Shirts vs. Skins
By: Jenessa Connor
Where do you stand on the great Shirts vs. Skins debate? Does a sweaty shirt slow you down? Or is it a vital layer of protection against barbell hickeys and gym floor grit? Are your pit stains badges of honor? Or do you like to feel the wind in your chest hair?
We set out to settle things once and for all with a five-round debate between Team Shirts and Team Skins.
Round 1: Comfort
Skins: I get hot during metcons, especially in the summer or when the heat’s on in the winter. I sweat like a beast, and a shirt feels like a wet rag.
Shirts: I get that, but what about chaffing from the barbell and other equipment? My shirt is another layer of protection.
Skins: You could use tape.
Shirts: Everywhere? And what about taking that stuff off?
Skins: Feels better than a soaking shirt.
Shirts: Let’s agree to disagree.
SCORE: Skins 1/Shirts 1
Round 2: Body Fluids
Shirts: Hey Skins, speaking of sweating like a beast…you sweat like a beast. I like wearing a shirt, not a splash guard. Shirts keep everyone’s sweat more contained.
Skins: Can’t argue with that, I suppose.
SCORE: Skins 1/Shirts 2
Round 3: Laundry
Skins: Yeah, but how many times have you destroyed a new shirt after a WOD full of burpees? Lululemon gear isn’t cheap – I’d rather not roll around on the floor in it.
Shirts: Don’t wear nice shirts to the box.
Skins: Don’t be jealous of my style.
Shirts: All right…
SCORE: Skins 2/Shirts 2
Round 4: Hygiene and Infection
Shirts: Let’s go back to my “shirt=barrier” point. Have you thought about how many skin infections you can get from shared gym equipment?
Skins: Our box is one of the cleanest around.
Shirts: Yeah, but I’m talking about things like med balls and mats – the stuff that people use in back-to-back classes. Going shirtless is a gamble, and the prizes are staph, impetigo, ringworm…
Skins: Okay, stop.
SCORE: Skins 2/Shirts 3
Round 5: The Perception
Shirts: Okay, you have to admit that it can look like you have something to prove when you tear your shirt off mid-WOD.
Skins: The only thing it proves is that I feel like taking my shirt off.
Shirts: Fine, but our box is family-friendly and all-inclusive. A bunch of shirtless athletes can be intimidating for those who are new to CrossFit.
Skins: I hope my massive guns are inspiring, not intimidating.
Shirts: It’s just that we’re going for a no-pressure, welcoming vibe.
Skins: Y’all are welcome to admire my chiseled abs. No pressure.
Shirts: Based on style alone, I’m going to give you the point on this one.
FINAL SCORE: TIE
Alas, the battle of Shirts vs. Skins wages on, but it’s up to you to decide what’s personally appropriate for you. Also, remember that what happens at the box often shows up on Instagram and beyond, so make sure you’re comfortable with whatever you’re wearing (or not wearing ) appearing online.
Skinz
I’m wearing a thong Monday!!!
And Hal just lost his shit!
Not that I care either way… but “shirts (Tammy)” has some holes… you CAN leave your shit on if you are scared of chaffing, infection and disease… nobody is forcing you. Whereas the other way around you can’t take it off
Patty died and gone to heaven #FOMO
This is pretty funny. When I lift I want my shirt on! When I’m sweating like a mad lady and my soaking wet shirt is suffocating me, I wanna take it off- plus I wanna show off all my cute new sports bras 😉
I already lost all my shirts mysteriously…. Hahahahaha!!!
Oh man. Here we go.
Xoxo all, just promise me we won’t get all clicky and turn everyday into a bro session …..
I will make it my responsibility to ensure that the box isn’t penetrated by dbaggs with this new and exciting announcement.
We like shirts from lulu! I have never sweat enough in CrossFit to get chafing. I don’t support skins.
I’m in between. In the winter shirts can stay on. With heat on or off during winter I can never get a serious sweat. In the summer when it’s 80+ degrees my shirt will come off. But it will only be for the WOD. I almost never go in and start a WOD w/o a shirt unless i know i will sweat profusely (anyone remember doing the “hot shots” WOD back at 5th Ave?)
In my opinion no one should be walking in to the gym w/o a shirt. Taking your shirt off for a WOD is fine but don’t linger around at the gym an hour after you’re done still with no shirt on. Let yourself cool off and put a dry shirt on.
You should be smart about it. If you’re doing back squats or a one rep max clean and jerk leave your shirt on. If anyone recalls the 15.1 open announcement with Fronning and Fraser both did the workout shirtless but put them back on for the clean and jerk. It provides a dry surface and won’t let the barbell slip as it would on sweaty skin. And one last thing guys – clean up after yourself. It took us 5 years to get this privilege. Don’t ruin it by being inconsiderate. If you sweat all over a med ball, barbell rower or bike please be sure to wipe it down. With that being said Let’s enjoy the summer and get some nice tans.
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