Do You Wear Underwear Under Compression Shorts?

Do you wear underwear under compression shorts, or should they be worn on their own? It is a common question among athletes, and the answer is not always obvious. Find out how compression shorts work and make the best choice for comfort and performance.

Compression shorts are designed to fit close to the body and support key muscle groups. They help stabilize the hips and thighs, improve circulation, and reduce friction during movement. This makes them very different from regular athletic shorts or underwear, which are not built to influence muscle performance.

Because of this unique function, every layer of fabric matters. Extra seams, folds, or friction points can affect the way compression shorts feel and perform during training. Find out more about how compression shorts work in this blog post.

Many athletes assume adding underwear provides extra comfort. In reality, underwear can create unwanted pressure points, lead to chafing, or trap moisture. Compression shorts already use moisture wicking materials that pull sweat away from the skin, so an extra layer often reduces breathability instead of improving it.

More importantly, an added layer can interrupt the consistent pressure that compression shorts are designed to deliver. This can limit the support for the muscles of the hips and legs.

For most athletes, the answer is no. Compression shorts are intended to be worn on their own so they can deliver even pressure and move smoothly with the body. Wearing them without underwear lets you benefit fully from their support, comfort, and muscle stability.

However, some athletes still prefer a light extra layer for personal comfort. If you choose this, be sure to use thin, seamless, breathable fabric to avoid irritation.

High quality options like the Cross Compression Short provide secure muscle support and a comfortable fit that replaces traditional underwear completely.

Want to feel the difference during your next workout? Explore the full range of compression shorts and find the pair that supports your performance goals.