Best Muay Thai Shorts Brands UK | Men & Women

Introduction: Muay Thai Shorts Buying Guide

If you landed on this blog, you're probably looking for a pair of Muay Thai shorts. Either you're not sure where to buy or are struggling to find the right size for you. You might even be trying to spruce up your Muay Thai shorts draw with some new designs and colours.

THIS is your ultimate buying guide for your next pair of Muay Thai shorts.

At GYM NASTY, we believe that Muay Thai should be accessible to everyone. That's why we put together this ultimate guide to buying Muay Thai shorts. All of the Muay Thai brands in this list are great for different reasons.

We'll show you what to look out for when buying your next pair of shorts. From materials and fabric, sizes, styles and cuts. How to wash and keep your Muay Thai shorts long-lasting and the top brands for quality.

Before we start...

This blog was put together and written by humans. I've been out, tried and tested the shorts included in this list. You won't find any AI generated listicles here.

What to consider when buying Muay Thai shorts

The main things you should be looking for when buying shorts are materials, the different styles and cuts, colours, design and last but certainly not least, how to work out the best fit for you.

I've trained Muay Thai for over 5 years now, going from 4XL in shorts to now S, it's fair to say I've had my fair share of experience trying out what the market has to offer.

What materials are best for Muay Thai shorts?

Muay Thai shorts are either made from satin or nylon. Satin is typically better as they're much more durable and tend to be more comfortable. Comfortability will depend on the size so we'll show you how to find the perfect fit for you a bit later on in the blog.

I personally recommend choosing satin for Muay Thai shorts, they give a lot more flexibility and it my experience last much longer when they're being battered in the gym and in the wash.

I'm also a bit of a Muay Thai nerd at heart and like to keep things traditional. Most, if not all of the old Muay Thai shorts are made from satin/polyester mix.

The different styles and cuts of Thai boxing shorts

Typically Muay Thai shorts have a long or a short cut. It basically just refers to how far they come down on your leg. The Thai's love to add their own flair to everything and that can be found throughout every element of Muay Thai.

A lot of fighters like to roll their shorts up at the waistband to give a shorter look to the shorts. That's why you see a lot of brands typically go for a shorter cut.

A longer cut is closer to a Western style boxing short, but even then, they're. a lot shorter than traditional boxing shorts and offer more room for kicking and blocking with your legs.

Colours and Designs

Muay Thai shorts are not just about aesthetics; their colours often carry deep cultural and symbolic meanings rooted in Thai traditions, mythology, and spirituality. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used colours and their significance:

Red shorts muay thai shorts are often associated with energy, strength, and determination. In Thai astrology, it represents Sunday and is linked to Surya, the Sun God. Fighters wearing red shorts are often seen as bold and aggressive.

Red shorts are also one of the two corner colours used in Muay Thai fights (red vs. blue), symbolising dominance and power.

Blue is another corner colour used in Muay Thai. Blue shorts signify calmness, intelligence, and composure. It is associated with Friday and Shukra, the God of Venus. Fighters donning blue shorts are often perceived as strategic and calculated.

Fighters in the blue corner are often worn by the underdog fighters.

Yellow shorts represent loyalty and positivity. In Thailand, yellow is closely tied to the monarchy as King Bhumibol Adulyadej was born on a Monday, which is symbolised by yellow in Thai astrology. Yellow is also associated with Chandra, the Moon God.

Wearing yellow shorts can be seen as a nod to tradition and respect for Thai culture.

Pink shorts symbolise strength, endurance, and compassion. Despite its softer connotations in Western cultures, pink in Muay Thai represents resilience and passion. It is tied to Tuesday in Thai astrology and Mangala, the God of War.

Pink gained popularity in Thailand after King Bhumibol was seen wearing pink during his later years, making it a colour of strength and honour.

Black shorts convey power, authority, and sophistication. They are often chosen by experienced fighters who want to project confidence in the ring. Black is versatile and neutral, making it suitable for both training sessions and fights.

Green shorts represent harmony, growth, and balance. In Thai astrology, green is linked to Wednesday mornings and Buddha. Fighters who wear green often value mental clarity and spiritual connection.

Cultural Significance of Designs

The designs on Muay Thai shorts often incorporate traditional Thai motifs or symbols that reflect cultural heritage:

Mythical Creatures: Naga (serpentine dragon) or Hanuman (monkey deity) represent strength, protection, and courage.
Nature-Inspired Patterns: Lotus flowers symbolise purity and enlightenment.
Astrological Symbols: Designs may align with a fighter’s astrological beliefs or personal attributes.

As someone who loves the old Muay Thai traditions, I’ve always been drawn to shorts that feature intricate embroidery or mythical motifs like Hanuman for their cultural depth. However, modern fighters might prefer bold graphics or minimalist styles to reflect their individuality.

Muay Thai shorts are now used as a bit of a personal expression for fighters. Whether you prefer bold, traditional Thai designs or minimalist, modern aesthetics, there’s something for everyone.

How to work out your size

Finding the right size for Muay Thai shorts can be tricky since sizing varies between brands. Most Thai-made shorts run small compared to Western sizes, so it’s always worth checking the brand-specific size chart.

Here’s what you need to consider:

Waist Measurement: Measure around your natural waistline. Elastic waistbands provide some flexibility, but if you’re between sizes, it’s better to size up for comfort.
Length: Decide whether you prefer a shorter or longer cut. Shorter cuts allow for greater mobility during kicks and knee strikes, while longer cuts offer more coverage and a traditional look.
Fit Preferences: Some fighters prefer a snug fit to minimise movement during training, while others opt for a looser fit for added comfort. Personally, I’ve found that a well-fitted waistband combined with roomier leg openings works best.

Pro Tip: If you’re shopping online and can’t try them on, look for customer reviews that mention how the shorts fit compared to standard sizes. I’ve learned this the hard way after ordering a pair that ended up being far too tight!

How to wash your Muay Thai shorts - without ruining them

Proper care is essential to keep your Muay Thai shorts looking fresh and lasting longer. Here’s what I’ve learned from years of trial and error:

Hand washing

Fill a bowl or sink with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent.
Turn the shorts inside out to protect designs and embellishments.
Gently agitate them in the water for 10–15 minutes, focusing on sweat-prone areas.
Rinse thoroughly and gently squeeze out excess water (never wring them).

Machine washing

Use a delicate cycle with cold water.
Avoid fabric softeners or bleach—they can damage the material and elastic waistband

Drying

Air-dry your shorts in a shaded area. Direct sunlight can fade colours and weaken fabrics.
Avoid tumble drying at all costs—it ruins elasticity and may shrink the material

How to make your shorts last longer

To extend the life of your Muay Thai shorts:

Wash Immediately: Don’t leave sweaty shorts in your gym bag; bacteria causes odours and weakens fabrics over time.
Store Properly: Hang them or fold carefully without creasing embellishments.
Rotate Pairs: Having multiple pairs ensures no single one gets overused.

I’ve followed these steps religiously after ruining my first few pairs by machine-drying them—lesson learned!

Best Muay Thai shorts brands in 2025

Here you'll find a list of the best overall. Ranked on a number of different factors such as how often they have stock, their sizes, how they fit and designs. More shorts and brands can be found below, where I've personally broken them down into the best designs, best shorts for women and men.

Best overall brands:

Twins Special - take the top spot, for their high quality material and durable craftsmanship. They have a decent range of sizes and have reliable UK stock.
GYM NASTY - whilst we're not at the top spot yet, we're on our way there. We have a wide range of stock in our designs and are launching new designs. Our range of sizes from S to 4XL makes it easier to find your perfect fit.
Fairtex - are renowned for their durability and quality. They're a brand that have cemented themselves in the Muay Thai scene for years and have a variety of unique designs. They also have some more simple designs for those that want to keep it lowkey.
Siam Kick - are a relatively newer brand but are making big moves. They have super high quality shorts and have a lot of support in Thailand. Their designs are unique and they have colours in various different sizes, making it easier to find your style and size.
Boon - I love a pair of Boon shorts. They're always really unique and echo the designs of old Muay Thai traditions. They aren't seen an awful lot in gyms in the UK but they're definitely getting noticed more now.

Best designs

For standout designs, Yokkao leads the pack with vibrant graphics inspired by street art and pop culture. Their new Power Muay Thai shorts have a striking design with the standout Yokkao branding. It's more toned back from previous collections but they certainly turn heard.

Best Muay Thai Shorts for Women

Women-specific cuts are becoming more common in Muay Thai gear. More brands are paying attention to the cuts of their Muay Thai shorts and lengthening the inseam to accommodate for a high waist.

For the best Muay Thai shorts for women, we're going to have to vote ourselves. I spent a lot of time specifically designing our shorts so that they were comfortable for everyone. With our sizes ranging from S to 4XL, fighters that shop with us always compliment the fit and tell us they struggle to find a fit like it from other brands.

Best Muay Thai Shorts for Men

For men, Fairtex and Twins Special remain top choices due to their consistent sizing and robust construction. Their wider leg openings make them especially comfortable during intense training sessions.

This guide is built on years of personal experience in the gym and conversations with fellow fighters. Whether you’re buying your first pair or adding to your collection, I hope this helps you find the perfect Muay Thai shorts!