Choosing a groin guard: cup, briefs or Thai steel cup?
Briefs with a plastic cup for daily sparring, Thai steel cup with laces for hard sparring; wear it tight and high.
For sparring and competition in kickboxing, muay thai and MMA, you want a groin guard with a hard cup: a briefs model with a plastic cup for daily use, or a Thai steel cup with laces for maximum protection in hard sparring. A cup should sit tight and high, so it does not shift on a low kick or knee.
Why a groin guard is a must, not an option
In any sport with kicks and knees, sooner or later something lands too low. A low kick meant for just above the knee, a knee in the clinch, a badly aimed front kick. A groin guard is the difference between a brief shock and a session that is over. That is why it is mandatory for sparring in almost every gym, for men and at many clubs for women too.
For bag work and pad training it is not needed, although some athletes wear one out of habit. In our shop you will find groin guards from Booster, Twins Special and King Pro Boxing in different designs and sizes.
Briefs with cup: the everyday choice
The most common model is a pair of elastic briefs or compression shorts with a pocket holding a hard plastic cup. You wear it as underwear, under your shorts. The cup is pre-shaped, has a soft edge and ventilation holes. This model is discreet, easy to wash (cup out) and fits under any shorts.
The protection is good for technical and moderate sparring. On very hard kicks and knees the cup can shift slightly, because it is held in place only by the elastic of the briefs. So choose the briefs tight: loose briefs let the cup move. Many athletes own two of these, so there is always a clean one.
Thai steel cup: maximum protection
The traditional muay thai groin guard is a steel or hard plastic cup with a thick rim that you tie around your hips and between your legs with laces or straps. It sits over your underwear and under your shorts. Because it is tied in place, it does not move, not even on a full knee.
This model is the standard in muay thai competition and in hard sparring. Downsides: it takes a bit more effort to put on, feels strange at first and the straps can chafe. Twins Special and Fairtex x Booster make them in the classic design; Booster has a version with velcro instead of laces. If you wear Thai shorts, this is the guard that traditionally goes with them.
Groin guards for women
There are groin guards for women too: briefs with a flatter, wider cup that protects the pubic bone. In sparring with kicks and knees that is just as sensible as for men, and mandatory at many gyms. The fit differs from a men's model, so pick a women's model specifically.
For women, a chest guard is also worth considering for sparring: a top with pre-shaped hard or semi-hard shells. In practice, many women wear one for hard sparring and leave it out for technical training. Both products are in our shop; ask your coach what the rule is in your gym.
Size and fit
You pick the size of a briefs model by waist measurement, just like shorts. Roughly: S up to 76 cm, M up to 84 cm, L up to 92 cm, XL above that. The briefs should fit tight; if in doubt, take the smaller size. Thai cups often come in one or two sizes because the straps are adjustable.
The cup itself should sit high and flat against the body, with the rim below the pubic bone. If it sits too low or sticks out, it shifts on a kick and the rim hurts. Walk around in it, throw a few kicks and knees and feel whether it stays in place. A new cup always feels present during the first session; after a few sessions you no longer notice it.
Care and replacement
Take the cup out of the briefs and wash the briefs with your training clothes. Rinse the cup with water and a little soap; let it dry before it goes back into the briefs. Wipe a Thai cup with a damp cloth and let it dry in the open; wash the laces separately now and then.
Replace a plastic cup as soon as it shows a crack or split, however small; under a hard kick it will then break through. A steel cup lasts practically forever, the straps do not; replace those when they fray. Keep the groin guard in your bag next to your gloves and mouthguard, so you do not forget it on sparring day.
| Type | Fastening | Protection | For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briefs with plastic cup | Elastic briefs | Good | Daily sparring |
| Compression shorts with cup | Tight shorts | Good | MMA, grappling |
| Thai steel cup | Laces or straps | Maximum | Hard sparring, competition |
| Women's model | Briefs, flat cup | Good | Sparring |
| Chest guard | Top with shells | Additional | Hard sparring, women |
Ordering from anywhere in the EU
PadsByBilly ships from the Netherlands to every EU country: Belgium €7.95, Germany €9.95, other EU countries €14.95, free from €75. No customs or import fees inside the EU; prices include VAT. Delivery usually takes 2–5 working days and you have a 14-day right of withdrawal.
Running a gym or fight school and need groin guards for the whole team? From €500 order value we make a custom quote with a bigger discount.
Frequently asked questions
Is a groin guard mandatory?
For sparring in almost every gym, yes. For bag and pads, no, although some athletes wear one out of habit.
Briefs or Thai cup?
Briefs with cup for daily sparring and convenience; Thai cup with laces for hard sparring, muay thai and competition.
Do women need a groin guard?
In sparring with kicks and knees it makes sense and is mandatory at many gyms. Choose a women's model with a flat cup.
Do I wear the groin guard under or over my underwear?
A briefs model is the underwear. A Thai cup goes over your underwear and under your shorts.
How do I know the cup fits properly?
It sits high and flat against the body, does not shift on a kick or knee and the rim does not press anywhere. Walk and kick in it for a moment.
