Modest shorts for MMA, BJJ and combat sports: what to look for
Combat sports are hard on shorts. You kick, grapple, sprawl and roll, and ordinary shorts move a lot. Here's how to choose a pair that stays put.
What goes wrong in training
Kicking and wide stances lift the hem. Grappling pulls shorts up and sideways. Many fight shorts are cut short and loose on purpose to allow high kicks, so a leg that reaches the knee is harder to find.
Look for stretch
Four-way stretch fabric moves with you, so the shorts are less likely to ride up or bind when you sprawl or kick. Avoid stiff fabric that pulls at the waist.
An inner layer helps
Compression shorts or leggings underneath keep you covered even if the outer layer shifts during a roll. Many men in combat sports wear them as standard for hygiene and support anyway.
Check your gym or competition rules
This matters most for grappling. Many BJJ and no-gi competitions don't allow pockets, zips or hard parts on shorts because they can injure training partners or catch on fingers. Many gyms have the same rule. If you compete or roll often, choose pocketless, zip-free shorts. For striking, MMA conditioning or bag work, the rules are usually more relaxed, but ask your coach.
Quick checklist
- Knee-length or just below, even in a wide stance
- Four-way stretch
- Secure waistband
- No hard parts if you grapple
- An inner compression layer
At Sitr I make awrah-covering shorts for the gym and training. They have zip pockets, so they're for striking and general training, not grappling competition.
Full disclosure: I'm the founder of Sitr, which makes awrah-covering shorts for men. I mention it where it's relevant, and I'll always say so when I do.