When it comes to men’s underwear, the most important qualification we consider is just how well the material is going to support the old twig and berries.
While some guys prefer to be as loose as possible with classic boxers, others go traditional with briefs, and some sit right in the middle and fall back on the staple of boxer briefs.
However, for dudes who like to workout, play sports, or otherwise remain active, there is a fourth category: Compression underwear.
Compression underwear is a style that is meant to not only be tight, but to actually squeeze the butt and thighs to help with muscle control and blood flow.
This style has been popularized by athletes like football and basketball players, who believe the extra restriction helps improve sports performance.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about what makes the best compression underwear.
But that doesn’t mean you need to buy into the hype and purchase a pair of compression shorts just because the lining is solid gold.
Instead, pay attention to this list of the best compression underwear out there. Not only have we identified the greatest options currently on the market, but we also give some helpful tips and tricks for finding the right model for you.
Here are some of the best compression underwear for any guy.
Top 4 Best Compression Underwear for Men
Pro: Prevents chafing.
Con: Little waist consistency.
Protect the Cannoli and Meatballs: Gentlemen, it’s time to have a frank discussion about our franks and beans, because the main reason a lot of guys avoid compression shorts is a fear of pressure, chafing, and squeezing.
One of the reasons why these Neleus Men’s Compression Shorts have made the top of this list is that the compression is comfortable without being tight, and also helps prevent skin irritation and chafing in a manner hitherto unseen before. If you’ve ever had to worry about your thighs chafing during a run or workout, then fear no more with this 3-pack of quality underwear.
Unlike most men’s underpants, the Neleus Compression Shorts are available in multiple colors, including the traditional black, gray, blue, red, neon green, and white. The material is 85% polyester and 15% spandex, and can be cleaned easily in the washing machine.
This is a great feature, since I’m pretty sure no man enjoys standing over the sink with a washboard, cleaning his tighty whiteys.
Finally, these underpants are moisture wicking, so you never have to worry about a swamp festering in your crotch.
The only real con for these compression underwear is that the size of the waistband isn’t always consistent.
Sometimes guys receive pairs with a waist that is made of an inch of material, while others had bands of only half an inch.
This isn’t a deal breaker, but the lack of consistency can be irritating. To avoid this problem, remember to order your underwear from the same retailer.
Pro: Breathable mesh pouch.
Con: Little frontal support.
Falling in Love with Air Supply: These Reebok Men’s Performance Boxer Briefs are an excellent pair of compression underwear for someone seeking a model that will cradle the butt and thighs while still being comfortable around the junk.
Unlike other brands, Reebok decided to make the front pouch out of a breathable mesh that allows air to get in, moisture to get out, and the boys to feel comfortable without chafing, irritation, or pinching.
Besides this feature, these Reebok boxer briefs are moisture wicking and come in a variety of colors like black, blue, orange, and gray.
The underwear is sold in packs of three and they are machine washable, so there is always a comfortable pair waiting for your next workout. The material covers to about the mid-thigh and is made of 92% polyester and 8% spandex.
So, while it won’t be the most breathable, it will cling to the legs and provide extra support and fit.
The only real downside to these compression underpants is that the mesh crotch doesn’t have a fly and doesn’t have any real compression, so don’t expect a lot of support in that region.
However, this is a small price to pay for some men who really don’t want their balls compressed uncomfortably. If you need to pee while wearing these, just go the old fashioned way and pull the trousers down.
Pro: Advanced moisture wicking.
Con: Some rolling.
Drain the Crotch Swamp: Someone clearly had a laugh when naming this brand “isnowood,” because we can’t always guarantee this is the case, especially in the morning.
Besides the name, these compression shorts/underpants are truly enjoyable because of their advanced moisture wicking technology.
While other pairs might include some wicking but will still be a bit uncomfortable because of the amount of sweat trapped in the fabric, the isnowood Men’s Performance Compression Shorts wick away an astonishing amount of fluid, meaning you don’t have to deal with the inevitable crotch swamp until much later in the workout.
The overall material of the isnowood is 88% polyester and 12% spandex, so the underwear offers plenty of stretch.
The fabric is also machine washable and stain resistant, so you don’t need to worry about handwashing your underpants at the end of a long day.
A slight downside to these underpants is that they aren’t available in colors other than black, gray, and blue, so one of those had better be your favorite. Still, these offer great compression for the thighs and buttocks and sit comfortably around the waist.
The only negative feature some wearers experienced was a bit of rolling around the bottom of the thighs because the fit of these underwear is supposed to be quite tight.
Remember to order true to size and avoid the temptation to size up. This creates even more problems with rolling, since the material wants to compress but has nothing to grip on to. Instead, use the size chart provided by isnowood. Doing so guarantees the best fit and reduces the chances of rolling overall.
Pro: Extra crotch support.
Con: Only covers upper thighs.
No Bouncing Today: A major problem when buying compression shorts is trying to strike a balance between being comfortable and being completely secure.
After all, no guy wants his genitals squeezed into oblivion by fabric that chafes, irritates, and completely constricts blood flow to that region.
The solution is the Adidas Men’s Sport Performance Climalite Boxer Briefs, which are sold in packs of two and contain a double lined mesh support pouch. This pouch cradles the junk without too much compression, and adds support where it needs to be.
Adidas manufactures this underwear using a blend of 91% polyester and 8% spandex. This means the material isn’t the most breathable, but it is great at moisture wicking and can help keep you from becoming too sweaty during workouts.
The fit of the underwear is so that it cradles the butt and upper thighs to eliminate chafing and irritation while leaving the rest of the leg bare. These boxer briefs are sold in packs of two and come in a wide variety of colors, including white, black, gray, blue, red, orange, and green.
Because these underpants were made for sports, Adidas tried to include as many features as possible. The negative characteristic that stood out the most for wearers was that the material only covers the upper thighs and doesn’t extend to the rest of the leg.
This could be a problem for individuals with thicker thighs, so consider what type of fit would best suit your needs before buying.
Compression Underwear Buying Guide
At its core, compression underwear is most effective when it’s simple. So, don’t try to invest in complex or complicated models.
After all, you’re not going to wear something that you’re not comfortable in, especially if you need to have the underwear on during strenuous activities. Ignore any special features advertised by the manufacturers and instead focus on the fit and material.
Best Fitting Compression Underwear
Men’s underwear isn’t as easy to fit as women’s, since every guy is different down there. Some might need more room for the balls, while others might appreciate a tighter fit.
Whatever the case may be, you want to make sure your compression underwear is tight while still allowing you to enjoy basic movement and comfort.
The most ideal cut for compression underwear is therefore one that is tight around the thighs and buttocks while leaving plenty of space for the genitals.
This can be difficult to gauge when shopping online, so always pay attention to the underwear’s sizing. Go for a tight waistband but check for extra room in the gusset for maximum comfort.
No one wants their dick twisted by their own underwear. That’s just an awful way to go.
Best Materials for Compression Shorts
When it comes to the material, you’re not going to find many natural fibers in compression shorts or underwear.
This is because basic options like cotton and wool don’t have a ton of stretch to them. Instead, you need to find underwear made of spandex, polyester, and nylon.
These synthetic materials are stretchier and can create a tighter fit, truly trapping in the blood and muscles.
If you are seeking extra comfort, consider checking for a pair that combines spandex with cotton around the crotch or in the waistband. This way, you get the benefits of both materials.
Avoid Clickbait
A common problem when trying to find reliable and comfortable compression underwear is the sheer amount of misinformation pushed by manufacturers.
For example, there was a surge of copper-lined products on the market a couple of years ago because one producer claimed the copper would enhance the average individual’s performance.
Consumer Reports managed to debunk these assertions, and the business was punished and fined by the Federal Trade Commission for pushing fraudulent information.
When attempting to find good compression underwear, stick to the facts. Sometimes compression can help the muscles.
Sometimes it makes us as men feel more secure when participating in sports. Sometimes it can be a great way to restrict blood flow and help individuals that have problems with their flow in general.
But compression underwear is not a magic cure-all. Focus on finding what makes you feel comfortable, not whatever clickbait is currently circling the internet.
If this means trying on a couple of pairs before you find your golden goose, then just go ahead and bite the bullet. Your legs and crotch will thank you for the extra effort.
Undywear.com may receive a small percentage of the purchase price for items bought through our links from Amazon.com and other sites.
