Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are Compression Shorts?

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

During many athletic activities, the muscles of the groin and thighs often rub together, causing the sciatic nerve along the outer thigh to become irritated and the surrounding skin to chafe. Separating and compressing the groin and thigh muscles seems to provide relief from these problems, however. Compression shorts are specially constructed from nylon and Lycra® to provide support for the waist, groin and thighs during physical activity.

Perhaps the most recognized use of compression shorts is among professional bicyclists. The tight-fitting biker's shorts which extend from the waist to mid-thigh provide separation of the groin and thigh muscles through compression. Similar shorts for other sports are based on this same principle. The nylon fabric provides a cool, comfortable fit while the lycra provides enough elasticity to compress and separate the muscles. Some compression shorts are also designed to wick away excess sweat, which should reduce chafing and overheating.

Compression shorts.
Compression shorts.

Some athletes believe that compression shorts provide a performance advantage, because the hamstrings and other thigh muscles used for power are held under uniform compression. This is preferable to energy lost through wasted motion and vibrations. If the groin muscles are kept separate from the thigh muscles, friction and other momentum-robbing factors are also reduced. There is little scientific proof of such advantages, but many professional athletes prefer to wear them during competition.

Road cyclist wearing compression shorts.
Road cyclist wearing compression shorts.

Compression shorts are often suggested to those who suffer from a form of back pain called sciatica. The sciatic nerve runs along the outer thigh and can be irritated during exercise. Many sufferers find relief from sciatic nerve pain while wearing compression shorts under their normal workout gear. Many non-athletes also find that these garments provide support to the groin area, reducing the chances of injury while biking or using training equipment.

Compression shorts may offer relief for problems with the sciatic nerve, which can cause pain and numbness down the lower back and leg.
Compression shorts may offer relief for problems with the sciatic nerve, which can cause pain and numbness down the lower back and leg.

Some compression shorts also include a protective cup for male athletes or additional groin support for females. There are also compression shirts for the support of the upper torso and back muscles. The fit should be snug but not overly constrictive. A good pair of compression shorts should form a noticeable gap between the thighs and groin area. Look for a higher percentage blend of Lycra® if more support is needed. Some also provide odor protection, so consult the label for a complete list of benefits.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular TheHealthBoard contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular TheHealthBoard contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon966456

I just wear them under my soccer shorts, but a friend also wears a pair of speedos underneath.

anon162527

Don't wear underwear underneath. just wear the compression shorts as underwear.

anon156536

I wear compression shorts as underwear, especially when swimming.

anon153250

just slap them on like boxers and you're good to go. it sure helps hip flexor problems like after surgeries and intense tears.

anon147765

Love them, keep you from swinging around, don't have to worry about your shorts riding up when you're doing ground work. No flashing your junk, they keep you warm in the freezing cold boxing gym until you're warmed up and you don't stink as much. All hail the underwear!

anon104754

Do you wear compression shorts with boxers underneath or not?

anon93224

i can use compression shorts instead bicycle shorts?

anon89246

I sweat quite a lot on my buttocks and back when i play basketball, and the sweat soaks through my pants and shirt. Does compression clothing somewhat block sweat from getting to my clothes? Because it is really embarrassing when there are huge sweat spots on my arse and back when i play.

anon86801

Do you wear underwear under compression shorts?

anon72334

I wear them all the time because I play soccer so it gets annoying not to wear them because they are so comfortable.

anon68572

OK anon54222, that's just wrong. And yes they cool as well as keep everything in place.

anon68489

they do work. That 120-pound kid from online is 12 and wears them when he grapples because his thighs/quads are so big. i guess it helps but it's sad you can't see his huge thighs and quads.

anon54222

i wear them as everyday clothes with nothing over or under.

diamondrmp

Do compression shirts, shorts cool also?

anon28317

You wear them over your birthday suit.

anon20086

i wear them as underwear

anon3595

Groin compression shorts are fantastic for groin and hip flexor strains where an additional wrap on the outside of the compression shorts is needed for additional compression. They helped me get back to playing football with a shorter recovery time.

anon3592

you wear them like underwear

anon3182

do you wear them over or instead of undergarments?

staubmon

do you wear underwear (like briefs) underneth the compression shorts or do you wear them just like boxer briefs?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Compression shorts.
      By: nito
      Compression shorts.
    • Road cyclist wearing compression shorts.
      By: Ljupco Smokovski
      Road cyclist wearing compression shorts.
    • Compression shorts may offer relief for problems with the sciatic nerve, which can cause pain and numbness down the lower back and leg.
      By: rob3000
      Compression shorts may offer relief for problems with the sciatic nerve, which can cause pain and numbness down the lower back and leg.
    • Runners may benefit from compression shorts.
      By: Maridav
      Runners may benefit from compression shorts.
    • Compression shorts often are suggested for sciatica sufferers.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      Compression shorts often are suggested for sciatica sufferers.