Sizing
1. Sizing Conversion (Thai vs. Western)
Traditional Thai shorts are cut much smaller than Western clothing. They are designed to sit high on the waist (above the belly button) and flare out. Because the elastic is incredibly tight, you must size up by 1 to 2 sizes compared to your standard US/EU size.
The formula to find your traditional Thai size is based on your relaxed waist measurement
| Waist | Size |
|---|---|
| 61 – 71 cm (24″ – 28″) | XS |
| 66 – 76 cm (26″ – 30″) | S |
| 71 – 81 cm (28″ – 32″) | M |
| 76 – 86 cm (30″ – 34″) | L |
| 86 – 96 cm (34″ – 38″) | XL |
| 91 – 102 cm (36″ – 40″) | XXL |
Tip: If you have large thighs or prefer a baggy, historical drape, always choose the larger size. The thick elastic waistband will safely hold the shorts up regardless.
Global Muay Thai Shorts Size Chart
This chart represents the industry baseline across major authentic brands like Twins Special, Boon Sport, Raja, and 8 Weapons. [1, 2, 3, 4]
| Thai Tag Size [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] | Waist (Inches) | Waist (Centimeters) | Recommended Weight (Lbs) | Recommended Weight (Kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 24″ – 26″ | 60 – 66 cm | 75 – 100 lbs | 34 – 45 kg |
| S | 26″ – 28″ | 66 – 71 cm | 100 – 125 lbs | 45 – 56 kg |
| M | 28″ – 30″ | 71 – 76 cm | 125 – 150 lbs | 56 – 68 kg |
| L | 30″ – 32″ | 76 – 81 cm | 150 – 175 lbs | 68 – 79 kg |
| XL | 32″ – 34″ | 81 – 86 cm | 175 – 200 lbs | 79 – 90 kg |
| XXL | 34″ – 36″ | 86 – 91 cm | 200 – 230 lbs | 90 – 104 kg |
| 3XL | 36″ – 38″ | 91 – 96 cm | 230+ lbs | 104+ kg |
Critical Brand Differences
Not all brands fit the same way, making it essential to choose based on the manufacturer. [1]
- The Fairtex Exception: Fairtex gear is tailored to fit closer to Western standard clothing. Their traditional cuts feel about one full size larger than standard Thai sizes. However, their modern Slim Cut / Retro models (models starting with BS17 or BS19) run much narrower in the hips. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
- Traditional Brands (Twins, Yokkao, Top King): These brands use extremely thick, rigid elastic waistbands with wider, boxier leg flares. They run strictly true to the Thai scale above and have virtually no built-in stretch. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Fit Rules for Men vs. Women
While the tags are unisex, anatomical differences change how the shorts sit on your body.
For Men:
- The Waist Placement: Muay Thai shorts are designed to be worn high up on the waist, close to or right over your belly button. Do not measure lower on your hips where you wear normal casual shorts. [1, 2, 3, 4]
- The Groin Cup Factor: If you are wearing a traditional steel or hard plastic groin cup for sparring, it will push the front of the waistband outward. Size up by one full size if your waist measurement falls at the top end of a bracket to accommodate your protection. [, 2]
For Women:
- The Hip-to-Waist Ratio: Because Muay Thai shorts feature a highly rigid, multipack elastic waistband, they do not stretch easily over wider hips. If you have an hourglass or pear shape, prioritize your hip measurement over your waist size so you can actually pull the shorts up.
- The Waist Fold: Many female nak muays prefer to roll the thick elastic waistband down once. This shortens the total length, hikes the leg openings higher up the thigh, and allows for much cleaner hip rotation during head kicks. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Material: Nylon vs. Satin
- Satin: The gold standard for Muay Thai. It is thick, looks glossy, and lasts for years, but it has zero stretch. If your measurements are borderline, always choose the larger size.
- Nylon / Blend: Much cheaper and lightweight. Nylon dries incredibly fast during sweaty training sessions, but light colors can become see-through when wet. [1, 2, 4, 5]
To ensure you get the absolute best fit, tell me:
Do you prefer a traditional loose look or a modern short/slim cut? [1, 2, 3]
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What specific brand (e.g., Fairtex, Yokkao, Twins) are you looking to buy?
What is your current height and weight?
