Muay Thai shorts are unique to the sport. Essential for competition and highly recommend for training, Muay Thai shorts are specifically designed to maximize movement and comfort through all the sport's rigorous striking and quick movements. Although it's easier than ever to find a design that you like, it's not always easy to find the perfect fit. The fact that different brands use a variety of materials, differing waistband sizes and unique fits can make it confusing when coupled with size charts that are tailored towards Thai consumers. We work hard to make sizing as clear as possible on all our products, yet we appreciate that each person has preferences on how they should sit and feel. So, with this guide we break down key considerations for sizing and fit, so you can be confident in finding your perfect fit.

Why bother wearing Muay Thai shorts?

For the experienced Muay Thai fighters, this is a no-brainer. For beginners or those completely new to the sport, Muay Thai shorts can be easily misunderstood. Many newcomers think they are simply a way of showing off individual style. While that's a major part of it, the movement and comfort that Muay Thai shorts provide is the key reason they are so popular among Muay Thai practitioners and why so many non-competitors wear them when training. Additionally, having multiple pairs of shorts is important for hygiene purposes, as it is recommended to have clean fight wear for each training session.

Muay Thai training is a full-body workout complete with a full range of motion across all limbs. It's tiring, testing and sweat inducing. You don't want to feel uncomfortable when training, nor struggle to perform due to restricting clothes. This is exactly what Muay Thai shorts are designed for. Maximising comfort and range of motion. This is the key benefit of wearing Muay Thai shorts as, once you've got the right fit, you can be confident they won't hold you back from training at your best.

 

How to choose Muay Thai shorts?

 

There are three stages to choosing the perfect pair: fit, shape, materials. In that order. Why? Because if you don't get the right fit, it doesn't matter how good the shape and materials are. You'll be uncomfortable or find yourself constantly rolling them up. Shape is next and in the same vein. Some people like a shape that fits more snuggly, others prefer a wider fit. Again, this is about comfort. Materials do impact comfort and feel, but here in this instance we are considering them more in the context of aesthetics.

That said, it can take a while for you to find the fit and shape you like best.

 

How Should Muay Thai Shorts Fit?

Fit refers to the way the shorts sit on your hips, how the legs run down the side of yours and how they feel when striking, especially around the waist and groin. The last point requires trying some on and moving in them. So, let's focus on the first two points.

The waistband on Muay Thai shorts comes in either 6 or 8 bands. Typically, the more bands, the tighter the waistband. As this is elastic, it provides plenty of flex, but it is one of the (many) reasons shorts shouldn't be tumble dried, as high heats rapidly degrades it. The waistband provides the flex your hips and waist need when training, while ensuring your shorts don't move. That said, where the waistband sits can be on the hips or lower naval, whichever is most comfortable for you. Some people like the waistband higher up, others low on the hips. Some people roll one side over too to maximise movement on a particular leg (or to show off a leg in competition). Positioning impacts the most appropriate waist size for your needs.

The second point relates to length. Do you like longer shorts or short shorts? Often shorts will flare out slightly at the bottom, so if you want plenty of space between your shorts and legs, you may need a longer short. That said, Muay Thai shorts are shorter than most shorts, so you may have limited options in this regard.

Once you know your fit preference, you can measure up your size and use all that to find the most relevant short shapes and materials.

 

 

Measure Your Waist and Hips Accurately

Accurate measurements are important, as size charts can vary widely. They also use inches most of the time, so make sure you've got a measuring tape that measures in them. While you may be confident about your size based on other trousers/shorts you wear, the categories (S, M, L etc.) don't directly correlate, so having specific measures is key. Measure your hips and waist while relaxed. Round up the final number to the closest inch.

Do the same with your upper thigh as you need to know the space between your legs and shorts. If they are narrow, they will be snug, and you may need to size up if the leg width of the shorts is too small for your upper thigh.

 

Consider the Length for Freedom of Movement

As mentioned, the best length for you often comes down to personal preference. However, the length must be optimised for full range of motion, so that it doesn't impact your ability to extend kicks and knees at full length. So if they don't impact you like this, it usually comes down simply to how short you want your shorts. Some people have them very short, almost riding up in a way that makes their underwear visible when they kick. Others prefer them longer. Whicever you prefer, be mindful that Muay Thai shorts shouldn't go past the knee.

Measure from where the top of the waistband would sit, down the side of your leg. Once you've decided on where the bottom should be, you'll know the ideal length of shorts.

 

Brands and Their (Different) Sizing Charts

When shopping for Muay Thai shorts, one thing you'll quickly recognise is that there's no universal size chart. In fact, the differences across each brand's size charts can be significant, especially when it comes to Thai sizes. While most use inches for measuring, the way the brands categorise S, M, L etc. is different. This means you need to check the size chart for each individual pair of shorts before you invest, considering the differences in Thai sizes compared to Western standards.

We provide an individual size chart for each specific design of shorts. While most of our shorts have similar sizes across S, M, L etc., we are transparent about the variance in sizing that is produced by hand-made goods. So, with the individual size charts, you can be confident of the perfect fit you need for each design.

We recommend sizing up when in doubt. You can always ask too to be sure.

 

Design and Aesthetics

There's a broad range of designs and aesthetics in Muay Thai shorts. This opens endless options for personal expression and style. While this should be considered after you're confident of your perfect size, be mindful that finding the design that best suits your individuality and personal style can take some time. Fortunately, brands are constantly experimenting with designs, materials and colours, so you're sure to find something that suits you best.

 

Colors and Their Significance

Vibrant colors in Muay Thai shorts are more than just aesthetics; they hold cultural and personal significance. Traditionally, Thai shorts almost exclusively featured bright hues as a way of reflecting the sport's energy and spirit. That's changed in recent years with a whole spectrum of colours and shades now readily available.

Some fighters believe certain colors bring luck or protection during bouts. Others wear shorts featuring colours that represent their gym or national flag. Your choice in colour is a personal one and can be used to showcase your personality.

 

Materials for Style and Durability

For years Muay Thai shorts were built with limited materials. Satin and polyester were the standard and most embellishments were intricate thread stitching. Nowadays, microfiber, silicone and various plastics have become popular materials for Muay Thai shorts, adding both style and durability. These sturdy and lightweight materials have become more prevalent in recent years, offering a wider range of options for Muay Thai practitioners. However, it is important to note that some of these materials may require additional care when washing.

For durability, look for shorts hand-made from satin, polyester and/or microfiber. Ensure the stitching is high-quality and the quality of materials used is premium. This will give you the confidence that, as long as they are well maintained, they will last through all manner of rigorous training.

We favour microfibre in our shorts due to its durability and quick drying properties. The details on our shorts include a variety of premium materials, including silicone and tatami logos.

 

 

Care and Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Muay Thai shorts are delicate. They need to be washed and stored properly to ensure longevity. It's easy to damage delicate stitching and experience material shrinkage if you don't look after them diligently. Below are a couple of must-do tips. For a more detailed guide on how to wash microfibre shorts specifically, see this guide.

 

Washing and Drying Best Practices

Ideally you should wash your shorts immediately after training. At the very least, take them out of your gym bag and put them to one side. You can either hand-wash or gently machine wash your shorts. We recommend handwashing in cold water, but appreciate not everyone has the time to do this, especially multiple times per week. If machine washing, wash them on a cold cycle with a mild detergent. Wash them with your handwraps and similarly coloured training gear. When drying, air dry only! Some people say you can get away with a low heat tumble dry, but we don't recommend this. The materials in Muay Thai shorts typically dry faster than other garments, so air-drying, out of direct sunlight, is the best option to maintain the integrity of the various fabrics.

 

Storing Your Shorts to Prevent Damage

Once cleaned, make sure to store them properly. Avoid folding them tightly to prevent creases and damage to the fabric. If you do fold them, ensure you don't fold across any embellishments. Hanging them on a hook or a hanger is ideal to maintain their shape. Keep them in a dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading. Additionally, keep them out of your gym bag until just before you go training. It's likely you don't clean your gym bag as often as you do your shorts, so don't put freshly cleaned shorts into a dirty gym bag until the last possible moment.

 

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect fit for your Muay Thai shorts is not always easy. Yet it is crucial for both performance and comfort during your training sessions. Understanding the significance of fit, selecting the right material, and following a step-by-step guide to determine the ideal size are key steps in this process. Be mindful that you may need to do this for every pair you invest in. Additionally, considering different styles, designs, and care practices will ensure the longevity of your shorts.