What is the difference between spandex and compression shorts

If this is making your head spin, we created a full glossary of compression gear terms for you to use. Pay attention to the inseam, and make sure it matches your use. This is an example of a short, 3 inch inseam.

Since its introduction , spandex has been found in garments ranging from shorts, to socks, to shirts, to undergarments, to sleeves for joints and limbs.

It has also been blended with many other fabrics to create a material that is really a staple of workout gear ranging from entry-level to very high-end, and for many different types of sports and activities. Spandex and lycra, elastane has definitely become a favorite of the athletic scene, not only for its flexibility and stretchiness, but also because of its excellent ability to wick away moisture and sweat. Investing in spandex shorts is no different than buying other workout gear.

You need to balance your specific sport needs, with your desired features, with your price budget. And then you need to find all of those things in a package that fits right and feels comfortable.

While it might seem simple, there are actually an abundance of spandex shorts on the market in a variety of price ranges… so doing a little research will help make sure that you get the shorts that suit your needs. Either way, we recommend buying spandex shorts designed for sports, even if your plan is to simply wear them around the house. They will be better-made, and more comfortable in the long-term.

Further down below, we give you five specific shorts models of various prices that we think you will like. Highest-End: Athletic Compression Shorts. Compression shorts have been on the market for several years, and have an industry niche all of their own. Compression shorts are often worn by professional or collegiate athletes, or by serious hobby athletes and fitness freaks who take their workouts seriously. They are made of a spandex blend, but each manufacturer has a different formula of materials to give each company a competitive edge.

High-end compression shorts are made by the brands 2XU, Tyr, and other makers of running, bike, and triathlon gear, and are suitable for activities such as Crossfit, endurance running, HIIT, and recovery. They will often come with an advertised compression level expressed in mmHg reading, and the more expensive shorts are often 20 mmHg and higher.

Note that once you get above 30 mmHg, compression gear can actually become too tight and that level of compression is often intended for medical uses. While these shorts feel great and can be worn as both outerwear or underwear, they come with a price. Shorts in this range have a variety of great uses. While you might not find the same level of high-end construction and durability, you will also save on the price tag.

What you might not get at this price point will be things like ultra-flat and reinforced seams, advanced leg grips, and compression at the 20 mmHg and above level. But for many uses, it is preferable to not have that much compression anyway. Spandex used to be associated with females, but today it is even a staple of NFL players. The entry-level spandex shorts are what many people think about when they think about spandex shorts.

Looking on the bright side, spandex and compression shorts often wick moisture. So, even if you sweat more, your shorts can handle it. Basketball shorts are designed for use while playing basketball, but you can wear them for other workouts if you want. This is to provide a great range of motion. The s saw a change in basketball shorts where they became looser and longer, influenced by hip hop culture.

These shorts come in various lengths and styles, and which one you choose is mainly up to preference. Instead, the shorts cover you up with overlapping fabric. The quality of the liner depends on the brand you get, so try to go at least mid-range when purchasing running shorts with liners.

Without a liner, many people opt to wear spandex or compression shorts under their shorts. They find it to be more supportive and comfortable that way. They can take you from the treadmill to the rowing machine to the weight room. Like with most gym shorts, you can wear compression shorts underneath these. It wicks sweat away from your skin, and the sweat dries almost instantly on the surface of the shorts. Polypropylene is a lot like nylon. Polyester is common, highly affordable, light, breathable, and durable.

It wicks sweat and keeps you dry. Mesh shorts are typically loose-fitting but not baggy. The material is often used in all-purpose shorts and basketball shorts. You can generally wear any shorts for any activity, but they have their designated uses for a reason! Better yet, line your closet with a bunch of different types of workout shorts so you always have options! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. There is a whole word of compression terminology that describes this family of garments, which has stormed on to the scene in the past decade.

A good compression short will be snug but not so tight it is uncomfortable, and the seems need to be perfect. If a seam is too pronounced or even a little rough, the compression qualities of the short will go unnoticed due to the discomfort of wearing them. Any points of contact with the skin should be snug but also smooth. Compression shorts, like compression tights or compression socks which share much of the same technology, offer measured gradients of compression.

Common compression levels for athletic gear is in the mmHg range, a range which studies have shown aid in athletic recovery between workouts or sporting events.

We did an entire piece on what get for the money at various price points when buying compression shorts. Check it out if you want to do a deep dive. Those makers are in tune with the demands of serious athletes, and we find their compression shorts to be top-notch. We have an entire section on compression shorts reviews if you want to learn more. Bike shorts are a different animal than compression shorts when it comes to buying them.

Cycling shorts need to be comfortable on a bike ride, which is different than comfort from a compression standpoint. When looking at bike shorts, we like to really focus in on three things. Cycling shorts are often just a bit looser, and have the all-important bike pad along with stronger thigh grips. First, the seat pad is obviously crucial to your comfort, especially if you do rides of more than an hour or 15 miles.

The cushion on your bike seat or lack thereof may also have a bearing on how much cushion you look for in your seat pad. Second, we look at the thigh grips. These elastic pieces need to be strong enough to keep the shorts from riding, but not so strong that you have an imprint for hours after each ride. Worst is a thigh grip that cuts into your skip and causes chafing.

One of the first places we notice high-end shorts diverging from the cheapo models is in the leg grips. Finally, we like to be sure the shorts provide a general level of support without being too tight.

As such, we recommend that once you find a pair of bike shorts that works for you, you simply continue to order new ones online — same brand and size — and you will be happy with a consistent feel and fit for years.

For more comparison and the best deals on cycling shorts, visit our in-depth article, complete with video and diagrams, on the best cycling shorts on the market, and what to look for in them. Cycling shorts are meant to be used during bike rides and cycling workouts e. Unlike compression shorts, cycling shorts will typically be a garment that you sweat and perspire in. To keep both your skin and the shorts in good shape, you should not wear them when not cycling.