If you work out, run, lift, or play any sport, compression shorts should already be in your drawer because their form-fitting nature is meant for active lifestyles. However, most guys still don’t know what compression shorts are, where to use them, and most importantly, how they find the right size in these.
And that’s where problems start. If your shorts are too loose, they practically defeat the performance compression purpose.
Similarly, if they’re too tight, you’ll hate wearing them because they’ll dig into your skin, and you’ll be there scratching your skin or pulling them out of places while trying to do your thing.
But if you find the right pair, compression shorts will support your muscles, stop thigh chafing, and help you recover faster. Simple as that.
So if you want to take your gear seriously and don’t want to waste money on the wrong fit, keep reading because we’ll explain all about it.
Compression Shorts Uses
Compression shorts apply graduated pressure to your lower body muscles—mainly the thighs, glutes, and groin. This pressure is firm in areas that need support and lighter where movement matters to support muscles without restricting mobility.
When you move your muscles, they naturally vibrate, which can result in quicker fatigue and post-workout soreness. Therefore, you wear compression garments to minimize that vibration by keeping your muscles in place during motion.
Such tight-fitting endurance gear also reduces micro-tears and muscle strain—in simple terms, you move better, and your legs feel less wrecked afterwards.
These shorts’ snug fit also boosts blood flow to the muscles during activity, which means more oxygen in and more waste out, so your body heals faster when blood flow is smooth.
Here are some uses of compression shorts men can use:
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Running and cardio sessions
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Weight-lifting and CrossFit
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Cycling or a spin class
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Team sports
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Long travel days
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Post-surgery or injury support (must be doctor-approved in this case)
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Everyday wear for circulation issues
Benefits of Compression Shorts
Performance compression wear is for men who want to train hard, recover smart, and expect their gear to keep up. If you’re unsure how these shorts can help your lifestyle, here are some of their promises to know about:
Improves Blood Flow and Oxygen
When you're active, your muscles demand more oxygen to stay powered and steady. And since compression shorts apply consistent pressure across your thighs and glutes, they help improve blood circulation to those working muscles.
More blood flow means more oxygen reaches where it’s needed. Studies have also shown that compression garments can slightly boost venous return, which is the rate at which blood returns to the heart.
As a result, it keeps your system running smoother and reduces the strain on your lower body during long or intense workouts.
For example, if you run or lift, your body’s oxygen demand shoots up, so compression shorts can help deliver that oxygen better and flush out deoxygenated blood faster. As a result, you feel less drained mid-session and recover better between sets.
Reduces Muscle Shaking and Soreness
When you land from a jump or slam into the ground after a sprint, your muscles vibrate. This repeated shaking during activity can cause small muscle tears and soreness the next day. That’s why you wear performance wear to help cut down that shaking by holding your muscles more tightly in place.
The high-tech wear helps your muscles stay more aligned and supported during high-impact training or cardio. It reduces how much your muscles bounce or shift, which limits the microscopic damage that causes DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness).
Less muscle shaking means fewer sore spots and better recovery windows, so you won’t limp around after leg day.
Helps You Recover Faster by Flushing Out Metabolic Waste
When you train hard, your body produces waste like lactic acid and other byproducts from the energy you burn. These substances build up in your muscles and contribute to soreness, stiffness, and fatigue.
Therefore, compression shorts are designed to help move that waste out by keeping circulation active.
Their tight but flexible fabric applies even pressure around your thighs and hips to improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage in the hours after your workout. As a result, oxygen enters the body more quickly, and waste is removed more efficiently.
Compression garments help prove that you don't have to feel totally wrecked the next day if your muscles are getting support during recovery.
Gives Light Support to Your Hips, Butt, and Groin
Compression shorts don’t just squeeze your legs; they are cut and stitched to support the key muscle groups around your hips, glutes, and groin. As you’d know, these are the areas that keep your body aligned and moving cleanly during training.
Notably, the support these shorts provide isn’t restrictive; it’s just enough to keep things balanced and reduce unnecessary movement. These shorts' added support lowers your risk of pulling something or feeling unstable during compound lifts or explosive moves.
Prevents Thigh Rubbing
Thigh chafing is a common issue for those who stay active, as their inner thighs rub against each other repeatedly. The constant rubbing causes skin irritation, redness, and sometimes painful rashes.
Luckily, compression shorts solve this problem by creating a barrier between your thighs. Since these shorts don’t bunch up, they reduce friction, cover the skin fully, and hold tight enough to prevent your thighs from rubbing together directly.
Compression Shorts Men Can Use For Size
You can experience all these amazing benefits of compression shorts if you’re wearing the right size. Otherwise, it’ll be an uncomfortable experience and money wasted. If you don’t want that to happen, follow these sizing tips:
Measure, Don’t Guess
Use a soft measuring tape to measure your waist and your hips. Wrap the tape around the part of your stomach where your body naturally bends to measure the waist. And for the hips, wrap the tape around the widest part of your butt.
After getting both numbers, match them with the size chart given by the brand you’re buying from.
Between Sizes? Go Up One
If your measurements fall between two sizes, always go for the bigger one since compression shorts are supposed to feel snug, not suffocating. A bigger size will still give you the support you need, but won’t dig into your skin or cut off circulation.
It’ll also last longer because it won’t stretch out too fast. On the other hand, a size too small can feel too tight and uncomfortable once you start moving.
Check Inseam & Thigh Length
Then check how long the legs are because compression shorts should stop at mid-thigh, which is not too short and not too long. This length helps prevent chafing and keeps the leg bands from riding up.
If you’re not sure about the inseam number, measure from your crotch to the middle of your thigh and match that with the brand’s inseam size. As a rule of thumb, if the bottom band around the thigh lies flat against your skin, you’ve got the right fit.
Do a Deep-Squat Test
Always test your compression shorts with a deep squat before cutting the tags. Their fabric should hold its shape and stay put as you bend.
So if it turns see-through or rides up your thighs, the size or fabric quality is off. A proper pair should stay opaque, smooth, and snug as you squat up and down.
Check Compression Level
The pressure compression garments delivered are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg); it’s a good number for reference. For example, if you wear these shorts for regular workouts, about 15–20 mmHg pressure is enough.
But if you're recovering from heavy lifting, long runs, or even medical conditions like varicose veins, then go for compression levels closer to 20–30 mmHg.
Look for at least 20% Spandex/Elastane
If a pair of compression shorts is made from at least 20% spandex (or elastane), they’ll stay supportive and hold their shape over time.
Anything lower may lose its compression after a few wears and washes. Since you want shorts that hug your muscles without sagging after a month of use, always check the label before buying.
Conclusion
If you train hard or move daily, compression shorts will support your muscles, increase blood flow, and fight chafing. But the key to experiencing all that is fit, stretch, and fabric that holds up.
And that’s where MaxCopper comes in. Our compression shorts are made with copper-infused fabric, so you get the benefits of compression plus odor control without needing to overthink it.
They’re built for guys who move—whether you’re on the track, under the bar, or just trying to beat the soreness. If you’re serious about staying active and comfortable, our shorts won’t let you down.
FAQs
Do compression shorts keep you cooler or warmer?
Compression shorts help regulate temperature by wicking sweat and improving airflow. It means that they don’t overheat you but can keep you slightly warmer during cold-weather workouts.
Can wearing compression shorts cut down groin strain?
Yes, they offer light support to the groin area and keep it from moving too much. This added stability can lower the chance of a strain during intense or sudden movements.
Is it okay to swim in compression shorts?
Technically, yes, but not ideal. Most compression garments are not chlorine-resistant and may lose elasticity. For regular swimming, it’s better to wear swimwear designed for pool or saltwater use.