Tank Tops

The traditional Muay Thai training top, and still the best one — no sleeves to soak, nothing to bunch under a shoulder, and maximum airflow in a room that is always too hot.

Thai gyms have never really used anything else. There is a reason.

Cotton is the enemy

This is the thing worth knowing, and it applies to every top you train in.

Cotton soaks. It absorbs sweat rather than moving it, roughly doubles in weight over a session, sticks to your back, and takes two days to dry properly. In a hot gym you will feel every gram of it by round four.

Polyester and technical blends wick instead — they pull the moisture to the surface where it evaporates. Lighter, faster drying, and considerably less unpleasant to put back on.

Heavy cotton is fine for wearing around. It is miserable to train in.

Sizing

Thai brands cut smaller than UK sizing. A Thai large is closer to a UK medium, and this catches people out constantly. Fairtex and Boon both manufacture in Thailand and size accordingly.

Check the chest measurement on the individual product rather than ordering the size you usually wear. If you are between sizes, size up — a training top that is slightly loose is fine, one that is slightly tight is unwearable the moment you sweat in it.

Care

Wash cool and hang to dry.

A hot wash strips the wicking properties from technical fabric, which is the entire reason you bought it — and printed graphics crack in a tumble dryer. Neither failure is reversible.

See also t-shirts, sports bras, or all clothing.