Why Soccer Players Wear Compression Shirts

A soccer player usually wears a shirt and shorts. They also have stretchy clothes underneath their shirts and shorts, which are compression shirts and pants.

Compression shirts are breathable stretcher shirts made from nylon, polyester, and spandex, which helps keep the player dry and comfortable during training and game time. They are also convenient in winter because they ensure the players stay warm and dry.

In this article, we’ll look at:

  • The relevance of compression shorts and shirts in soccer
  • Qualities of compression shirts and shorts?
  •  Performance of compression attire
  • Best compression tops on the market
  • Best compression shorts on the market

Read on to find out all about compression shirts. It might be the piece of clothing you have been looking for to bolster your performance.

Triathlete runner training on Hawaii for ironman. Athlete running in red compression clothing shorts and top on volcano on Big Island Hawaii. ○ Soccer Blade

What Do Professional Soccer Players Wear Under Their Shirts?

Ideally, soccer players do not wear anything under their shirts. But after playing, they sweat a lot. So nowadays, they wear compression shirts. Compression shirts are shirts made out of nylon, spandex, and polyester to help keep the players warm and dry.

When players put on a compression shirt, their clothes do not get soaked, even if they sweat a lot. Therefore, they do not feel disgusted running around wearing sweaty clothes. It, in turn, boosts their productivity throughout the game.

Qualities of compression shirts

Compression shirts are a convenient addition to players’ attire during training and matches. These are some of its qualities.

Breathability

Compression shirts may seem tight, but they are breathable. The fabric used to make the shirts allows air to flow through the shirt, giving it breathability.

Breathable shirts enable fresh air circulation into the shirt, which rejuvenates the player, seriously boosting a player’s performance.

Staying Dry

Do you have those uncomfortable incidents of sweat-soaking up your soccer gear? If yes, you can relate to how continuing to work out or play in them is uncomfortable. It would help if you, therefore, tried compression shirts.

See also  Do Soccer Goalies Wear Cups? (Essential Protection)

Compression shirts use polyester, nylon, and spandex. These materials keep a soccer player dry after sweating.

In addition, these shirts can lift water upward from the fabric, and sweat is brought to the surface of clothes, where it dissipates through evaporation.

Reduced Muscle Fatigue

Compression shirts are tight and hug the player’s body in all the right ways. The muscles and other soft tissues are held in place tightly, reducing the fatigue they endure.

The reduction of fatigue enables the players to perform better and for longer.

Enhances Recovery

In addition, compression shirts enable faster recovery of a player’s muscles. Assuming the player has played the entire 90 minutes, their muscles undergo significant damage, and they need some time to recover.

Compression shorts reduce wear and enhance recovery after mild bruising.

Improve Flexibility

Compression shirts pride themselves on their stretchiness. Exercising or playing soccer involves a lot of stretching, lifting, kicking, passing, and shooting the ball.

Therefore, compression shirts are ideal for supporting a player’s movement and not holding them back. It also increases safety as one might trip when wearing loose soccer gear.

Fitness athlete in outdoor workout wearing sunglasses and compression clothes. ○ Soccer Blade

Are Compression Shirts Good for Soccer?

First, compression shirts do not limit the player’s mobility. Compression shirts are stretchy and allow the player to make any maneuver with their body, and they go back to their original fit.

The tightness that compression shirts hug the player reduces muscle vibrations and prevents soft tissue movements around the chest and shoulders. The restraint reduces the risk of injury.

Are Compression Shirts Worth It?

Compression shirts are touted as the secret to muscle power and optimizing soccer players’ performance.

Compression shirts aid in quick blood flow to the muscles, meaning that oxygen and carbohydrates can get to the muscles faster, while waste products like lactic acids are removed more quickly.

The benefits of a compression shirt translate to the player maintaining good energy levels and feeling rejuvenated throughout the game. Additionally, they help in post-training recovery.

PORTUGAL Braga Players from FC Sion hit the field for a training session on February 23 2016 in Braga Portugal. ○ Soccer Blade

Do Compression Shirts Shape Your Body?

Compression shirts are worn for various reasons, and one of them includes aesthetics. Fortunately or unfortunately, what you wear significantly affects how an individual looks.

So if you want to look shapely, a compression shirt is the answer.

Compression shirts are made to stretch for a perfect fit. They also work to flatten budges and make curves more distinct while providing lines that look toned and tight. Additionally, the tummy may look streamlined and leaner.

Do Compression Shirts Help Anxiety?

It is worth noting that when a person feels anxious or gets a panic attack, something basic, like just a hug, does magic. The same principle plays out with compression shirts.

Compression shirts have a calming effect (they trigger the release of happy hormones). The shirt provides a constant soft embrace to the wearer’s body. This calming effect makes the shirts wearable all day and even at night.

See also  Why Soccer Players Wear Compression Shirts

The compression shirts are made from specialized, high-quality, breathable, moisture-wicking sensory fabric.

Additionally, they have external stitching that provides a seamless feel for the wearer, and the material will keep the individual comfortable throughout, minimizing meltdowns.

FC Manchester City training session at NSC Olimpiyskyi stadium. ○ Soccer Blade
Messi at FC Barcelona Training Session

Can You Wear a Compression Shirt All Day?

Provided that your compression shirt is comfortable, there is no issue with wearing it the whole day. If it supports your activity level, you can incorporate it into your day-to-day life.

These shirts are breathable. Therefore, you do not feel overly warm or cold. They maintain the optimum body temperature. They are also stretchy, allowing you to be flexible no matter your activity.

Do Soccer Players Wear Skins?

Skins are made to service athletes, soccer players being among them. Skins engineering provides the proper pressure level for specific body parts.

The ingenious engineering enhances circulation, and vital oxygen is supplied to players’ active muscles, boosting their stamina, power, and speed.

Do Soccer Players Wear Compression Shorts?

Every player needs a good pair of compression shorts. Compression shorts help reduce muscle vibrations in the legs, assisting players in conserving energy and reducing muscle fatigue.

A soccer player not only fatigues when moving the whole body during play, but the movement of soft tissues and muscles is also a significant contributor to fatigue; hence compression shorts help reduce that.

What Do Soccer Players Wear Under Their Shorts?

Ideally, a player would only have their underwear under the shorts. But more and more players are wearing compression shorts.

These players wear compression shorts to soak up all their sweat, keeping them dry. The material used to make these compression shorts is usually a mixture of spandex, nylon, and polyester.

For it to be effective, the fabric should be directly in contact with the player’s skin.

Crystal Dunn, right, of the United States women's national soccer team passes the ball against players of Sweden women's national football team in the third round match of Group F match during the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 in Paris, France, 20 J  
Crystal Dunn, right, of the United States women’s national soccer team passes the ball against players of Sweden women’s national football team in the third round match of Group F match during the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 in Paris, France, 20 J  

Why Do Soccer Players Wear Compression Shorts?

The elastic materials make compression shorts serve several purposes, including holding players’ muscles in place and compressing them. Additionally, they help one keep light and dry during solid workouts.

They have a protective cup for compression shorts that reduces the risk of damage to the male genitalia.

Compression shorts also provide comfort for the soccer player. These shorts will apply pressure on the player’s skin.

The thighs and butt region feel this pressure, meaning a player will not feel the garments riding up and down when playing. 

In addition, friction is significantly reduced compared to traditional playing shorts.

Best Compression Tops 

Many compression shirts on the market do not meet the player’s expectations. Therefore, you should purchase one from a reputable dealer.

We have narrowed it down to some good options that will not let you down. First are the best sellers on Amazon;

Bestseller No. 1
MEETYOO mens Men’s Compression Undershirt, White, Large US
  • [High-performance Baselayer for Body shaping] **If you prefer loose fit, we recommend…
  • [Instantly Absorbing Sweat In Exercise] The men’s sport long johns is made of…
  • [Feel Free To Wear Outside or Base layer] The compression baselayer for men is good…
  • [Excellent Flexibility For Any Movement] The long gym top for men is designed with…
  • [100% Satisfaction Customer Service] Any problem with the athletic clothes for men,…
Bestseller No. 2
Under Armour Men’s Armour HeatGear Compression Long-Sleeve T-Shirt , Black (001)/White , Medium
  • Super-light HeatGear fabric delivers superior coverage without weighing you down
  • Mesh underarm & back panels for strategic ventilation
  • Material wicks sweat & dries really fast
  • Ergonomic design keeps seams off high abrasion areas & increases durability
  • Hybrid raglan sleeve construction for added range of motion & comfort
SALEBestseller No. 3
DEVOPS 3 Pack Men’s Athletic Long Sleeve Compression Shirts (Medium, Black/Blue/White)
  • 87% Polyester, 13% Spandex
  • 【Designed for All-Season】Great Performance in warm or cool weather. Sweat and…
  • 【Functional Fabric】 4-Way Stretch / Moisture Wicking / Two-Way Air Circulation /…
  • 【UV Sun Protection】 Rating UPF 50+ protects your skin from the sun’s harmful UV…
  • 【Comfortable】 Non abrasion spandex fabric with excellent elasticity and…

Nike Pro SS Compression Top

Nike has a ubiquitous lineup of compression tops. It’s incorporated with a comfortable, supportive clothing formula. The Pro-SS features minimal seaming and underarm mesh for maximum comfort.

See also  Soccer Players Who Wear Adidas Mundial (Are They Good?)

Its main advantage is how it fits and supports muscles. Additionally, it has a minimal seam design that reduces chafing. Unfortunately, on the flip side, you’ll have to part with a considerable amount. 

Mcdavid Hex Chest Protector Shirt

McDavid is famous for manufacturing padded sports clothing, including protector shirts. The design is aimed at offering protection to your sternum as you play. It’s sleek and obstructive, which means a player may not notice the presence of padding.

Bestseller No. 1
McDavid Men's Base Layer Fitted Compression Recovery Max Long Sleeve Shirt, Black, XX-Large
8 Reviews
McDavid Men’s Base Layer Fitted Compression Recovery Max Long Sleeve Shirt, Black, XX-Large
  • TARGETED COMPRESSION – Our Recovery Technology with body mapping and articulation…
  • PERFORMANCE – Provides a more complete recovery post competition and training….
  • COOLING TECHNOLOGY – Helps keep upper body cool. The upper-back mesh is…
  • MCDAVID GUARANTEE — At McDavid we know people want to be smart about the way they…
Bestseller No. 2
McDavid MD7630-0201-12 HEX Sternum Raglan 3/4 Shirt White/Black Youth-S
29 Reviews
McDavid MD7630-0201-12 HEX Sternum Raglan 3/4 Shirt White/Black Youth-S
  • DESIGN – Compression Shirt Boys – Mesh fabric across shoulders back and shoulders…
  • PROTECTION – Large Hex technology pad covering sternum, heart and chest area –…
  • ESSENTIAL – Keeps any athlete safe during play – Perfect for Baseball, Lacrosse,…
  • EASY CARE –Machine Washable – Can be thrown directly in the wash with your regular…
  • SIZING – Based on Chest Size: Youth Small: 25-26.5″, Youth Medium: 26.5-29.5″, Youth…
Bestseller No. 3
McDavid 3/4 Sleeve Recovery Max Shirt (Charcoal/Black/Bright Yellow – Medium)
  • PROVIDES BETTER PERFORMANCE: More Complete Recovery Post Competition and Training
  • ANATOMICALLY DESIGNED: to Help Pull Back Shoulders for Enhanced Postural Support
  • FORWARD SIDE SEAMS: For Better Fit, Increased Mobility and Reduced Chafing
  • LONG-LASTING: Longer Shirt Tail in Back for Extended Coverage
  • SEAM STRENGTHENING: 6-Thread Flat-Lock Technology

It features dense hexagonal padding that protects the player’s chest from impact. Also, it’s fashionable, stylish, and has a ventilated design to keep the soccer player comfortable.

Best Compression Shorts

Let’s look at some options out there when it comes to compression shorts. First are the best sellers on Amazon;

SALEBestseller No. 1
Under Armour Men’s Armour HeatGear Compression Shorts , Black (001)/Pitch Gray , Large
  • Super-light HeatGear fabric delivers superior coverage without weighing you down
  • Strategic mesh panels for added ventilation where you need it
  • Material wicks sweat & dries really fast
  • Ergonomic design keeps seams off high abrasion areas & increases durability
  • Wide, exposed elastic waistband with wordmark detail
Bestseller No. 2
TELALEO 5 Pack Compression Shorts for Men Spandex Sport Shorts Athletic Workout Running Performance Baselayer Underwear Black/Double Blue/Double Gray…
  • Compression support: Our compression shorts use Ergonomic design and 4-way stretch…
  • Breathable & Quick-dry: These compression underwear for men are made of spandex…
  • Flatlock Stitching: The sports compression shorts use flatlock Stitching, increase…
  • Elastic Waistband: Men’s running compression shorts using wide waistband design,…
  • Designed for All Sports: Men’s tights shorts provide UPF 50+ sun protection,…
Bestseller No. 3
New Balance Men’s Mesh 5″ No Fly Boxer Brief, Athletic Compression Underwear (3-Pack)
  • What’s Included: 3 New Balance Men’s Mesh 5” No Fly Boxer Briefs. The sizes are…
  • Ultimate Comfort: Made from 90% polyester and 10% spandex, the New Balance Men’s…
  • Superior Design: These boxer briefs feature an elastic waistband for added flex and…
  • ncredibly Durable: These boxers are incredibly durable and are highly fade resistant…
  • How to Wash: Washer and dryer safe! Machine wash cold with like colors. Only…

Zone3Mens Compression 2 in 1 Phantom Shorts

Their design allows for better blood flow, reduces lactic acid build-up, and improves recovery.

It combines conventional workout shorts and the benefits of full compression shorts.

Nike Pro Dri-FIT

They have a stretchy, sleek, and supportive fabric that wicks sweat, keeping a player dry, and provides all-day comfort.

Hybrid Compression Shorts

The hybrid compression shorts’ design is for multi-purpose fitness. They have a modular system which makes them very versatile because the compression element can be detached from the lightweight, fast-drying outer.

Another fantastic thing is the sweat-wicking fabric that cools the player when he is in action. These shorts are super soft, which makes them very comfortable. However, their price can be a long stretch for beginners.

Take a look at all equipment, and apparel soccer players need here.

Sharing is caring :)

/// Awesome Adidas Cleats ///

Related Posts


Thank you for reading our articles - we hoped you've enjoyed them and are having fun playing, coaching, and watching soccer.

Soccer Blade is an affiliate and an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases - at no extra cost to you.


Soccer Products FAQ

Can I Use Running Shoes for Soccer? 

You can play soccer in running shoes, but you won’t have the best performance unless you wear cleats or soccer boots.

Why are soccer balls black and white?

Soccer balls are traditionally black and white because when soccer was first shown on TV it was in black and white, so the mix of black and white on the balls helped viewers see the ball easier. 

How hard and what pressure should a soccer ball be?

The FIFA regulations say that the soccer balls should have a pressure between 8.81757 psi (0.6 atm) and 16.1655 psi (1.1 atm). If you’re playing soccer with friends, then opt for a pressure amount from the lower range.

What is the size of goals in soccer?

5-A-Side has dimensions that are 12-ft wide by 6-ft high. Such soccer goals are for under-7 and under-8 soccer games
7-A-Side has dimensions that are 12-ft wide by 6-ft high again. Such soccer goals are for under-9 and under-10 soccer games
9-A-Side has dimensions that are 16-ft wide by 7-ft high. Such soccer goals are for under-11 and under-12 soccer game
11-A-Side or full-size soccer goal has dimensions that are 24-ft wide by 8-ft high for the under-15 and over. Whereas, for the under-13 and under-14, it is 21 ft wide by 7-ft high

What is the soccer ball size and weight for each age group?

Size 1 - 3 years or under - 18 to 20 inches - 195 to 205 grams
Size 2 - 3 to 5 years - 20 to 22 inches - U4 - 250 to 280 grams
Size 3 - 5 to 8 years - 23 to 24 inches - U5 to U8 - 300 to 320 grams
Size 4 - 8 to 12 years - 25 to 26 inches - U8 to U12 - 350 to 390 grams
Size 5 - More than 12 years - 27 to 28 inches - U12 to Pro - 410 to 450 grams