the 4-way stretch fabric.
Made from nylon and spandex, the material wicks moisture well.
You’re further kept cool thanks to the underarm mesh vents that provide much-needed ventilation.
There are even anti-odor properties as well as anti-itch so that you may remain comfortable.
Actually putting the shirt on may be difficult, but it may just require a breaking in period before you’re able to slip it on and off with ease.
With its quality, second-skin compression and added comfort features, this may be the best compression shirt for men at an affordable price range.
Pros
- Helps you maintain freedom of movement
- Non-slip bottom band keeps it from riding up
- Quality ventilation
Cons
- Sizing is a bit off
- Not the easiest to pull on
Final Thoughts
Compression t-shirts can be a tremendous help for muscle recovery, improving circulation, and even helping you feel more comfortable and supported after an injury to the back, shoulders, etc.
This can only happen if you wear quality shirts, however.
Although we recommend all the shirts in our list, we feel the Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Armour Short Sleeve Compression T-Shirt is the best compression shirt for men.
The skin-tight compression fits snug without constricting your movement.
It features 4-way stretch fabric that keeps pace with your body’s natural movement so you can push yourself without worry.
There are panels in the underarm area to provide ventilation.
The overall construction is a high-quality polyester blend, and it’s non-irritating, lightweight, and the shirt is designed well enough to hold its shape and stay in place throughout your workout.
