Shopping for no-gi shorts, you'll see two labels everywhere: BJJ shorts and MMA shorts. They look similar on the rack, but they're cut for different jobs. Here's what actually separates them — cut, length, waistband, pockets — and which one belongs on the BJJ mat.
What Are BJJ Shorts?
BJJ shorts — also called grappling shorts — are designed specifically for ground fighting. The cut is shorter, typically ending well above the knee, so there's no excess fabric to get tangled during scrambles or grabbed in guard play. The focus is entirely on mobility on the mat: lightweight, stretchy, and stripped of anything an opponent could exploit.
What Are MMA Shorts?
MMA shorts are built for mixed martial arts, which means striking and grappling. They're usually longer — around knee length, in a board-short style — with wide side slits that allow full range of motion for kicks. The extra length and roomier cut accommodate a striking game that BJJ shorts don't need to worry about.
Cut and Length: The Biggest Difference
This is the easiest way to tell them apart. BJJ shorts sit above the knee with a tailored, athletic cut that stays close to the body. MMA shorts run longer and looser, closer to surf-style board shorts, with deep side slits for kicking. On the BJJ mat, that extra length is just more fabric — more to bunch up, more to grab, more to get caught under knees in side control.
Waistband: Drawstring vs Velcro
Both styles typically use a drawstring waist, but MMA shorts very often add a velcro closure across the front for extra security during explosive striking exchanges. BJJ shorts lean toward a clean drawstring-only waistband. Why? Velcro wears out, collects lint, and can scratch training partners — and in pure grappling, a solid drawstring is all you need. Many grapplers consider velcro a liability on the mat, not a feature.
Pockets: Why Grappling Shorts Skip Them
Here's a dead giveaway: proper BJJ shorts have no pockets. Pockets are finger traps — an opponent's digit sliding into your pocket during a scramble is a fast track to a broken finger, which is why they're banned in competition. MMA shorts sometimes include pockets for casual wear versatility, but anything with pockets has no business on the BJJ mat.
Stretch Panels and Flexibility
Both types use stretch fabrics, but BJJ shorts take it further — four-way stretch throughout, often with flexible side panels, because grappling demands extreme ranges of motion: high guard, deep half guard, inverted positions. MMA shorts prioritize durability for striking impact over maximum stretch. For pure BJJ, the stretchier, lighter short wins.
Competition Legality
If you plan to compete, check the ruleset. The IBJJF no-gi division requires shorts without pockets, and most major organizations ban velcro closures, metal parts, and anything that could injure an opponent. BJJ-specific shorts are designed with these rules in mind, so they're the safer bet for competition day. MMA shorts with pockets or bulky velcro flaps can get you turned away at the gear check.
Which Should You Buy for BJJ?
If you only train BJJ, buy BJJ shorts — they're purpose-built for the mat. If you cross-train MMA or Muay Thai, MMA shorts make sense for striking days, and plenty of people grapple in them just fine. The honest truth: either works for casual rolling, but BJJ-specific shorts are lighter, shorter, and free of the features (pockets, velcro) that cause problems in grappling.
Shop Grappling Shorts
Check out our BJJ shorts collection — mat-ready grappling shorts with a tailored above-knee cut, stretch panels, and a secure drawstring waist, at $69.
BJJ vs MMA Shorts FAQ
Can you wear MMA shorts for BJJ?
Yes — they're fine for training. But BJJ-specific shorts are lighter and shorter with no pockets or velcro, which most grapplers prefer on the mat.
Why don't BJJ shorts have pockets?
Pockets are a finger-injury risk during grappling and are banned in competition. Quality grappling shorts leave them out entirely.
Are MMA shorts longer than BJJ shorts?
Generally yes. MMA shorts run around knee length with side slits for kicking; BJJ shorts sit above the knee for a closer, snag-free fit.
Can you wear BJJ shorts for MMA?
For the grappling rounds, sure — but most MMA fighters want the longer cut and extra-secure velcro waistband for striking exchanges.