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Hey friends, it's Lizzie! I train in gym shorts and Muay Thai shorts, but for kickboxing, fight shorts are the ones I reach for most, especially my pairs with built-in shorts underneath. Here's what to check in the shorts you already own, what different cuts offer, and what I actually wear.
How to tell whether your gym shorts work
Before buying another pair, check the ones you already own. Move as you normally would in class and notice whether the leg openings pull, whether the waistband needs adjusting, and whether you have the coverage you want. Check any liner or compression layer too. If everything feels comfortable and stays put, you may already have what you need. If you're constantly tugging at something, that gives you a specific fit problem to solve.
What to check in a pair of Muay Thai shorts
- Room through the legs. Check whether you can lift your knee and move comfortably without the fabric pulling.
- A waistband that works for you. Check the rise, stretch and any adjustment. The current Artemisia black-and-gold listing describes a stretchy waistband without a drawstring.
- The cut at the sides. Openings and slits vary by model, so check the specific pair.
- Coverage underneath. Mine have built-in shorts, which is a feature I value. Don't assume every pair includes them.
The pairs I wear
The fight shorts I train in are from Athena Fightwear, and my rotation includes Artemisia Muay Thai shorts in black and gold, Theia Boxing shorts in black, and Athena Basics shorts in white and gold. I also have a red pair that I no longer see on the site. I like the high-waisted fit and the breathing room around my thighs that doesn't affect my kicks, and I also wear my orange Hayabusa women's fight shorts a lot. My Athena code SEALILLLY takes 10% off. Check the discount shown at checkout before paying. Athena currently advertises free shipping on orders over $50 USD; check delivery availability and the final total for your destination.
When gym shorts are completely fine
Gym shorts can work if they let you move comfortably, stay put and give you the coverage you want. Check them during the movements your class includes, along with any liner or compression layer. Your gym may also have clothing requirements for partner work, so ask your coach before class.
What to look for if you buy a pair
- Measurements and a cut that suit you, whether the label says women's or unisex.
- The coverage you want, from built-in shorts or a separate layer that feels comfortable.
- A waistband that fits without constant adjusting. Check whether that exact model has a drawstring.
- Care instructions that work with your laundry routine and time between classes.
Care, so they last
Follow the care label on your own pair first. The current product pages for Artemisia Black/Gold, Theia Black, and Athena Basics White recommend a cold machine wash, no bleach, and either hanging to dry or cool tumble drying. Artemisia's listing also recommends a laundry bag to help avoid snagging. Those are the current listings' instructions, so check your own label, especially for older pairs.
Sizing women's fight shorts online
Before you order, measure both your waist and your hips and check them against the chart for that exact pair. If those measurements point to different sizes, check the fit notes or ask the brand before buying. Don't assume you can cinch a larger waistband: the current Artemisia black-and-gold listing says it has no drawstring. Check the stated length and photos on a person, too, so you know how much coverage to expect.
Why two pairs beat one
If you train often, rotating two pairs gives you another option while one is being washed and dried. Follow each pair's care label rather than rushing the drying process. If you can only buy one pair, choose one that works for your classes and keep using any gym shorts that already fit comfortably.
Alongside my Athena shorts, the fight shorts I wear a lot are Hayabusa's women's fight shorts in orange. That pair and the Hayabusa hoodie I love get their own post: the Hayabusa apparel I actually wear.
What I wear with them
A fitted top and a supportive sports bra, the same as any training day. The shorts do the range-of-motion work; the top just needs to stay out of the way when my arms go up. On cooler mornings, which in Florida means about four days a year, a light long-sleeve over the top until the warm-up is done. That is the whole outfit. The full list, gloves included, is in what to wear for Muay Thai training.
The most common first mistake
Buying by the size label or the sale price alone can leave you with a pair you don't enjoy wearing. Compare the waist and hip measurements, the rise and the coverage. A men's or unisex pair may work for you; a women's label doesn't guarantee it will.
One last thing, because every beginner wonders: you don't need to buy fight shorts just to try your first class. Check the gym's clothing requirements, wear something suitable that you already own, and decide what to buy after you know what feels comfortable in training.
🥊 The shorts I actually train in: Athena Fightwear
My Athena rotation includes Artemisia, Theia, and Basics shorts. Code SEALILLLY takes 10% off; check the discount shown and current delivery terms before paying.
Your Questions, Answered
Can you wear regular shorts to kickboxing? Yes, if they let you move comfortably, stay put and provide the coverage you want. Check any liner or compression layer too, and ask your gym about clothing requirements. Fight shorts are an option if your current pair does not work for you; the fit still depends on the specific pair.
Why are Muay Thai shorts so short and wide? The cut can provide room through the legs for kicking and knee movements. Leg openings and side details vary by model, so check whether the specific pair lets you move comfortably.
Do Athena Fightwear shorts have built-in shorts? The pairs I own do. Check the product description for the exact model you’re buying rather than assuming every pair has the same construction.
