15 Best Compression Pants and Leggings Reviewed
Running is known to exert pressure on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other supportive parts of the body. Wearing compression tights will help relieve this pressure and avoid soreness. However, finding the right sportswear can be difficult in this highly saturated market. That’s where we come in. Our team of researchers rated the top-selling products on the market based on several important criteria in an effort to provide a comprehensive list for our dedicated readers. Check out our top ten list below for the winners!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
This is very important because it influences virtually all of the other factors listed below.
The best material is lightweight, durable, comfortable, supportive, breathable, and flexible, with excellent moisture-wicking ability. You should generally avoid cotton, but polyester, nylon, and spandex, or a blend of some of these, will make the most ideal compression tights.
Support
To get the most out of your workouts, you want something to really support your muscles.
Perhaps support should be highly considered because of the nature of the sporting activity you are engaged in. If you are going to use them to run, jog, sprint, or jump, there are chances you are going to be subjecting your muscles to intense pressure and work.
Without the right support, your muscles may pain a lot after an intense workout. In contrast, picking the right gear with the right support will help your post-run recovery and reduce the pain and fatigue associated with exercise. Therefore, when shopping for the right exercise equipment to support your running regime, you should put support in perspective.
The right gear will provide the right support to help speed up recovery, which should be highly prioritized if you want to perform well. Reading more reviews online will also help you to decide if your ideal choice will support your exercise regime.
Performing well will mean that you have to be on your feet as soon as possible. Exercise should not hinder you from going about your daily routine because of fatigue or muscle pain. This makes it important to wear a piece of exercise equipment that supports your muscles and allows you to deliver your best.
Your recovery process and the support your sportswear will provide to ensure you achieve your goals should be your top priority.
Comfort
If you are going to run and achieve your fitness goals, you need to be as comfortable as possible.
Running is not an easy thing to do and jogging with uncomfortable sportswear will only make the process more difficult. It would be inconsiderate to go shopping for compression tights without establishing whether they are comfortable or not.
Your muscles and entire body will perform best when there is nothing bothering you as you jogging or embark on your morning run. Comfort also helps to support your recovery process. For several athletes, comfort is a major concern that cannot be overlooked. Without proper comfort, the tights you are purchasing will not do you any good. Regardless, comfort is often determined by the type of fabric you are wearing.
You should probably consider polyester, nylon, and spandex material. However, stay away from cotton if you can because it takes time to dry and will leave you feeling uncomfortable after sweating a little. Quick-drying fabrics, on the other hand, will feel very comfortable after taking only a short time to dry following an intense jogging session.
Breathability
Breathability is an important factor when shopping for your ideal sportswear.
You should be comfortable when running or sprinting. Skin irritations can be distractive when you need to focus and complete your running session. Wearing fabrics with no irritations will also bring you a step closer to recovery. Breathability is largely determined by the material used to make sportswear. For this reason, avoid wearing cotton when running because the material has poor breathability and takes unnecessarily too long to dry.
The breathable fabric also has an excellent moisture-wicking ability to help keep you dry during exercise. In fact, selecting materials with excellent moisture-wicking ability is the best thing you could do to support your exercise regime.
Sportswear made of high-quality fabric will leave focusing more on the exercise and not on how uncomfortable you feel after sweating too much, as the tights themselves will take care of the sweating and the moisture.
Durability
Everybody wants to wear something durable, but many people do not know what durability entails.
Wanting quality things is good because they will last longer and will save you money in the long run, but how do you ensure you get durable sportswear to help you accomplish your fitness goals?
Something durable will definitely stand the test of time. It will be able to serve you for longer even after you have derived all of the value it was meant to provide. The act of going from one store to another and trying to fit different pairs of pants just to get the right one can be a frustrating process. However, the hassle can be worthy in the long run.
Durable simply means great quality. You want to make sure you have the best quality fabric that will support your sporting activities for several weeks, months, or even years to come.
However, you should have several pairs to change so that they do not wear out fast because of being worn every day. No matter the quality of the fabric used to make your running pants, it will wear out fast if you put them on every day to go and run. Therefore, to prevent faster wear and tear, you should have a few more pairs to add to your outfit circulation.
You should also be ready to spend a little extra to get the best quality fabric for your evening run. Just keep in mind that the most expensive may not necessarily mean the best quality. You can still find the best quality at a competitive price. Doing your research and asking friends to recommend the best quality fabric and brand based on their experiences can be a great place to start if you have no idea what durability should feel like.
15 Best Compression Tights
1. CompressionZ
These high-performance compression pants are ideal for superior muscle support. Whether you are a cyclist, a CrossFit enthusiast, a weightlifter or an avid runner, you appreciate the importance of protecting your legs and muscles from fatigue whilst keeping them feeling re-energized.
Read moreMaterial
The high-performance kit is made of 85% nylon and 15% spandex with an excellent moisture-wicking ability to ensure you are comfortable no matter what kind of sporting activity you are involved in.
Support
These pants are designed to minimize muscle fatigue and possible soreness when engaged in high-intensity physical activity such as squatting, biking, sprinting, and jogging. It compresses all muscle groups to help prevent overexertion.
Comfort
The men’s sportswear is designed with premium fabric and durable stitching to deliver the comfort fit for the support you need while delivering your best performance.
Breathability
These fitness leggings for men are ideal for jogging, soccer, marathon, yoga, and even baseball. With the excellent moisture-wicking ability, you can be sure to exercise without worrying about being the discomfort caused by sweating too much.
Durability
The material blend used to craft these compression tights are not only breathable and elastic, but they are also very durable and a great choice for any physical activity you enjoy!
2. TSLA
TSLA recommends that you order one size up your regular fit when looking to add compression pants to your fitness wardrobe. Ordering your usual size will provide the snug fit you need to feel your muscles tighten. MUP19 is an all-seasons fit, designed to wick moisture and release heat, thereby delivering a cooling effect. The elasticity delivers a wide range of motion.
Read moreMaterial
These compression pants are made with an 87% polyester and 13% spandex material blend that allows easy mobility and elasticity.
Support
MUP19 is an all-seasons fit, designed to wick moisture and release heat, thereby delivering a cooling effect. The elasticity delivers a wide range of motion.
Comfort
What is very impressive about the MUP19 is that it is designed for all seasons. Whether you want to jog in the summer and enjoy its cooling effect or hit the road in winter, the pants release the heat to keep you warm during cold seasons.
Breathability
Running can be an intense physical activity that will leave you sweating profusely. However, TSLA’s moisture-wicking ability will keep you dry as your exercise activity intensifies. It leaves you with a cooling effect.
Durability
Designed for summer, winter, and virtually all seasons, TSLA will be your ideal training partner no matter the weather outside. The excellent elasticity also provides an enhanced range of motion.
3. Nike Jordan Alpha Dry
If you want something that is able to take you through all four seasons, this option from Nike is a great choice. Users love that it is made from materials to keep you warm in the wither and cool in the summer, and it boasts a simple and timeless design. Plus, it comes in at a price point that won’t break the bank.
Read moreMaterial
The polyester, nylon, and spandex blend are reinforced with Nike’s Dri-FIT technology. This fabric not only feels soft against your skin, but it also wicks moisture away from the surface to avoid chafing and just general uncomfortableness.
Support
The seams that so exist are flat-locked, which means that they are sewn into the garment to prevent rubbing and chafing. It also comes in quite a few sizes so you can find the perfect fit for your body type.
Comfort
Another feature about this design that users really love is that it has minimal seams to dig and rub into your skin.
Breathability
As with any Nike product, it hosts all of the features to help keep you comfortable and let your skin breathe.
Durability
If you are in the market for something that you can wear while training in all four seasons, this is a great option. Our favorite feature of this smart design is that it comes in at a price point that is far less than many of the other designs out there on the market.
4. DRSKIN
DRSKIN features functional spandex with strong elasticity that compresses muscular tissues during exercise to reduce fatigue. It also helps to boost blood circulation whilst promoting fast recovery following high-intensity exercise. This is fully functional sportswear with medical effect and delivers sports effect as well. If you are looking to increase your sports efficiency, then this is your ideal sportswear.
Read moreMaterial
These are made with a 92% polyester and 8% spandex blend that creates a material that is lightweight, ultra-soft, and smooth on your skin.
Support
This is fully functional sportswear with medical effects and delivers sports effects as well. If you are looking to increase your sports efficiency, then this is your ideal sportswear.
Comfort
DRSKIN features smooth and ultra-soft fabric with extreme comfort. It is also lightweight and enhanced the range of motion while squatting, jumping, or running. The fabric is also gentle on the skin.
Breathability
DRSKIN is ideal for athletes looking for sportswear to perform all-weather sports, whether yoga, skiing, or snowboarding. Although not as breathable as some of the other entries, the high-quality fabric is also smooth and soft on your skin and allows for greater flexibility.
Durability
DRSKIN understands that exercise does not take a break because the season has changed. Therefore, they have designed sportswear that can be worn during all seasons to perform all-weather sports or sporting activities.
5. NIKE Base Layer
NIKE is a popular sportswear brand on the market. The company has made a wide range of sportswear products that have helped athletes to achieve their fitness goals and win competitions. The men’s pro wear applies Dri-FIT technology to keep the athlete dry and comfortable while running.
Read moreMaterial
These men’s pro tights are made of 90% polyester and 10% spandex, creating a highly breathable and durable fabric that is great for all sports and physical activities.
Support
The pants offer compressive-fit support to ensure tight muscles during exercising, thereby reducing fatigue. You will also stay dry and comfortable in the process, thanks to Dri-FIT technology.
Comfort
The sportswear features mesh on the inner parts of the leg to allow for sufficient ventilation, particularly in high-heat zones. This ensures that your skin does not suffocate while exercising.
Breathability
Exercising can cause you to sweat too much in certain areas. However, NIKE’s Dri-FIT technology will ensure that you remain dry throughout your training so that you feel comfortable enough to keep exercising.
Durability
Nike is known all around the world for its high-quality sportswear, and these compression pants are no exception. You can always count on Nike when it comes to durability.
6. Adidas Alphaskin
This style from Adidas gives athletes all of the support they need to engage in a handful of activities than just running. If you love CrossFit or anything that has a wide range of motion, this option from Adidas feels like you aren’t wearing anything at all! They may be slightly more expensive than most, but we feel that they are worth it.
Read moreMaterial
The very first thing that we noticed about this option was the styling. It bosts a classic Adidas logo in a mesh print at the bottom of the calf that is very eye-catching.
Support
The seams on this design are made to contour your body for a full range of motion that feels like you aren’t wearing pants at all!
Comfort
If you are in the market for something that feels just like a second while compressing your muscles to promote the circulation of blood, this is a great option.
Breathability
We also like that this design has breathable gussets that release hot air in the places that you sweat the most. The material is also designed to wick away sweat from the surface to keep you cool and dry as you train.
Users love that way that it feels against their skin, and it makes for something that is perfect for more types of training than just jogging.
7. COOLOMG
COOLOMG designers focus on making the most unique yet functional products. By selecting the finest fabrics, the company is able to design the most value-adding products that athletes from across the world would love to wear and use.
Read moreMaterial
The special polyester-spandex blend material COOLOMG uses offers excellent protection from UV light by blocking up to 99.2% of harmful UV rays whenever you are training outdoors.
Support
Running outdoor can be a dangerous affair; from the harsh elements of weather to dangerous sun rays could harm your health. However, COOLOMG compression pants offer utmost protection from UV rays.
Comfort
With the ability to provide 99.2% UV protection to your skin while you exercise outdoor and the elasticity to support agility, COOLOMG can be an excellent choice for outdoor training.
Breathability
The moisture-sensing and quick-dry-dual-path air circulation provide maximum comfort while exercising for optimal performance. The pair will ensure that your skin can breathe as you jog, run or sprint.
Durability
The fabric feels great against your skin and has excellent moisture-wicking abilities, but they are also very thin and may not be as durable as some of the other compression tights on the list.
8. RoadBox
Roadbox high-performance compression pants fit so tight that they will feel as if they are your ‘second skin’ to help support your athletic activities so that you can achieve your goals. They are suitable for sports but can also be worn as casual wear.
Read moreMaterial
The four-way stretch fabric on these tights is made of an 88% polyester and 12% spandex blend that provides amazing elasticity and mobility.
Support
If you are a runner looking for compression tights that will support your athletic activity, Roadbox pants could be it. The pair is very skin-friendly has an excellent elasticity.
Comfort
Many athletes have always complained about wearing some fabrics that irritate their skin or cause them to have that itchy feeling. However, Roadbox sportswear is made of skin-friendly fabric that provides great elasticity, thereby reducing skin chaffing.
Breathability
The quick-drying nature of the fabric coupled with the moisture-wicking ability allows the pants to be comfortable to wear. They are also made of breathable material and you can exercise for long without feeling fatigued.
Durability
Therefore, whether you are going to work or just resting at home, you can be sure that wearing these pants daily will not be a problem at all, thanks to the soft, lightweight construction that provides relentless support whilst maintaining comfort.
9. 2XU
These men’s elite MCS compression pants make exceptional performance look easy by compressing the quads and calves to help minimize muscle fatigue and promote enhanced performance, thanks to the Muscle-Containment Stamping (MCS) feature. On the other hand, the drawstring elastic waistband is designed to provide a secure, comfortable fit to shift your attention from your pants and allow you to concentrate on your exercise and achieve your fitness goals.
Read moreMaterial
These compression tights feature a special 72% nylon and 28% elastane fabric that is unique to this brand and offers powerful compression
Support
The MCS feature applies extra targeted compressing to the calves and quads of the athlete, thereby reducing muscle fatigue and enhancing stability. You will be able to exercise of long without the feeling of fatigue.
Comfort
PWX is 2XU’s signature fabric with powerful compression and maximum flexibility. The fabric is also lightweight and can provide the full range of motion required to attain maximum stretching for maximum flexibility.
Breathability
Not only do these protect your body form overheat with moisture-wicking technology, but that is also antibacterial and provides UPF 50+ protection.
Durability
If you are worried about whether the waist size will fit you, you should know that 2XU men’s elite pants feature drawstring elastic waistband to suit a wide range of waist sizes.
10. Dragon Fit
These compression leggings from Dragon Fit feature a high-rise waistband that covers your tummy and helps increase shape retention. They come in 21 different colors and designs that not only works great in the gym but also looks great while lounging around.
Read moreMaterial
The material is made of an 88% nylon and 12% spandex cotton fabric blend that provides the comfort of cotton and durability of nylon.
Support
These were specially engineered to provide support from your ankle up to your waist. These are a great choice for cardiovascular exercises like yoga, running, and dancing.
Comfort
The high waistband measures at 5 and a half inches and helps contour your body as you exercise. They hug your body just right.
Breathability
The material blend used to make these compression tights provides great breathability and has amazing moisture-wicking abilities that keep your body dry during and after your workout.
Durability
Nylon is known as a highly durable material and is used in a lot of sportswear that is made for high impact activities. The fabric is a 4-way stretch material for increased performance.
11. XU MCS X
What we loved most about this style from 2XU is that it has target features to help you get the most out of your training sessions. As with any 2XU product, it is composed of quality materials that hold up well even after multiple washes and comes in a number of sizes to find the perfect fit for your body type.
Read moreMaterial
As with any 2XU product, it is composed of quality materials that hold up well even after multiple washes and comes in a number of sizes to find the perfect fit for your body type.
Support
What makes this design stand out from the crowd is that it has muscle-containment-stamping built into the fabric. These targeted areas provide runners with additional support in the muscle groups they need it most. It fits more tightly in the calves, quads, and glutes to prevent fatigue and promote recovery.
Comfort
It is composed of 80 percent nylon and 20 perfect spandex for a stretchy and comfortable fit.
Breathability
Highly breathable and moisture wicking.
Durability
What we love most about this option is that you can toss it into the washing machine when they need to be cleaned and they won’t lose their shape. There is a wide variety of size options available which include xx-small and runs all the way up to xx-large.
If you are in the market for something that comes from a trusted brand that helps fuel your performance and your recovery, this option from 2XU is a great choice. It is important to note, however, that it comes in at a price point that is almost double some of the other options out there on the market.
12. Under Armour
If you are afraid that you won’t be able to move in these tight compression pants, you may want to give this style from Under Armour a look. For those engaging in more than just trail running (such as CrossFit or weight training) and need a full range of motion, this design has you covered. Plus, it comes in at a reasonable price point that allows you to buy more than one!
Read moreMaterial
These pants are composed of 100 percent polyester, which means that they will feel a little bit softer on your skin when compared to other designs that utilize a blend of polyester, nylon, and spandex.
Support
It also allows for a fuller range of motion without feeling restricted from tight-fitting materials in the hips.
Comfort
Plus, according to past users, these really help to wick sweat away from your skin to keep you cool and dry.
Breathability
What makes this design stand out from the pack is that it hosts movement gussets in the undercarriage that allows all of your bits to breathe as you move.
Durability
If you need something that offers a full range of motion for your workouts, this design from Under Armour is a great choice. It clocks in at an affordable price point, provides vented mesh panels to keep you cool, and is made from materials that feel great against your skin.
13. Baleaf
Baleaf is based on the principle of conquering to defeat the challenges in the long journey of life. The company is also dedicated to helping athletes to achieve their dreams, although it also acknowledges that the ambition and drive to go for what you want comes from deep within. Baleaf sportswear is geared towards better workouts and better performance.
Read moreMaterial
These lightweight compression pants are made from a polyester and spandex blend material that includes soft fleece inside for extra warmth.
Support
The elastic waistband provides the snug fit or secure fit needed to allow you to perform without focusing on the pants. This will enable you to shift your attention from what you are wearing to the actual physical activity you are undertaking.
Comfort
Baleaf features stretchy thermal fabric that has been brushed to provide athletes and runners with the warmth they need to maintain appropriate body temperature or avoid losing too much heat.
Breathability
These are not as breathable as some of the other compression pants on the list, but they do a great job of keeping you warm in cooler weather.
Durability
With a reflective logo to provide greater visibility at night or when running under low light conditions, Baleaf ensures you are safe as pedestrians because other road users will be able to see you.
14. Active Research
These compression leggings from Active Research were designed to be versatile and provide the proper muscle support for women who play sports, yoga, jog, and other recreational and fitness activities. They increase blood circulation which in turn provides much-needed oxygen for your muscles to help recovery and reduce inflammation.
Read moreMaterial
These are made with a unique material blend that is breathable, anti-odor, moisture-free, and anti-bacterial, making these a great choice everyday wear.
Support
Whether you are into hiking, cycling, or extreme, high-impact sports, these provide excellent support and easy mobility.
Comfort
The high-quality fabric used to craft these tights are stretchable and smooth on your skin, helping reduce irritation, chafing, and itching.
Breathability
The moisture-wicking material works great and does a fantastic job of keeping you dry during your workout routines. Active Research even offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee!
Durability
These were designed for everyday use, whether you’re going for a jog or just taking a walk to your local grocery store, they feel great and last a long time.
15. IUGA
Small design features in this impressive design make it perfect for activities ranging from jogging to yoga to CrossFit.
Read moreMaterial
It is packed with useful features to hold and store items, it tucks in all of your jiggly areas, and is incredibly comfortable.
Support
We also like that this design has a gusseted crotch that keeps air circulation to keep things cool and dry when you turn up the intensity. Users love that this design comes in a lot of different and unique colors that are bound to generate a few compliments the next time that you head to the gym.
Comfort
The very first thing that we noticed about this design is that it has sleek seam lines that are carefully placed in areas that will cause the least about of irritation. Interlocked seams sit flat against the skin to limit the possibility of rubbing and chafing like some of the other designs out there on the market.
Breathability
The best part of this design is that it comes in super breathable material that will keep transpiration away.
Durability
We love that it comes in a lot of unique colors, it is made from materials that will protect and fuel your muscles, and they are incredibly flattering! They are also one of the more affordable options to make our list as well.
