Why do some basketball players wear shirts under their jerseys?

Though the Lakers star, Anthony Davis is probably the first player who comes to mind when you think of those who wear a shirt beneath their jerseys, there are actually a number of others who do as well and the number continues to grow.

The reasons NBA players wear shirts under their jerseys

For starters, we should make it clear that the shirts that NBA players can be seen wearing games are not actually shirts, but rather compression shirts. Indeed, loose fitting t-shirts would actually be against the league’s dress code. So, the question is why do they wear them? There are a handful of reasons that players wear compression shirts, starting with muscle support.

As you can imagine, the compression aspect of the material helps to stabilize muscles while reducing the risk of injury. Studies have also demonstrated that they improve circulation, which in turn assists with temperature regulation. On that note, the material used also removes sweat from the player’s skin, keeping them dry and cool in warmer temperatures. Understandably, they also keep players warm when it’s cold. With all of this said, it’s still very much a choice made on personal preference.

Which NBA players wear shirts under their jerseys?

As mentioned above, LA’s Anthony Davis is by far the most recognizable of those who wear shirts under their jerseys. That being said, there are others such as fellow Lakers teammate and arguably the best player in NBA history, LeBron James, though it must be said he’s worn a shirt less in recent seasons. There’s also former Lakers player, Russell Westbrook, as well as Phoenix’s new boy and former MVP, Kevin Durant and his teammate, Chris Paul. Interestingly, both James and Westbrook have taken to wearing arm sleeves rather than a shirt these days. Sleeves of course perform the same functions as mentioned above.