There are many Muay Thai gear and equipment makers out in the market. Of course, they are not all built equally. It’s safe to say that the best Muay Thai brands come from Thailand where the sport originates and continues to thrive.
There are thousands of Muay Thai gyms in Thailand and daily Muay Thai events taking place in Bangkok. Gyms, fighters and boxing events go through tonnes of equipment and gear every year. After decades since Muay Thai became a modern sport, the people know what works and what doesn’t.
In this article, we’ll go through a comprehensive list of the best Muay Thai brands from the top-tier favorites down the line to the promising new start-ups.
Best Muay Thai Brands
You probably already know some of the biggest and most popular Muay Thai brands such as Fairtex, Twins Special, Yokkao and Top King. Many consider them to be the best Muay Thai brands right now and you can hardly go wrong with these.
But if you are looking for something different or less common, there are many other Thai-based brands to choose from. Some of these include Boon Sport, Windy, Raja, Sandee and Thaismai.
Reviews can be a bit mixed but on the whole, all the Thai brands mentioned will offer you reasonable mileage. They are all reasonably good quality gear with their loyal fan following.
If you make comparisons against China-made or Pakistan-made gear based on price, a Thai brand will often offer better quality in terms of the materials and workmanship. Majority of fight gear brands on Amazon are made in China or Pakistan. (e.g. RDX, Hayabusa, Elite Sports, Sanabul Essentials etc.)
Here’s a rundown of the best Muay Thai brands in the industry today:
Fairtex
Fairtex is arguably the most popular and known out of all Muay Thai brands. The company started out in 1971, selling Muay Thai training equipment and t-shirts to Thai department stores.
After decades of domestic experience, they expanded in the 90s to distribute their products to Muay Thai and martial arts gyms worldwide. Now, it has become synonymous with premium quality Muay Thai gear and equipment.
One of the key factors to Fairtex’s success was the introduction of Fairtex Muay Thai gyms during the brand’s beginning foray into Muay Thai. The first Fairtex gym was set up in 1975 in suburban Bangkok and was one of the first gyms that welcomed foreigners and even female fighters to train in. The setting up of Fairtex gyms in the United States played an immense role that led to the brand’s success in the west.
Over the last few years, Fairtex has expanded beyond Muay Thai and kickboxing into the world of BJJ and MMA. Fairtex now offers MMA gloves and BJJ Gis. The Thai brand is also building its team of MMA athletes while partnering with rising Asian MMA promotion, ONE Championship.
In terms of its products, Fairtex has the most extensive range of gear and equipment. The quality is top-notch (many would say Fairtex is the very top), design aesthetics have also improved tremendously. They have also managed to stay relevant through collaborations with other brands and artists like DHL and Urface.
Overall, you can hardly go wrong with Fairtex.
Official Website: fairtex.com
- Ergonomically engineered with a unique contoured and tight-fit hand compartment designed to provide a secure and snug fit
- Constructed of premium leather with the Fairtex foam system for excellent hand and knuckle protection and shock disbursement
- Genuine leather gloves with velcro straps
| Read Fairtex-related articles: |
Twins Special
Twins Special is as “Thai” as it gets. You will rarely -if ever- see the brand sponsoring events outside of Thailand. They have a weak social media game and generally, a poor online presence.
Twins Special is comfortable relying on word-of-mouth and the critical success they have enjoyed since starting in 1992. While Fairtex has put its attention on expanding globally, Twins focused on the domestic market.
Despite the lack of international marketing efforts, Twins is now widely seen as one of the top three in the industry. Even boxers are turning to Twins gloves as a dependable yet affordable alternative.
For many years, Twins has stuck to the basics, focusing on delivering high-quality gear and equipment. With all the fresh new brands entering the scene, Twins is now playing catch-up in terms of contemporary designs. Skulls, weed and other trending motifs.
I personally prefer the old-skool Twins from the 90s-00s. For those who like the classic, Thai-style gear and Muay Thai shorts, I highly recommend Twins.
Official Website: twinsspecial.com
- Twins Boxing Gloves with special design hook-and-loop wrist strap for full security, ideal for quick wear and take off.
- Handcraft from premium 100% Thai leather.
- Available in 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, 16 oz, and 18 oz.
| Read Twins Special-related articles: |
Yokkao
Yokkao is an Italian-owned Thai-based business founded in 2010. The label came into prominence very quickly through its social media marketing, international events and partnerships with the biggest names of the time.
Some of their sponsored fighters -past and present- include Buakaw Banchamek, Giorgio Petrosyan, Singdam Kiatmoo9, Saenchai, and more recently, Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
Besides their clever marketing campaign which they do better than everyone else, Yokkao is otherwise known for its modern take on the sport’s gear and apparel. When it comes to fashion-forward designs, Yokkao is second to none in the Muay Thai world.
In January 2021, they officially launched a complete fashion sportswear collection in Milan’s showrooms. The collection is making its way to fashion showrooms around the world as we speak.
In terms of quality, Yokkao gear is among the best in the game. But they do come with a premium price tag for Italian designs. If you want the best looking gear and shorts, Yokkao is your brand.
Official Website: yokkao.com
- YOKKAO Boxing Gloves are made of premium leather, providing excellent durability and protection for all your training needs, including pro boxing gloves and youth boxing gloves.
- Whether you're a beginner or an experienced fighter, Our Premium Muay Thai gloves offer the perfect balance of comfort and performance for all your training and sparring sessions, making them ideal...
- These gloves offer superior wrist support, with an extra-long cuff and secure Velcro closure that keeps your hands safe and stable during even the most intense workouts, making them great fighting...
| Read Yokkao-related articles: |
Top King
Top King is another fan-favorite in the Muay Thai community. The brand’s founder left Twins Special in 2009 to start Top King. He brought with him the extensive experience and improved upon Twins’ designs to create something distinctively different.
Shin guards are the first thing that comes to mind when you talk about Top King. I and many reviewers rate Top King’s shin guards as the best in the business. If someone asks me for shin guard recommendations, I always point them in the direction of Top King.
Top King has (had) a number of events including the (defunct?) Top King World Series as well as the popular MX Muay Xtreme weekly shows. But like Twins, they have a rather unexciting global marketing and outreach plan.
Sadly, Top King is fading in popularity in the last few years due to a lack of innovation and seems to be surviving on the legacy of its shin guards. Their designs remain stuck in the last decade.
That said, I’d still earnestly recommend Top King gear for its reliable quality and overall functionality.
Official Website: topkingboxing.com
- Ultra light weight muay thai shinguard with a
- Raised shin and foot ridge for complete protection.
- Featuring a hook and-look closure system for a comfortable and secure fit.
| Read Top King-related articles: |
Boon Sport
The Australian-owned Thai-based Boon Sport was founded in 2002. Boon has come a long way from a party of five sewing shorts out of a tiny two-bedroom apartment. It now owns a full-fledged factory in central Bangkok hiring over 30 full-time employees.
Boon appeals to those who like their gear simple and their shorts traditional. While brands are fighting for a piece of the pie in social media or focusing on what’s trending, Boon Sport is keeping it real.
Boon takes its inspiration from the aesthetics of traditions, focusing on a staple range of back-to-basics products. Think no-frills style that relies on expert craftsmanship and word-of-mouth.
The brand has also been sponsoring small gyms around Thailand quietly over the years. It’s really the kind of brand that you want to root for.
If you are after quality fight gear with no-frills designs, then definitely check out Boon Sport.
Official Website: boonsport.com
| Read Boon Sport-related articles: |
Raja Boxing
Raja boxing has focused mainly on its B2B business for many years since it started in 1998. For those in the know, Raja is a popular go-to manufacturer for customized gear. If you are a gym or looking to start your own line of Muay Thai equipment, Raja is a possible lead to consider.
When it comes to their consumer business, Raja Boxing gear is not as widely available compared to their competitors. You can shop direct from their online store which ships internationally, or find a small selection of their catalogue from muaythaifactory.com and superexportshop.com.
In terms of overall quality, durability, comfort and fit, Raja gear is among the best in the business. They are very underrated in my opinion due to the lack of marketing on their part. The designs are nothing to shout about, bearing rather dull aesthetics. But everything else about their gloves is top of the line.
Raja’s other claim to fame is the “Songkran” Muay Thai shorts. Inspired by Songkran/Hawaiian-style shirts, these shorts have become something of an “international bestseller”. There is a massive selection of wild designs from weed motifs to Japanese art to just about anything you can think of.
With the right sponsorships and marketing, Raja can go toe-to-toe against any of the top guys in the game.
Official Website: rajaboxing.com
| Read Raja Boxing-related articles: |
Windy
Windy is one of the pioneers in the Muay Thai gear industry. The brand was founded in 1951 and has followed the evolution of Muay Thai gear through its different phases.
Today, Windy is what you might call a “boomer” brand. The designs are dated, and the products haven’t seen much innovation or modernization. However, Windy remains a reliable go-to brand for high-quality training gear and equipment.
Many people in the industry that I have spoken to, still consider Windy to have one of the best Muay Thai gloves in the market. After being longer than everyone else in the industry, Windy clearly knows what’s the best way to make them gloves.
If you are tired of using the same old Fairtex or Yokkao gear like everyone else, then Windy is definitely a worthy alternative.
Official Website: windyfightgear.com
- product type: boxing glove
- country of origin: thailand
- item package weight: 1.7 pounds
Thaismai
Along with Windy, Thaismai is one of the oldest Muay Thai brands out of Thailand.
Thaismai is a Thai-Chinese family-run business that operates out of Bangkok like most other Muay Thai brands. It’s an honest business with good-quality products but like Windy, Thaismai hasn’t been keeping up with the times.
Back during the Muay Thai golden era, you will see Thaismai all the time. But now they have faded into obscurity. Thaismai seems to be stuck in the 90s-early 00s in terms of designs. They are also far behind in terms of adopting e-commerce and marketing.
If you like the old school aesthetics with the traditional silhouette, Thaismai shorts will be right up your alley.
Official Website: thaismai-tsm.com
- Greenish-Blue color with polyurethane synthetic leather material.
- Ergonomically engineered with a unique contoured and tight-fit hand compartment designed to provide a secure and snug fit.
- Constructed of polyurethane synthetic leather material with THAISMAI foam system for excellent hand and knuckle protection and shock disbursement.
Sandee
Sandee started manufacturing Muay Thai gear in 1977 and is one of the oldest brands around. Despite its history, it has little presence back at home in Thailand as somewhere along its timeline, it chose to focus on the market in the UK and the western world.
Sandee continues to manufacture its gear out of its facility in Bangkok. This helps to keep costs low, price reasonable and the quality high. In terms of quality, Sandee certainly matches up against “old skool” peers like Thaismai and Windy.
But like those traditional brands, Sandee has been slow in modernizing its aesthetics to cater to younger combat sports practitioners. However, I would rate Sandee above Windy and Thaismai in the style department. Maybe closer to Top King but below the top-tier competitors.
Thanks to resellers, Amazon.com and their own online store, Sandee products are pretty accessible. It has its own band of loyal supporters especially in the UK.
With all that said, Sandee doesn’t really stand out and it’s hard to determine their unique selling proposition. But take a look as they could be your kind of thing.
Official Website: sandeeboxing.com
- Premium grade leather
- Multi-layer EVA foam to better disperse impact and increase protection
- ability to absorb punches in anatomically correct land position
Venum
Venum is a brand that is no stranger to the global fight community. It is a French company that started making MMA gear but has grown over time to become an established name in the Muay Thai circles.
Venum also struck a deal with UFC, taking over Reebok as the official outfitting partner for the MMA giant. It’s definitely going to achieve mainstream status sooner than other brands here. While it is still largely a MMA brand, Venum stays connected with the Muay Thai community via the Venum Training Center in Pattaya as well as a team of sponsored Thai and French Muay Thai fighters. Notable names include Petchpanomrung Kiatmoo9, Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, and Giorgio Petrosyan.
Like any other decent Muay Thai brand, Venum also outsources manufacturing for part of its gear catalogue to Thai factories.
While I’ve always liked their Viper logo designs, I have never been very impressed with the quality of Venum’s gear through my own experience. Most of their Muay Thai gear is made using synthetic leather, which is really a downgrade when you compare to animal leather.
However, they do have modern stylish designs to rival the best. If you can afford it, their high-end stuff is of great quality too. If you like the brand and feel compelled to buy their gear, they are worth the support but I would not go all-out in recommending Venum.
Official Website: venum.com
- Premium Skintex leather construction
- High Density foam with additional padding for enhanced shock Absorption
- Lightweight design providing unrestricted mobility and speed
| Read Venum-related articles: |
InFightStyle
US-based startup InFightStyle (IFS) is one of the most successful Muay Thai brands of the last few years. It helps that IFS caters to the massive American market where it has a strong presence through strategic athlete sponsorships.
Founded in 2013 by Andrew Aylen, IFS started as a reseller distributing major Thai brands. It quickly evolved into a brand in its own right, pushing out some of the freshest Muay Thai shorts in the market.
Although it now offers a decent range of products, IFS is best known for its slick modern Muay Thai shorts. The brand embodies an aesthetic sense that knows what ticks for its American fanbase.
Like all reputable Muay Thai brands, InFightStyle apparel and gear are proudly made in Thailand. Aylen is now based in Thailand, growing the brand from right in the heart of the sport.
With IFS sponsored athletes like Janet Todd, Ognjen Topic and Allycia Rodrigues basking in the limelight at One Championship, the brand is becoming more prominent than ever before.
InFightStyle is a fast-growing brand that may soon rival the industry’s top dogs in the future.
Official Website: infightstyle.com
Primo Fight Gear
Primo is a young Thai-based startup founded by Muay Thai practitioners and enthusiasts, Jon Jordan Fung and Kyle Ching. Jon Fung is a well-known MMA coach while Kyle is a respected Muay Thai photographer.
Primo is most notably seen on Panpayak Jitmuangnon. Last year, the brand sponsored a number of champions including Thanonchai Thanakorngym and Seksan Or Kwanmuang. The brand is also working with promotions and gyms in Thailand.
The folks at Primo keep things classic yet modern, sourcing the best materials and focus on quality and comfort: the things that matter. So far, everyone who has trained with Primo fight gear has given it raving reviews.
With all-round high-end quality, looks and packaging, Primo is prime to become the Winning of Muay Thai and definitely one to watch for.
Official Website: primofightwear.com
Pryde
Pryde is the creation of Thanis Vachirarattanawong (Beth), a family member of the renowned Petchyindee empire and younger sibling of famous promoter, Nuttadej Vachirarattanawong (Boat Petchyindee).
With his background in design, Beth has been able to bring a breath of fresh air to the Muay Thai fightwear industry. Pryde can be seen as an extension of the Petchyindee empire as it is adorned by the gym’s fighters and on its promotions.
To date, Pryde has released a relatively small collection of shorts and boxing gloves, including a collaboration with Everlast. Looks-wise, Pryde has managed to inject a streetwear style into its apparel while retaining a classic & traditional feel.
Although I have yet to try them out, I would expect nothing less than your top-tier Muay Thai brand when it comes to Pryde’s quality. The Petchyindee family has been in the business long enough to know what works and how to make it work.
Official Website: prydeth.com
Thank you Kay, as always a well written and informative article.
If your readers looking for unique and premium Muay Thai Shorts and T-Shirts please visit our online shop http://www.Muay-Thai.shop
Chok dee and sunny greetings from Hua Hin / Thailand ♥️🙏
#muaythaishorts #thaiboxingshorts
Yak Thai?
Never heard of it. I’ll go check it out.