BJJ shorts are used for no-gi grappling and are also commonly called fight shorts because they are used in MMA, Muay Thai, and other martial arts.
With so many options on the market, you can get lost, and as much as we would all love to, no one can buy everything and make his picks.
Luckily for you, we have bought and tested some of the most popular models and will happily share with you what the best BJJ shorts are.
Key Takeaways
Header |  Best BJJ Shorts |  Best Budget BJJ Shorts |  Best BJJ Shorts For Big Guys |
|---|---|---|---|
Product | |||
Material | 100% Polyester | 100% Polyester | 100% Polyester |
Length | Mid-thigh | Above knee | Knee length |
Fit | True to size | True to size | True to size |
Price |
Best BJJ Shorts
XMartial BJJ Shorts
Materials
Comfort/Fit
Price
Designs
XMartial has hit the mark with their BJJ shorts which rightfully take the top spot in our list. They are super comfortable, durable, and look epic, so there isn't anything else you can ask from a pair of shorts.
The XMartial BJJ shorts are made with 100% polyester but still have a good amount of stretch. They have not spared any material, and the shorts are thick and feel indestructible.
Many other brands make their shorts too thin and stretchy, significantly shortening their life. Additionally, the stitching is double-reinforced and flawless.
These shorts are also comfortable thanks to the side slits and the important inner thigh stretch panels. Another great feature is choosing between a Velcro model and one without Velcro.
I usually prefer shorts without Velcro, but here the design is excellent, and at no point have I felt the Velcro on my skin.
Yet another great feature is the inside rubber waistband. This is more commonly done in rash guards, but the addition of shorts is great as it prevents them from moving and rotating at all.
Price-wise, the XMartial shorts vary between $45 and $80, which is not cheap, but you will get your money's worth. They have nailed everything to the detail, especially if you catch one of their sales. You won't get better value for your money anywhere else.
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XMartial BJJ Shorts
Best Budget BJJ Shorts
Elite Sports Fight Shorts
Materials
Comfort/Fit
Price
Designs
Elite sports are known for their budget-friendly combat sports equipment, and while they are usually not very good, their BJJ shorts are surprisingly great.
The Elite Sports Fight shorts are made from 100% microfiber fabric which is soft and stretchy and sits perfectly around the thighs and waist. The stretch panels and the thick elastic waistband provide unrestricted mobility and an open feel. The side slits also aid in this.
They are mid-thigh long, which is the preferred length for most people, and aside from my X-martial pairs, these 20 bucks are my go-to shorts, and I love to use them for other types of workouts.
The only downside is you get only one design, and it's not very interesting, but this is barely a flaw for the price. With models like this, beginners have no excuse to use regular athletic shorts for BJJ and not buy a dedicated model like this one.
Elite Sports Fight Shorts
Best Compression BJJ Shorts
XMartial BJJ Spats Shorts
Materials
Comfort/Fit
Price
Designs
Compression shorts are used more by MMA guys who like to train and fight in them, but some BJJ practitioners also roll in Vale Tudo style shorts, or at least use them beneath their BJJ shorts for the added benefits as marginal as they may be.
XMartial has focused their attention more on board BJJ shorts, but the compression models do not fall far behind. In fact, they come with the same flawless quality.
The material used is moisture-wicking and dries quickly. It's pleasant to the skin and comfortable, aided by the flatlock stitching. There is an elastic waistband to keep the shorts in place at all times.
On the visual front, XMartial again offers many different styles and graphics, all of which are sublimated, so you won't have to worry if they would crack.
Like with XMartial BJJ shorts, you can choose between two versions: a longer compression and a shorter Vale Tudo style.
XMartial BJJ Spats Shorts
Best BJJ Shorts For Big Guys
Hayabusa Icon Fight Shorts
Materials
Comfort/Fit
Price
Designs
Hayabusa needs no introduction to people in combat sports, and they have a lot of great BJJ shorts. But one specific model may be the best for big guys: the Icon Fight model.
The Hayabusa Icon Fight is inspired by the brand's earliest models when big board shorts were the norm in BJJ and MMA.
Some still prefer this length, and the Icon model is the best in the segment. While they may look restrictive, the huge side slits provide a full range of motion and freedom of movement.
The large slits and overall design make these perfect for big guys with tree-trunk thighs who have difficulty squeezing into regular mid-thigh shorts.
The silicone waistband and comprehensive locking system eliminate the possibility of having to readjust your shorts during grappling.
The material is thicker and more rigid than most other BJJ shorts, which, according to Hayabusa, makes it indestructible, and I am willing to believe them. I don't think fabric or stitching can tear or break from anything that happens in training or a match.
Overall, if you like long BJJ shorts or are a big guy having trouble with other models, the Hayabusa Icon shorts should be your first choice.
Hayabusa Icon Fight Shorts
Best BJJ Shorts For Women
XMartial Women's BJJ Shorts
Materials
Comfort/Fit
Price
Designs
Yes, this is the third time I've included XMartial in the list, but I wouldn't do it if it wasn't well deserved.
Brands sometimes neglect the ladies and have fewer options when buying gear. But they shouldn't worry about female short spats for BJJ because XMartial has the ideal model.
You get all the benefits we've already discussed at length, like durable fabric, flatlock stitching, and a seamless waistband. All of this is, of course, designed to fit perfectly on female shapes.
These are not your regular yoga short leggings but full-on BJJ shorts capable of withstanding countless hours of hard rolling and providing optimal performance.
What steals the show, though, are the designs. Ladies can choose from dozens of styles, including simple and conservative ones, going through half the species in the savannah and everything in between.
XMartial Women's BJJ Shorts
Other Shorts Worth Mentioning
Gold BJJ Shorts
Materials
Comfort/Fit
Price
Designs
Gold BJJ is a worthy contender if you are looking for the most lightweight shorts.
Although a few other options on the list, like XMartial and Elite Sports, are made from 100% polyester, the Gold BJJ model is drastically thinner than both.
For some, this can be a good thing; for others, not so much. For me, the material is way too thin and stretchy.
But the price is reasonable, and the feel is nice. Gold BJJ say these are designed mainly for BJJ but also for other sports and activities, and this is precisely how they feel.
Like your regular athletic shorts but without pockets and with small side slits to provide more mobility. The waistband is just a regular sports waistband which I also don't like.
The Gold BJJ shorts are IBJJF-legal and can be a good choice to pair with Gold BJJ rash guards for competitions sanctioned by the organization. The price of $35 is high when compared to Elite Sports and Sanabul, but they are still a good option for beginners.
Gold BJJ Shorts
Materials
Comfort/Fit
Price
Designs
The entire Sanabul Essential range, including the fight shorts, is an excellent choice for beginners in all combat sports disciplines. They offer just what you need without any extras and for a very attractive price.
The Sanabul BJJ shorts are longer, reaching right above the knee. The material is rigid, but they are still comfortable enough. There is a full Velcro strapping system that does not get in the way, even though it may look like it does.
Despite the low price, the reinforced seams and the feel of the fabric leave me with the impression these will last quite a long time.
The design is pure black with a waistband and side slit options for each belt rank available, which is an excellent addition for those looking for IBJJF legal shorts.
The Elite Sports shorts are better for the price, in my opinion, but Sanabul can be a solid choice for those looking for longer shorts or just for another pair to diversify your mat-ready wardrobe.
Sanabul Essential BJJ Shorts
How To Pick The Best BJJ Shorts
Material
Most BJJ shorts list their material in the product description, but this will not always give you a complete picture.
For example, the XMartial, Elite Sports, and Gold BJJ shorts are all made from 100% polyester but have a night and day difference.
Stretchy fabrics are more lightweight and feel nice but deteriorate much quicker. On the other hand, more robust blends like in the XMartial and Hayabusa models on the list are practically indestructible.
But a lot of it is personal preference, and you should try a few pairs to know what you like. Additionally, different types of materials may be better for different training purposes.
Length
BJJ shorts generally come in two different lengths, mid-thigh cut, and knee length, and most people, myself included, prefer the mid-cut because it allows for more freedom when rolling.
But longer shorts usually have larger cuts, so they don't restrict movement.
The third option is to go for Vale Tudo-type shorts, but they are less popular in BJJ than in MMA, with fewer options.
Waistband
There are different options for closure on the waistband. Velcro is a popular option in this category, and there are slightly different variations of it.
Elastic bands without Velcro have a better feel and allow more freedom of movement, but if they are not well made, they will not hold the shorts in place during harder rolls and drills.
Another great feature to solve this issue in higher-end models is a silicone or gel strip on the inside of the waistband, which prevents the shorts from moving.
IBJJF rules
The IBJJF is not only the most prominent BJJ organization but also the one with the most requirements for clothing. Here is a shorts list:
Frequently Asked BJJ Shorts Questions
Can You Do BJJ In Normal Shorts?
You can do BJJ in regular shorts, but you shouldn't. To be safe for BJJ training, a pair of shorts must have no pockets, zippers, buttons, plastic, or metal parts exposed because they may hurt your training partners.
You can use regular shorts meeting these requirements, but they have more downsides than safety.
BJJ rolling and drilling involve constant contact and friction, which will destroy regular fabrics much quicker.
Additionally, good BJJ shorts have waistbands preventing them from moving around and a general design that gives more range of motion than basic athletic shorts.
What Are No-Gi Shorts?
No-gi shorts are like classic board shorts used for surfing but with a few changes to better facilitate grappling and are also commonly called fight shorts because they can and are frequently used for MMA or even striking martial arts.
BJJ shorts are produced from synthetic materials that are light, sweat-wicking, quick drying, and designed to allow a full range of motion.
Which shorts are IBJJF legal?
The IBJJF has a list of requirements for all attire worn by competitors for both gi and no-gi competitions.
The rule for no-gi shorts is they must be board shorts in black, white, or the color of the belt and have no zippers, buttons, or plastic or metal parts on them.
Summary
XMartial sits on top of the mountain, this time for the best BJJ shorts. While I am certain you may find this surprising since it's not such a big name brand yet, their shorts are made with highly durable materials, are super comfortable, and come in so many designs that everyone can make his pick.
But if this option is not for you, we've covered a few other models at different budgets and for various purposes.
XMartial BJJ Shorts