How to Choose the Best Muay Thai Shorts
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.
Cutting
As a kickboxing style, Muay Thai incorporates a lot of different kicking techniques. These range from standard body kicks and leg-chopping low kicks to head-smashing high kicks and gravity-defying jumping kicks. In terms of cutting, the best Muay Thai shorts offer complete freedom of movement with wide leg room.
Knee-length mma shorts are popular among some combat sports practitioners for striking training. Even though they are designed for mobility and support a wide range of movement, mma shorts are generally less breathable and comfortable. Nothing beats Muay Thai shorts for training Muay Thai.
Design
When you look good, you feel good too. Muay Thai shorts come in a multitude of designs thanks to the many fightwear brands in the market. There is enough variety to cater to all aesthetic tastes and match each individual’s style.
Some brands and online fightwear stores also provide shorts customization service with the option of adding personalized logos and even full customization.
YOKKAO Muay Thai Shorts
YOKKAO Shorts are available in modern CarbonFit style using innovative lightweight, satin-blend quick dry fabric; and the traditional style that pays homage to the classic satin Muay Thai shorts. We incorporate state-of-the-art printing techniques for unique designs with long-lasting color vibrancy. Our shorts are cut with extra-wide leg room to allow optimum freedom of movement and maximum breathability. They are the ideal apparel for Muay Thai, boxing, and kickboxing or a fitness workout at the gym. View a wide selection of Muay Thai shorts at our online store now.
