Muay Thai
Core gear
Gloves and Shin Guards
Muay Thai Gloves
14-16 oz, clinch-thumb design
Thai gloves use the same ounce system as boxing (14 to 16 oz for training) but differ in two structural ways: the thumb is positioned further forward for clinch entries, and the cuff is shorter for wrist flexion during clinch work.
14 oz suits fighters under 70 kg; 16 oz for over 70 kg and heavy sparring. Fairtex BGV1 (CAD $150 to $200) is the default recommendation. DRAKO (CAD $50 to $150) offers a value entry point. King Pro (CAD $120 to $170) sits mid-high range.
Shin Guards
Leather, 2-3 week break-in
Leather shin guards are the standard at serious Muay Thai gyms. Full-grain cowhide moulds to the shin over a 2 to 3 week break-in. Apply leather conditioner before first use.
Fairtex SP5 (CAD $130 to $150) features a polycarbonate front panel. DRAKO (CAD $80 to $130) uses PU synthetic and leather. Size by shin length: S 30-35 cm, M 35-40 cm, L 40-45 cm.
Getting started
Beginner Checklist
Priority order for a new Muay Thai practitioner: (1) Gloves at 14 to 16 oz, CAD $50 to $200. (2) Hand wraps 180-inch Mexican-style, CAD $10 to $18, to stabilize the wrist and compress the metacarpals. Buy at least two pairs for wash rotation. (3) Mouthguard boil-and-bite, CAD $8 to $15. (4) Thai shorts, CAD $40 to $90. Total entry cost: CAD $100 to $250.
Add shin guards (CAD $80 to $200) when sparring starts at 1 to 3 months. Buy quality gloves and shin guards; economize on shorts and wraps. Add headgear (CAD $60 to $150) and elastic ankle wraps (CAD $20 to $35, figure-eight pattern around ankle and arch) within the first 6 months. Year-one total: CAD $200 to $500.
Apparel
Thai Shorts
Traditional Muay Thai shorts have a wider leg opening than MMA or boxing shorts, allowing unrestricted hip rotation on round kicks and knee strikes. The hem sits mid-thigh with side cuts that open during high kicks, giving the hip full range of motion on a head-height roundhouse. Satin is the standard fabric: lightweight, low-friction against the opponent during clinch work, and holds vibrant colours and designs. Retro cut sits higher on the thigh for maximum kicking range; modern cut sits lower for more coverage.
Thai sizing runs 1 to 2 sizes smaller than Western athletic sizing. A North American M typically needs Thai L or XL. Check the brand's waist measurement in centimetres rather than relying on size labels. The elastic waistband stretches 5 to 8 cm beyond the labelled measurement. DRAKO Thai shorts (CAD $40 to $50) are the most widely stocked brand at Bushido, with many colour and design options. Machine wash cold, inside out, and hang dry to preserve satin sheen and elastic recovery.
Training
Pads and Training
Thai pads (38 to 45 cm long, 8 to 12 cm foam depth) are the signature training tool of Muay Thai: they absorb full-power roundhouse kicks, push kicks, knees, and elbows in extended pad-holding rounds. Fairtex KPLC5 runs CAD $190 to $220 per pair and is the reference model at competitive gyms across Canada. Focus mitts (CAD $60 to $100) handle boxing combination drills (jab, cross, hook, uppercut). Belly pads (CAD $120 to $200) protect the pad holder during body kick and knee drills, absorbing strikes that land below the Thai pads.
Heavy bags for Muay Thai are banana bags (5 to 6 ft, tapered shape, 100 to 110 lb). The tapered design accommodates low kicks to the leg, body kicks to the midsection, and head kicks at the top. Standard cylindrical boxing bags hang too high and lack the lower target area. Bag mount must support 4x the bag weight to handle the lateral force of round kicks.
Trusted brands
Muay Thai Brands at Bushido
Handmade gloves and shin guards at the premium tier. Every Fairtex glove passes through over 20 production steps by hand.
Competition-grade Thai pads and gloves at a mid-high range price point.
Premium Thai brand known for bold satin shorts and a snug hand compartment in their gloves.
Crosses over from MMA with Muay Thai gloves and shin guards.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Muay Thai and boxing gloves?
Thai gloves position the thumb forward for clinch work and use a shorter cuff for wrist flexion. Boxing gloves angle the thumb to the fist with a longer cuff. Same oz system.
How long does leather shin guard break-in take?
2 to 3 weeks of light pad work and bag sessions. Apply leather conditioner before first use. Synthetic guards need no break-in but do not conform as well.
How do I size Muay Thai shorts?
Thai shorts run 1 to 2 sizes smaller than Western. North American M equals Thai L or XL. Check the brand's waist measurement in centimetres. The elastic waistband stretches 5 to 8 cm past the label.
Do I need ankle wraps?
Recommended for all practitioners. They support ankle ligaments during the pivoting motion of round kicks. Essential for anyone with ankle sprain history. CAD $20 to $35.
What heavy bag for Muay Thai?
A banana bag (5 to 6 ft, 100 to 110 lb). The tapered shape trains low kicks, body kicks, and head kicks. Mount must support 4x the bag weight.
