Muay thai shorts: which size and how should they fit?
Choose by waist size; Thai shorts fit wide and short with a high split. Thai brands often run a size smaller than European sizes.
You choose muay thai shorts by your waist measurement, and they should fit wide and short with a high split at the side, so you can kick and knee freely. Thai brands like Twins Special often run a size smaller than you are used to from European sizing; Booster and King Pro Boxing use sizes that are closer to European sizing.
Why Thai shorts fit differently
Muay thai shorts are made for kicking and kneeing. That is why they are shorter than regular sports shorts, wide at the legs and have a high split at the side. The wide elastic waistband, often with a drawstring, sits high and keeps the shorts in place on a high kick. The fabric is light satin or nylon that doesn't stick and dries quickly.
Kickboxing shorts look similar, but are often a little longer, have a smaller split and sit tighter around the thigh. Both are suitable for kickboxing; the choice is largely a matter of taste. Anyone who trains a lot with high kicks and knees will notice that real Thai shorts give more freedom of movement.
Finding your size
Measure your waist where the waistband sits: just above your hips, around the navel. Compare that with the brand's size chart, not with your jeans size. Thai shorts sit on the elastic, so you have some leeway, but shorts that are too big slide down when you kick and shorts that are too small pinch.
Rough guideline for adults:
- S: waist 68 to 76 cm
- M: waist 76 to 84 cm
- L: waist 84 to 92 cm
- XL: waist 92 to 100 cm
- XXL: from 100 cm
If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one if you have broad thighs and the smaller one if you are slim; the waistband stretches, the leg width doesn't.
Thai sizes versus European sizes
Thai brands such as Twins Special make their shorts to Thai sizing, and that runs smaller. A Thai L often corresponds to a European M. If you normally wear L, order XL from Twins. Always read the size chart with the product; in our shop, Thai brands explicitly state whether you should go up a size.
Booster is a Dutch brand and makes shorts to European sizes. King Pro Boxing and Fairtex x Booster sit in between. If in doubt, with Thai shorts a size too big is less of a problem than a size too small: you just pull the drawstring a bit tighter. Shorts that are too small restrict your kicks and the split tears out sooner.
Length and split
Real Thai shorts fall to mid-thigh or slightly above. That feels short if you are not used to it, but it is functional: on a high kick or a knee the fabric stays out of the way. The split at the side runs up to the waistband and provides that freedom of movement.
If you want a bit more coverage, look at kickboxing shorts or Thai shorts with a lower split. Many European brands, including Booster, have models that fall slightly longer and suit European tastes better. For training it makes little difference; for competitions the organiser sometimes prescribes a particular type.
What to wear underneath and with them
Under Thai shorts you wear a groin guard for sparring, and many athletes wear compression shorts or tight underwear against chafing. The shorts themselves have no inner lining. Make sure a groin guard with its own strap fits under the waistband of the shorts without everything bunching up; a brief-style model with a cup is the least noticeable.
Otherwise you combine Thai shorts with a rashguard or a loose shirt. In our shop you'll find compression wear and groin guards designed to go with them, alongside the shorts. For Billy's pad sessions, Thai shorts or kickboxing shorts are the most comfortable, because there is a lot of kicking.
Washing and care
Wash satin Thai shorts at 30 degrees, inside out, without fabric softener and without a tumble dryer. Fabric softener damages the fabric and the print, the dryer makes the fabric shrink and fade. Hang the shorts to dry out of the sun, then the colours stay bright for a long time.
The elastic of the waistband goes first. Don't pull the drawstring too tight and don't wash the shorts at high temperatures, then the elastic will last for years. Shorts whose elastic has gone or whose split is tearing out are due for replacement; otherwise Thai shorts are practically indestructible.
| Size | Waist (guide) | Order from Thai brand |
|---|---|---|
| S | 68-76 cm | M |
| M | 76-84 cm | L |
| L | 84-92 cm | XL |
| XL | 92-100 cm | XXL |
| XXL | 100-108 cm | XXXL |
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 shorts for the whole team? From €500 order value we make a custom quote with a bigger discount.
Frequently asked questions
Do Twins shorts run small?
Yes, Thai sizes often run a size smaller than European ones. If you normally wear L, order XL. Check the size chart with the product.
What is the difference between Thai shorts and kickboxing shorts?
Thai shorts are shorter, wider and have a higher split. Kickboxing shorts fall slightly longer and tighter. Both are suitable for kickboxing.
Can I use Thai shorts for MMA?
For training, yes. For MMA sparring and competitions, tighter MMA shorts or compression shorts are used.
Can Thai shorts go in the tumble dryer?
No. The fabric shrinks and fades. Wash at 30 degrees and hang to dry.
How short should Thai shorts be?
To mid-thigh or slightly above. That gives the freedom for high kicks and knees.
