The 11 Best Compression Shirts to Wear to the Gym (2024)

Gym rats and fitness buffs will tell you how essential a compression shirt is. I'm neither of those things, but I'll tell you how essential a compression shirt is, too—if you want to upgrade your workout, you need one in your arsenal for an enhanced routine.

There are plenty of benefits to be had from a compression shirt, and they aren't just limited to the tightness of the fabric really defining your muscles and showing off those biceps you've been working on (I mean, that is a pretty great benefit, though). A compression shirt will actually give you a better experience during and after your workout—the slim-fitting fabric provides stability, pressure, and support to your muscles, it wicks away moisture while still offering breathability that keeps you cool during your workout, and it even promotes blood circulation to help you recover better after your workout.

Whether you're a runner or a lifter, someone who prefers a short sleeve or someone who swears by sweating in a long sleeve, we've rounded up 11 of the best compression shirts on the market below, and the picks here are sure to improve your sweat sesh.

Under Armour comes in strong with a lightweight, breathable, yet durable compression shirt. It has all the features you need for a great workout, from mesh ventilation under the arms to a lack of seams in areas that would otherwise chafe.

Smooth, stretchy, but slim enough to offer support, Nike's long sleeve compression shirt is a must-have, especially for winter workouts. This sweat-wicking style has flat seams, a lightweight knit fabric, and a sleek, classic design, so don't hesitate to reach for it when you're getting ready to hit the gym.

Made in part with recycled materials, this long sleeve is the ultimate workout partner, whether you're layering it for an outdoor run or wearing it solo for a sweaty lifting sesh. It has a moisture-absorbing fabric designed to let you move freely, a mesh back insert for maximum ventilation, and a snug fit to give your muscles extra support.

Spanx has a versatile option that you can even wear under, say, a dress shirt. If you do want to wear it for a workout, though, the performance design is outfitted to elevate your workout, with cooling fabric, compression zones across the chest and abs, and a moisture-wicking design.

If you need more than one compression shirt, a multipack is the easiest way to get bang for your buck. Real essentials has a pack of four, featuring a compression design that reduces muscle fatigue while offering support and breathability.

Under Armour's short sleeve is a great pick, but the guys who prefer a long sleeve deserve an option from the brand, too. That's where this style comes in, with its tight fit, ventilating mesh panels, flexible design, and write-in locker tag at the back of the neck.

This classic design is equipped with Second Skin technology to feel as smooth and weightless as possible, so you know you're in for a f*ckin' fantastic workout. With supportive controlled compression, mesh panelling, and a moisture-wicking fabric, this really has it all.

If you want a reliable brand like Nike but the long-sleeve option listed earlier isn't your vibe, go for its short-sleeve instead. With a classic, comfortable fit and features including flat seams and a sweat-wicking, quick-dry fabric, there's no going wrong with this pick.

Leave it to Lululemon to swoop in with a sleek, functional design to add to your rotation. Designed for running, this compression shirt isn't too tight, but it still offers support and breathability—plus, it won't billow out and get in the way of your sprint.

Falke has a sport-ready design crafted specifically to give you a better workout. This shirt is ideal for a run or a lift, with a fabric designed to keep you warm and dry, thanks to a two-layer moisture-wicking construction.

Last but not least, a classic, no-nonsense compression shirt made from a durable, high-quality fabric designed to give you your best performance. This is lightweight and flexible, with four-way stretch, mesh paneling, and flat seams.