Choosing the right pair of Muay Thai shorts can be the difference between enjoying and not enjoying training. In Muay Thai training, you’ll be performing many dynamic movements that sometimes require you to be in top flexibility. As a result, wearing a flexible, comfortable, high-quality, and properly-sized pair of shorts—is critical.
This is what this article is going to solve for you. It’s going to give you the basic parameters to pick the most suitable pair of Muay Thai shorts for your requirements. We’ll begin by covering factors such as budget and move on to quality and much, much more.
I’ve decided to write this article because I saw there’s no resource out there that truly explains the factors to choose a suitable pair of Muay Thai shorts. While numerous resources are out there, none of them is a step-by-step guide to choosing one. Therefore, I’ve decided to create my own resource to solve that issue for all fighters out there who want to buy the best pair for them.
I hope you’re ready and excited as I am to jump into this journey with me. Without further introduction, let’s dive into the first factor, budget!
Factor #1 – Budget
The first factor, which is also the first step in the process of choosing the best shorts for you, is to set a realistic budget. The last thing you want to do is to buy a premium pair when you’re unwilling to invest more than a certain amount on this item.
Set a budget that works for you and explore options within that price range. There are excellent Muay Thai shorts available in various price categories, so you don’t necessarily need to break the bank for a good pair.
If you’re interested in seeing which Muay Thai shorts are best for your money (7 pairs), follow this link.
The quality shorts I’ve seen out there all begin from around the price point of $25. However, the more premium brands tend to reach the $75 mark, which is triple the first price.
Set a budget now. See which price point is suitable for you. I know that you might want to get the best pair of shorts out there for $75, but you want to set a budget without taking the quality into account. Just set how much you’re willing to spend and let’s go on from there.
Factor #2 – Size and Fit
The most crucial factor is to find the right size that fits you comfortably. Muay Thai shorts typically have an elastic waistband with a drawstring for adjustment. They should be loose enough to allow for a wide range of movements, especially high kicks, without being too baggy. Make sure they don’t restrict your mobility during training or competition.
If you’re a big guy, I wrote a Muay Thai shorts buyer’s guide for big guys, which you definitely want to read if you are one.
Size and fit is the most important factor to look at. The best thing you can do to choose the right size is to measure your waist, allowing you to compare size charts and your waist size.
For example, let’s review the following size chart of FLUORY’s pair of Muay Thai shorts. By the way, these are definitely worth buying if you’re interested in an affordable but high-quality product. You can follow the link to buy them.
As you can see in the size chart above, you’ll be able to fit your waist to the size. So make sure to measure it before you make your purchase. And if there’s no size chart for the specific one you want to get, compare it to other size charts.
Factor #3 – Quality
The third factor is quality. I know what you might think: well, that’s obvious! I only have one answer that makes sense here. The fact that it’s obvious doesn’t mean that I can’t include it. In fact, I would argue that many fighters who are buying their first or second pair of shorts don’t stop for a second to examine whether the pair is even high-quality.
Quality is essential, especially if you plan to use your Muay Thai shorts frequently. Look for reinforced stitching and quality materials that can withstand the demands of rigorous training.
We’ll review specific materials later in the article, so more on that later.
The best way to examine quality is through customer reviews. Look for reviews with images and reviews that the fighter has written after one had already used them for a while. If the pair of shorts is of high quality, you’ll see good durability being mentioned time and time again in the reviews.
But again, if you don’t want to do the research, you can follow this link to read about Muay Thai’s best shorts that you want to buy!
Factor #4 – Company
The 4th, and not the slightest less important, is the company behind the product. From my experience, even if the pair of Muay Thai shorts looks extremely well-made and high-quality, if the company’s reputation isn’t as based, you want to avoid buying the same pair.
Companies make or break a product. That’s one of the most important things to understand when you’re thinking of which pair to buy. Here are some of the companies I trust:
- Fairtex
- YOKKAO
- RDX
- Hayabusa
- FLUORY
- Tuff Sport
- Venum
- Anthem Athletics
There are others, of course.
Factor #5 – Material
Muay Thai shorts are usually made of satin, nylon, or polyester. Satin is the traditional choice and is often considered more comfortable and lightweight. Nylon and polyester are more durable and may offer better sweat-wicking properties. Choose the material that suits your preferences and training needs.
The material the shorts are made out of—is a critical factor when considering which one to get. I highly recommend you do your research in terms of materials and the different characteristics of each one. But again, if you see satin, polyester, or nylon, then follow the characteristics I’ve described in the previous paragraph. You’ll mostly see these materials, however.
Factor #6 – Design
Muay Thai shorts come in various designs and colors, ranging from traditional patterns to modern and flashy styles. Pick a design that resonates with your taste and personality. Some fighters prefer solid colors, while others like more elaborate patterns and graphics. Just remember, the design should not compromise the functionality and fit of the shorts.
Some shorts may have prominent brand logos or fighter names. If you prefer a minimalist look, choose shorts with less branding. On the other hand, if you want to support your favorite fighters or gyms, branded shorts can be a great choice.
Personally, I love YOKKAO’s designs. Let me show you an example.
YOKKAO Muay Thai Shorts
Factor #7 – Breathability
Training in Muay Thai can be intense and sweaty. Look for shorts with mesh panels or small vents to enhance breathability and keep you cool during training sessions.
Breathability is also an important factor. The last thing you want is to sweat like crazy and not be supported by what you wear. Eventually, if you’re anything like me, you sweat a lot when training Muay Thai. Therefore, you want your shorts to be breathable and to allow the air to move in and out, which shouldn’t be a problem in most shorts out there.
However, I’m sure there are a few pairs of Muay Thai shorts that don’t allow the air to flow as naturally. Make sure to check out for any dents, mesh panels, or small vents to check off the breathability factor.
How Many Pairs of Muay Thai Shorts Do I Need?
As a general rule, having three pairs of Muay Thai shorts will suffice. However, if you’re training Muay Thai daily, you want to have five pairs, so you’ll always have a clear one to wear. On the other hand, if you’re training 1-3 times per week, two pairs will be just enough.
What Size Muay Thai Shorts Should I Get?
If you’re wondering what size Muay Thai shorts you should get, wonder no more. In the chart below, I’ll list the sizes and the waist length that fit them. This is, as you can imagine, the market’s standard. Make sure to check the size chart of the shorts you want to buy to ensure you get the right size.
| Size | Waist Length (inches) |
|---|---|
| XS | 22″-24″ |
| S | 24″-26″ |
| M | 26″-28″ |
| L | 28″-30″ |
| XL | 30″-32″ |
| XXL | 32″-34″ |
| 3XL | 34″-36″ |
Final Words
And this is how you choose the right Muay Thai shorts for you. You and I are different. We have different needs, we’re in different sizes, etc. As a result, while I want to say: “Buy this one”, I can’t. That’s because I can’t tell you which one will be most suitable for your requirements.
The one thing in common you and I have is that we’re both Muay Thai enthusiasts. And I know how exciting it feels to return to the fighting gym all over again, every single time.
Go through the factors until you narrow down the options to a couple. Then, choose the one that’s most suitable to you – the one that answers all the factors correctly.
Here are other articles you’ll benefit from reading:
Required Equipment for Your First Muay Thai Class
Best Muay Thai Headgear to Avoid Brain and Head Damage
The 5 Best Muay Thai Shin Guards for Your Money
The 5 Best Muay Thai Pads to Maximize Progression