You know that girl in the gym who is constantly adjusting her shorts?
You don’t want to be that girl.
Even if you are alone in your garage and there’s nobody to see you pulling down that wedgie.
When it’s gym time, shorts are meant to be forgotten about. You don’t want thoughts about camel toe making you lose your rep count. Or, even worse, ending up with sweat marks after that tough CrossFit Open workout.
And again, the worst part about these problems isn’t that they’ll make you look…weird. The main problem is that even the slightest discomfort might keep you from hitting a PR. Plus, bad shorts can also mean uncomfortable chaffing, and overheating.
So how do you choose the most comfortable, secure, and functional…in other words…the best CrossFit shorts for women?
Today, we’re going to cover the top competitors and see which one has what you need. And to understand what you need, make sure to check out the buying guide and look into the most important features your shorts should have according to your demands.
Table of Contents
The Best CrossFit Shorts for Women
🏆 Best Overall Shorts
GORUCK Women’s Training Shorts
89
Best Metcon Shorts
ROGUE WOD Gear Clothing Booty Shorts
86
Best Squatting Shorts
88
Best Running Shorts
85
Best Budget Shorts
88
The Best CrossFit Shorts for Women
- GORUCK Women’s Training Shorts – Best CrossFit shorts for women (overall)
- ROGUE WOD Gear Clothing Booty Shorts – Best CrossFit shorts for metcons
- Born Primitive Double Take Booty Shorts – Best CrossFit shorts for squatting
- ROGUE Women’s 4” Runner Shorts – Best CrossFit shorts for running
- Reebok Workout Ready Shorts – Best budget CrossFit shorts
- Nike Pro 365 Shorts – Contender
- Tough Mode High Rise Shorts – Contender
GORUCK Women’s Training Shorts
⭐️ Verdict: Best CrossFit shorts for women
The GORUCK Women’s Training Shorts combine almost limitless functionality with long-term resiliency to withstand extended use, remaining “squat proof” after numerous washings.
The company’s patented ToughStretch combines sweat-wicking capabilities in a lightweight, breathable material.
GORUCK’s relationships with CrossFit has been slightly hard to follow, but their Women’s Training Shorts are the best CrossFit shorts for women. Hopefully the relationship continues so the shorts remain in production.
Pros
ToughStretch material is uniquely suited for CrossFit movements
Hidden mesh fabric in waistband secures like durable elastic
Short of choice for the 7-time CrossFit Games champion
Cons
Not inexpensive
If you’ve been paying attention to high-level CrossFit competitions during the last few years, you’ve probably noticed that Tia-Clair Toomey, the 7-time CrossFit Games champion, has started almost exclusively training and competing in GORUCK gear. Of the company’s extensive offerings, the GORUCK Women’s Training Shorts are the best shorts for CrossFit metcons.
GORUCK’s patented ToughStretch fabric combines the properties of being especially lightweight with superior sweat-wicking capabilities. The hidden mesh fabric in the shorts’ waistband operates as well as a purely elastic waistband, ensuring that the shorts remain in place throughout the duration of whatever WOD is programmed.
The GORUCK Training Shorts are best washed in cold water and hang dried. If you’re diligent about following these steps, they will remain “squat proof” (which in GORUCK’s language translates to being non-see-through). However, for all of these positive features, you’re going to pay a premium; these are some of the most expensive shorts on our list.
ROGUE WOD Gear Clothing Booty Shorts
⭐️ Verdict: Best CrossFit shorts for metcons
Rogue’s WOD Gear Clothing Booty Shorts are marketed as combining “coverage, comfort, and style” making them ideally suited for wear for various types of CrossFit metcons.
The shorts’ 4-way stretch material facilitates all types of CrossFit movement, moving with you through each lift while not losing their shape or elasticity over time.
The WOD Gear Clothing Booty Shorts do maintain their squat proof nature after repeated washings, but some materials (ex. the Rogue lettering) have been known to peel over time.
Pros
Breathable, moisture-wicking technology
Smaller internal waistband pockets for essentials
4-way stretch material provides added support during dynamic movements
Con
Not overly resilient or resistant to washing
Rogue’s WOD Gear Clothing Booty Shorts are the best shorts for CrossFit metcons for several reasons.
First, Rogue Fitness is well-known for its quality activewear. So you can rest assured you are buying a durable and functional product.
Now, Rogue has a variety of shorts to choose from. But this one is the best choice for CrossFit. The main reason is that the shorts won’t restrict your movement in any way due to their mid-rise, snug-fitting shape, and wide waistband. You can achieve the full range of motion CrossFit exercises require without having to adjust your shorts.
These shorts are made of 4-way stretch material – nylon/spandex blend. This material is comfortable, breathable, and moisture-wicking. This means you won’t end up with ugly sweat marks after a hard workout. Plus, the fabric is durable and returns back to its original shape after stretching so your shorts will still be nice and tight even after extensive use.
On the downside, some customers reported that the logo began peeling off from the shorts after a while. Make sure to wash them in cold water and hang-dry them in order to preserve the shorts’ integrity.
Born Primitive Double Take Booty Shorts
⭐️ Verdict: Best CrossFit shorts for squatting
The Born Primitive Double Take Booty Shorts are some of the company’s most iconic (i.e. oldest) and most popular.
Combining “perfect” coverage with movement-enhancing stretch, the Double Take Booty Shorts are ideal for all types of squatting movements as well as most other types of CrossFit exercises encountered in a typical metcon.
Born Primitive’s gear isn’t the most inexpensive on the market, but for those squatting a lot, there are few better options.
Pros
Wide waistband keeps the shorts in place without digging into the skin
Perfect coverage for all forms of squatting movements
Veteran-owned and operating company
Cons
Few design/pattern options
Born Primitive is a veteran-owned brand that proudly displays its patriotic values on their wear. With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that many of their Double Take Booty Shorts designs are American flag inspired. If you prefer or even just appreciate this sentiment, these shorts will likely be especially attractive to you.
The shorts are designed to fit closely around your legs and booty, so you have all the flexibility you need. The short inseam allows you to move freely in any workout. Still, it gets you enough coverage, with a wide waistband that keeps everything in place without digging into your skin.
Born Primitive knows how to make activewear. It was developed and tested by athletes in order to cover all the important features this kind of wear needs. The fabric they use for their shorts is extremely durable, stretchable, and breathable, supporting you throughout even the most intense workouts.
The only downside is that the high quality comes at a price. These shorts are on the expensive side, so they may not be best for those on a budget. However, there is no way that Born Primitive doesn’t make the list of the best CrossFit shorts for women.
ROGUE Women’s 4” Runner Shorts
⭐️ Verdict: Best CrossFit shorts for running
Rogue’s 4-inch Runner Shorts are, as the name implies, ideal shorts for any CrossFit workout or metcon that involves running. This extends to both shorter, sprint workouts and longer grinds like Murph.
The slightly looser fit facilitates greater range of motion than some other options and many women prefer the looser fit over more popular form-fitting and booty shorts.
The looser fit contributes to a degree of riding up for certain lifts and, as the “Rogue” name suggests, these aren’t the most affordable CrossFit training shorts available.
Pros
Loose fit allows for full range of motion
Lightweight and breathable
Small pockets for essentials
Cons
Could ride up during certain lifts (ex. squats)
Rogue’s 4’’ runner shorts have a looser fit for those who prefer something roomier. They are very lightweight, and don’t compress the body.
The material is mostly polyester, with a smaller percentage of spandex. Although it’s not as stretchy as the fabric that other models from this brand are made of, it’s still very breathable and comfortable and ensures a free range of motion.
While they’re not a tight fit, the shorts won’t slip, thanks to the wide waistband that sits snugly above the hips. Plus, the waistband has a small hidden pocket for essentials.
These shorts are great for different kinds of workouts, such as sprints, those with longer runs, and some lifts. However, since it’s a loose fit, it’s not really a great choice for all kinds of lifts. During some lifts, such as deadlifts and sumo deadlifts, the shorts might ride up. Also, because it’s not so stretchable, the material might feel too tight during squats. Still, if your training doesn’t include much of these, it’s pretty comfortable and functional.
Reebok Workout Ready Shorts
⭐️ Verdict: Best budget CrossFit shorts
Reebok’s Women’s Workout Ready Shorts are as affordable as they are iconic. A staple for fitness enthusiasts of all levels, these shorts are some of the most popular workout shorts of all time.
Those looking for shorts that aren’t overly form fitting, but fit appropriately enough for longer metcons, running, or squatting will be pleased with the “in-between” fit of the Workout Ready Shorts,
Although CrossFit movements weren’t in mind when these shorts were designed, for less than $10 a pair, they present an excellent value option.
Pros
Perfect, “not too tight, not too loose” fit
Extremely affordable
Numerous size and color options
Cons
Not designed with dynamic, CrossFit-style movements in mind
Reebok’s Workout Ready Shorts are by far the most inexpensive CrossFit shorts options on our list. They retail for less than $10 so if price and affordability are your two biggest priorities, these are likely the best options for you.
The Workout Ready Shorts’ fit balances elements of being tight enough, especially with the drawstring engaged, to stay comfortably in place throughout workouts, while also not being overly tight or form fitting for those who aren’t really fans of most skin-tight workout short options.
With a number of size and color options, if you found you really liked the Workout Ready Shorts, it would be easy to go a little crazy and order 10 pairs, especially given how inexpensive they are. However, since they are not designed with CrossFit specifically in mind, they have been known to ride up during certain movements and activities.
Nike Pro 365 Shorts
⭐️ Verdict: Contender
The Nike Pro 365 Shorts pride themselves on being “supportive and stretchy” creating a form-fitting, tight-fitting feeling.
Nike’s classic Dri-FIT technology are on full display with the Pro 365 Shorts that wicks sweat and ensures constant dryness for the duration of even longer metcons.
With extensive size offerings, it’s difficult to make the “wrong” size choice and with 50 percent of each pair being made of recycled materials, they are surprisingly environmentally friendly.
Pros
Dri-fit technology offers great moisture-wicking properties
Flatlock seams reduce the possibility of skin irritation
Numerous color options
Cons
Run slightly smaller than usual
Nike Pro 365 shorts are another type of booty shorts that are a great choice for CrossFit. Their design offers notable features in terms of breathability and moisture management. It has a Dri-Fit technology inside the base layer, which effectively wicks away sweat from the skin and keeps you dry and comfortable. Plus, there are strategically placed ventilation zones that provide an additional layer of cooling during exercise.
These shorts are definitely not lacking in terms of comfort. The stretch-fit fabric and flatlock seams ensure that the shorts will stay tight on your body but, at the same time, not irritate your skin. The wide mid-rise elastic waistband will keep the shorts securely on your waist and embrace your core. This tight fit gives you that nice body-hugging feeling which is very functional (and flattering!).
In terms of material, Nike Pro 365 shorts are made of a blend of polyester and spandex materials. While these materials are durable, stretchable, and moisture-wicking (and, as such, ideal for sports shorts), what makes them special in this case is that Nike uses at least 50% recycled polyester fibers, which is a step towards sustainable production. If that’s something you care about, it’s good to know.
Now, Nike offers sizes from XS to XXL. However, don’t follow those blindly, since a few customers complained about shorts being too small. Check the exact measurements beforehand so you can make sure to order the correct size.
Tough Mode High Rise Shorts
⭐️ Verdict: Contender
The Tough Mode High Rise Shorts combine elements of high-end CrossFit training shorts with a more subtle price tag.
With enhanced levels of comfort and features minimizing the chances of experiencing muffin top or belly bulge, the High Rise Shorts allow for an uninterrupted and focused training experience.
There are a large number of High Rise Short color and design items to choose from, although the fabric tends to roughen (mitigating some of its non-see-through qualities) over time.
Pros
Quick dry, breathable, and stretchy fabric
Muffin top and belly bulge free
Wide palette of colors and designs
Cons
Fabric can get slightly rough after washing
Back to booty cut! Tough Mode is only 3’’ long, which is great if you need as wide of a range of motion as you can get. These shorts offer a few features that make them great for exactly that – vigorous exercise.
The shorts are muffin top and belly bulge free and without ride-up issues. The wide waistband means there won’t be waist-digging issues as well. Plus, the double-layer design assures the shorts are (pretty much) not see-through, even when doing squats in their white model. All this means you can focus on your workout without thinking about all of the unpleasantries that may occur while wearing tight-fitting booty shorts.
The fabric offers the usual moisture-wicking properties that keep you dry during even the sweatiest workouts. It’s a soft microfiber material that allows the air to circulate and accommodates dynamic motions with its 4-way stretch capability.
However, there are some complaints about the fabric being considerably rougher and less breathable after washing. So make sure to follow the instructions for washing in order to keep the quality of the material in its original state.
What to Look For in CrossFit Shorts
We’re pretty sure you’ve done a few workouts in your life.
You know what you like, you know what you don’t. You know what’s comfortable and what’s…going to be a problem.
We don’t want to try to tell you what you should be looking, but we would like to briefly describe what went into our rating and assessment process. We’ll also finish things off with a few shopping tips.
CrossFit Functionality
To put it simply, this refers to how well each pair of shorts facilitates dynamic CrossFit activity.
We all know that there are a lot of different possible exercises in each CrossFit workout; the more each pair can handle, the higher their rating.
More specifically, certain shorts might be great for running and lighter accessory work, but may ride up during any type of fast barbell lift. Other pairs might create the perfect, form-fitting feeling during heavy squats, but may start to feel too restrictive during high-rep bodyweight exercises.
We’re always going to have that pair that we wear when certain workouts are programmed, but the best CrossFit shorts for women are undoubtedly ones that we want to wear when any workout is programmed.
“Washable”
In this category, we combine elements of “squat proof” with general item durability. “Washable” is the word of choice because, as we all know, there are shorts that we’ve washed a hundred times that are still non-see-through and some we’ve washed twice that…aren’t.
We know that we don’t have to discuss how important it is for CrossFit shorts to maintain their integrity in these areas and nothing is more mortifying than thinking your shorts are pretty much opaque and realizing (normally by another girl in the class pulling you aside) to let you know otherwise.
Repeated washings can also cause some aesthetic damage to clothing, particularly things like brand lettering. A few peeled letters aren’t anywhere nearly as mortifying as transparent workout shorts, but they’re pretty tacky.
Depending on the situation, there are instances where we’d actually prioritize this area over “CrossFit Functionality”. Regardless, it’s one of the most important assessment categories.
Price
Who hasn’t experienced buying some kind of expensive training gear (my most memorable experience involved gym tights) only to end up opting for the $8 pair you got at H&M for the majority of your workouts?
(I doubt anyone is raising their hand right now!)
Good CrossFit training shorts don’t have to be expensive and there are options on our list that are actually less than $10 a pair. However, unless there is a sale going on, you’re not going to be able to get your hands on our pick for the best CrossFit shorts for women for anywhere close to that cheap.
Thankfully, none of the shorts on our list are ridiculously expensive (don’t even consider spending into anywhere close to $100 for a pair of gym shorts) and even some of the top options are in the $20-40 range.
Customer Reviews
We like to think we know a lot about what women want in training shorts, but we know that some of our personal preferences and even our pet peeves may differ from others’. Because of this, we take what other users have had to say about different products into consideration, so much so that these collective opinions are the last of our assessment factors.
The GORUCK Training Shorts are our pick for the best CrossFit shorts for women…
Shopping tips for CrossFit Shorts
What are some other factors to take into consideration as you pick out training shorts? There are numerous factors to consider. Let’s go through each so you can make the best choice for you.
Material: Breathable, Flexible & Comfortable
CrossFit shorts are usually made of synthetic material such as nylon-spandex blend or polyester. These fabrics provide moisture-wicking, comfort, durability, flexibility, and antimicrobial properties.
Moisture-wicking
Spandex, polyester, polyamide, and nylon are fabrics that breathe well and have moisture-wicking properties. That means they don’t take water inside but let it dry on the surface.
Why is this important? Without it, you can get sweat marks on your shorts, which don’t exactly look good. Also, sweat-saturated material can cause irritation, chafing, and even bleeding in sensitive areas. That’s why you should skip shorts with more than 20% cotton. Cotton is a material that gets wet very easily.
Antimicrobial properties
Shorts are fertile ground for bacteria due to sweaty and intense exercises. Look for materials with antimicrobial properties that will help mitigate this issue and keep you fresh and not smelly.
Comfort
The best CrossFit shorts for women should be comfortable since CrossFit movements are dynamic. The shorts need to feel soft and pleasant against your skin and not cause irritation. The polyester-spandex blend is a kind of material that will provide this.
Flexibility
Synthetic materials are also lightweight, stretchy, and flexible. Spandex is a kind of material that offer these features and allows unrestricted movement throughout your workout. And although it’s stretchable, it keeps its shape, so your shorts won’t get baggy even after prolonged use.
Comfort Is In the Details
We already talked about the role of material, but there are a few more features you should consider when choosing the most comfortable shorts for you.
First of all, the waistband. A wider waistband provides a more comfortable fit, so that’s the feature you should choose. It distributes the pressure evenly around your waist, which reduces the discomfort during dynamic movements. Plus, it makes it harder for your shorts to ride up or slip down during the exercise. This will prevent the dreaded muffin tops and camel toes. Also, the waistband should be flat and elastic, so the shorts stay securely in place and accommodates movement without digging into your skin.
Another thing to consider is the inseam length. This one depends on how much coverage and freedom of movement you want. More coverage means that your movements will be more restricted, so you should balance between these two. If you choose a slightly shorter inseam (2-3 inches), you will be able to move your legs freely during squats, lunges, jumps, and other workouts. It all depends on the type of exercise you usually do and your needs. If you are not as focused on lifting, a longer inseam will do. However, the booty cut is a better choice for squats and deadlifts.
The whole design of your shorts should follow your figure but without being too tight to restrict your blood flow and movement. Look for shorts with moderate leg openings. The leg opening shouldn’t be too tight or too loose but accommodate your legs comfortably and not cause irritation. Additionally, look for a flat seam or seamless shorts to prevent skin irritation.
Choose the Correct Size
CrossFit shorts can come in sizes from XXS to 4XL. However, since sizing is not standardized, double-check the size chart so you can be sure you choose the right size for you.
One of the important things to measure is the inseam length that we mentioned earlier. Usual measures are 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9 inches. Booty shorts are usually 2 to 3 inches, moderate length is 4 to 6 inches, and inseam length that’s more than 6 inches can be found on biker shorts.
Another measure you should consider is the rise, which is measured from the seam between your legs to the top of the waistband. You should look for a rise that works with your body so you can be comfortable and flexible. The choice between lower and high rise depends on what you look for in shorts, but try to keep it balanced.
Choosing the correct size is a crucial factor for your comfort and freedom of movement, so give it a priority when choosing shorts.
The Best CrossFit Shorts for Women…
When picking out your “SOD” (Shorts of the Day!) you really have to pay attention to your personal needs. From there, you will be able to determine which features to look for in the perfect shorts for you.
If you are mostly focused on lifting, then I highly recommend getting the booty shorts. You will find more than a few on our list since it’s the most popular cut (for a reason). Booty shorts allow you to do all kinds of movement freely without having to constantly adjust them. Lifts, especially deadlifts and squats, really appreciate the minimal coverage.
However, if powerlifting and weightlifting are not in your regime or you simply want more coverage, then the medium cut will do fine.
Finally, make sure you feel comfortable in your shorts, above everything else. Comfort will allow you to reach your full potential and simply forget what you are wearing (as you should).
The Best CrossFit Shorts for Women
🏆 Best Overall Shorts
GORUCK Women’s Training Shorts
89
Best Metcon Shorts
ROGUE WOD Gear Clothing Booty Shorts
86
Best Squatting Shorts
88
Best Running Shorts
85
Best Budget Shorts
88
