MMA shorts are a vital part of a fighter's arsenal. They hold protective gear in place and provide a layer of protection from the mat and the cage. But have you wondered what are MMA shorts made of?
MMA fightwear has come a long way since the sport’s earliest days. Nowadays, there are a variety of different materials used to make them. If you’re looking for the best MMA shorts, it helps to know which materials suits your training and fighting style.
In this article, we’ll look at what material MMA shorts made of, and weigh their pros and cons.
Why It Matters What Material MMA Shorts Made Of
The last thing you want to worry about when training is whether your MMA shorts will hold up. What material MMA shorts made of can affect your overall performance.
MMA is a contact sport that involves numerous rapid movements. What you wear for your MMA training needs to be comfortable and allow a full range of motion.
For example, if your fighting style consists mostly of kicks, you need MMA shorts that won’t hinder the movement of your legs. If you’re the grappling type, your MMA shorts should follow your movement while at the same time not allowing your opponent to grab you by your shorts.
The materials used for your shorts should have the qualities that will complement your fighting style.
What Material MMA Shorts Made of Usually?
What are MMA shorts made of? With many materials for MMA shorts, you need to discern which ones suit you. Here is a breakdown of the most popular fabrics used for MMA shorts. Often, modern MMA shorts come in a combination of two or more of these materials.
Polyester
Polyester is a durable man-made synthetic fabric. As a polymer-based fabric, it has excellent dimensional stability and resistance to stretching. This makes polyester MMA shorts ideal in the cage. They are easy to wash and take care of as well.
However, polyester is not without its drawbacks. The most notable disadvantage of polyester is its lack of breathability. This means that if you use it during extended hours of training, it may start to hold odors. It also lacks moisture absorption, so it will likely cling to your sweaty skin.
Nylon
Nylon is another synthetic fabric and one of the most versatile materials for MMA shorts. It is incredibly lightweight, which can help if you’re min-maxing your mobility and flexibility.
It is also wear-resistant. Your nylon MMA shorts will last for a long time due to nylon’s non-abrasive and non-corrosive properties.
Remember that nylon, like polyester, has poor breathability and water absorption. You need to wash it often to avoid the buildup of dirt and grime.
Also, nylon melts easily in extreme temperatures. You want to avoid leaving your nylon MMA shorts in the car during a hot summer day.
Spandex
Spandex is a flexible synthetic fabric known for its elasticity. Because of its form-fitting properties, spandex is ideal for the Vale Tudo type of MMA shorts. They have a firm grip on the legs, similar to compression shorts. These types of shorts are some of the most popular in the market, as spandex acts like a second skin.
There are a few disadvantages to wearing spandex MMA shorts. For one, they can be quite tight. This can especially be an issue if you have body hair, as the shorts can rub against your skin. To counter this, you need to know how MMA shorts should fit.
Additionally, spandex shorts can ride up in the crotch area, which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. This can cause chafing and even skin irritation. It’s good that many spandex MMA shorts today allow you to insert a cup protector.
Cotton
Unlike the other materials mentioned above, cotton comes from plant-based fibers.
Cotton is a comfortable fabric to wear. When you’re fighting, you’re going to be sweating a lot, and you need your shorts to allow your skin to breathe. Cotton does this better than most other materials, so you’ll stay cooler and more comfortable during your fight or training.
Cotton is also hypoallergenic. This means it carries a lesser risk of irritating your skin.
However, cotton has a few disadvantages. Cotton can wear down faster than synthetic fibers. Also, cotton can be prone to shrinking, so your cotton MMA shorts may get smaller and wrinkled over time.
Our MMA Shorts Are Made From Kinetic Material That Moves With You
Apex MMA fight shorts are the perfect companion for any type of MMA workout. Lightweight and with compression shorts built in, our MMA shorts will help keep your performance at the optimum.
The kinetic material used for the liner adapts to your every move. Combining hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers quickly removes perspiration so you can stay comfortable throughout your training or competition.
The built-in compression aids blood circulation, speeding up muscle recovery so you can train harder and longer. And thanks to the four-needle flatlock seam construction, you can be sure your fight shorts can keep up with your intensity.
Other Factors to Consider When Upgrading Your Shorts Wardrobe for MMA Training
While it’s important to know what material MMA shorts made of, there are other factors you need to consider.
Short Style
There are several different MMA short styles out there, and each one has its specific strengths.
If you have ever wondered why some MMA shorts have a slit, chances are those are gladiator shorts. Choose gladiator shorts if your technique consists largely of power kicks. These shorts will allow you to fully extend your hips and knees, maximizing your power.
As mentioned above, Vale Tudo shorts grip the legs tightly. It doesn’t allow your opponent to grab you by your shorts, so it has a tactical advantage in the cage. The tight fit also provides more support and stability to the fighter’s legs, which can help prevent injuries.
MMA board shorts help maximize mobility while minimizing fatigue. Velcro fastening at the waist allows for air circulation without restricting movement.
Sizing
Aside from asking what are MMA shorts made of, remember to check the shorts’ fit. It is just as critical to your performance.
Don’t underestimate the importance of a good fit when it comes to your MMA shorts. Too loose, and they’ll be easy to grab and hold onto. Too tight, and they could restrict your movement. The ideal pair of MMA shorts will hug your body without constricting, allowing you to move freely while still providing some support.
Quality
Because MMA shorts should protect your most sensitive parts from strikes and allow you to move freely while you fight, they ought to be of top-notch quality. You want something that will withstand the rigors of training and competition.
Look for shorts made from a composite of fabrics mentioned above, with reinforced stitching in the seams. This will ensure that your shorts can stand up to the wear and tear of training and fighting.
Wrapping Up Our Review of What Material MMA Shorts Are Made Of
In conclusion, what material MMA shorts made of is important when choosing your fight gear. The three most common materials are polyester, nylon, spandex, and cotton. Each material has its benefits and drawbacks.
Polyester and nylon are the most durable but lack breathability. Spandex conforms to the skin but can cause skin chafing. Cotton is a good middle ground between comfort and flexibility but is less durable than synthetic fabrics. The best MMA shorts are a blend of these.
If you want fightwear that can rise above the demands of your training, look no further than Apex MMA fight shorts. Aside from MMA shorts, Apex also offers MMA hoodies, MMA joggers, and MMA rash guards for men. Don’t let your fightwear hinder you from what you can do in the octagon/cage/ring. Opt for Apex today and see the difference.