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Muay Thai shorts look simple until you're the one trying to throw a high kick in a pair that's cut wrong — too tight through the thigh and your range shrinks, too baggy and they flap around and snag. This guide covers the traditional cut, the fabric that actually matters, sizing, and which shorts in our range are worth buying.
Traditional Cut vs Modern Athletic Fit
Traditional Muay Thai shorts sit low on the hip with a wide, flared leg opening — the shape exists specifically to give unrestricted range for high kicks and knees, at the cost of looking baggier than a Western athletic short. Modern athletic-fit shorts, often in stretch nylon rather than satin, trim the silhouette closer to the body while trying to preserve that same range of motion through four-way stretch fabric. Neither is objectively better — traditional cuts are still what most Thai stadiums and serious camps train in, while modern fits appeal to lifters and anyone who finds a flapping wide leg annoying on the bag.
Fabric: Satin vs Nylon
| Fabric | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Satin | Traditional, glossy, holds embroidery well | Classic Thai-style shorts, competition, authenticity |
| Stretch nylon | Closer fit, more breathable, moves with the body | Modern athletic cuts, heavy training volume |
Sizing Guide
| Size | Waist |
|---|---|
| XS | 26–28 in / 66–71 cm |
| S | 28–30 in / 71–76 cm |
| M | 30–32 in / 76–81 cm |
| L | 32–34 in / 81–86 cm |
| XL | 34–36 in / 86–91 cm |
Traditional satin shorts run true to waist measurement but should sit a little loose — they're designed to be worn low and belted with the built-in waist tie, not fitted snug like a Western short. Modern nylon shorts with a stretch waistband are more forgiving between sizes.
Best Muay Thai Shorts, By Category
Editor's Pick
Fairtex BS1940 – Black Funky Soul
Tailored slimmer than traditional Fairtex sizing while keeping the wide-leg range of motion — a genuinely good middle ground between authentic cut and modern fit.
Shop the Fairtex BS1940 Shorts →
Editor's Pick
InFightStyle Mono Nylon Lotus Retro
The modern athletic-fit pick — four-way stretch nylon that moves closer to the body than satin, popular with fighters who train heavy volume and don't want fabric flapping on every kick.
Shop the InFightStyle Shorts →
Editor's Pick
Arwut [BS3] Carbon Edition
The most affordable pick in our range without dropping to a generic brand — a bold carbon-fibre-inspired design at a genuinely lower price point.
Shop the Arwut Carbon Shorts →
Editor's Pick
Thaismai Apidej Shorts – Golden Era Style
Styled after the classic era of Thai stadium fighters, embroidered rather than printed — the pick for anyone who wants shorts that actually look like they belong in Lumpinee, not a modern reprint.
Shop the Thaismai Apidej Shorts →
Editor's Pick
Fairtex Boxing Trunks BT2008 – Classic Red
A boxing-trunk silhouette rather than the traditional wide-leg Muay Thai cut — worth considering if you split time between boxing and Muay Thai training and want one short that works for both.
Shop the Fairtex Boxing Trunks →Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy traditional or modern-fit Muay Thai shorts?
Traditional wide-leg satin shorts are still what most Thai stadiums and serious camps train in and offer maximum range for high kicks. Modern athletic-fit nylon shorts trim the silhouette and suit fighters who dislike fabric flapping.
What size Muay Thai shorts should I buy?
Size by waist measurement, but traditional satin shorts should sit a little loose since they're designed to be worn low and secured with the built-in waist tie.
Are satin or nylon shorts better for training?
Satin is the traditional, classic choice and holds embroidery well. Stretch nylon is more breathable and moves closer to the body for high-volume training.
Can I wear boxing trunks for Muay Thai training?
Yes, though they lack the wide flared leg of traditional Muay Thai shorts. They work well for fighters who split time between boxing and Muay Thai.
Do Muay Thai shorts run true to size?
Generally yes by waist measurement, but traditional satin shorts are meant to sit slightly loose rather than fitted.
Keep Reading
Best Muay Thai Gloves: The Complete Buying Guide →
Muay Thai Handwraps: Length, Material & Wrapping Technique Guide →
