The Complete Handbook of Martial Arts Shorts

Chapter 1: Understanding Martial Arts Shorts

The Functional Anatomy of a Training Garment

Martial arts shorts are not a fashion item, and they are not interchangeable with running shorts or swim trunks. They are a piece of protective and performance equipment. The primary purpose of a martial arts short is to allow the full range of motion required for kicking, sprawling, and grappling while simultaneously protecting the wearer's skin from mat burn and the wearer's opponent from excessive friction. This dual function informs every material and construction choice. A pair of wrestling tights, for example, is optimized to minimize friction so an opponent cannot grab fabric, whereas a pair of Muay Thai shorts is intentionally loose to allow maximal leg elevation. Both are martial arts shorts, but they solve different problems.

The fundamental parts of a martial arts short are the shell fabric, the waistband, the seams, and the closure system. The shell fabric is the primary material and is almost always a synthetic or synthetic-blend textile. Cotton is rare in serious training gear because it absorbs sweat, becomes heavy, and stretches out of shape. Nylon, polyester, and spandex blends are the industry standard for the simple reason that they are lightweight, dry quickly, and retain their shape under repetitive stress. A typical BJJ grappling short uses a 10- to 14-ounce nylon or polyester twill weave. A typical Muay Thai short uses a lighter woven satin or microfiber polyester, often weighing around 6 to 8 ounces, because its loose cut