Clothes for Crossfit/working out

[namelesswonder]

I wasn't sure if I should post this in the Cross Training subforum or here.

 

For any other folks of the lady persuasion or to whom it may concern: what do you wear for Crossfit classes?

 

I just started last week. I have basically no workout gear. When I bike in the summer, I borrow my husband's athletic shirts, but those are too loose for Crossfit. If I did a hand-stand, they'd fall to my face, and they'd get in the way of movements that go up my body. I have only one pair of bicycling shorts otherwise I borrow my husband's huge basketball shorts, which are too loose for Crossfit (I'd get caught in the crotch during kettlebell swings haha). Last week, I wore my one pair of bicycling pants (they're running pants actually, lightly insulated so I find they keep my joints comfortable once we really get moving) and a very thin & soft t-shirt (men's size small, which fits me well in the shoulders and is long enough for "modesty"). I've just been washing that over and over since then.

 

I find sweating in regular cotton t-shirts pretty uncomfortable aside from this really soft/thin one I have, they just feel too hot/stiff to me. I'm small busted, so not too concerned about compressing breasts or anything like that. I did buy two sports bras this weekend just because.

 

• I'd like to cover my legs entirely because I'll feel less self-conscious and don't have to worry about rubbing as much during deadlifts and similar activities. Seems like my only option is compression leggings, is that okay?
• Would yoga pants work well enough or am I likely to get too sweaty/hot in those? Would the bottoms get in the way if they're slightly flared and not skin-tight?
• I don't want something that makes any jiggling too obvious on my lower half (I tried on some capris at Old Navy over the weekend and it somehow seemed more revealing than being naked), so that's mostly avoiding some materials...
• Shorts would be great for when I feel more confident, but it seems like all the shorts I find have a lining (which I like), but the elastic in the lining is too tight for my thighs. If I get the next size up, the waist band is too big. I'd rather not go with skin-tight shorts, but if that's my only option... what kind of material should I look for?
• I need tops that won't ride up while I'm moving around (so brand preference here would be nice), but still tight enough that I'm not going to flash a lot of skin if I do hand-stands. I can't seem to find anything that's not flowy or trying to be fashionable as opposed to functional.

 

Any brand/store preferences? I'd like to try things on in person, but I'm also trying not to break the bank. I'm sure this is pretty straight forward for some people, but I'm really new to regular exercise so I'm kind of nervous about being improperly outfitted. If it's not clear already, I have a lot of anxiety about looking stupid. I know, "everybody starts somewhere".

 

Please let me know if there have been similar posts and I'll go hunting! Thanks!

[namelesswonder]

Well, that's a strike against Old Navy. Their compression pants are comfortable, but they ride down my butt so I had to keep hiking them up during class. I bought a shirt that looked comfortable, but foolishly did not try it on. It's SO low cut. I think I could wear a sports bra with it and it won't look too weird (I mean, people work out wearing sports bras as a top, right?), but not sure I have the confidence yet.

 

I'm going to get some cheap cotton shorts at a sports store this weekend, I think. Something that washes easily and I won't have to tug at during class.

[Kaylya]

Most yoga tops are designed to not move around when doing upside down poses. There are also yoga pants that are a legging style if you're worried about extra fabric (and also lots of running pants are like that, though make sure you don't get something too warm). I don't crossfit but I have deadlifted in regular yoga pants and I don't recall the fabric bothering me (though I more often wear capris or shorts). It's probably easier to find tank tops that are fitted enough to stay with you if you go upside down than t-shirts; if you're not comfortable in a fitted tank top you could always layer something lightweight over it (there are some super lightweight somewhat translucent athletic tops out there that would work well for that purpose, like this one by Nike).

[namelesswonder]

Most yoga tops are designed to not move around when doing upside down poses. There are also yoga pants that are a legging style if you're worried about extra fabric (and also lots of running pants are like that, though make sure you don't get something too warm). I don't crossfit but I have deadlifted in regular yoga pants and I don't recall the fabric bothering me (though I more often wear capris or shorts). It's probably easier to find tank tops that are fitted enough to stay with you if you go upside down than t-shirts; if you're not comfortable in a fitted tank top you could always layer something lightweight over it (there are some super lightweight somewhat translucent athletic tops out there that would work well for that purpose, like this one by Nike).

 

Thanks, that's a good point about tank tops vs t-shirts. Most I've found are fitted at the bottom, but loose everywhere else. I think I'm just looking in the wrong places and am going to have to shell out more money than I'd hoped. Yoga pants are practically a dime a dozen these days, so I'm sure I can pick up a few pairs without crying over my wallet.

[Noname123]

Bummer on the Old Navy, they're my favorite  

 

If you do have some time to kill though I'd go back and try different styles. I have some compression pants I just absolutely ADORE and stay in place like no other from them. And then I have other pants from them, still compression, different cut that slide all over the place, I swear people think I have butt crack issues when I wear them. 

[namelesswonder]

Thanks, yeah I'm just going to have to spend more time poking around. I do squats in the changing rooms to try and check the fit of pants/shorts, but unfortunately a workout is the true test. I'm sure I can make any failed choices work for other activities (if I ever start running, maybe for bicycling in the summer).

 

I'm also on the lookout for some CrossFit shoes. My Merrell Barefoot Pace Gloves are okay, but I wear those everyday. I need some minimalist shoes for everyday wear and some exclusively for CrossFit. Fortunately, it looks like 6PM.com has some great deals (many options under $50), though I will try to find comparable models in stores first to make sure I order the right siz.e

[Vintage]

I like the nike legend 2.0 capris (the poly/dri fit blend ones). They're thick enough not to feel naked in but not too hot. Athleta's Chi tank tops are my go-to tops, fitted enough to not be all over the place but not skin tight. They usually have colors on sale. But I also tuck my shirts in when I'm doing handstands usually. 

 

I'm willing to spend a reasonable amount of money on my workout capris, shorts and sports bras because I wear them a ton. I also take good care of my workout gear (hang them up to dry, don't wash them with things like towels, sweatshirts and jeans) so they last. 

 

One thing I figured out after several months of crossfit and trying to keep my pants from sliding down: a lot of workout bottoms are made to be worn without undies, and they tend to slide down way more when you wear something under them. 

[namelesswonder]

 

One thing I figured out after several months of crossfit and trying to keep my pants from sliding down: a lot of workout bottoms are made to be worn without undies, and they tend to slide down way more when you wear something under them. 

 That is something I noticed as well, but I really dislike going commando so I'll have to keep looking for things that don't require that!

 

The box owner has some pants that kind of look like athletic cargo pants. They're fitted enough so they don't get in the way, plenty of give so you can move freely. I wish I could find something like that.

[Vintage]

Ask where they came from!

 

 

You can also consider double layering, putting compression/yoga shorts under soccer style shorts. As long as the top llayer's not huge and don't go past your knee, they shouldn't catch on anything in a terrible way, and if they ride up some or fall down some you're covered. That's what a lot of our guys do.

[namelesswonder]

Ask where they came from!

 

 

You can also consider double layering, putting compression/yoga shorts under soccer style shorts. As long as the top llayer's not huge and don't go past your knee, they shouldn't catch on anything in a terrible way, and if they ride up some or fall down some you're covered. That's what a lot of our guys do.

 

So simple, so smart. Thanks!

[Elennare]

for tops, I've found the tank tops they sell at target to be pretty good. not the ones in the workout section, but in juniors. they're long, and snug enough to stay put, and pretty cheap add well. merino, I think, is the brand?

I've also got a pair of full-length yoga pants from old navy that I love. I've picked up a couple pairs of Capri length pants at target that are pretty awesome, and a couple pairs of full length pants from there as well. the c9 brand seems fairly good, but be aware that the cotton yoga pants shrink in length like crazy ( the short ones were perfect, but after a few washes were almost crops. so I got a pair of the regular length, which dragged on the floor at the store and they are almost short on me now!)

[Moxie Hart]

Old Navy and Under Armor compression pants are pretty much all I wear, with a variety of tank tops. Both are hit or miss tho in terms of style so I always try them on first! I've also found the reebok cross fit sports bras to be super comfortable. 

 

I wear reebok nano 2.0s but in a kids' size because my feet are only like a women's 7.5. Same shoe, half the price lol 

[baking_jeans]

Hi namelesswonder!

 

I do crossfit and here comes my gear (bought in Europe):

 

As for shoes I have reebok's nano, they work for me nicely. Apart from them every reebok nano shoe is fine. In fact, even converses would work

http://1but.pl/images/products/mediaport/watermarked/reebok-v54727-zquick_tr-1-e.jpg

 

Top: I agree with you, regular cotton t-shirts are not good at all. I use several tops from Nike Pro Dry Fit collection. With this one I was so happy I bought one more exactly same:

http://sarafis.pl/34373-koszulka-nike-pro-hypercool-falsh-tank.html

 

And most important - sports bra. I can't imagine training without one; that would probably hurt

[Noname123]

Ok I was just linked this and thought of this thread

 

http://www.hylete.com/

 

I totally got a lady boner of all the awesome clothes....which was quickly killed once I saw the prices But thought I'd share in case anyone's workout clothing budget is in a better place than mine  

[BarbaraGordon]

for tops, I've found the tank tops they sell at target to be pretty good. not the ones in the workout section, but in juniors. they're long, and snug enough to stay put, and pretty cheap add well. merino, I think, is the brand?

I've also got a pair of full-length yoga pants from old navy that I love. I've picked up a couple pairs of Capri length pants at target that are pretty awesome, and a couple pairs of full length pants from there as well. the c9 brand seems fairly good, but be aware that the cotton yoga pants shrink in length like crazy ( the short ones were perfect, but after a few washes were almost crops. so I got a pair of the regular length, which dragged on the floor at the store and they are almost short on me now!)

 

I agree with Target. I like some of their workout tops and I've had a pair of their capris for a few years now and they are still in pretty good shape.