An excellent option for when bad weather hits, these compression shirts are made to be worn as a base-layer to keep your warm during workouts. Constructed from materials that are meant to stretch for fit while providing different levels of compression against your body, we always make sure we have a few compression shirts handy once the weather starts to turn.
While these shirts are a staple for many athletes who require the extra layer for warmth and the additional support they provide, anyone can benefit from adding these tops to their athleisure arsenal.
Featured below are seven of the best compression shirts for women we could find. These tops have fitted, supportive silhouettes and are sized up or down easily for a tighter or looser feel. Choose from either a mock-neck style for a little extra warmth and coverage or crew-neck style for ease of layering and a hidden neckline.
In addition to the compression aspect of these shirts, their four-way stretch and lightweight materials allow for an enhanced range of motion while remaining comfortable against the skin. The specialized, breathable materials are also equipped with anti-odor technology, are moisture-wicking, and fast-drying, keeping you dry and comfortable all day long.
1. Neleus Dry Fit Athletic Compression T-Shirt
The Dry Fit Athletic Compression Shirt by Neleus is made of a soft, breathable and moisture-wicking fabric designed to keep you dry and comfortable. These ideal layering tees are suitable for all sports, indoors and out, including yoga, running, basketball and even snow sports like skiing or snowboarding. These are meant to fit very snug, almost like a second skin, yet give you a wide range of motion. The shirts have flatlock seams to prevent chafing and have quick-dry, fabrics to keep you comfortable as you sweat.
Pros: A UPF 50+ will help keep you protected during sunny days.
Cons: These tops do not come with thumb holes.
2. Under Armour Cold Gear Mock Shirt
Under Armour’s Fitted Mock Neck Shirt is a wonderful base layer and cold-weather essential to keep you warm on even the coldest days. It has a unique knit fabric that will help maximize comfort and breathability while maintaining warmth. What’s more, it will wick excess moisture from the skin to keep you dry and comfortable as you exercise. Available in a variety of colors, this shirt has a four-way stretch to ensure maximum mobility. It’s a great layering piece that stays close to the body to keep you feeling protected without the squeeze of compression.
Pros: Anti-odor technology prevents the growth of odor-causing microbes.
Cons: This shirt may run a bit on the small side.
3. Wanayou Compression Shirt
Wanayou’s Compression Shirt is a long sleeve, crew-neck style performance shirt with UPF 50. Ideal for all-season wear, this shirt will thrive in all types of training, including all-weather sports such as baseball, basketball, weight training, skiing, and tennis. Its moisture-wicking fabric allows for rapid absorption of excessive sweat to keep you dry and comfortable and is lightweight and breathable for a super soft feel against the skin. A straight hem and pull on closure allows this shirt to be worn as a base layer or on its own for a seamless, comfortable fit.
Pros: This shirt is machine washable for easy care.
Cons: The white color may be slightly see-through.
4. Baleaf Fleece Mock Neck Top
The Fleece Mock Neck Top by Baleaf is a great, lightweight athletic top made with four-way stretch to improve mobility for a full range of motion. Made with a soft brushed fabric to help prevent the loss of body heat and provide warmth, this shirt also has a mock neck and drop-tail hem design for extra coverage. Perfect for working out indoors and out, this shirt has smooth, chafe-free flatlock seam construction for comfort and flat seams that will move smoothly against your skin to keep the shirt in place.
Pros: Reflective elements on this shirt enhance visibility in low light situations.
Cons: This shirt may be too warm for hotter weather situations.
5. Under Armour Cold Gear Authentic Crew Shirt
Similar to the mock neck shirt above, the Crew Neck ColdGear Shirt by Under Armour is a comfortable crew neck option with Under Armour’s signature moisture transport system that wicks sweat away to keep you dry and light. Ideal for colder weather, it has a double-layer construction for warmth. It is fitted enough to feel prominent against the skin without that uncomfortably tight feeling you get from some compression shirts.
Pros: Anti-odor technology prevents the growth of odor-causing microbes.
Cons: The crew neck comes up higher than most.
6. TSLA Wintergear Compression Long Shirts
TSLA’s Baselayer Winter Gear Shirts are designed for heat insulation, performance and a variety of activities, both indoors and out. Specifically designed to regulate body temperature in all cold conditions, this shirt has an inner micro-fleece fabric for insulation and warmth. Available in mock or crew neck options, this shirt has stretchy elastic and a lightweight design for style and function. This shirt is also designed with an extremely compressive fit in mind but can be customized based on your preferences –– order one size up for a looser, less compressive fit.
Pros: Body Geometry Fit technology provides for an ergonomic performance and fit.
Cons: This top runs on the smaller side.
7. Thermajane Thermal Underwear Shirt
Thermajane’s Thermal Under Shirt is made from ultra-soft fabric that is thin and lightweight but will still keep you warm in the coldest of climates. This top is designed with an air pocket and closely knitted pattern that traps in heat generated by your body, minimizing heat loss and letting your body naturally keep a comfortable temperature. Its four-way stretchable fabric moves with you, allowing you to partake in any activity while the cross-kitted fibers make these shirts naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, keeping you dry and preventing odors.
Pros: These tops are tagless, which minimizes skin irritation.
Cons: There are no thumb holes.