When it comes to CrossFit, the right gear can make a big difference — not just in comfort, but in performance too. At CrossFit Actus, we believe that when you feel good, you move better, lift stronger, and stay safer.
Here’s a quick guide to choosing the best clothing for your workouts.
1. Breathable, Sweat-Wicking Tops
CrossFit Workouts can get tough. You want a shirt that pulls sweat away from your skin to keep you cool and dry.
Look for:
- Lightweight, technical fabrics (polyester blends, bamboo). We only sell a poly-cotton blend of T-shirt at the gym because we want something lightweight that is comfortable to workout in. They’ve been very popular since we began selling them 10 years ago.
- Athletic cuts that don’t get in the way during lifts or gymnastics
- Optional: Tank tops or sleeveless tees if you prefer more airflow. This is mostly personal since the fit really depends on your preference.
💬 Coach’s Tip: Most people love to workout in Cotton but it can get very heavy when wet. It will absorb all your sweat and turn into a sponge.
2. Durable, Flexible Bottoms
Your shorts or leggings should stretch and survive all the squats, lunges, and rope climbs you’ll throw at them.
Look for:
- 4-way stretch fabrics
- Reinforced stitching if you’re a frequent rope climber
- Mid-thigh shorts (not too short, not too baggy) for unrestricted movement
- The choice between pants and shorts can be a tough. However, it depends on what you feel most comfortable wearing
💬 Coach’s Tip: For ladies — high-waisted leggings tend to stay put during burpees and box jumps.
3. The Right Shoes Matter
Running shoes aren’t built for lifting heavy or moving sideways quickly. CrossFit-specific shoes strike the right balance between support, grip, and flexibility.
Look for:
- Flat, stable soles (great for squats and deadlifts)
- Good side support for agility movements
- Durable uppers (for rope climbs)
Some of the favourites you’ll find at Actus are: NOBULL Trainers, Nike Metcons, and Reebok Nanos. They feel different than most athletic shoes so you’re best to try them on in store. I would check out the Sportcheck near Saint-Laurent or the Reebok outlet in the Tanger Outlet shopping mall
4. Extra Gear to Consider
- Grip Socks: If you love rope climbs or box jumps, these can add confidence.
- Wrist Wraps or Knee Sleeves: Great for joint support if you’re lifting heavy often but not required when beginning.
- Headbands or Sweatbands: Keep that sweat from getting in your eyes mid-WOD! Not everybody is a fan of the look so completely up to you.
- Jump Rope: Not obligatory by any means but having a fitted speed rope can help a ton. We do also keep a bunch of speed ropes at the gym as well with basic sizes.
5. What to Avoid
- Super baggy clothing (it can catch on barbells or equipment)
- Shoes with a very thick sole such as running shoes. They make staying stable harder for squats and deadlifts
- Jewelry (wedding or engagement rings) or watches that can get in the way when lifting weights.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need the most expensive gear to crush your workouts — but having the right clothing can absolutely help you move better, stay safer, and enjoy the grind a little more.
When in doubt, feel free to reach out, we’re happy to help you gear up!
✍️ Ready to level up your training?
Come check out CrossFit Actus — just bring your willingness to hard work, and we’ll guide you through the rest.