Introduction: Clothing affects confidence and performance

HYROX places unique demands on your clothing. You run eight times, push heavy sleds, drop to the floor for burpee broad jumps and finish with wall balls under bright arena lights and rising heat. Apparel that feels comfortable in warm up can become distracting after twenty minutes of intense effort.

The right apparel keeps you cool, dry and unrestricted. It supports your movement rather than interfering with it. This is why HYROX athletes often choose clothing designed specifically for hybrid performance. In this guide, you will learn what to look for and how to match your apparel to the demands of 2025/2026 Season.

“Clothing that disappears during effort is clothing that performs.
– RB100.Fitness

Linked reading:

athlete mid farmers carry wearing technical hybrid clothing
athlete mid farmers carry wearing technical hybrid clothing

What HYROX apparel must do

HYROX apparel should support movement across strength, endurance and agility. To perform well, your clothing must achieve several things at once.

1. Avoid overheating

Arenas are warm and crowded. Clothing must wick sweat, allow airflow and dry quickly.

2. Stay secure during fast transitions

Loose clothing catches on sleds or shifts during burpees. You need a comfortable, locked in fit.

3. Stretch without restriction

Lunges, wall balls and the SkiErg demand upper and lower body freedom.

4. Handle repeated floor contact

Burpee broad jumps create friction. Durable materials reduce risk of tearing.

5. Reduce distractions

Nothing should rub, pull or feel unstable. Comfort stabilises your mindset.


The best apparel choices for HYROX athletes

1. Performance tops

Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that control moisture without absorbing sweat. Look for a cut that sits comfortably above hips without riding up during burpees.

Great options include:

  • Built For Athletes performance topshttps://builtforathletes.com/
  • Puma HYROX Training Collectionhttps://uk.puma.com/uk/en/sports/training/hyrox
  • Gymshark lightweight training vests and teeshttps://uk.gymshark.com/

Short sleeves or sleeveless designs offer better cooling during indoor racing.


2. Shorts built for movement

HYROX demands acceleration, agility and floor contact. Shorts must stretch easily and avoid bunching during lunges and wall balls.

Look for:

  • 4 way stretch
  • Lightweight construction
  • A secure waistband
  • Mid thigh length for balance between speed and coverage

Great choices from:

  • Gymshark
  • Puma HYROX
  • Built For Athletes
doubles pair mid station wearing performance shorts and technical top, muscles engaged,
doubles pair mid station wearing performance shorts and technical top, muscles engaged,

3. Compression shorts or liners

Compression helps reduce friction and supports muscle control during repetitive movements. They also minimise chafing on running segments.

Wear them under lightweight shorts for:

  • Sled push stability
  • Burpee comfort
  • Improved comfort during running volume

4. Socks and lower leg protection

Choose socks that stay in place and handle moisture well. Blisters can derail performance, especially during eight runs.

Recommended:

  • Mid or crew length socks for added protection
  • Anti slip heel fabrics
  • Quick dry blends

If you struggle with friction during burpees, consider lightweight calf sleeves.


5. Sports bras and upper body support

For female athletes, a stable and breathable sports bra is essential. Choose a design with:

  • Medium to high support
  • Quick drying fabrics
  • Comfortable straps that do not dig during wall balls or SkiErg pulls

Gymshark and Puma HYROX collections both offer excellent options.


6. Gloves or grip aids (optional)

Most athletes race without gloves, but they can help if you struggle with friction on sled pulls or wall balls. Choose minimal designs that improve grip without reducing feel.

Linked reading:


How to test your race day apparel

Never debut clothing on race day. Test everything in a simulation or brick session.

Check for:

  • Shifting or riding up during burpees
  • Heat management on longer runs
  • Security during sled pushing
  • Comfort during lunges and wall balls
  • Moisture control under repeated effort

If you stop noticing your clothing during training, it is ready for HYROX.


Packing your apparel for race day

Bring:

  • Main race outfit
  • Spare top or hoodie
  • Spare socks
  • Light warm up layer
  • Sweat towel
  • Optional second outfit for travel home

Linked reading:


Summary: Comfort creates confidence

The best HYROX apparel keeps you cool, supported and distraction free. Choose clothing that fits your movement style and test it under real effort. When your outfit becomes unnoticeable during your race, it is doing its job.

“Comfort is performance. Calm athletes move better and race smarter.
– RB100.Fitness

Use this guide together with:

Richard Branson

Richard Branson is a fitness and wellbeing enthusiast with a passion for HYROX, cycling, and technology. He shares insights at the intersection of performance, wellbeing, and innovation. Also see Richard's Articles in Wellbeing Magazine

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