Muay Thai is one of the most well-known martial arts today. It is practised around the world by professional competitors and recreational practitioners alike. Unlike other traditional Eastern martial arts, Muay Thai does not require or enforce wearing uniforms. Besides the traditional Mongkhon (headband) and Prajiet (armbands) that are worn by professional competitors, practitioners are free to wear any exercise apparel for training Muay Thai.
That said, Muay Thai shorts are gaining prominence due to exposure in the fashion industry and even occasionally worn by celebrities. Even though Muay Thai shorts are not mandatory for training, they are often favored by the sport’s practitioners for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Wearing Muay Thai shorts when you train Muay Thai also shows your passion for the sport.
Over the years, more and more Muay Thai, combat sports, fitness and even fashion brands are coming into the market with an increasing selection of Muay Thai shorts. Muay Thai practitioners now have more options than ever before when it comes to training apparel. In this article, we break down the different components to consider when it comes to choosing the best Muay Thai shorts.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MUAY THAI SHORTS
If you are looking to get the best Muay Thai shorts for training or competition, here are the three key factors to look out for:
MATERIAL
Muay Thai shorts come in 4 main different fabrics namely nylon, satin, polyester-blend and cotton. Satin is the traditional fabric and still favored by many Muay Thai practitioners for its smooth feel and glossy finish.
Another traditional fabric used for Muay Thai shorts is nylon. It is the most lightweight among the fabrics commonly used for Muay Thai shorts with better breathability than satin. Nylon shorts are also more affordable compared to satin shorts. However, nylon shorts are less tear-resistant and soak up moisture easily, making them see-through during training.
Cotton Muay Thai shorts are of a more recent phenomenon but are relatively uncommon. Cotton fabric is comfortable for loungewear but not ideal for training as they tend to soak up perspiration and are less lightweight. The advantage of using cotton is that it allows for more design possibilities as it is a more printable fabric.
Many Muay Thai brands are now moving to quick dry polyester-blend fabric for its many benefits. Polyester-blend fabric offers the best of all worlds with sweat-wicking breathability, feel, and lightweight comfort. With dye-sublimation printing, polyester-blend fabric also allows for more vibrant and unique allover print designs.
Cm waist length
Xs 53-62 30
S 57-65 32
M 62-72 34
L 65-77 36
Xl 70-83 38
Xxl 73-90 40
Xxxl 80-97 44
