How to Find Your Perfect Fit in Muay Thai Shorts (For Every Body Type)

Finding well-fitting Muay Thai shorts sounds like it should be easy. It is not always easy. Ask anyone who has ordered a pair online, received a "large," and found themselves unable to pull them past their knees. Or the opposite — a "large" that fits like a potato sack. The sizing inconsistency across Muay Thai brands is genuinely one of the most frustrating things about buying fight gear online.

This guide exists to fix that.

## Why Muay Thai Shorts Sizing Is So Confusing

Most Muay Thai shorts are manufactured in Thailand or sourced from factories that use Thai sizing standards — and Thai sizing, historically, runs significantly smaller than American sizing. A Thai "large" is often equivalent to an American "small" or "medium." This creates a gap between what you expect when you see "XL" on a tag and what actually arrives in the mail.

Add to that the fact that Muay Thai shorts are cut differently from regular shorts to begin with — wider through the thighs, shorter in length, with large side slits for range of motion — and you have a sizing situation that catches a lot of new buyers off guard.

The solution isn't complicated, but it requires knowing what to look for.

## How to Measure for Muay Thai Shorts

Muay Thai shorts fit primarily at the **waist**, not the hips. Unlike running shorts or board shorts that might sit on your hips, traditional Muay Thai shorts sit at your natural waistline. Take a soft measuring tape and wrap it around the narrowest part of your midsection — that's your waist measurement.

A few things to keep in mind:

**Don't size down for a "fitted" look.** Muay Thai shorts are meant to be slightly roomy through the leg to allow full range of motion for kicks. If they feel snug around your thighs, you'll feel it every time you throw a teep or a roundhouse.

**Consider your training style.** If you're grappling or doing a lot of clinch work, you want a fit that stays put when someone grabs you. A very loose fit can bunch up in the clinch. A fit that's true to size moves with you without shifting.

**Check the waistband style.** SHIPSCO shorts have a wide, comfortable waistband that sits naturally at the waist without pinching or rolling. The goal is that you forget you're wearing them by round two.

## SHIPSCO Sizing: True to American Standards

One of the reasons we built SHIPSCO the way we did was to solve this exact problem. Our shorts are designed and sized to **American standards** — if you're a medium in American clothing, you order a medium from us. Full stop.

We carry sizes from **3XS through 5XL**, because Muay Thai is genuinely for every body type, skill level, and fitness goal. Whether you're a 140-pound strawweight or a 300-pound heavyweight working on your fundamentals, you deserve shorts that fit the way they're supposed to.

Every single product page includes a size chart photo so you can cross-reference your measurements before you order. And if you're ever unsure, our [Sizing and FAQ page](https://shipscofight.com/pages/sizing) breaks it down clearly.

## Special Considerations by Body Type

**If you have a larger waist relative to your hips:** Muay Thai shorts tend to work really well for you — the waist-forward fit and wide leg opening accommodates a variety of proportions better than most athletic shorts. Size to your waist measurement.

**If you have muscular thighs:** Pay attention to the leg opening width in the size chart. The side slits on Muay Thai shorts help a lot here — but some designs have deeper cuts than others. Our shorts are generously cut through the leg for exactly this reason.

**If you're between sizes:** Size up. You want freedom of movement. A pair that's slightly looser is infinitely better for training than one that restricts your kicks.

**If you're shopping for Big and Tall sizing:** We have you covered. Our [Black and Silver Heavyweight Muay Thai Shorts](https://shipscofight.com/products/black-and-silver-heavyweight-muay-thai-shorts-big-and-tall-sizing) are designed specifically for extended sizing, built with the same quality construction as our full line. Because everyone deserves to look good on the mat.

## Does Length Matter?

Traditional Muay Thai shorts sit mid-thigh or slightly above — shorter than most western athletic shorts. This is intentional. The shorter length combined with the side slit is what gives Muay Thai its signature range of motion. If you're coming from a background in board shorts or MMA shorts, the length might feel unusual at first.

Give it a session or two. Once you throw your first clean roundhouse in a properly cut pair of Muay Thai shorts, you'll understand why fighters have trained in them for generations.

## Care and Longevity

Once you find your perfect fit, you want to keep it. Muay Thai shorts — especially satin ones with embroidery — need a little care to stay looking sharp.

Machine wash in cold water. Turn them inside out, and wash them in a mesh bag to protect the embroidery. Skip the dryer — hang dry instead. The elastic in the waistband will last much longer, and the colors on those bold designs will stay vibrant.

It takes about 30 extra seconds and your shorts will look brand new for years.

## The Final Word on Fit

The right pair of Muay Thai shorts doesn't just fit your body — it fits your personality. The design you choose, the colors, the imagery — all of it becomes part of how you show up to training. When you feel good in what you're wearing, you train with more confidence. And confidence is half the battle in martial arts.

Browse our full sizing range and find the pair that's yours.

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*Every SHIPSCO design ships with a size chart and runs true to American sizing. [Shop Muay Thai Shorts →](https://shipscofight.com/collections/muaythaishorts)*