BJJ shorts are purpose-built for grappling: no pockets, a reinforced waistband, and a cut that lets your hips move freely on the mat. Here is everything you need to choose the right pair.
BJJ shorts are training shorts designed specifically for no-gi grappling. Unlike board shorts or MMA shorts, they have no external pockets, no zippers, and no hard fastenings that could catch a training partner's fingers or skin. A proper pair of BJJ shorts sits securely at the waist, stretches with your body, and survives repeated washing without losing its shape. If you are new to no-gi, the right shorts are the single most important clothing decision you will make before stepping on the mat.
This guide covers what to look for when buying BJJ shorts, how no-gi spats work alongside them, what the rules say for IBJJF no-gi competition, and how to care for your gear in the Thai heat. For a broader look at the no-gi format itself, see the gi vs no-gi guide. For rash guards and upper-body no-gi kit, visit the rash guards page. To browse all gear coverage, head to the gear hub.
Not every pair of shorts sold as "fight shorts" or "grappling shorts" is genuinely built for BJJ. The checklist below separates functional no-gi gear from marketing noise.
The waistband is the most important structural element of a pair of BJJ shorts. During takedown attempts and scrambles, your training partner will grab your hips, and a poor waistband will shift, ride down, or come undone entirely. Look for:
A single drawstring closure can work well on shorts designed for lower-intensity training, but for competitive rolling or sparring with strong partners, a reinforced waistband closure is safer.
The best BJJ shorts use a polyester-spandex or nylon-spandex blend. The elastane content, usually between 10 and 20 percent, is what gives the shorts their four-way stretch. Four-way stretch is non-negotiable for guard work: when you open your guard, shoot a leg lasso, or work De La Riva, you need fabric that moves with you, not against you.
In Thailand, fabric weight matters more than it does in cooler training environments. Lighter-weight fabrics (around 120 to 150 gsm) dry faster and feel cooler during intense sessions. Heavier fabrics are more durable but can become uncomfortable in a hot training room. If you are training at a Thai gym during the summer months, prioritise a lighter, moisture-wicking weave.
BJJ shorts are cut differently from standard shorts in two key areas: the seat and the thigh gusset. A generous seat gives you room to sit into deep guard positions. A gusset, which is an extra panel of fabric at the crotch or inner thigh, prevents the shorts from tearing when you drop into a wide base during wrestling or sprawl to defend a shot.
Length is personal, but most grapplers settle on shorts that end just above the knee. Longer shorts can bunch at the guard; very short cuts may not comply with competition dress codes. An inseam of 17 to 20 cm is a practical starting point for most body types.
This point cannot be overstated: BJJ shorts must have no external pockets. A pocket seam can catch a training partner's finger during a scramble and cause a sprain or fracture. IBJJF competition rules explicitly prohibit shorts with pockets. If a pair of shorts has external pockets, it is not appropriate for BJJ, regardless of what the marketing says.
Spats (compression tights worn on the lower body) are the no-gi equivalent of the gi trousers. They are commonly worn alone under a rash guard for wrestling-style training, or layered under BJJ shorts for additional coverage and warmth.
Wearing full-length spats with a rash guard and no shorts over the top is completely acceptable in most gym training environments. In competition, check whether the event requires shorts over spats. IBJJF no-gi rules permit spats under shorts but may not permit spats as the only lower-body garment. ADCC and submission-only events often have more relaxed requirements. Always read the rulebook for the specific event you are entering.
| Garment | Best For | Competition Legal (IBJJF No-Gi) | Coverage | Typical Cost (THB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BJJ Shorts | General training, competition | Yes (no pockets, above knee) | Upper thigh to knee | 500 to 2,500+ |
| Full-Length Spats | Mat burn prevention, warmth | Yes, under shorts | Ankle to waist | 700 to 2,000+ |
| Compression Shorts (Vale Tudo) | Minimal kit, wrestling focus | Event-dependent | Mid-thigh to waist | 400 to 1,500+ |
| Shorts + Spats (layered) | Competition, full coverage | Yes | Full leg | 1,200 to 4,500+ |
Prices are approximate and subject to change. Confirm current pricing with retailers or your gym's pro shop.
If you plan to compete in IBJJF no-gi events, including the IBJJF No-Gi World Championships or IBJJF Pan Ams (no-gi divisions), you must comply with the dress code in the current edition of the IBJJF rulebook. The key points for lower-body garments are:
The rulebook is updated periodically. Always download the current version from the IBJJF website before entering any competition, and cross-reference the dress code section specifically. Rules confirmed here are based on publicly available IBJJF documentation at the time of publication but may have changed since then.
Training conditions in Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket, are different from those in Europe or North America. Even in air-conditioned gyms, ambient humidity is high and rolling sessions generate significant body heat. Gear choice should account for this.
A thicker, heavier short may feel more durable in the shop, but in a Thai training environment you will be grateful for a lighter, more breathable option within the first ten minutes of rolling. Look for mesh panels on the sides or a perforated weave if you are particularly sensitive to heat retention.
Humidity accelerates bacterial growth in training kit. In Thailand, rinsing your shorts in cold water immediately after training is not just good practice, it is essential. Left in a bag for several hours, damp shorts can develop odours that washing alone cannot remove. If your shorts smell after a normal wash, a short soak in a diluted white vinegar solution before the next wash can help. Avoid fabric softener, which coats the fibres and reduces the shorts' ability to wick moisture.
If you are travelling to Thailand specifically to train, bring at least two pairs of BJJ shorts. With sessions running twice a day at some training camps, one pair does not give sufficient time to wash and air-dry before the next session. A second pair of spats is equally useful for the same reason.
Whether you are buying online or in a shop, the following quick checks reveal whether a pair of BJJ shorts is built to last.
Hold the shorts up and look at the inner seam, the seat seam, and the waistband attachment. The stitching should be flat or flatlocked, meaning the seam lies flat against the fabric rather than forming a ridge. A ridge seam in the wrong place causes chafing during long sessions. The waistband should be stitched with a tight, reinforced stitch at the join points where it meets the body of the shorts, as this is where most BJJ shorts fail first.
The hook side of the Velcro closure on your shorts can damage your training partner's gi if you later cross-train in a gi class. Many manufacturers cover the hook side with a fold-over flap when the shorts are in use. Check that this covering sits flush and does not flip open during rolling. Velcro that starts peeling from the waistband after a few months is a common failure point on budget shorts. Tug the corners of the Velcro panel to check how securely it is bonded.
Sit in a deep squat while holding the shorts. The fabric in the seat and inner thigh should stretch without going translucent. If the fabric goes thin or shifts to one side, the shorts will not hold up during dynamic guard work. Quality grappling brands reinforce this area with either a diamond gusset or additional panels of four-way stretch fabric.
BJJ shorts are one part of a complete no-gi kit. The other two core items are a rash guard for the upper body and, depending on your preference, spats for the lower body. For detail on rash guard selection, including fabric weight, fit, and competition colour requirements, see the rash guards guide.
If you are trying to decide whether to train in the gi or no-gi in the first place, the gi vs no-gi page breaks down the differences in technique emphasis, competition formats, and which starting point suits different training goals. Most gyms in Thailand offer both, and many experienced practitioners train in both formats regularly.
For a complete picture of everything you need to buy before your first session or training trip, start at the gear overview.
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