Four Things to Look for in a Shirt You'll Wear for Crossfit

Crossfit is a great way to get in shape and lose weight. The combination of cardio and weight lifting will help you burn calories fast, and it also keeps your workout interesting. To get through your crossfit workout comfortably, however, you will need the right clothing -- and especially the right shirt. Here are four things to look for in a shirt that you'll wear for crossfit.

1. Stretchy Material

Having to quick bend down, pick up a weight, and then boost it above your head requires flexibility -- not only in your body, but also in your clothing. A less-flexible shirt might rip, and that would be embarrassing. When looking at shirts for crossfit, take a minute to try stretching the shirt in all directions. Make sure it stretches both up and down, left and right. In general, the more elastic the shirt, the better.

2. Breathability

You're going to get warm doing crossfit. It's a tough sport, and if you're doing it right, you will sweat. What is important is that the shirt you wear breathes so that the sweat can be wicked away from your body. Look for a shirt that is marketed to be breathable and sweat-wicking. Thinner material is usually a better choice. Don't worry; you won't be too cold, even in the winter, once you start moving.

3. A Lack of Edge Banding

A lot of workout shirts have trim or edge banding along the edges of the sleeves or along the bottom of the shirt. This may look nice, but it's not the best choice for crossfit since the edges can irritate your skin or even get in the way of weights when you're lifting. Look instead for a shirt with flat seams and edges. Color is perfectly fine -- but make sure the color is not added in the form of edge banding.

4. Adequate Length

You're going to be doing a lot of jumping and ducking during your workout. If your shirt is a little too short, you may end up showing off too much as you jump around. Make sure you try on any workout shirt you are thinking of buying for crossfit. Lift your arms, and make sure it still covers you when you do. 

If you follow the advice above, the shirt you buy should be excellent for crossfit. Once you find a men's crossfit shirt you like, purchase several to have on hand.