Gear up with these Muay Thai essentials
So, you’ve decided to give Muay Thai a shot—or maybe you’ve gotten hooked after scrolling through videos and watching your friends throw punches and kicks. Maybe you saw your favorite character land a brutal tornado kick and caught yourself thinking, “Man, I want to be able to kick like that someday.” Maybe the adrenaline rush from trying one class got your heart racing (literally and figuratively).
The point is, you’re ready. You want to commit. You want to see this through. And for that to happen, you need the right gear. Here are the basics to get you started.
Muay Thai gloves
The good kind of gloves keep your hands and wrists protected with ample cushioning. While seemingly similar to boxing gloves in shape and appearance, Muay Thai gloves usually come with thicker padding at the wrists, hence the velcro wrap versus the lace-up style seen in traditional boxing gloves.
Muay Thai gloves come in 8oz, 10oz, 12oz, or even 14oz sizes—lighter for speed and technique, heavier for power and protection. I’m currently using 10oz gloves (pastel pink ones even! Yes, they come in cute colors, too), which is a standard size for beginners.
To determine which glove best fits your needs, make sure it fits snugly but not too tightly. You should be able to make a proper fist without your fingers feeling cramped. And don’t forget to account for the hand wraps underneath, as those take up extra space.
Cleaning your gloves isn’t that difficult—just air them out after every session to prevent mold and stink from building up. Do not wash them, since you risk damaging the leather. But you can wipe the insides with a light, damp cloth or use a glove deodorizer to keep things fresh.
Hand wraps
Landing heavy punches comes with risks, which is why hand wraps add an extra layer of protection for your hands and wrists. How? By keeping your knuckles and wrists aligned while you punch. They come in 3m, 4m, and 5m options, depending on the size of your hands and sometimes, even the gloves.
Some hand wraps are made of elastic, while others are made of cotton. Both work fine, but I personally prefer the elastic ones since they are easier to wrap, last longer, and keep their form better. Make sure to wrap them all around snugly—but not too tight—and always cover your knuckles properly.
And please, for the love of God, wash them after every session. Do not reuse sweaty wraps. At all.
Muay Thai shorts
Muay Thai shorts come in many colors and designs, which makes for a fashion statement while landing those punches and kicks. I was even told that there is a shop that sells customized Muay Thai shorts—in Thailand, no less!—which makes for a personal touch.
Personally, I prefer wearing leggings or shorts that come with an inner lining (wouldn’t want to accidentally flash anyone), or even bike shorts, but down the line, I feel like I need to start investing in a good, reliable pair of Muay Thai shorts to look the part—and to be able to kick without restrictions.
And for the women, having a good sports bra is a must. It provides support and keeps things in place when you’re spinning, kicking, punching, or even clinching. Comfort and support go a long way here, because nothing ruins a training session more than unnecessary distractions (or worse, wardrobe malfunctions).
Shin guards
Given that Muay Thai is all about using your shins as weapons, a poorly timed (or placed) kick can land the baddest of injuries, leaving you hobbling and bruised for days. That’s where shin guards come in.
Shin guards come in different sizes and styles: full-length coverage that protects the top of your foot and knee, or simpler, lighter designs that focus on the shin itself. Some are worn like socks, while others are strapped in using Velcro. Like all Muay Thai gear, it needs to fit snugly and comfortably, while allowing for easy mobility—and providing enough padding to absorb hits. Think of them as armor.
Much like your Muay Thai gloves, shin guards need to be aired out after every session, since moisture and sweat can quickly lead to odor and mold if left unchecked. You can also wipe them down with a disinfectant spray—just remember never to wash and submerge them in water.
Mouth guard
Don’t let a stray punch or elbow ruin your face card. Keep it protected with a mouth guard. This snug little shield protects your jaw and teeth after a sparring session.
Mouth guards are supposed to mold to the shape of your mouth. When you first get it, soak it in hot water to make it malleable, then press it into your teeth until it takes on the shape. Some brands even create custom mouth guards (with designs, even!) by taking a mold of your mouth and creating a one-of-a-kind piece.
Always, always clean your mouth guard after every session (as you should with all your gear) and after every use. Rinse it under cold water, scrub it with a toothbrush (toothpaste is optional), and let it dry before keeping it in its case. Bonus: Every now and then, clean it a little extra by giving it a dip in denture cleaner or mild soapy water—just make sure to rinse properly after.
Kick off your Muay Thai journey with these brands
It’s important to invest in gear that actually does its job. Cutting corners, going cheap, and buying based on vibes and not practical function? That’s going to cost you one day. Instead, set your sights on reliable brands that know what they’re doing.
• Twins Special: Known for its handcrafted, durable gear, this Thai brand prioritizes comfort, heavy padding, overall durability, and longevity. It’s made to last long training sessions and sparring
• Fairtex: A top-of-mind choice commonly associated with Muay Thai. As one of the most respected names, this Thai brand promises premium craftsmanship, balanced protection, and durability across gloves, shin guards, and training equipment (even apparel!).
• Venum: A global sports brand originally from France that offers a comprehensive line of Muay Thai, boxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA) gear. Think modern design meets performance.
