One of the most useful items of CrossFit clothing are CrossFit shorts and there are several features you should look for when purchasing a pair.
CrossFit shorts should facilitate maximum range of motion
The most essential and the defining feature of any good CrossFit shorts 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.
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Jaco (above) make excellent CrossFit shorts. The 4-way stretch fabric and unique compression waist system facilitate excellent mobility while providing a comfortable no-slip fit.
Click on the picture to purchase.
CrossFit shorts 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 CrossFit shorts 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!
Rogue and UN92 both make great crossfit shorts. Notice the quick drying, breathable material they are made from.
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CrossFit shorts for women are different from those designed for men
The main difference between women’s and men’s CrossFit shorts 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.
- Lululemon shorts
Rebbok capris
If you want CrossFit shorts specifically designed for women, Reebok (above) are your best bet. Reebok make some great capris for women, which have the same functional properties of excellent CrossFit shorts. Lululemon (above) 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, Jaco (below), have some great ‘booty shorts’ that are made from flexible and quick drying materials, perfect for a CrossFit workout.
Jaco women's booty shorts. Sign up to mailing list for a 15% discount.
There are several other features to look for in CrossFit shorts 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.
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