Fight shorts fail in predictable ways. The crotch seam rips the first time someone throws a high kick. The Velcro gives way in a scramble and the fighter spends the round holding up their shorts. The print cracks after a month of washing. Most of these problems come down to the cut and the print method, and both are easy to get right when you know what to ask for.
This guide covers the difference between MMA and Muay Thai shorts, the fabrics and closures to look for, how to brand them, and how to order for a gym or a fightwear label.
What's the difference between MMA shorts and Muay Thai shorts?
MMA shorts are built for both striking and grappling. They usually sit around the knee, have side splits or a stretch panel in the crotch so a fighter can kick, shrimp and play guard, and close with Velcro plus a drawstring so they stay put in scrambles. Most are polyester with some stretch.
Muay Thai shorts are cut for kicks and knees. They are shorter and very wide in the leg, with a high, wide elastic waistband and no closure. They are traditionally made in a shiny satin finish with bold lettering on the waistband and legs.
If your gym teaches MMA and BJJ, MMA shorts are the practical choice because they also work for no-gi grappling. If you run a Muay Thai or kickboxing gym, members will expect the traditional cut.
Which fabric is best for fight shorts?
For MMA shorts, look for polyester with stretch. It dries quickly, survives grappling and takes sublimation printing, so the design can go edge to edge. A stretch panel or gusset in the crotch matters more than the main fabric for durability.
For Muay Thai shorts, the classic satin finish looks the part and lets the legs move freely. Polyester versions are lighter and can be sublimated with a full design if you want something more modern.
What closures and construction details should you check?
- Waistband: a Velcro fly with a drawstring is the most secure for MMA. Muay Thai shorts rely on a wide elastic waistband.
- Splits: side splits let the leg lift for kicks without the hem riding up.
- Crotch: a gusset or stretch panel stops the seam ripping in wide positions.
- Seams: flat or reinforced seams avoid chafing and hold up in grappling.
- Inner lining: some fighters want a lining, most wear compression shorts underneath instead.
How do you brand custom fight shorts?
Sublimation is the natural choice for MMA shorts. The ink bonds with the polyester fibres, so the design is part of the fabric and won't crack or peel when the shorts stretch. Every colour, gradient and sponsor logo prints in the same pass, so a complex design costs the same to print as a plain one. Our guide to what sublimation printing is explains the process.
For Muay Thai shorts, gyms usually choose two or three colours and put the gym name across the waistband, with a logo on one or both legs. Fighters sometimes add their name or nickname for fight night.
How do you get sizing right for a gym order?
Fight shorts are sized by waist. Collect waist sizes with a sign-up sheet rather than guessing, and order a prototype in two sizes so members can try the fit, the splits and the closure in a real session. Order a few spares in the most common sizes for new members.
Can you start a fightwear brand with custom shorts?
Fight shorts are one of the easiest products to start a fightwear brand with, because the design carries the brand. We add your own neck or waistband labels, swing tags and packaging. With no minimum order, you can launch with a small run, see which designs sell and reorder the winners. Read how to start your own BJJ and fightwear brand for the full process.
How do you order custom fight shorts from UZAS Sports?
- 1.Send your logo or design idea, the style (MMA or Muay Thai), sizes and rough quantity.
- 2.Our designers prepare the artwork for free.
- 3.We make a complimentary prototype customised with your design for you to approve.
- 4.Bulk production in our Sialkot factory takes 2 to 4 weeks after approval.
- 5.Samples and urgent orders ship by air freight, bulk orders can go by sea, and orders of 25 pieces or more ship free.
Add matching custom rash guards for a complete no-gi set. We have made fightwear in our own factory in Sialkot since 2005, with a showroom in Sialkot and a booking office in Melbourne.
Common questions
What is the difference between MMA shorts and Muay Thai shorts?
MMA shorts are longer, with side splits or a stretch crotch panel and a Velcro and drawstring closure, so they work for grappling and striking. Muay Thai shorts are shorter and wider in the leg with a high elastic waistband, so kicks and knees are never restricted.
Can you sublimate Muay Thai shorts?
Sublimation needs polyester fabric, so it works on polyester Muay Thai shorts. Traditional satin-finish shorts are usually decorated in your colours with lettering on the waistband and legs.
Why do fight shorts rip at the crotch?
Usually because the cut has no room for high kicks and wide guard positions. Side splits, a gusset or a stretch panel in the crotch give the fabric somewhere to move.
Is there a minimum order for custom fight shorts?
No. UZAS Sports has no minimum order, so you can start with a small run for your fight team or test a design for your brand. Orders of 25 pieces or more ship free.
Can I get matching rash guards?
Yes. Many gyms order shorts and rash guards in the same design as a no-gi set, which keeps the colours and logos consistent.
- #CustomFightShorts
- #MMAShorts
- #MuayThaiShorts
- #Fightwear
- #SublimatedFightwear
- #PrivateLabelFightwear
- #MadeInSialkot
