If you’ve ever trained Muay Thai, you know how important freedom of movement is. Every kick, knee, and pivot requires gear that won’t hold you back. That’s why choosing the best Muay Thai shorts isn’t just about style, it’s about performance. The right pair of shorts can help you train harder, move fluidly, and stay comfortable through the most intense sessions.
In this article, we’ll break down why the right shorts matter, what features to look for, and our top picks for the best Muay Thai shorts for training and sparring.
Why the Right Shorts Matter in Muay Thai
Muay Thai isn’t like other combat sports. The sport demands constant kicking, kneeing, and rapid hip rotation, so wearing shorts that are too tight or poorly designed can limit your range of motion. Proper Muay Thai shorts are cut wide at the legs with side slits, allowing fighters to throw high kicks and clinch with ease. Beyond mobility, the right shorts also give you confidence in training and competition, no distractions, no restrictions, just clean movement.
Key Features of Quality Muay Thai Shorts
Not all shorts are created equal. When looking for the best Muay Thai shorts, here are the features you’ll want to prioritize.
Lightweight Fabric
Good Muay Thai shorts are usually made from satin or modern microfiber materials because they’re light, breathable, and quick-drying. Heavy fabrics can trap heat and sweat, making training uncomfortable. A lightweight pair lets you move freely and stay cool even in long, intense sessions.
Wide Leg Openings
Muay Thai involves high kicks, knees, and fast hip rotation, which can feel restricted in regular gym shorts. The best Muay Thai shorts are designed with wide leg openings and side slits to allow a full range of motion. This ensures you can throw kicks without any pulling or tightness.
Elastic Waistband with Drawstring
During pad work, clinching, or sparring, the last thing you want is your shorts slipping or shifting. A thick elastic waistband, often paired with an adjustable drawstring, keeps the shorts secure around your waist. This feature gives you stability and confidence to train at full intensity without distractions.
Durability
Muay Thai training is tough on gear, so cheap stitching or thin fabric won’t last. Quality shorts use reinforced seams and strong materials to handle daily use, hard sparring, and constant washing. Investing in durable shorts means you won’t need to replace them every few months
Design and Style
While performance comes first, style also plays a role in Muay Thai culture. From traditional Thai lettering and bold colors to modern minimalist designs, the look of your shorts lets you express personality in the gym and ring. Feeling good in your gear often adds extra motivation during training.
Best Muay Thai Shorts for Training and Sparring
1. Fairtex Muay Thai Shorts
Fairtex is one of the oldest and most trusted names in Muay Thai gear. Their shorts usually offer excellent craftsmanship, with heavy investment in material quality and sewing. While many Fairtex shorts lean toward a longer cut with generous leg width, they’ve also started offering shorter cuts for fighters who want less fabric when doing high kicks or fast footwork.
The downside is that their designs tend to be a bit more conservative compared to flashier custom designs, so if you like bold styling, options may be fewer.
Best for you if: you value durability, traditional Thai craftsmanship, slightly longer cut for more coverage, solid leg mobility, and cleaner designs that won’t go out of style. If you train heavily (bags, clinch, regular sparring), these are a safe long-term investment.
2. Twins Special Muay Thai Shorts
The waistband tends to be thick and well-sewn, helping with staying tight during movement. On the flip side, some of the very bold designs may use décor (patches, logos) that can add slight weight or texture, which might irritate some skin depending on fit or sensitivity.
Best for you if: you like having many style options, want comfort without sacrificing mobility, do a mix of sparring, clinch, and high kicks, and don’t mind paying a bit extra for flashy aesthetics.
3. Top King Muay Thai Shorts
Top King strikes a balance between traditional Thai style and functional performance. The cut is often wide and roomy (especially around the thighs), and their quality stitching and fabric selection tend to handle moisture well.
Top King also tends to use designs that are bold but not overly busy, which appeals to fighters who want standout looks without overdoing it. One thing to check: some cuts might be shorter in rise (waist height), so if you like coverage, check measurements carefully.
Best for you if: you want strong protection, solid waistband stability, big leg freedom, and want something bold but still sturdy for heavy training or frequent wash cycles.
4. Venum Muay Thai Shorts
Venum comes from a slightly different lineage (MMA + combat sports more broadly), so their Muay Thai shorts often combine more modern fabric blends (sometimes synthetics or microfiber) with attention to trendy design. The cuts are usually short-to-medium, meaning they are less bulky and more streamlined, good if you favor speed, fast leg movement, or prefer less fabric banging during kicks.
However, synthetic blends can sometimes trade off a bit of traditional feel or cooling vs satin fabric, and the stitching may be less “hand-crafted” than in classic Thai brands.
Best for you if: you want modern looks, a lightweight feel, speed & agility in your movements, and you’re okay with slightly less tradition for the trade-off of style and comfort.
5. Yokkao Muay Thai Shorts
Yokkao is one of the younger premium brands but has made a strong reputation through fighter sponsorships, innovative designs, and high-quality control. Their “Carbon” and “Carbonfit” lines are known for sleek side panels, often shorter cuts, with material that holds up well through hard training.
Stitching is reinforced, designs are creative, and there are sometimes customization options. Because of the premium finish and style, these will often cost more, and very decorative shorts may require more care (wash gently, avoid harsh drying).
Best for you if: you want a premium, stylish product that catches your eye, you train frequently and want gear that looks almost “show quality”, and you are willing to pay more to get high retention of texture/design over time.
Can I use regular gym shorts for Muay Thai?
While you can train in regular gym shorts, they often restrict kicks or tear during clinch work. Muay Thai shorts are specifically designed with wide legs and side slits, giving you the mobility and comfort you need for proper technique.
How should Muay Thai shorts fit?
Muay Thai shorts should feel comfortable and loose around the thighs with enough room for high kicks and knees. The waistband should sit securely without digging into your waist, and the leg openings should allow free hip rotation without pulling.
When it comes to choosing the best Muay Thai shorts, comfort, mobility, and durability should always guide your decision. The right pair will give you the freedom to kick, clinch, and spar without distractions, helping you perform at your best.
If you’re in Bali and want to take your training to the next level, join one of our Muay Thai classes! You’ll not only sharpen your technique but also experience the supportive, high-energy community that makes Ubud Muay Thai special.