I received a question about the Spartan Warrior costume. While researching this article, I remembered a photo shoot that I loved.
A few years ago, I saw a Facebook post by Rahim Mastafa in which he posted images. The model, Blake, wore a Spartan Warrior costume was a physical education teacher and looked fantastic in the costume. (The costume comes from the movie titled “300” (Warner Brothers, 2007).
Rahim Mastafa & Blake in Bath, United Kingdom
Rahim had a photo shoot with Blake, a physical education teacher, in Bath, United Kingdom. Most of the images were at the Roman Baths.
Rahim posted some behind-the-scenes video of his Bath photo shoot.
Conclusion
I am glad that I received the question, as I got to review one of my favorite photo shoots. I thank Rahim and Blake for the fantastic images. I even placed Bath, UK, on my travel list (post-pandemic).
Are you a fan of costume-based photography? If so, what is your favorite costume? Let me know in the comments.
Note: After writing this post, I found a photo of other gym trainers who wore a 300 Movie costume:
Some Instagram posts feature a particular type of workout shirt—a tank top that was formerly a t-shirt. Typically, the wearer has built considerable muscle mass, which contrasts with the open shirt fabric.
Re-purposing an old t-shirt in this way is eco-friendly as it helps to reduce textile waste.
IFBB Pro (Classic Physique) Laszlo Kiraly.Blake Mouyassar by Michael A. Downs
Eco-Friendly, Popular Gym Shirt
These shirts are an example of repurposing old clothes, which helps to reduce textile waste.
This workout shirt is also popular. There are many searches for this gym shirt on Internet search engines. It makes sense as the workout shirt is budget-friendly and relatively easy to create. On Pinterest, this shirt style has a search peak through warmer weather months.
Perhaps you are a newbie Crossfit enthusiast preparing for your first WOD, or you are a skilled Crossfit athlete seeking to find the best men’s shorts that will be as tough as you perform your exercise movements. This article will explain the various types of Crossfit shorts that are on the market.
WOD or Box Shorts Are Just Gym Workout Shorts
According to the wodhopper website, a Crossfit box is a gym that affiliates with Crossfit. An affiliated gym must have Crossfit-certified trainers on site. WOD in Crossfit stands for workout of the day. As each gym is independent, the workout emphasis varies from gym to gym.
According to Invictus Fitness, Crossfit gyms typically “post one workout each day for their members and online followers to complete.” So box shorts or wod shorts are essentially gym shorts.
For a reflection of a new person starting Crossfit from mens physique, read a blog article about Tom Seed.
Crossfit Shorts that Will Work as Hard as You During Your WOD
Crossfit uses functional movements. As a result, shorts that allow you to achieve the full range of motion is the best. You have a range of shorts from which to select your favorite.
Brands
Several brands create Crossfit shorts, including Athletegy, Nike, No Bull, Reebok, Ten Thousand, and Rogue.
Five-Inch Inseam Shorts
Athletegy
Athletegy, a gym clothing brand based in New York City, offers the Quad Short. (A co-owner of Athletegy is Andrew Morrill, a New York City-based model and personal trainer.)
This five-inch inseam short was designed for leg day and crossfit-style workouts.
The fabric composition of the shorts allows for freedom of movement, 88 percent polyester and 12 percent Spandex.
The brand provides the following information on its website:
“AthDura™ our 4 way stretch fabric
Anti Odor & Quick Dry Technology
Woven Brief liner giving breathable support
Concealed interior waist band drawcord
Invisible Zipper Pocket System
Back panel ventilation for maximum comfort”
Model: Andrew Morrill, wearing the Quad Short and the Ace Tee.
In this blog, I wrote an article for board shorts in mens physique competitions. The board shorts there are closer to the leg. For Crossfit, the board shorts have a wider leg opening given the demands of the Crossfit WOD. For example, see the Reebok board shorts; the shorts have a wide leg opening that could suit demanding leg-focused exercise movements. Reebok’s board shorts have pockets.
The Rogue brand also has a board shorts option available. The board shorts, like the Reebok, have a pocket.
Crossfit Cordura Shorts
What is Cordura?
Cordura is a trademarked brand name for a fabric that INVICTA (a subsidiary of Koch Industries) manufactures. The synthetic fabric is available for civilian use. Cordura can withstand abrasions, is generally water repellent and flame resistant. Read more about Cordura at Sailrite’s website.
I was not able to find any shorts with Cordura. If the reader finds one, please let me know in the comments.
Crossfit Kevlar Shorts
What is Kevlar?
Kevlar is a trademarked brand name for a synthetic fabric known best for its use in bullet-resistant body armor. Kevlar’s creator is Stephanie Kwolek, and DuPont owns the trademark. Kevlar is cut and puncture resistant and flame resistant.
Why is Kevlar used in Crossfit shorts? The workouts can be demanding, but not to the extent of needing Kevlar’s strengths. I was not able to find any shorts with Kevlar. If the reader finds one, please let me know in the comments.
Crossfit Compression Shorts
This subsection contains affiliate links. This means that if you use these links to visit a merchant I may earn a commission–at no additional cost to you.
Considering the functional exercise moves in Crossfit, a compression short is available. The use of compression shorts is wide in fitness. Ten Thousand’s Tactical Short can incorporate an optional compression liner in the shorts. The Interval shorts also have pockets.
There is a compression short that is a separate item, such as the one from No Bull.
Crossfit Fight Shorts
The Rogue brand offers a fight short for MMA fights, Crossfit WODs, and gym workouts. The fight shorts have a velcro closure. The Rogue fight short has a side zipper pocket.
What to Wear under Crossfit Shorts?
Given the amount of movement with this activity, briefs, boxer briefs, or compression shorts would work well. Some shorts, like the Interval Shorts discussed above, can incorporate a compression liner under the top shell of the shorts.
The Underwear Expert did a video several years ago asking Crossfit athletes about their underwear preference.
Conclusion
This article has covered the shorts available to the new and experienced Crossfit athlete. The fabrics of the shorts will sustain rough treatment during challenging WODs.
Also, Crossfit shorts have a place in the athleisure category, with most of the shorts having pockets.
Any of the shorts featured are your favorite? Please let me know in the comments.
The Menswear Newsletter 