Muay Thai Shorts

Muay Thai shorts are the one piece of kit the sport genuinely requires. They are short and wide-legged for a reason: nothing should catch on the thigh when the knee comes up, and nothing should slow a kick down. Every other detail — the satin, the elastic waistband, the flared leg — exists to serve that.

They are also the most expressive thing you will wear in a gym, which is why the range now runs from plain black to hand-drawn Sak Yant.

Getting the size right

This is where nearly every return starts.

Muay Thai shorts are sized on your waist measurement, not your clothing size. Do not order off your jeans size — jeans sit lower on the hip, stretch differently, and are frequently vanity-sized. Take a tape measure, measure round your natural waist just above the hip bones, and work from that number.

There is also no universal size chart in this sport. Thai sizing and Western sizing are not the same thing, and a Medium in one brand can be a Small in another. Every brand is different, and some brands vary between designs.

Check the chart for the specific pair you are buying. Our Muay Thai shorts size guide covers every brand we stock in one place, and is the fastest way to avoid getting this wrong.

How the brands actually fit

Fairtex

Longer in the leg and wider in the leg opening than most other brands. Their sizing is built around Thai sizes, but their measurement table is accurate — so stick to the chart and do not size up. If you have larger thighs, Fairtex are usually the easiest fit to get right. Note that their newer BS19xx range is cut slimmer than the traditional Fairtex shape.

Primo Fightwear

Primo shorts typically sit between sizes. Because they are hand made, there is some variation between designs, which is why Primo publish an individual size chart for each pair rather than one chart for the range. Check the chart for the exact design you want, and if you are in doubt, size up.

Boon

A traditional, retro cut — shorter, wider through the leg, timeless rather than fashionable. Their size chart is one of the few that adds a full inch per size rather than overlapping between them, so the steps between sizes are cleaner than most.

PRYDE, SKS Empire, Top King and Fumetsu

Each has its own cut and its own chart. Our ultimate guide to Muay Thai shorts breaks down every brand in detail, and the size guide has the measurements.

Shorts for children

Kids' Muay Thai shorts are not adult shorts scaled down. The Fairtex BSK range uses a six-strip waistband rather than the traditional eight, which sits flatter on a child's hips and does not dig in, plus an inner drawstring so it can be pulled tight and stay put.

Size on the waist measurement, not the age label — children of the same age vary by several inches.

See the full kids' range.

Traditional or slim cut?

• Traditional — shorter, with a wide flared leg opening. Maximum room for the kick, and the classic look. If you have powerful legs, this is the safer choice.
• Slim or retro — narrower through the leg, more tailored. Cleaner looking, but do not size down so far that a knee lift feels restricted.

Length matters more than people expect. Shorts that feel fine standing still can ride, bunch or grab the moment you throw fifty switch kicks. If you find yourself constantly rolling the waistband to shorten them, you are in the wrong cut.

The waistband

Muay Thai shorts use either a six-strip or an eight-strip elastic waistband. More strips means a tighter, more secure band. Six sits flatter and lower on the hips; eight grips harder.

Where you want the band to sit — high on the waist or low on the hips — changes which size actually works for you. It is worth deciding that before you measure.

Fabric

Satin is the standard, and for good reason: light, quick-drying, and it does not cling when you sweat. Polyester and cotton shorts exist and are usually cheaper, but neither breathes as well or dries as fast. Premium ranges combine satin with microfibre, embroidery or silicone detailing for durability.

Making them last

Never tumble dry Muay Thai shorts. The heat degrades the elastic in the waistband very quickly, and once that goes, the shorts are finished — no matter how good the satin still looks. Wash cool, hang them to dry, and keep them out of direct sun, which will fade the colours.