What size MMA shorts do you need? How to choose the right fit

The right size of MMA shorts fits securely around your waist without feeling tight and provides enough room for deep hip flexion, kicks, sprawls, and ground work. Therefore, do not choose based solely on the letter size you normally wear. Measure where the shorts’ waistband actually sits, compare it with the size chart for the specific model, and test the fit while moving.

MMA shorts are subjected to different stresses than regular sports shorts. During striking, you need to be able to kick and throw knees freely, while the shorts must not slide down or twist unnecessarily during takedowns, scrambles, and grappling. In this guide, you will learn how to choose the right size and fit, which signs indicate that shorts are too small or too large, and what to consider when wearing the shorts with compression clothing.

How should MMA shorts fit?

MMA shorts should sit securely around the waist, but must not restrict your hips or thighs. The ideal fit is therefore not simply as tight as possible. You are looking for a balance between a secure waistband and enough room to move explosively.

With a good fit, the waistband stays in place when you change position. At the same time, you should be able to do a deep squat, high knee, and wide stance without strong tension in the fabric. For MMA and kickboxing, freedom of movement during rotation and high leg movements is important; for grappling, it also matters that the shorts do not constantly ride up or slide down during scrambles.

The Tactical Fightwear HEXCORE MMA Shorts feature an elastic waistband with a drawstring and a roomy leg design. The material consists of 90% polyester and 10% spandex. The current sizes range from S to 2XL. Always use the sizing information for the specific product when making your final size choice.

Why your usual trouser size is not enough

A common mistake is to automatically order the same size as you do for jeans, sweatpants, or casual shorts. That comparison is unreliable because brands use different patterns, waistband constructions, and size ranges.

Your body type also matters. Two athletes with approximately the same waist circumference may have different preferences because of differences in their hips, thighs, and training style. For example, a grappler with relatively muscular thighs may notice sooner that the shorts pull during deep hip flexion, even though the waist itself fits well.

Therefore, use the letter size as the result of your measurement, not as the starting point.

How to measure for MMA shorts

Use a flexible measuring tape and measure while relaxed. Do not pull the measuring tape extra tight to get a smaller size. Measure where you normally wear the waistband of your fight shorts and keep the tape horizontal.

Then compare your measurement with the size chart for the model you want to buy. Some brands primarily use waist circumference, while others use hip circumference or garment measurements. Current size guides on the market clearly show these differences: fight shorts can be based on different body measurements depending on the brand and model. Therefore, never use another brand's chart as a substitute for the chart of the product you are buying.

Measure practically, not just numerically

A measurement in centimeters is the starting point. The real test happens during movement. When trying on the shorts, calmly perform a few sport-specific movements:

• a deep squat;
• a wide fighting stance;
• a high knee on both sides;
• a controlled front kick or knee movement;
• a lunge;
• a controlled sprawl;
• a technical stand-up if you also train grappling.

The waistband should remain stable, and the fabric should not pull tightly at the hips or crotch.

How do you recognize MMA shorts that are too small?

Shorts that are too small do not just feel tight around the waist. Pay particular attention to what happens when you move. Warning signs include strong tension across the hips or thighs, a waistband that cuts in uncomfortably, and fabric that clearly limits your range of motion.

A short may still feel acceptable while standing but suddenly become too tight during a high knee or deep squat. That is exactly why trying on fightwear in a neutral stance is insufficient.

Also, do not deliberately choose a size that is too small because you think a tighter short will automatically stay in place better. A good closure and a properly fitting waistband provide stability; unnecessary tension elsewhere in the shorts actually restricts freedom of movement.

How do you recognize MMA shorts that are too big?

With shorts that are too large, you often have to tighten the waistband excessively to keep them in place. The shorts may shift during scrambles, slip down at the waist, or have a lot of excess fabric around the legs.

A drawstring can accommodate small differences in waist size, but it is not a solution for a fundamentally incorrect size. If the shorts only stay in place when you tighten the drawstring extremely tightly, the fit is probably not optimal.

Also pay attention to the position of the crotch and the leg openings. Too much loose fabric can bunch up during ground work. For striking, an extremely loose fit can also cause unnecessary movement, although the exact preference varies by model and fighter.

What if you are between two MMA shorts sizes?

First check which body measurement the brand uses as its primary reference. Then consider your build and where the smaller size might cause tension.

If you are exactly between two sizes, three questions are useful: Does the smaller size remain comfortable with maximum hip flexion, does the larger size still have a stable waistband without excessive tightening, and do you have relatively broad hips or muscular thighs?

There is no universal rule that every MMA fighter should always size up or down. The pattern and stretch vary by shorts. Choose the size that keeps the waistband stable while allowing full movement.

Fit for MMA, grappling, and kickboxing

One versatile pair of fight shorts can work for multiple disciplines, but the demands vary.

MMA

For MMA, the shorts must handle both striking and ground work. So test high leg movements as well as sprawls, scrambles, and standing up from the ground. A stable waistband and free hip rotation are important.

No-Gi BJJ and grappling

In grappling, you do a lot of hip flexion and have constant contact with the mat and your training partner. Too much loose fabric can be a nuisance, but the shorts should not restrict your guard work or scrambles. Want to know what other clothing goes with them? Read the complete No-Gi BJJ clothing and gear guide.

Kickboxing

In kickboxing, the emphasis is more strongly on free hip rotation, knees, and kicks. In particular, check that the shorts do not pull on your thighs when you lift your knee high or open your hips.

MMA shorts with or without compression shorts or spats?

Many fighters wear a close-fitting base layer under fight shorts. This may be compression shorts or, for grappling, full-length spats. The extra layer does not change the outer size you need, but the complete combination should remain comfortable.

Therefore, preferably test the MMA shorts with the same base layer you use during training. A thick or bulky waistband construction may feel different than when you try the shorts on directly over a thin base layer.

If you are unsure whether to choose full-length spats or other leggings for grappling, also see our guide what BJJ spats are and how they should fit. The current Compression Shorts & Spats collection also shows the available base layers.

Which features affect the fit of MMA shorts?

The size on the label does not tell the whole story. The construction determines how shorts feel during training.

• Waistband: elastic and a drawstring can help keep the waistband securely adjusted.
• Stretch: elastic fibers can allow the fabric to move with hip and leg movements.
• Leg room: the cut around the thighs affects how much freedom you have when kicking and moving into deep positions.
• Crotch construction: sufficient room and stretch around the hips prevent the shorts from pulling tightly during large movements.
• Material weight: lightweight fabric can make movement comfortable, but fit and construction remain more important than weight alone.

The HEXCORE MMA Short combines an elastic waistband with a drawstring, a roomy leg design, and 90% polyester with 10% spandex. This makes it a relevant example of shorts designed for MMA, grappling, kickboxing, and No-Gi, without every fight short necessarily having the same construction.

Common mistakes when choosing MMA shorts

• Blindly choosing the same size as your jeans. Fightwear uses its own patterns and size charts.
• Trying them on only while standing upright. MMA shorts should fit properly during extreme hip and leg movements.
• Choosing a size that is too small for extra security. Stability should come from the right waistband fit and closure.
• Compensating for a size that is too large with the drawstring. An adjustable waistband has limits.
• Using another brand's size chart. The measurement method and cut may differ.

Practical fit check before your first training session

After putting them on, do a short movement check. The waistband should not slip when you sprawl a few times and stand up again. Then do a deep squat and lift both knees high one at a time. Rotate your hip as if throwing a kick and check that the fabric does not pull sharply anywhere.

If you mainly train grappling, add hip escapes and technical stand-ups. If you mainly train striking, pay extra attention to your highest comfortable knee and kicking movements. This tests the shorts for the movements you are actually buying them for.

Conclusion: which MMA shorts size should you choose?

The right MMA shorts size is the one that stays secure around your waist while allowing your full sport-specific range of motion. Start with the current size chart for the specific model, measure yourself in the right place, and confirm your choice with a short movement check.

So do not automatically choose your normal trouser size, nor routinely size up or down. The waist, hips, thighs, material, and cut all work together. Ultimately, you know you have a good pair of fight shorts when you do not have to think about your clothing during training. You can also view the current MMA Shorts collection for available models.

Frequently asked questions about MMA shorts sizing

Should MMA shorts fit tightly?

They should stay secure around the waist, but not be so tight that hip or leg movement is restricted. The exact fit varies by model.

Can I use my normal trouser size for MMA shorts?

Use it only as a rough reference. Measure yourself and follow the size chart for the specific fight short model, as patterns and measurement methods vary by brand.

What should I do if I am between two sizes?

Compare both sizes with the official size chart and pay particular attention to the waist, hips, and thighs. Choose the option that stays stable without restricting movement.

Should MMA shorts also fit well during grappling?

Yes, when you use them for MMA or No-Gi. Also test the shorts with squats, sprawls, and ground movements rather than only while standing.

Does my size change if I wear compression clothing under the shorts?

Normally, you should still choose the outer size based on the size chart, but assess the full combination together. Double waistbands in particular can affect how the fit feels.