Collection: Fight Shorts

MMA shorts are cut shorter, usually hitting mid-thigh, with wide side slits or heavy stretch panels so you can throw high kicks without the fabric binding. They're built for striking as much as grappling.

Grappling shorts (sometimes sold as no-gi shorts) sit a little longer and put more emphasis on a flat, snag-free construction. Fewer external seams, no pockets, and no drawstring left hanging outside where a partner's fingers can get caught.

Board shorts look similar but aren't built for training. They usually have pockets, rivets, metal eyelets or velcro fly panels, all of which are either banned or genuinely dangerous on the mats. Pockets catch fingers and toes, and hardware scratches partners. Don't train in them.

Snug at the waist and loose through the leg. The waistband needs to hold position under heavy scrambling without you reaching down to fix it mid-roll, which is what the internal drawstring is for. Tie it properly and tuck the ends inside.

Sizing is usually in inches on the waist measurement, roughly 28 to 40 for adults, though some brands use S–XXL. Measure your actual waist rather than going by the jeans size you buy, because fight shorts sit differently. If you're between sizes, size down, since most shorts have some stretch in the waistband and a loose pair will slide during rolls.

Length is personal preference. Above the knee is standard for MMA, and some grapplers prefer slightly longer for a bit of extra leg coverage against mat burn.

Check the ruleset for your specific event, since it varies.

Under IBJJF no-gi rules, shorts must have no pockets, and no buttons, zips, velcro, or any other exposed hardware that could injure an opponent. They need to be at or above the knee, and elastic-waist shorts or compression spats worn underneath are permitted. Most local no-gi events follow the same principles even where the rules are looser.

MMA promotions typically require approved fight shorts with a flat front closure and no rigid components. If you're competing, buy a pair specifically marketed as competition legal and confirm with the organiser.

Most people wear compression shorts or spats under their fight shorts. It stops chafing, adds a layer against mat burn on the thighs, and keeps everything in place during scrambles. Spats also add the same skin-infection barrier that a rash guard gives you up top.

Regular underwear isn't ideal, since seams and elastic sit in the wrong places under grappling load and tend to bunch. A groin guard is standard for MMA sparring but generally not worn for pure grappling, and IBJJF prohibits rigid cups in no-gi competition.