Best Martial Arts Shorts UK

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So, you’ve decided to jump into the world of martial arts. Brilliant. Maybe you’re drawn to the lightning-fast kicks of Muay Thai, the complex groundwork of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), or the all-encompassing challenge of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). You’ve got your gumshield, you’ve wrapped your hands, but then you look down. Are those old football shorts or baggy gym joggers really going to cut it?

Let’s be honest, probably not.

Choosing the right pair of martial arts shorts isn’t just about looking the part—though that helps. It’s about performance, safety, and comfort. The wrong shorts can restrict your movement, ride up at the worst possible moment, or even get you disqualified from a competition. They are a vital piece of kit, as important as your gloves or shin guards.

This guide is your ultimate resource for finding the perfect pair. We’ll break down the different types of shorts for various disciplines, explain what makes a great pair, and help you understand why your choice matters, whether you’re training in a chilly community hall in Manchester or stepping into the cage for your first amateur bout in London.

Why Your Everyday Gym Shorts Won’t Do the Trick

You might be thinking, “Shorts are shorts, right?” Well, not quite. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t wear cricket whites to play rugby. Each sport has its own demands, and martial arts are no different.

Your standard gym shorts are usually made of cotton or a simple polyester blend. They’re fine for lifting weights or going for a jog, but they have serious drawbacks for martial arts:

They Rip Easily: High kicks, grappling, and sprawling put a massive amount of stress on the fabric and seams. Your average shorts just aren’t built for that kind of punishment and can tear spectacularly.
They Restrict Movement: Martial arts require a huge range of motion. Try throwing a head kick in a pair of stiff, poorly designed shorts. You’ll feel the fabric pull tight around your thighs, stopping you from reaching your full potential.
They Soak Up Sweat: Cotton is a sweat magnet. Once it’s wet, it gets heavy, clingy, and uncomfortable, which is the last thing you need when you’re trying to focus on your technique.
They’re Unsafe: Baggy shorts with pockets or zips are a grappler’s nightmare. Fingers and toes can easily get caught, leading to nasty injuries for you or your training partner.

Specialist martial arts shorts are designed to solve all these problems. They use durable, lightweight, and flexible materials with clever design features that allow you to move freely and safely.

The Big Three: Understanding Shorts for Different Disciplines

While some shorts are versatile, most are designed with a specific martial art in mind. Let’s look at the main types you’ll come across.

1. Muay Thai Shorts: For the Art of Eight Limbs

Walk into any Muay Thai gym, from the bustling hubs in Thailand to a local club in Birmingham, and you’ll see fighters wearing distinctive, brightly coloured shorts.

Muay Thai is famous for its powerful kicks, knees, and clinching. The shorts are specifically designed to accommodate this.

Key Features of Muay Thai Shorts:

Short and Wide Cut: They are much shorter than other martial arts shorts, finishing high up the thigh. This is crucial. It ensures absolutely nothing gets in the way of a devastating high kick or a sharp knee strike.
Wide Leg Openings with Side Splits: Look at a pair from the side, and you’ll notice a deep split. This is the secret to their incredible flexibility, allowing for the extreme range of motion needed for kicking.
Thick Elastic Waistband: A wide, gathered elastic waistband holds the shorts securely in place without digging in. It’s designed to be folded down for a customised fit, a common practice among fighters.
Satin or Nylon Material: Traditionally, they are made from a shiny, lightweight satin. It feels smooth against the skin, dries quickly, and doesn’t restrict movement. It also allows for the vibrant, embroidered designs that are a hallmark of the sport.

Who are they for? Primarily for Muay Thai and kickboxing practitioners. While you could wear them for other arts, the loose, open design isn’t ideal for grappling, as they can get tangled.

Top Tip for Brits: When buying Muay Thai shorts, pay close attention to the sizing. Most are based on Thai sizing, which is much smaller than UK sizes. It’s common to go one or even two sizes up from your usual. Always check the brand’s size chart.

2. BJJ / Grappling Shorts: Built for the Ground Game

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is all about ground fighting—wrestling, submissions, and controlling your opponent. This means your shorts need to be incredibly tough and secure. They are also often called “No-Gi” shorts, for training without the traditional uniform (the “Gi”).

Key Features of BJJ/Grappling Shorts:

Tough, Tear-Resistant Fabric: These shorts are built like a tank. They are typically made from a durable, multi-directional stretch polyester. This means the fabric stretches four ways (up, down, left, right), moving with you as you roll and grapple without tearing.
Secure Closure System: This is non-negotiable. BJJ shorts feature a robust closure system, usually a combination of a Velcro flap and a drawstring. This double system ensures your shorts stay firmly in place, no matter how intense the scramble. Nothing is worse than having to stop a roll to adjust your kit.
No Pockets, Zips, or Loops: For safety, these shorts have a completely smooth exterior. There are no external pockets or metal parts that could scratch a training partner or catch a finger.
Reinforced Seams: The stitching is a critical feature. Grappling shorts have triple or even quadruple-stitched seams, especially in high-stress areas like the crotch and thighs, to prevent them from splitting under pressure.
Side Slits and a Stretch Gusset: While not as deep as Muay Thai shorts, they often have small side splits for mobility. Many also feature a stretchy panel of fabric (a gusset) in the crotch area. This is a game-changer for flexibility, allowing you to comfortably attempt guards, triangles, and leg locks.

Who are they for? Essential for No-Gi BJJ, submission grappling, and wrestling. They are also a popular choice for MMA fighters.

3. MMA / Vale Tudo Shorts: The Best of Both Worlds

Mixed Martial Arts combines striking and grappling, so fighters need shorts that can handle both. MMA shorts are a hybrid, taking the best features from grappling and Muay Thai shorts.

There are two main styles:

A. MMA Board Shorts

This is the most common style you’ll see in big promotions like the UFC. They look a lot like BJJ shorts but are optimised for the unique demands of MMA.

Length and Fit: They typically finish just above the knee, offering protection and modesty without hindering movement.
Flexibility: They almost always feature a four-way stretch fabric and a stretch gusset in the crotch, essential for switching between striking and grappling.
Secure and Comfortable: Like BJJ shorts, they use a secure Velcro and drawstring closure. They are designed to stay put during explosive takedowns and frantic ground-and-pound.
Lightweight and Quick-Drying: Made from modern polyester blends, they wick sweat away and won’t weigh you down.

B. Vale Tudo Shorts

“Vale Tudo” translates to “anything goes” in Portuguese and harks back to the early, no-holds-barred days of MMA in Brazil. These are not loose shorts but are instead tight, compression-style shorts, similar to cycling shorts.

Total Freedom of Movement: Because they fit like a second skin, there is absolutely zero restriction. This makes them fantastic for both high kicks and intricate groundwork.
No Grips for Opponents: The smooth, tight fit means there’s nothing for an opponent to grab onto, which can be a small but significant advantage in grappling.
Muscle Support: The compression fit is thought to offer some muscle support and can improve blood flow, though the main benefit is mobility.

Which MMA style is right for you? Most people start with MMA board shorts. They are more comfortable for beginners and offer a bit more modesty. Vale Tudo shorts are a more specialised choice, often preferred by experienced grapplers or fighters who love the unrestricted feel.

The Anatomy of a Great Pair of Martial Arts Shorts: A Buyer’s Checklist

When you’re ready to buy, it can feel overwhelming. Brands use a lot of fancy marketing terms. Here’s a simple checklist of what actually matters.

✅ Material: The Heart of the Shorts

Polyester Blends: This is the gold standard for MMA and BJJ shorts. Look for descriptions like “four-way stretch polyester.” It’s durable, moisture-wicking, and flexible.
Microfiber: A type of polyester that is incredibly lightweight and soft. It’s a popular choice for its comfort and quick-drying properties.
Satin: The traditional choice for Muay Thai. It’s ultra-lightweight and smooth but not as durable as polyester for grappling.
Spandex / Lycra / Elastane: These are all names for the same stretchy material. It’s blended with polyester to give the shorts their stretch. A higher percentage means more flexibility. Vale Tudo shorts are mostly made of this.

✅ Stitching: The Unsung Hero

Don’t overlook the stitching. It’s what holds the shorts together.

Reinforced Stitching: Look for “triple-stitched” or “reinforced” seams. This is a sign of a high-quality, durable product that won’t let you down.

✅ The Closure System: Keeping Things Secure

For Grappling/MMA: A Velcro waist strap combined with a hidden drawstring is the most secure system. Some modern designs use unique non-Velcro closures to prevent pilling and snagging on rash guards.
For Muay Thai: A wide, robust elastic waistband is all you need.

✅ Fit and Cut: Maximising Mobility

Side Splits: Essential for kicking. Deeper splits for Muay Thai, smaller splits for MMA/BJJ.
Stretch Gusset: A panel of stretchy fabric in the crotch. This is a premium feature found in the best grappling and MMA shorts and makes a huge difference for flexibility.
Length: High-thigh for Muay Thai. Just above the knee for MMA/BJJ is a good starting point.

✅ Sublimated Graphics: For Style That Lasts

You’ll see the term “sublimated graphics” a lot. This is a printing process where the ink is infused directly into the fibres of the fabric.

Why does it matter? It means the design will never peel, crack, or fade. Printed-on or ironed-on logos will look tatty after a few washes and hard training sessions. Sublimation keeps your shorts looking sharp.

Sizing, Care, and Making Your Shorts Last

You’ve found the perfect pair. Now, how do you make sure they fit properly and last for years?

Getting the Right Size

This is the most common mistake people make, especially when buying online.

Don’t Trust Your Jean Size: Martial arts short sizing can be inconsistent between brands.
Measure Your Waist: Get a tape measure and measure your actual waist, where the waistband of the shorts will sit.
Check the Brand’s Size Chart: Compare your measurement to the manufacturer’s size chart. Don’t just look at Small, Medium, Large—look at the actual waist measurements in inches or centimetres.
Read Reviews: See what other buyers are saying. Did they find the shorts true to size, or do they recommend sizing up or down? This is especially useful for UK buyers purchasing from international brands.

Washing and Care Instructions

Your shorts will get very sweaty. Washing them correctly is vital for hygiene and longevity.

Wash After Every Use: Don’t leave them festering in your gym bag. This breeds bacteria and creates that permanent, nasty gym-kit smell.
Wash Cold: Wash them on a cool cycle (30°C). Hot water can damage the elastic fibres and cause sublimated graphics to bleed over time.
Turn Them Inside Out: This protects the outside of the shorts and any logos. Fasten any Velcro securely so it doesn’t snag other clothes.
Use a Gentle Detergent: Avoid harsh chemicals and fabric softeners, as they can break down the moisture-wicking properties of the fabric.
Hang to Dry: Never put them in the tumble dryer. The high heat will destroy the fabric’s elasticity and can cause them to shrink. They are designed to dry quickly, so just hang them up.

Top Brands to Look Out For in the UK

The market is flooded with brands, from budget options on Amazon to high-end specialist gear. Here are a few reputable names you can trust, easily available in the UK:

Venum: A giant in the MMA world. Their gear is stylish, high-quality, and worn by countless UFC fighters. A great all-rounder for MMA and BJJ shorts.
Fairtex & Twins Special: Two legendary Thai brands. If you’re serious about Muay Thai, you can’t go wrong here. Their shorts are authentic, durable, and come in incredible designs.
Hayabusa: A premium brand known for its focus on research and technical innovation. Their shorts are often at the higher end of the price scale but are exceptionally well-made.
Tatami Fightwear: A British-based BJJ brand! They offer fantastic No-Gi shorts and are renowned in the grappling community. A great way to support a UK company.
Scramble: Another excellent UK-based brand with a strong focus on grappling gear. They are known for their unique, often Japanese-inspired designs.
Progress Jiu Jitsu: A Manchester-based brand that has become a staple in the UK BJJ scene. They offer high-quality, stylish shorts designed by grapplers, for grapplers.

The Future of Martial Arts Shorts

Technology is constantly evolving, and fight gear is no exception. We’re seeing a move towards:

Sustainable Materials: Brands are beginning to experiment with recycled polyester and more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.
Ultra-Lightweight Fabrics: The push is always for lighter, stronger materials that feel like you’re wearing nothing at all.
Customisation: More companies are offering custom designs, allowing gyms and individuals to create their own unique shorts.

Final Thoughts: Invest in Your Performance

Your martial arts shorts are more than just a piece of clothing. They are a piece of equipment designed to help you perform at your best. They give you the freedom to execute techniques correctly, the durability to withstand tough training, and the confidence that comes from feeling comfortable and secure.

Don’t skimp on them. You don’t need the most expensive pair on the market, but investing in a quality, discipline-specific pair from a reputable brand will pay dividends. It will make your training more enjoyable, safer, and more effective. Now go find the right pair, and get back on the mats.

The Definitive Guide to Martial Arts Shorts: From the Dojo to the Cage

Why Your Everyday Gym Shorts Won’t Do the Trick

The Big Three: Understanding Shorts for Different Disciplines