Short answer. For your first Muay Thai class, wear athletic shorts or leggings you can kick in and a fitted T-shirt, vest or tank top with no zips or buttons, plus a supportive sports bra for women. You train barefoot, so bring sliders for off the mats, a big water bottle, a towel and a spare top. Take off jewellery, cut your nails and tie long hair back. Most gyms lend gloves for a trial; Thai shorts can wait, and when you buy them, size them by your waist.
Your first class
Gyms ask for the same short list (Khao Noi Gym, Hitters Fight Club, Muok Boxing, Portsmouth Muay Thai, Training Grounds Liverpool):
- Shorts or leggings you can kick in. Any athletic shorts work; knee-length ones are the easiest, and leggings are fine too.
- A T-shirt, vest or fitted tank top, ideally in a sweat-wicking fabric. Avoid very baggy tops that catch, and anything with zips, buttons or hard fasteners that could scratch a partner.
- Underneath: a medium- to high-support sports bra for women; compression shorts or athletic underwear rather than everyday underwear (Khao Noi Gym).
- Nothing on your feet. Muay Thai is trained barefoot. Bring sliders or flip-flops for walking off the mats; some gyms make that a rule (Training Grounds Liverpool).
You don't need Thai shorts on day one. They are made for kicking, but they can wait until you know you'll keep going (Hitters Fight Club).
Before you go
- Take off jewellery: rings, watches, necklaces and earrings catch, scratch and break. Smartwatches come off before pad work (Khao Noi Gym).
- Cut your nails, fingers and toes. You'll be close to partners in drills and clinch work (Muok Boxing).
- Tie long hair back.
- Clean kit, every time. Don't train with an open wound or a skin infection; Training Grounds Liverpool also asks members to change into clean training clothes at the gym and to shower after class rather than leave in wet kit.
What to bring
| Bring | Why |
|---|---|
| A big water bottle | You'll sweat more than you expect |
| A small towel | For sweat during the class and drying off after |
| A spare top | The first one will be soaked by the end |
| Sliders or flip-flops | For the toilet and changing room; bare feet stay on the mats |
| Hair tie, deodorant | Loose hair catches; your partners will thank you |
| Hand wraps, if you have them | Optional on day one: many gyms lend gloves, and some lend wraps |
Source: Khao Noi Gym's first-class checklist, with Muok Boxing and Training Grounds Liverpool.
Gloves are usually lent for a trial. Portsmouth Muay Thai lends gloves and shin guards, Muok Boxing lends gloves and wraps, and both suggest waiting until you know the sport is for you before buying your own. Hand wraps are the first thing to buy, because they soak up sweat and need washing after every session (Muok Boxing): see the hand wraps guide and how to wrap your hands. The Muay Thai starter kit has the full buying order.
Muay Thai shorts, when you're ready
Thai shorts are short and wide, with side slits, so your knee can come up and your hips can turn without the fabric pulling. Traditional satin shorts sit shorter, flare more at the leg and have deeper slits, while slim-cut shorts have less loose fabric but need more careful sizing (Fairtex).
Size by waist, not by your jeans size. Measure around your waist where the waistband will sit. If your waist and hips fall into different sizes, go by the waist; if you are between sizes, pick by use: a more secure waistband for sparring and clinch, a roomier one for pad work (Fairtex). Fairtex's 2026 guide adds that a groin guard adds bulk, so size up if you are at the top of a range and wear a cup. Then test the fit with movement: knees, teeps and round kicks. The waistband shouldn't roll or slide, and the slits should open as your knee comes up (Fairtex).
Blitz Classic Muay Thai Shorts: waist chart
| Size | Waist | Waist (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| XX-Small | 22–24 in | 56–61 cm |
| X-Small | 26–28 in | 66–71 cm |
| Small | 30–32 in | 76–81 cm |
| Medium | 34–36 in | 86–91 cm |
| Large | 38–40 in | 97–102 cm |
| X-Large | 42–44 in | 107–112 cm |
Source: Blitz product page (inches). Centimetres are converted and rounded. Blitz's ranges have 2-inch gaps between sizes; if you fall in one, use the rules above.
Letter sizes differ between brands, so always read the chart for the exact shorts you buy.
For women
A supportive sports bra under a T-shirt or vest, with shorts or leggings, is the usual start (Khao Noi Gym). Chest protection becomes a question once you spar. In amateur Muay Thai competition under IFMA rules, chest protection is mandatory for women competing in a senior division, and every protector is inspected before the bout (IFMA rule 15.8). Gyms set their own rules for sparring. A groin guard is the other piece of sparring kit; IFMA requires one for every athlete, men and women, in competition (rule 15.7).
If you compete
Under IFMA's competition rules you wear Muay Thai shorts with the word 'Muaythai' clearly on the front and a red or blue singlet for your corner, tucked into the shorts; hair is tied and held in a hairnet under the head guard, with no hair clips (IFMA rule 15.9). Check your own event's rules, which the organiser sets.
UK picks: Blitz
Blitz is a UK store and one of our partner stores. For a first Muay Thai wardrobe it sells Thai shorts, kit bags and a women's chest-guard vest under its own name.
Blitz Classic Muay Thai Shorts
Traditional-style Thai shorts for training and competition, sized by waist: see the chart.
- Mid-thigh cut, wide leg and side splits for kicks, knees and clinch (Blitz)
- Large elasticated waistband with a drawstring; lightweight polyester (Blitz)
- Black with red trim and 'Muay Thai' on the front (Blitz)
Stock varies by size; check yours on the product page.
Blitz Gym and Training Discipline Duffel Bags
Two sizes of the same kit bag, each with a Kickboxing design among the options.
- Ventilated side compartment that keeps shoes, or damp kit after training, away from clean clothes (Blitz)
- Side mesh pockets for bottles, a zipped inner pocket for valuables, shoulder strap (Blitz)
- Gym: 45 × 25 × 25 cm; Training: 51 × 28 × 25 cm, with room for boxing gloves (Blitz)
Blitz Female Vest Top with Maxi Guard
A racer-back training vest with an inner pocket for a moulded chest guard, for when contact starts.
- Worn alone or under sports clothing; the pocket keeps the guard off the skin (Blitz)
- Nylon and spandex four-way stretch, wide shoulder straps (Blitz)
- Vest sized S to XL by bust and under-bust; the Maxi Guard insert is sold separately in cup-style sizes 10A to 14D, with ventilation holes (Blitz)
Neither can be returned once the packaging is opened (Blitz), so measure first.
US picks: Revgear
Revgear, a US store and one of our partner stores, sells Thai shorts, training tops and kit bags under its own name.
Revgear Thai shorts
Three traditional cuts in sizes S to XL or XXL; check the size chart on each product page.
- Thai Original Low Waist: low-rise waistband, wide legs and high side slits, satin (Revgear)
- MDL Adult: elastic shirred waistband, wide leg, 100% polyester satin, Muay Thai embroidery (Revgear)
- Legends Naga: shorter traditional cut with wide leg openings (Revgear)
Revgear training tops
Fitted tops that won't catch on a partner's hands.
- Muay Thai Training Tee: fitted cut, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric (Revgear)
- Fight Tips Dry Fit Shirt: moisture-wicking dry-fit fabric, athletic fit (Revgear)
Revgear X13 Compression Short with Cup
Compression shorts with a pocket that holds a cup, worn alone or under Thai shorts.
- Cup included; the pocket takes most standard cups (Revgear)
- Sizes XS to XXL (Revgear)
Revgear Drawstring Backpack or Transformer Duffel
A light bag for gloves, wraps and a bottle, or a bigger bag that converts from duffel to backpack.
- Drawstring Backpack: lightweight, for the essentials (Revgear)
- Transformer: duffel or backpack, water-resistant fabric (Revgear)
On Amazon (US)
If you are in the US and want other brands, search by type and check the size chart for the exact item.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Next
Once you are going regularly: hand wraps, gloves (what size), then shin guards and a groin guard for sparring. The Muay Thai starter kit puts it in order.
FAQ
What should I wear to my first Muay Thai class?
Athletic shorts or leggings you can kick in and a fitted T-shirt, vest or tank top with no zips or buttons, plus a sports bra for women. You train barefoot, so bring sliders for off the mats, and take off jewellery and cut your nails before class.
Do you wear shoes in Muay Thai?
No. Muay Thai is trained barefoot on the mats. Wear sliders or flip-flops to walk to the changing room and toilet; some gyms don't allow bare feet off the mats.
Do I need Muay Thai shorts for my first class?
No. Any athletic shorts you can lift a knee in will do. Thai shorts are cut short and wide with side slits for kicks and knees, and are worth buying once you keep going.
Can I wear leggings to Muay Thai?
Yes. Gyms list leggings alongside shorts for beginners; pick a pair you can kick and squat in.
How should Muay Thai shorts fit?
Size by your waist, where the waistband sits. The waistband should stay put through knees and clinch without rolling, and the side slits should open as your knee lifts. If you wear a cup and are at the top of a size range, Fairtex suggests sizing up.
What do you wear under Muay Thai shorts?
Compression shorts or athletic underwear are the usual choice, because they reduce chafing and stay in place. Add a groin guard when your gym requires one for sparring; some compression shorts have a pocket for a cup.
Do women need a chest guard for Muay Thai?
Not for classes, unless the gym asks. In IFMA amateur competition, chest protection is mandatory for women competing in a senior division, and it is inspected before the bout.
Sources
- Khao Noi Gym, What to wear and bring to your first Muay Thai class
- Hitters Fight Club, What to wear to your first Muay Thai class
- Muok Boxing, Muay Thai gear for beginners
- Portsmouth Muay Thai, FAQ (equipment for classes)
- Training Grounds Liverpool, first class and hygiene FAQ
- Fairtex, Muay Thai shorts size chart and fit guide
- Fairtex, Muay Thai shorts sizing guide (2026)
- IFMA, Rules and Regulations v3.057 (15.7 Groin guard, 15.8 Female chest protection, 15.9 Clothing and dress)
- Blitz, Classic Muay Thai Shorts (size guide)
- Blitz, Gym Discipline Duffel Bag
- Blitz, Training Discipline Duffel Bag
- Blitz, Female Vest Top (Maxi Guard)
- Blitz, Female Maxi Guard insert
- Revgear, Thai Original Low Waist Muay Thai Shorts
- Revgear, MDL Adult Thai Shorts
- Revgear, Legends Thai Shorts (Naga)
- Revgear, Muay Thai Training Tee
- Revgear, Fight Tips Muay Thai Dry Fit Shirt
- Revgear, X13 Compression Short with Cup
- Revgear, Drawstring Backpack
- Revgear, Transformer Duffel Bag / Backpack
More buying guides
- Muay Thai starter kitWhat to buy first, in order, and what can wait.
- Boxing starter kitWhat to buy for your first boxing class, in order, with UK picks.
- Best Muay Thai gloves 2026Five leather Thai gloves by use, plus Fairtex and Yokkao size charts.
- Boxing vs Muay Thai glovesPalm, padding and cuff differences, one-glove options, and which to buy.
- Boxing glove size guide12 vs 14 vs 16oz: size charts by weight and use, and UK picks.
- Kids' boxing glovesWhat size gloves for children and juniors, 4oz to 10oz, and UK picks.
- Sparring headgear guideOpen-face vs cheek vs full face, a head-size check, and UK picks.
- Kickboxing sparring gearPoint fighting vs light contact kit list, foot pads, body protectors, sizes.
- Karate sparring gearKumite kit list, gi weight and cut, mitts, foot guards, sizes.
- Best Muay Thai shin guardsThai-style vs adjustable vs sleeve, size charts and a shin-length size check.
- Best heavy bag for homeHanging vs freestanding, how heavy, and how to set it up.
- Martial arts mats for home20 vs 40 mm, how many jigsaw mats you need, and laying them.
- Heavy bag workout for beginnersA 20-minute round-by-round plan, what you need, and UK picks.
- Muay Thai at home aloneA 35-minute solo round plan, with or without a bag, and what you need.
- Jump rope workout for boxingThe basic bounce, the boxer skip in five steps, a 15-minute round plan.
- Best Thai padsCurved vs straight, leather vs synthetic, and Fairtex's pad sizes.
- Focus mitts vs Thai padsWhich pads to buy for boxing, kickboxing or Muay Thai, and UK picks.
- Belly pad vs kick shieldWhat each pad is for, which to buy first, and how to hold a shield.
- Hand wraps guide180 vs 120 inches, a length check, elastic vs cotton, and how tight to wrap.
- How to wrap your handsThe standard wrap step by step, a Muay Thai version, how tight, and washing.
- Groin guard guideCup types, the competition rules, Blitz's size table, and UK and US picks.