CXP Ultralite XP Compression Shorts review: For endurance sports you need unfaltering comfort and durability and CXP’s baselayer shorts deliver in spades…

For a full roundup, check out the best sports boxers

BEST FOR ENDURANCE

CXP Ultralite XP Compression Shorts

BUY IT NOW:

£50, cxpofficial.com

Pros:

  • Mildly compressive
  • Bonded anti-chafe seams
  • Excellent durability

Cons:

  • Fairly expensive 

Support: 5/5
Comfort: 5/5
Durability: 5/5
OVERALL: 5/5

If you’re looking for next-level, locked-in fit for longer workouts, stepping up to a pair of baselayer-style shorts with more leg coverage – and some mild compression – is a great option. 

Hit the gym with the best shorts for men

The CXP Ultralite XP provide the close fit of a pair of workout briefs. But with longer legs and a high-quality blend of 86% polyamide and 14% spandex, they offer additional support to your muscles but retain a range of movement that’s ideal for running, riding and sports like football and rugby.  

CXP Ultralite XP Compression Shorts features

They’re lighter than other base layer shorts with a comfortable ergonomic pouch to hold your delicates and bonded seams that eliminate the risk of chafing. In tests they can withstand 6-hour sessions in 30°C heat without rubbing. That’s partly due to the almost seamless design but the sweat-wicking fabric also moves moisture well, to avoid any areas getting drenched and saggy. 

For CrossFit, HIIT and lifting these are the best gym shoes

The shorts feature a multi-panel waistband that CXP says helps to reduce abdominal pressure by up to 40% by distributing it more effectively across key zones. In practice it delivers too, sitting flat and secure, without rolling up or cutting in, evening out the pressure and moving with your body.

Additional small silicone waistband grips prevent unwanted movement – exactly what you need on longer endurance efforts like ultra runs. 

They’re light enough to wear under outer shorts while the legs stay put and don’t ride up. Durability is excellent, too. In tests one pair withstood 67 marathons in 67 days and are still going strong. 

For training or lounging these are the best sweatpants and joggers

If you want the same clever C-Cut waistband but in a shorter boxer style, there are CXP Run 2.0 and CORE XP briefs. These use a different blend of polyester and spandex and are probably more suitable for regular gym workouts. 

The CXP Ultralite XP only come in black and are limited to four sizes from S to XL.