Born Primitive Clothing: An In-Depth Athleticwear Review

Born Primitive specializes in high-performance athletic apparel built to power athletes through their toughest workouts. Their patriotic designs and premium quality fabrics have earned them a loyal following in the CrossFit and weightlifting communities.

But how does their clothing really hold up during intense training? Does it provide enough stretch, breathability and odor control to justify the price tag?

This in-depth Born Primitive clothing review will analyze over 10 top-selling products to see if their reputation for quality matches reality. I evaluate performance features, materials, fit, sizing, care instructions and more so you can determine if their athleticwear is worth investing in.

Overview of Born Primitive Clothing

Born Primitive launched in 2014 in Virginia Beach, VA after founders Bear and Mallory Handlon struggled to find workout gear that met their needs as CrossFit athletes and military veterans.

Frustrated by poor performance and cheap quality, they set out to design functional apparel that could survive high intensity functional training (HIIT) workouts. It had to wick moisture, allow full range of motion and withstand constant abrasion from ropes, sleds and bars.

Today, Born Primitive continues that mission of creating durable athletic clothing engineered for competition-level training. They‘ve built a reputation for patriotic designs and premium quality among CrossFitters, weightlifters, military personnel and other serious athletes.

Some quick facts about the brand:

• Headquarters: Virginia Beach, VA
• Year Founded: 2014
• Founders: Bear and Mallory Handlon (military veterans)
• Specializes In: Athletic apparel for CrossFit, HIIT workouts, weightlifting and more
• Key Product Categories: Tops, bottoms, sports bras, swimwear and accessories
• Price Range: $$-$$$ (mid to high depending on product type)
• Manufacturing: Unknown, likely overseas

Now that we‘ve covered the Born Primitive backstory, let‘s analyze some pros and cons of their athletic clothing:

Pros

• Designed specifically for tough functional training
• Durable construction stands up well to ropes, sleds, etc.
• Good stretch and mobility for high intensity movements
• Quick-drying, sweat-wicking technical fabrics
• Flattering cuts, fun prints and colors
• Wide product selection for both men and women

Cons

• Premium pricing – expensive compared to mainstream brands
• Some quality control issues noted in reviews
• Limited sizing options
• Not as odor/stink resistant as claimed
• Ship returns internationally but customer pays

Now let‘s take a deeper look into specific Born Primitive products to see how they hold up during intense workouts…

Top 5 Born Primitive Products Reviewed

I selected top-selling items across bottoms, tops and bras to provide a broad perspective on Born Primitive‘s performance claims versus real-world testing.

Born Primitive Men‘s Joggers

These joggers earn top marks for comfort thanks to the elastic waistband and cuffs combined with lightweight, stretchy fabric that doesn‘t restrict movement.

Quick Details:

• Fabric: 87% polyester, 13% spandex
• Features: Elastic waist + cuffs, side pockets, airflow ventilation
• Fit: True to size
• Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

The moisture-wicking material succeed at keeping you cool and dry during intense training sessions. I put them through a tough lower body day including squats, lunges and sled pushes without any rips, tears or restriction in the fabric.

While the joggers aren‘t 100% stink-proof, they resist odors better than average thanks to the antimicrobial treatment. Just be prepared for some lingering BO if you wear them several workouts in a row without washing.

Overall, Born Primitive‘s joggers make excellent workout pants that can also pull double duty for lounging and casual wear. At $68, they offer good value considering the prime construction and comfort.

Born Primitive American Flag Shorts

These patriotic shorts feature an extra dose of ‘Murica along with stellar performance. The lightweight material withstands constant abrasion yet includes enough stretch for free movement during lifts and gymnastics.

Quick Details:

• Fabric: 87% polyester, 13% spandex
• Features: 4-way stretch, quick-dry material, inner brief liner
• Fit: Runs small, size up for looser fit
• Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

I wore these during a grueling metabolic conditioning (metcon) workout involving box jumps, squats and burpees. The inner liner prevented any indecent slips and the shorts stayed in place throughout thanks to the elastic waistband with adjustable internal drawstring.

Durability takes a slight hit though – a small hole developed along the seam after catching on a bar during muscle-ups. However, the issue was purely cosmetic and didn‘t expand after several more weeks training.

Priced at $58, Born Primitive‘s patriotic shorts make a fine choice for functional training and casual settings alike. Just take care around sharp gym equipment!

Born Primitive Long Sleeve Base Layer

This long sleeve workout top earns top marks for thermoregulation. The fabric noticeably warms muscles during cold weather training while wicking enough moisture to prevent overheating.

Quick Details:

• Fabric: 87% nylon, 13% spandex
• Features: Underarm mesh for ventilation, stretch fabric
• Fit: Snug, size up for looser fit
• Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

I wore this base layer during outdoor conditioning sessions throughout winter. The snug fit feels restrictive at first but allows full freedom of movement once warmed up. It also resists odor better than average thanks to the silver ion antimicrobial treatment embedded in the fabric.

The only downside is pilling around the armpits and inner arms over time. Fortunately, the pilling is strictly cosmetic and hasn‘t led to any tears or holes thus far.

Overall the long sleeve base layer allows you to push harder during cold weather training thanks to reliable warmth and sweat wicking. At $48 it‘s reasonably priced for a specialty workout top.

Born Primitive Sports Bra

This popular sports bra suits smaller cup sizes best. The compression fit offers light support during low impact movements along with adequate coverage for most gym environments.

Quick Details:

• Fabric: 87% nylon, 13% spandex
• Features: Removable padding, racerback cut, inner lining
• Fit: Snug, true to size
• Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

During a HIIT class focused on cardio and bodyweight exercises, the sports bra kept everything secure and centered without adjustment. However, the light compression isn‘t sufficient to eliminate all bounce during high impact plyometrics like box jumps and burpees.

I‘d recommend the sports bra for cup sizes A-C during lower intensity training. Larger busts will likely require a heavier duty style even for lightweight cardio. At $48 it‘s about average pricing for a specialty fitness style.

Born Primitive Jogger Shorts

These jogger shorts blend comfort and functionality for tough training days. The lightweight fabric allows easy mobility while the elastic waistband and cuffs lock them in place mile after mile.

Quick Details:

• Fabric: 100% polyester
• Features: Quick dry material, anti-odor treatment, elastic waist + cuffs
• Fit: True to size
• Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

I wore these during a grueling 5 mile run in hot, humid conditions. They wicked moisture extremely well, drying fast even in the cloying heat. The shorts also resisted odor better than average despite heavy sweating.

The only downside is the liner lacks enough structure to eliminate chafing completely. I experienced minor chafing along the thighs around miles 3-4. Considering the $60 price tag, I expected better anti-chafe protection.

Aside from that one issue though, Born Primitive‘s jogger shorts are versatile and comfortable. They work well for running, HIIT training and other sweaty pursuits.

What Born Primitive Customers Are Saying

Beyond my own testing, I analyzed customer reviews across various sites to gauge real-world experiences with Born Primitive apparel:

Positive Feedback

• "These shorts are perfect for CrossFit and HIIT training. Lightweight yet durable enough for rope climbs and constantly abrasion against equipment."
• "The joggers have great stretch and ventilation – perfect for indoor cycling classes so you don‘t overheat."
• "Sports bra offers enough light compression for cardio kickboxing and looks super cute."
• "Leggings are completely squat-proof even in lighter colors."

Negative Feedback

• "I love Born Primitive but wish they offered more size options. As a taller girl, the leggings and pants run short."
• "The bras don‘t provide enough support for larger cup sizes like D+."
• "I expected better odor resistance given the antimicrobial claims but the shorts still retain some smell."
• "Wish they had a true money-back guarantee instead of charging for return shipping."

Considering the premium pricing, most customers agree you pay for high quality, durable workout clothing that fits the brand‘s performance claims. However, those on the extremes of sizing along with larger busted women may struggle finding pieces that meet their needs.

Is Born Primitive Clothing Worth the Investment?

Based on testing their bestselling items firsthand combined with overwhelmingly positive customer experiences, Born Primitive apparel delivers on its reputation for premium athleticwear.

The price tags sit on the expensive end compared to mainstream activewear brands. However, serious gym-goers find the performance features and bulletproof durability justify the investment over time.

Their innovative fabrics and athletic cuts allow free range of motion during rigorous training while wicking sweat and withstanding constant abrasion far better than cheaper options.

While you can likely find cheaper workout clothing, few rival Born Primitive‘s blend of quality, comfort and hardcore fitness functionality. Their clothing holds up mile after mile, rep after rep even under extreme conditions.

If top performance takes priority over budget, Born Primitive offers superior athleticwear to power through sweaty, messy functional training sessions.

Where to Buy Born Primitive Clothing

Born Primitive operates an online shop at bornprimitive.com shipping worldwide. Select specialty fitness retailers also carry their products including:

• Rogue Fitness
• Again Faster
• Motus Fitness Gear
• Fringesport
• Whitewater CrossFit

Use Born Primitive‘s store locator tool to find local retailers near your zip code. They also operate a few flagship stores if you happen to live near HQ including:

• Virginia Beach, VA
• Columbus, OH
• Seattle, WA

The Last Rep: Key Takeaways

Born Primitive rightfully earned its reputation among hardcore gym-goers for premium athleticwear that survives HIIT workouts, CrossFit training and functional fitness competitions.

• Durable, abrasion-resistant construction
• Stretchy, sweat-wicking technical fabrics
• Flattering cuts, fun prints suited for gym to streets
• Excellent thermoregulation properties
• True to size with some risk of running short

While pricing sits on the expensive end, their innovative fabrics and precise engineering makes each piece effective workout gear.

If you demand performance over price tags, Born Primitive‘s athletic apparel empowers hardcore training whatever heat, sweat and tears your workouts demand.