Ill-fitting fight shorts are a distraction you don't need — hiking them up between rounds, tugging them down in guard, or worse, having them come undone mid-scramble. Getting the fit right matters. Here's what grapplers should look for: waist sizing, inseam, stretch panels, and the drawstring vs velcro debate.
Start With the Waist
Waist is the primary measurement for fight shorts. Measure around your natural waistline — where the shorts will actually sit, usually at or just below the navel — with a tape measure, keeping one finger of slack. Match that number to the brand's size chart:
| Size | Waist |
|---|---|
| XS | 26" – 28" |
| S | 28" – 30" |
| M | 30" – 32" |
| L | 32" – 34" |
| XL | 34" – 37" |
| 2XL | 37" – 40" |
| 3XL | 40" – 43" |
Fight shorts are sized to sit snug at the waist with the drawstring tied — they shouldn't need the drawstring cranked to extremes to stay up.
Inseam and Length: How Long Is Right?
For grappling, above the knee is the sweet spot — typically a 5" to 7" inseam. Shorter inseams keep fabric out of the way during guard work and scrambles and give opponents less to grab. Longer, knee-length cuts belong to the MMA/striking world, where the extra coverage suits kick-heavy movement. If you're buying for BJJ, err shorter.
Stretch Panels and Side Slits
Grappling puts shorts through extreme ranges of motion, so look for four-way stretch fabric (polyester-spandex blends) and flexible gussets or stretch side panels. Side slits — splits up the outer seam — add freedom for high guard and triangle setups. The test: squat deep, lift a knee to your chest, and simulate a granby roll. If the shorts bind or restrict, the cut isn't grappling-ready.
Drawstring vs Velcro Closure
This is the great debate in fight shorts:
- Drawstring: Simple, reliable, nothing to wear out or scratch partners. A thick, flat drawstring with reinforced eyelets stays tied through hard rounds. The purist's choice for BJJ.
- Velcro: Adds a locked-in feel and quick adjustment, popular in MMA shorts. But velcro collects lint, loses grip over time, and the rough edge can irritate training partners' skin.
For pure grappling, a quality drawstring waistband is all you need — and one less thing to fail.
Fabric: What to Look For
The best fight shorts use lightweight polyester-spandex blends or ripstop-style weaves: sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and tough enough to survive years of mat time. Avoid heavy cotton or board-short material — it soaks up sweat, gets heavy, and stretches out. Flatlock or reinforced stitching at stress points (crotch, waistband) is a sign of shorts built to last.
Between Sizes? Size Down
Fight shorts should fit snug at the waist — loose shorts shift, bunch, and reveal more than you intend during inverted positions. If you're between waist sizes, size down; the stretch in the fabric and the drawstring give you adjustment room. The legs should skim your thighs without billowing — excess fabric in the legs is just handles for your opponent.
The Movement Test: Try Before You Roll
Before committing to a pair, put them through a grappler's range of motion right in the fitting room. Squat ass-to-grass, pull one knee tight to your chest, twist through your hips like a granby roll, and sit into a deep lunge. The waistband should stay anchored without the drawstring doing all the work, and the legs shouldn't bind across your thighs or ride up excessively. If you have to adjust them during the test, you'll be adjusting them every round on the mat.
Shop Fight Shorts
Find your fit in our BJJ shorts collection — grappling-ready fight shorts with an above-knee cut, four-way stretch, and a secure drawstring waist, at $69.
Fight Shorts Fit FAQ
How should fight shorts fit?
Snug at the waist with room to move in the legs. They should stay put without constant adjustment and end above the knee for grappling.
Should fight shorts be tight or loose?
Close-fitting but not compression-tight. Snug waist, athletic cut through the thigh — baggy shorts bunch up and give opponents grips.
Do fight shorts stretch out?
Quality polyester-spandex blends hold their shape well. Cheap shorts with little spandex content bag out at the waist — check the fabric blend before buying.
Can I wear compression shorts under fight shorts?
Yes, many grapplers do for extra support and coverage. Just make sure the outer shorts still fit properly over them.