What to Wear to Your First Muay Thai Class (Women's Guide)

Short answer: For your first Muay Thai class, wear shorts you can kick in, a supportive sports bra (with a T-shirt or crop top on top if you like), and bring water and a towel. You'll train barefoot. Most gyms lend gloves for the first class, but bring your own hand wraps if you have them. Our women's Muay Thai shorts and sports bras for Muay Thai are made for exactly this.

Your first-class checklist

• Shorts you can kick in
• A medium-high support sports bra
• Optional: a T-shirt or crop top
• Hand wraps (if you have them)
• Water bottle and small towel
• Hair tie
• Flip-flops or sliders for walking to and from the mat

Bottoms: shorts you can kick in

You'll be lifting your knees, kicking and pivoting. Loose gym shorts can ride up and leggings can get hot especially if the gym is open-air. Muay Thai shorts are short and wide-legged so nothing restricts you. Ours are cut for women's hips and have built-in safety shorts, so there's no gaping when you kick. Choose your normal sports shorts size and choose the size up if you are between sizes.

If you're not ready for Muay Thai shorts or can't get them in time for your class, wear stretchy shorts that cover you well when you lift your leg to hip height.

Top: a sports bra that stays put

You'll jump, skip and throw punches with your arms up. A sports bra with built-in padding and medium-high support, like our Athena padded sports bra, stays in place without wandering pads. Wear a T-shirt or crop top over it if you feel more comfortable.

Hand wraps

Hand wraps protect your knuckles and wrists inside the gloves. Many gyms lend gloves but not wraps (for hygiene). A 180" wrap is the standard choice for adults. See our boxing and Muay Thai hand wraps, and learn how to wrap your hands before class (or watch this video tutorial here).

Ankle supports (optional)

Not essential for your first class, but many beginners like the light compression. See our guide: Should you wear ankle supports for Muay Thai? or shop our Ankle Supports here (which match our cute handwrap colours!)

What not to wear

• Jewellery: take off rings, earrings and necklaces
• Shoes: Muay Thai is trained barefoot
• Zips, pockets with hard items, or anything with buttons
• Very loose tops that fall over your face when you bend

FAQ

Can I wear leggings to Muay Thai?

Yes, but if you're at an open air gym it will get hot, especially if you're training during summer or in South East Asia! 

Do I need gloves for my first Muay Thai class?

Most gyms lend gloves to beginners. Ask before you go.

Do you wear shoes in Muay Thai?

No, you train barefoot. Bring sliders for walking around the gym.

What should I wear on top for Muay Thai?

A supportive sports bra, with or without a T-shirt or crop top on top.