Muay Thai shorts are iconic in the realm of combat sports, characterized by their wide legs, high side slits, and striking designs that blend functionality with tradition. This style facilitates hip rotation for kicks, knees, and defensive maneuvers. For those visiting Thailand to train or seeking genuine Muay Thai shorts as a souvenir, the country offers a variety of options with favorable pricing compared to international markets and the opportunity to try items on before purchase.
However, discerning where to find authentic Muay Thai shorts can be challenging. While tourist stalls, night markets, and generic souvenir shops offer many shorts featuring popular brand names, the authenticity of these products can be questionable. This guide categorizes the best places to buy genuine Muay Thai shorts in Thailand.
**Official Brand Stores**
The most reliable way to ensure the authenticity of Muay Thai shorts is to purchase directly from official brand stores. Thailand’s leading Muay Thai brands operate retail locations nationwide, providing a high level of trust for consumers seeking genuine products.
**Fairtex**, with the most extensive presence, has shops in Bangkok including MBK Center, One Bangkok, Terminal 21 Asok, and Asiatique, as well as locations in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Krabi, Phuket, and Koh Samui. Fairtex shorts are designed to be narrower and lighter, catering to leaner athletes.
**YOKKAO** features a premium store at its training center on Sukhumvit Soi 16 in Asoke and another outlet in Phuket near Soi Ta-iad. The brand is noted for its bold designs and high-quality micro-satin materials.
**BOON Sport** operates a factory outlet on On Nut Soi 10 in Bangkok, producing shorts on-site. They offer classic and retro styles in 100% satin and provide custom orders that can be personalized with embroidery.
**Twins Special** and **Top King** both have official shops at Lumpinee Stadium on Ramintra Road, ideal for those attending fights there.
**Multi-Brand Stores**
For those wishing to explore multiple brands at once, Bangkok features key areas for Muay Thai gear. The National Stadium corridor stands as a historical hub for Muay Thai retail, with **Action Zone** at 78 Rama I Road being a main multi-brand destination offering Fairtex, Twins Special, Raja, and its own line, allowing customers to try on various styles. **Kee La Pun**, located at the intersection of Rama I and Banthat Thong Road, serves as an authorized dealer for Fairtex and Twins at fixed prices.
**Super Export Shop** in Khlong Toei resembles a warehouse and stocks an array of brands, including Fairtex, Twins, BOON, and Top King, making it a one-stop shop for serious trainees. Additionally, **Thai Battle Boxing** at MBK Center offers custom embroidery services on Level 3.
**Stadium Stores**
Both major stadiums in Bangkok feature official merchandise and gear. **Rajadamnern Stadium** includes a merchandise store and a Venum collaboration retail point, while **Lumpinee Stadium** has the aforementioned Twins Special and Top King boutiques, as well as a shop focused on traditionally handmade gear.
**Online Stores**
For those unable to shop in person, several Bangkok-based online retailers offer international shipping. **Nak Muay Wholesale** features brands like Boon, Top King, and Twins Special with express shipping options. **Muay Thai Factory** stocks Fairtex and Twins, offering both express and economy shipping. **BOON Sport Online** provides custom orders shipped globally, while **YOKKAO Custom Lab** allows for extensive personalization, with shipments dispatched from various international warehouses.
For long-term visitors in Thailand, **Shopee Thailand** and **Lazada Thailand** also offer a variety of branded and generic shorts, but customers should be cautious of potential counterfeits and scams.
**How to Avoid Counterfeits**
Counterfeiting is prevalent in tourist-heavy areas of Thailand. To ensure authenticity, avoid purchasing from open-air night markets and generic souvenir stalls. When evaluating Muay Thai shorts, inspect the embroidery and logo for clarity, feel the fabric for quality, and check the waistband for durability. Authentic Thai-made shorts feature high-tension elastic that maintains its shape.
Purchasing from official brand stores, specialized retail corridors, Super Export Shop, or stadium boutiques minimizes the risk of acquiring counterfeit products.
**Sizing Considerations**
Muay Thai shorts are produced according to Thai size standards, which tend to be smaller than Western measurements. Generally, it is advisable to size up at least once from your usual Western size. Brands like Twins Special and Blegend offer a more generous fit compared to the narrower cuts from Fairtex and BOON. Therefore, trying shorts on before purchasing in Bangkok is highly recommended.
Source: The Thaiger
