When looking for what to wear to CrossFit, start with moisture-wicking clothing. It helps pull moisture (usually sweat) away from your skin and releases it through the material so it can evaporate. It will keep you comfortable for longer. Luckily, there are many moisture-wicking options that are antimicrobial and available in a compression fit.
Compression gear has been shown to reduce swelling and inflammation after exercise or strenuous activity and help speed up recovery times. Compression clothing is meant to be tight and supportive and is usually form-fitting and stretchy. It also helps lock in body heat, which is another way to assist in preventing damage to muscles and joints (there is also compression gear made for winter workouts--it's designed to contain as much heat as possible). Most compression clothing has moisture-wicking properties that, in addition to keeping you more comfortable, help prevent chafing (especially when worn as an extra layer between the skin and other athletic clothing).
Here are some great brands and clothing lines for CrossFit:
Under Armour's HeatGear Sonic Compression clothing is a great choice. The HeatGear technology is perfect for keeping athletes cool and dry. Each item is created for better mobility to help improve comfortable range of motion. Some of our favorites are the Under Armour Heatgear Sonic Compression tee and Sonic Compression shorts for men in both short and long styles.
Shop Under Armour HeatGear compression clothes.
If you are looking for compression shorts for women try the Under Armour Authentic Mid Compression Shorts which are extremely comfortable and can be worn alone or as a base layer. Four-way stretch improves mobility while the compression hugs your muscles.
Under Armour Fly-By Compression leggings and capris for women are like wearing a super light, second skin; plus, that locked-in feeling helps speed recovery time. The Fly-By line offers temperature regulation with strategically placed mesh panels to release excess heat for better breathability.
Shop Under Armour compression clothes for women.
Another fantastic option is the adidas Climachill clothing line. The innovative aluminum cooling spheres actually cool your skin on contact, while SubZero yarn draws heat away from your body. Climachill clothing is cool, breathable and extremely comfortable; plus, it's available in a variety of styles (short sleeve, tank tops, and polo shirts for men and women.
If you prefer a looser fit, Under Armour's Armourvent line might be for you. The loose fit helps with an enhanced range of motion while the Moisture Transport System wicks sweat away from your body.
110% is compression plus ice. Their innovative products offer compression with both cold therapy and heat therapy, proven to improve circulation while preventing pain, fatigue, and muscle soreness. They make socks, shin/calf sleeves, elbow sleeves, knee sleeves, and arm sleeves. Each sleeve has a pocket where you can easily insert a specially made 110% ice sleeve. The combination of compression and ice helps you before, during and after exercise.
As an added benefit, compression arm sleeves or leg sleeves can be easily removed as you heat up.
And, finally, compression socks help improve your circulation to deliver more energy, allowing you to exercise harder and longer. They also help increase coordination by providing a sense of stability.