Buying Muay Thai shorts online without trying them on first can feel like a gamble — especially when you're ordering from outside Thailand, where sizing conventions don't always translate the way you'd expect. Here's how to get the fit right the first time, whether you're shipping to London, Berlin, or Sydney.
Muay Thai Shorts Fit Differently to Regular Gym Shorts
Traditional Muay Thai shorts are cut with a wide, high leg opening and a low-slung waist to allow full range of motion for high kicks, knees, and clinch work. They're not meant to fit like gym shorts — a size that looks generous on the hanger is usually correct once worn, since that loose leg is exactly what gives fighters the kicking range they need. If you buy them expecting a snug, compression-style fit, they'll feel wrong even when they're the right size.
Picking a Size When You Can't Try Before You Buy
Because cuts vary slightly between styles — a retro cut like our Assassin Thai Boxing Shorts sits differently to a modern tailored cut like the Impact Thai Boxing Shorts — always check the individual size chart on the product page before ordering rather than assuming your usual gym-wear size. As a general rule: if you're between two sizes, size up. A slightly loose waist can be cinched in with the drawstring, but a waistband that's too tight will restrict your kicks and hip rotation, which defeats the purpose of the cut.
Why the Drawstring Waist Matters
Every pair of Fightlab shorts uses an adjustable drawstring waist rather than a fixed elastic band. This is deliberate — it means one size comfortably covers a small range of waist measurements, and it's also how most Thai gyms and fighters have worn shorts for decades. Tie it snug enough to stay put during sparring, but not so tight it digs in when you sit into a low stance.
Shipping to the UK, EU or Australia
All international orders ship via tracked Thailand Post ePacket, generally arriving in 2–3 weeks depending on destination. Because your shorts are shipping from Thailand rather than a local warehouse, ordering a size you're confident in the first time saves the extra shipping time and cost of an exchange — this guide exists specifically to help you avoid that round trip.
A Few Bestselling Styles to Start With
- Assassin Thai Boxing Shorts — a lightweight, durable retro cut built for training and competition
- Hanuman Thai Boxing Shorts — traditional Thai mythology-inspired design
- Bite The Bullet Muay Thai Shorts — tattoo-style prints with hand embroidery from Thailand
- Grit and Glory Thai Boxing Shorts — traditional craftsmanship, modern durable build
Browse the full range in our Thai Boxing Shorts collection, and if you're ever unsure between two sizes, get in touch before ordering — it's a much faster fix than an international exchange.
