Sat, Jul 26, 2014

Shorts for CrossFit: what to look for

by GABRIEL SIMON

One of the most useful items of clothing for CrossFit are shorts and there are several features you should look for when purchasing a pair of shorts for CrossFit.

Shorts for CrossFit should facilitate maximum range of motion

The most essential and the defining feature of any good pair of shorts for CrossFit are slits or stretch seams for easy movement and increased range of motion.

Whether you’re doing squats, dead lifts, snatches or cleans, you want to ensure your range of motion in not impeded by your shorts. Unfortunately, a lot of conventional shorts are made from rigid fabrics or just have poor design so that they pull and bunch when  doing big lifts.

The 4-way stretch fabric and unique compression waist system facilitate excellent mobility while providing a comfortable no-slip fit.

Shorts for CrossFit should be breathable and quick drying

When you’re completing an intense WOD, you’re going to get sweaty.In fact, if you’re not dripping with sweat, something is probably wrong! It makes sense then to wear shorts with good ventilation. This comes in the form of vents and breathable materials.Similarly, it’s important that your shorts are made from wicking material that draw the moisture from your body and then subsequently dry quickly. There’s nothing worse than having your shorts stay wet for days after your workout!

A great additional feature of some shorts for CrossFit are antimicrobial fabrics for odour control. Antimicrobial fabrics prevent the bacteria from growing that release all those nasty smells. It’s nice to be able to use your shorts a few times between washes and with antimicrobial properties in the fabric it will enable you to do that without smelling up the gym!


Women’s shorts for CrossFit are different from those designed for men

The main difference between women’s and men’s shorts for CrossFit are the design.
The functional properties on the other hand are essentially the same. Men tend to wear shorts that resemble board shorts or MMA fight shorts.Women on the other hand, wear shorts that resemble bike shorts or capris.


If you want CrossFitter shorts specifically designed for women, some great capris for women have the same functional properties of excellent shorts for CrossFit.  Lululem make very stylish shorts that, although not designed specifically for CrossFit, have essentially the same properties and will make excellent shorts for any WOD. Finally, some great ‘booty shorts’ that are made from flexible and quick drying materials, perfect for a CrossFit workout.

There are several other features to look for in shorts for CrossFit that are desirable,but not essential:

A zipperless fly (velcro) for comfort and safety

Flat seams for chaffing resistance.

Pockets for a stop watch or keys.It’s important to have at least one pocket to store something, even if it’s just on your way to the box.

Draw string so that you can change the size the size of your shorts as you change the shape of your body!

Water drainage, which makes it good if you want it to double up as a swimsuit/bathers.