10 Best Compression Shirt

Short & Long sleeve compression shirts are the most popular form of compression gear for the upper body, and popular with all kinds of athletes. Fitness enthusiasts use them to complete their workout outfit. They serve as a base layer underneath a shell or jacket for many athletes who are doing colder-weather sports. Crossfit and workout rats often use them during training because of their ability to equalize warmth and wick moisture. More and more, we see people wearing them for no reason at all – other than the fact that a good compression shirt can be very comfortable.

The world of compression top has been around for a while, but it was about five years ago that we really saw the upper body gear begin to take off. Compression shirts were the most logical upper body compression garment, with the long-sleeve compression shirts immediately becoming the most popular piece for the torso. We have become hooked ourselves, and as such have tried just about every shirt on the market.

Recover Faster. Feel more confident. Look your best.

Compression shirts offer these benefits and more.

Whether you are an athlete or a desk jockey, you will probably appreciate what these form fitting shirts have to offer.

Business men wear them under suits and button up shirts to gain an advantage by appearing better put together.

Athletes wear them to help muscle recover, stay cool and even stay warm, depending on fabric technology.

We will give you the low down on which shirts we think are the best, and give you the best value.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A COMPRESSION SHIRT

Compression shirts come in all shapes and sizes, and you can spend as much as $80 or as little at $10 on one. What is the difference? We want you to be an informed consumer, so here are the main things to look for when you are comparing compression shirts.

10 Best Compression Shirts For Slimming

  • Amazon Best Sellers in Women’s Sports Compression Tops
  • PKAWAY Supher Hero Series Compression Shirt
  • NIKE Men’s Pro Cool Compression Short-Sleeved Shirt

    Dri-fit Superhero Winter Soldier Compression Shirt Short Sleeve 01
    Winter Soldier Compression Shirt Short Sleeve
  • Tesla Men’s Cool Dry Compression Baselayer Short Sleeve
  • Baleaf Men’s Short Sleeve Compression Base Layer
  • Insta Slim Muscle Tank
  • Defender Men’s Thermal Compression Long Sleeve T Shirts
  • DRSKIN Compression Cool Dry Sports Shirt Baselayer
  • Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Sonic Compression T-shirt Short Sleeve
  • Shaxea Men’s Extreme Compression Shirt
  • Esteem Apparel Original Men’s Compression Shirt
  • Copper Compression Short Sleeve Men’s Recovery T Shirt
  • Nike Men’s Pro Cool Long-Sleeved Top
  • Compression Z Men’s Long Sleeve Compression Shirt
  • Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Armour Long Sleeve Compression Shirt
  • zipravs Men’s Compression Long Sleeve Shirt
  • ASICS Men’s Compression Sleeveless Running Shirt

I will cover the different styles of compression shirts, what to look out for while choosing the best compression shirts for you, and wrap it all up a list of the top 15, including reviews.

To tell you the truth:

There are only three very compelling forces in this world strong enough to get a guy to wear tights…errr, compression gear.

  • They want to show off their hard earned physique.
  • They want to hide or minimize the physique they earned by not eating right and getting enough exercise.
  • Recovery – They need a compression shirt to enhance circulation and support tired muscles after a hard workout.

Differences You Must Know About These Three Styles

You already know what kind of compression shirt you want, but let me define the three styles and their characteristics, so you don’t end up choosing one that is NOT what you want.

There is nothing worse than buying a compression shirt, only to find it does not fit or perform the way you want and need.

Dri-Fit Superhero Thor Compression Shirt Short Sleeve Running Tee 01
Thor Compression Shirt Short Sleeve

Style 1: The Showoff

The showoff shirts are usually thin and quite stretchy. They are designed to show off bulging biceps, cut six pack abs and well-defined pectorals.

You work hard and there is no way you are letting that body go to waste under a baggy old t-shirt and sweats.

Athletic Build

The showoff style, like the hardcore style, is built with an athlete in mind. The showoff style generally has a cut and construction that allows movement, is made from material that whisks away sweat, and has antimicrobial, anti-odor technology so all that sweat does not end up smelling like S#!t after a long workout.

Functional Too!

This style is also cooling, usually offers sun protection, and may be a good choice for a professional (think Dr. or Nurse) who needs to hide tattoos under scrubs or work shirt.

Dri-fit Superhero Spiderman Compression Shirt Short Sleeve 01
Spider Man Compression Shirt Short Sleeve

It will stay cool even as an underlayer. Nike Pro Cool and UnderArmour HeatGear make the best compression shirts in this style.

Style 2: The Minimizer

Sad but true, your lifestyle does not allow a ton of free time for hitting the gym, and you have let things slip a little in the health and fitness department. You care about your looks, and your health, and have plans to make changes, but while you are on the journey, you want to look your best.

This is where the minimizer comes in. This garment has SUPER HIGH compression to flatten chest and tummy. These shirts can be a challenge to put on.

The struggle is REAL

If you have ever watched a lady struggle to put on pantyhose, well, now it’s your turn gentlemen. The best shapewear for men should put up a fight. If not, they may not conceal what you intend to minimize.

Some are so tight you need to step into them instead of putting them over your head.

The best gynecomastia compression shirts have double or even triple layers in key areas, to flatten and hide.

Gain an advantage: It is all about looking your best!

Tank tops are a popular style choice because many men already wear tanks under dress shirts, so they fit right in. And they make you look sharp, put together like you have all the answers. These garments help give a guy a little confidence and look better at work.

They are more popular than you might think, and they look like a normal tank top to the uninitiated.

Style 3: The Hardcore

They are called the hardcore because hardcore athletes work their body to the limit and need a shirt to help them recover.

These are recovery style compression shirts. They have thicker material that keeps muscles warm, aiding in recovery after a grueling and draining workout.

Some recovery shirts even have copper infused into the nylon, which the manufacturer says help your body and aching muscles recover faster.

When it is colds outside

This style is also used by those who workout in colder climates, maybe run outside or ride a bike long distances and need a layer to keep warm.

Circulation

Post-workout Recovery compression shirts combine elasticity and pressure to improve after workout blood circulation.

This allows the body to flush out lactic acid. These shirts support tired muscles, making movement easier.

Takeaway
Nike’s Pro cool t-shirts are superior quality Cool compression shirts.

Review: First off, this Nike compression shirt is TIGHT. Some say it runs small, and is difficult to get into,

NIKE Men's Pro Cool Compression Short-Sleeved Shirt
NIKE Men’s Pro Cool Compression Short-Sleeved Shirt

but a true compression shirt

should feel like this, at least somewhat.

If you do not want it so tight, order a size up (or maybe even two). The material is NOT see-thru, once you have it on, and the material has a comfortable cooling effect.

Pros

  • Sweat-wicking dry fit fabric is cooling.
  • Long torso length, good coverage.
  • High compression materia

Cons
These shirts run small for just about everybody, order a size up.

Takeaway
Tesla Men's Cool Dry Compression Baselayer Short Sleeve

Review: High Compression for a low price adequately describes the Tesla brand compression shirt.

Tesla Men's Mock Long-Sleeved T-Shirt Cool Dry Compression
Tesla Men’s Mock Long-Sleeved T-Shirt Cool Dry Compression

Tesla is rated by users as the most stable at the bottom. It is made from high quality material that will not roll up and holds everything down well.

The shirt washes well and does not lose elasticity if machine dried.

Pros

  • Compresses just as well or better than major brands.
  • Keeps skin cool and dry.
  • Long torso, ample stomach coverage.

Cons
If you order your standard size, expect high compression, may want to order a size up.

Leave a Comment