Our reviews are 100% organic. We do not accept payment for reviews or bundle with advertising budgets. In most cases, the brand is providing the product to our reviewers free of charge. XOSKIN has built its reputation in endurance sports by combining advanced fabric technologies with state-of-the-art construction techniques that enhance your performance while optimizing comfort. Most of their apparel lineup consists of light compression-style garments that dissipate heat and moisture while diminishing friction on the surface of your skin.
We tested two new products in the XOSKIN lineup: the men’s 3.0 XOUNDERWEAR liner shorts, and the 4.0 Compression Shorts which are offered in men’s and women’s versions. The liner is slightly thinner and is designed to ride underneath an external layer, while the Compression Shorts can be worn as a stand-alone without a base layer underneath. In colder conditions, the Compression Shorts are still thin enough to wear under longer shorts or running pants, so they offer a bit more year-round versatility.
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- Men’s Compression Shorts with mid-rise waist
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- Women’s Compression Shorts with low-rise waist
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- Men’s XOUNDERWEAR
The two products share a number of innovative material and construction elements that are common across the XOSKIN line. First is their RAPIDriCOPPER technology that combines Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and copper fibers as an external support structure for the skin. PTFE is a smooth, hydrophobic, high-density material that provides moisture management, abrasion resistance and durability, while copper has antibacterial properties. This fabric feels very smooth against the skin, and a 3D seamless knitting process effectively prevents chafing.
We found this fabric and construction combination to work very effectively for thermoregulation and moisture control, even in warm conditions. Most of our testing for these items happened during hot summer conditions in California and Colorado, where we would normally shy away from using compression shorts or long-inseam base layers. Although there is more skin coverage with the XOSKIN items, the fabric doesn’t feel bulky or retain heat, and XOSKIN claims that the RAPIDriCOPPER technology actually decreases overall body heat through reduced friction and fast moisture transfer. While we didn’t feel a noticeable cooling effect, our overall comfort seemed almost comparable to wearing a pair of breezy shorts. The fabric allows full range of motion thanks to four-way stretch components, and never felt constrictive at high speeds.
The “external support structure” approach to XOSKIN products is seen in two additional performance features. The first of these is the fabric’s body-mapped sweat traps and air flow channel systems. During activity, the traps absorb excess sweat during activity and move it to the air channels for fast evaporation. In colder conditions or when at rest, these same air channels trap warm air against the skin for improved insulation.
Schematic of air chanel duct
Second is the use of targeted compression zones to provide increased support in the key muscle groups of the lower extremity: the thighs, glutes and quads. XOSKIN shorts aren’t nearly as tight as dedicated compression garments, but they also aren’t as hot or restrictive. Rather, the XOSKIN approach provides just enough compression to increase proprioception and slow the onset of muscle fatigue. In our testing, this was definitely apparent with runs of 20 miles or more. For that reason, they would be great options for runners seeking the advantages of compression garments without feeling like they’re putting on a wetsuit to go running.
Men’s XOUNDERWEAR
The extent of support and coverage you get from these bottom garments depends on what specifications you pick. XOUNDERWEAR comes in a “Midi” length that rests at the middle of your quads or a three-quarter length that extends to just above the knee. The Compression Shorts come in three length options from boxer-brief height to three-quarter length, and they are also made in three different tights options that extend below the knee. We tested the Midi-length shorts, and although the specs say they stretch to a 9” inseam length, the functional length proved to be closer to 6 or 7 inches – so if you like increased coverage, pick the longer option when choosing between two styles. (Fortunately, the shorts are pre-shrunk, so the length you buy will stay consistent after washing.) One final customization of the Compression Shorts is that all lengths are made in low-rise or mid-rise waist options depending on your preference.
XOSKIN 3.0 XOUNDERWEAR and 4.0 Compression Shorts are available at https://www.xoskin.us.
Specs and Features (both items):
- Fabric construction: breathable XOSKIN with RAPIDriCOPPER technology
- Seamless construction
- Four-way stretch for full range of motion
- Body-mapped sweat traps and air channels
- Anti-microbial and anti-odor material
- Length
- Two options for XOUNDERWEAR
- Three options for Compression Shorts
- MSRP:
- XOUNDERWEAR: $35-37, depending on length
- Compression Shorts: $66-77, depending on length
3 comments
After running in XOSKIN shorts and underwear, I really can’t run in anything else for any reasonable distance. These shorts are a game changer.
The regulation of body temperature is important to me. After wearing XOSkin for a number of years, it’s all there is for me. I wear the same products in summer that I wear in winter. Shorts, socks, shirts, underwear, all of it!! There is simply nothing like it!
I love the XOskin product line. I wear them on every run and hike, I’ve never had chafing, hotspots, or blisters. they fit perfectly without slipping and and works well with wicking. If you are a toe sock person, check out their toe socks, they have tiny interdigital micro holes to help for form fitting toes, toe stretch and airflow. Women , even though this was for the men’s wonderware and shorts, the woman’s line is the same XOwonderfulness!!
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