What Should You Look for When Buying Muay Thai Shorts?

So you’ve committed to the art of eight limbs—elbows, knees, kicks, and all. You’ve got your gloves, your wraps, and your shin guards. But there’s one piece of gear that says, “I’m ready to go full Nak Muay” more than anything else: Muay Thai shorts.

Let’s be real—Muay Thai shorts aren’t just shorts. They’re a statement. Whether you're shadowboxing in your garage, smashing pads at your local gym, or stepping into the ring, the right pair of shorts can level up your comfort, mobility, and style.

But not all Muay Thai shorts are created equal. From the cut to the waistband, from the fabric to the flair, there’s a lot going on under those 8-ounce gloves.

Let’s break it down.

Why Muay Thai Shorts Matter

You might think, “They’re just shorts, right?” Wrong. You wouldn’t wear jeans to a sprint, would you? Exactly.

Muay Thai shorts are designed with purpose:

• Shorter inseam = full range of motion for high kicks and knees
  

• Wide leg openings = no bunching when you pivot or check
  

• Lightweight fabric = less sweat, more speed
  
  

These aren’t your average gym shorts. They’re a functional, technical piece of your arsenal.

1. The Right Fit: Movement is Everything

Muay Thai is a dynamic sport. You’re constantly throwing kicks, checking, switching stance, bouncing, clinching. So if your shorts don’t move with you, you’re going to feel it.

Look for:

• Wide leg openings: So your kicks stay snappy and unrestricted.
  

• Short inseam (3-4 inches): You need space to move, not fabric to fight.
  

• Side slits or stretch panels: Bonus mobility, especially helpful for bigger legs or deep kicks.
  
  

Try them on and throw a few kicks. If you feel any tugging or resistance—ditch 'em.

2. Waistband: Snug, Not Suffocating

The traditional Muay Thai short has a thick, elastic waistband—usually around 3 to 4 inches wide. Why?

Because it:

• Keeps your shorts up during movement
  

• Offers some core support (hello abs)
  

• Sits high on your waist, like old-school fighters
  
  

A good waistband should feel secure without digging into your stomach. Some modern designs also include drawstrings for an extra-tight fit. If your shorts are sliding during pad rounds, it’s time for a different size or waistband.

Pro tip: Try shadowboxing in them first. If you're pulling them up after every combo, that's your answer.

 

3. Fabric: Go Light or Go Home

You’re going to sweat. A lot. Your shorts need to be up for the challenge.

Common materials:

• Satin (traditional) – Lightweight, glossy, durable, classic Thai look.
  

• Microfiber/polyester blends – Modern, sweat-wicking, and often stretchier.
  
  Nylon or mesh panels – For fighters who overheat quickly.
  
  

If you’re doing multiple rounds or training in hot climates, lightweight and breathable fabric will make a huge difference.

4. Style and Design: Look Good, Fight Better

Let’s not pretend this doesn’t matter. Your shorts are a part of your identity as a fighter.

Want to rep Thailand with bold gold embroidery? Prefer minimal black with a clean logo? Going for that retro flair with tiger print and contrast piping?

Muay Thai shorts come in a wild range of styles, and that’s part of the fun. Whether you want to intimidate your opponent or just match your gloves, you’ve got options.

Design features to consider:

• Patch or embroidered logos (vs screen-printed)
  

• Traditional vs modern cuts
  

• Colorways that match your personality—or your fight gym
  
  

And hey, if your shorts make you feel like a beast, that’s a psychological edge you can’t buy with technique alone.

5. Sizing: Thailand Sizing vs Western Sizing

Here’s where a lot of fighters get tripped up—literally.

Thai brands often run small. Like, “I wear a medium but I need an XL” small.

When buying Muay Thai shorts:

• Always check the brand’s sizing chart
  

• Consider going up one or even two sizes
  

• Know your waist measurement in inches, not just “M” or “L”
  
  

If you’re buying online, it helps to look at reviews or ask your gym mates what worked for them.

6. Traditional vs Modern Cuts: Choose Your Vibe

Let’s talk cut styles:

Traditional Cut

• Higher waist
  

• Boxier leg openings
  

• Embroidered logos, patch-style detailing
  

• That classic Thai look you see in Lumpinee stadium
  
  

Retro/Modern Cut

• Lower rise
  

• Slimmer leg openings
  

• Side slits or mesh panels
  

• Often minimal branding, more fashion-forward
  
  

Beginners often love traditional cuts for their roominess. Experienced fighters or Muay Thai fashion heads may lean into retro fits for both function and form.

7. Brand Matters (But Not Too Much)

There are dozens of Muay Thai brands out there, but a few stand out for quality, durability, and authenticity:

• Fairtex – Trusted by pros, known for premium quality and innovative designs.
  
  

• Twins Special – Reliable, traditional, and super durable.
  
  

• Top King – Great construction and bold graphics.
  
  

• Yokkao – Trendy, stylish, modern fit.
  
  

• Muay Thai Roots – Our own top picks and collabs, perfect for real Nak Muays.
  
  

You don’t need to drop big bucks on your first pair, but buying from a reputable brand means you won’t be let down after a few sweaty sessions.

8. Price: Get What You Pay For

You’ll find Muay Thai shorts anywhere from $25 to $80+ depending on brand, fabric, and design. While budget options exist, remember: these shorts take a beating.

What you’re paying for:

• Quality stitching
  
  

• Durable elastic waist
  
  

• Good fabric that doesn’t fade or fray after a month
  
  

Start with one pair that checks all your boxes. You can build your collection as your obsession—uh, training—continues.

Final Thoughts: Choose Shorts That Move With You

Muay Thai shorts should feel like a second skin. They should let you move freely, train confidently, and throw kicks like you mean it.

If they:
- Stay up while you bounce
- Don’t restrict movement
- Make you feel confident when you look in the mirror

… then you’ve found your pair.

Remember: you fight how you train. So why not train in shorts that actually support your grind?

Ready to Find the Perfect Pair?

We’ve got a killer lineup of Muay Thai shorts from Fairtex, Twins, and more—handpicked for comfort, durability, and fighter-approved performance. Check them out at MuayThaiRoots.com.

Train smart. Look sharp. Kick hard.