The Best MMA Shorts (Updated 2024)

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]NoGi and MMA shorts are becoming more and more popular for all types of martial arts and physical training, infact it’s not uncommon to see someone walk around with a pair of Tapout or Venum shorts. MMA Shorts are designed to be durable, move with your body and look good. While some designs share similar style, similar to board shorts over the years they have been refined to become more modern and sleek. NoGi shorts normally have an flexible gusset  so they will not limit you movement when you’re grappling or working out. Some styles also have a slit on the side to allow you to throw high kicks without any restrictions.

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The best MMA shorts are made to absorb moisture and wick  material away from your body, this will keep you warm during intense sessions. You often see MMA shorts being used in a lot of crossfit gyms, however they like to call them WOD shorts. A good pair of MMA shorts will last a long time and multiple sessions. Normally you would wear your MMA shorts with a t-shirt or a rash guard.

The Best MMA Shorts Available for Fighters

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] EDITOR'S CHOICE - RVCA Grappler Shorts

The RVCA Grappler MMA shorts are made from ultra-durable fabric that is perfect for competing or training in MMA. The shorts are comfortable and the modern material provides great moisture wicking abilities and breathability. They also provide great movement thanks to their elasticity, thanks to the 4-way stretch fabric these shorts are made from.

These shorts fasten with a velcro fly and RVCA patented waist-tightening system, that provides a comfortable yet secure fit that does not slip or cause any uncomfortable bunching.

The shorts come with an inner elastic pocket at the bottom of the shorts, so you can easily store your mouth guard. So there’s no need to place your mouth guard on a gym surface while you take a drink.

These shorts are made from 90% polyester and 10% spandex and are a perfect buy for your first paid of MMA shorts. These are great value for a super-modern effective pair of MMA shorts.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Venum Technical 2 MMA Shorts

The Venum Technical 2 MMA shorts are a short-cut hybrid-style grappling shorts that will meet the needs of any serious fighter. The shorts are super-comfortable thanks their their microfibre material and side slits that allow for uninhibited movement even in the most flexible of positions. The elasticated waistband has a velcro closure and a draw string to ensure maximum security.

These shorts not-only feel fantastic but they look amazing on the mats. The slim profile that hybridises traditional board shorts and vale tudo shorts looks sleek and modern. You will not be disappointed in these fantastic MMA Shorts.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Hayabusa Chikara Shorts

Hayabusa are world leaders when it comes to fight wear. Their world renowned reputation comes from their technical innovation and market-leading products that make their products so desirable. The Metaru Charged fight shorts come with an advanced tie system and has a webbed backing that ensures a highly custom fit for the fighter. The design on the shorts are sublimated dyed into the fabric so their design will be just as bring as the day you wear them, even after years of grappling and washes. The shorts are designed with Hayabusa’s patented Mechanical PolyDirectionalTm stretch fabric. The stitching is T3 reinforced and won’t tear or rip.

The durable construction of these shorts means they will stand the test of time and their exceptionally versatile material will mean your movement will not be hindered when you’re in the middle of a fight. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional fighter these shorts are for you. These maybe the best MMA shorts money can buy and they won’t even break the bank.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Bad Boy Legacy Evolve MMA Shorts

The Bad Boy Brand are no strangers to the mats and cage and they bring the 2nd version of their legacy shorts to the fight. These are a great update so some already fantastic shorts and it’s no surprise that these shorts made it to the list.

These MMA shorts features a comfortable waistband that won’t bunch. The fit so securely and comfortably that you’ll be confident that they will stay secure for the long haul. These shorts are made from Vastk charcoaled bamboo fibres and assist with retaining heat in your muscles. This promotes intramuscular vascular blood flow, so your muscles will stay supple for longer and will reduce the effects of lactic acid. The shorts have excellent flexibility thanks to their patented 4D stretch material. The short’s closure system have been redesigned for maximum comfort and safety and the side seems are reinforced and featured an enclosed mouth guard pocket.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Clinch Pro Series MMA Shorts

If you’ve been in the MMA game for long enough, you will be very familiar with the fight brand Clinch. Now they’re back with MMA shorts updated to the modern game. They’re updated shorts feature high-tech 360 stretch shorts that are perfect for grappling and striking work.

Don’t be afraid to work had in these shorts, they’re moisture wicking technology will keep you cool during the hardest conditioning sessions. The Clinch Pro Series MMA shorts feature a custom-made suede microfibre fabric, which feels almost like you’ll be wearing nothing at all! They are soft yet durable and fantastic value for jiu-jitsu, MMA and crossfit.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

What are MMA Shorts?

MMA Shorts are a piece of workout clothing, specifically designed to work with a fighter during the most flexible and stressful parts off mixed martial arts. Unlike boxing or Muay Thai shorts, these shorts are designed with grappling in mind.

MMA shorts have come a long way from the plain shorts back in the Gracie era, now made fabric designed to be used with sublimation printing, these shorts come in a huge range of shapes and styles.

Why are MMA Shorts different?

So what really makes MMA shorts different from other workout shorts on the market? And why can’t you just go out and pick up a pair of cheap jogging shorts, or surfing board shorts?

Well one of the first reasons is safety, Workout and board shorts normally have metal sewn into them. Things like metal lace loops, fly zippers and other accessories, which are harmless in normal exercising and workout conditions, can be dangerous when it comes to the close conditions that Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Mixed Martial arts can occur. Pockets are also a problem with these types of shorts, if very easy for fingers and toes to get caught up and tangled in the openings and there’s a high-risk of your digits getting broken.

They’re so dangerous that these types of shorts are banned from all types of BJJ NoGi and MMA competitions, primarily for fighter safety.

Therefore MMA and BJJ shorts are designed with fighter safety in mind. Regular workout shorts will normally get rolled up and become caught, normally exposing things you don’t want to be exposed. MMA shorts will keep flowing and moving with the fighter, ensuring their fight game and their dignity stays intact. MMA shorts normally fasten using a laced waistband, and fasten and secured with velco in the front, this double secure system ensure’s they are also no flashing moments during the heat of battle. They normally come with extra room from groin guards and additional protection and they short legs, often have large slits on the side to keep them flowing and flexible. Perfect from guard retention or high head kicks.

Types of MMA Shorts

At this moment in time, there are three styles on MMA shorts on the market, all offering something different, depending on what type of fighter you are.

Board Shorts

When you think of MMA shorts, these are probably the ones you most commonly see.The most popular style in MMA and jiu-jitsu right now, they offer great flexibility options, while retaining a bit of dignity. There are quite a few differences between normal surf shorts and MMA shorts.

Firstly is the lack of metal on the shorts, as mentioned earlier, metal on shorts in an immediate disqualification in any MMA competition, so metal has gone. MMA board shorts are normally fastened with a lace around the waistband and secured with a soft velcro crotch and waist strap. They are normally cut just above the knee with a high slit on the side to help with flexibility. They normally feature a larger gusset than normal shorts, again to help with garment flexibility. Board shorts will sometimes feature an internal pocket, which is perfect for storing your mouth guard.

Vale Tudo

The next style of NoGI MMA shorts are the vale tudo shorts. Taken after the earliest style of mixed martial arts, vale tudo, these shorts closely resemble compression underwear. Normally made from a sublimated printed lycra, these shorts are one hundred percent flexible as they are fully elastic.

Note, the shorts leave nothing to the imagination, as they are skin-tight, that is why we would recommend wearing a cup, just to keep your dignity intact. That will also give you some extra protection against and wayward strikes that might land in the wrong place. These shorts were made famous by Renzo Gracie and Wanderlei Silva, both used to rock these style of shorts in their MMA careers.

While these shorts closely resemble compression shorts, it’s recommended that you use Vale Tudo shorts if you want something more skintight. Compression shorts, don’t have the same reinforcements as these style of shorts and you’re more likely to have an embarrassing incident in compression underwear.

Hybrid

There are a number of companies coming through with a new style of MMA shorts, that combine the flexibility and slim fitting style of Vale Tudo short, with the fastenings and fabric of MMA board shorts. Normally a little more expensive as these are new technologies, they type of shorts are quickly gaining popularity in the MMA world.

MMA Shorts Buyers Guide

So what should you think about when you’re looking to buy MMA shorts? You should be looking for quality products, all the products we have recommended have been put through their paces, so we know they will be perfect for MMA training everyday. However if you’re in the market for some shorts, these are a few things you should look for when buying MMA shorts.

Style

As discussed before you can choose from three style of MMA shorts, Board shorts, Vale Tudo Shorts or a hybrid style of of these two. personally I enjoy the hybrid shorts, while they are more expensive, i prefer a cut that is a shorter than board shorts but not too tight, that everything will be on display.

Quality

An important part of purchasing a pair of MMA shorts are how good are the materials used? high quality shorts form bands such as Venum and Hayabusa used super-durable material for their fight shorts. These shorts are normally made from a multi-directional stretch fabric, which will resist the wear and tear of grappling. Flexibility and durability are a must, especially when you’re training striking or take downs.

Stitching and reinforcement areas are also an important factor in how well made the fight shorts are. Well-stitched shorts aren’t going to fray and disintegrated at the first sign of grappling. These shorts go through a lot of wear and tear and reinforcement areas are a must.

These are just a few things that you need to keep an eye out for when you’re looking at a quality product.

Sizing

Sizing of shorts can vary between what style you choose, Board Shorts run at a standard size, while vale tudo and hybrid shorts can run a bit smaller, due to the slim nature of the products. While some companies will used a waist measurement to dictate size, others will use the standard small, medium, large, etc. So there can be some differences that you should be aware of.

We would recommended a tighter fit of shorts, instead of something that’s too loose on the waist band. You don’t want to be re-adjusting it during that middle of a match. That’s going to get you knocked out. So if you’re one of those lucky people who are between sizes, we would always recommending downsizing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]