Muay Thai is one of the most dynamic and intense sports around, and it’s no surprise that it's growing in popularity.
In London, you can find everything from fitness-driven sessions to serious fight gyms. If you're a beginner learning the ropes, there are specialist classes at gyms such from Nuffield Health to Gymbox, which is where I started, as it is a little less intimidating. Or you can fine-tune your technique at a more advanced school like Fight City Gym and Fightzone for example.
Once you're hooked on the punches and kicks, what's next? Let’s take a look at the essential gear that will turn your training up a notch.
What gear do I need for Muay Thai?
When you're getting started with Muay Thai, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the level of gear (and bright colours!) out there. The most important thing when choosing your gear? The fit and function.
The essentials span gloves, shin guards, a quality gum shield, shorts, a rash guard and hand wraps. Whether you’re training for fitness or preparing for your first fight, comfort and protection are key.
Ensure gloves feel snug around your wrists and fingers without being too tight. The Endangered Fighter Model 3 gloves are a great option thanks to the lace-up design, which lets you adjust the fit for a secure feel.
For shin guards, look for something durable, but not so heavy that it restricts movement. The Sandee Authentic Leather Boot Shinguard are made from leather, so they should last you ages while allowing flexibility to move freely.
A good mouth guard should feel comfortable and stay put while you’re training. Yokkao's Muay Thai Mouth Guard is perfect: it fits securely and is made for long-term comfort during sparring.
When it comes to shorts and rash guards, flexibility is key. You’ll need gear that moves with you. The Gorilla Wear Piru Muay Thai Shorts allow full range of motion, while the Tatami Essentials Rash Guard keeps you dry and protected without any irritation.
How we tested
The ES Best Shopping team doesn’t just write about gear; we’ve been on the mats for ourselves, testing everything from gloves to shin guards. We’ve spent weeks training in Muay Thai from weekly fitness-focussed gym classes at Nuffield Health to Gymbox, to hardcore sessions with experienced coaches at Fight City Gym, Koby Academy, and Fightzone London.
From sparring to shadowboxing, we’ve tried it all, and these are the essentials you need to succeed in Muay Thai.
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Endangered Fighter Model 3 Competition Lace-up
This brand has been my favourite for years because it delivers on performance without compromising on style.
Designs are bold, clean, and stand out, whether it’s the brand’s distinctive shorts or boxing gloves. The fit of these gloves is snug and secure, offering great wrist support without feeling bulky or stiff. They’re impressively durable too - you can train hard and they stay solid, session after session. Even during long rounds, they stay comfortable thanks to clever ventilation that keeps your hands cool.
Buy now £130.00, Amazon
Revgear Muay Thai Pads
Revgear combines performance with thoughtful design. It’s Muay Thai pads are a perfect example; strong, lightweight, and built for hardcore training.
I like how the contoured shape gives a proper target, making sessions feel sharper and more natural. The padding is solid enough to take heavy strikes but still feels light in your hands, so you stay in control without getting tired too fast.
The handles are super comfortable too, giving you a secure grip without straining your arms.
Buy now £152.35, Amazon
Sandee Authentic Leather Boot Shinguard
Sandee’s leather shin guards strike the perfect balance between toughness and comfort.
They’re lightweight enough to move naturally but still give you proper protection when you need it. The compact design means no awkward bulk, so you can kick, check, and move without thinking about your gear. I like how well they mould to your legs immediately: no tiresome break-in needed.
The leather feels durable and premium, and the colour options are bold without looking too garish.
Buy now £90.00, Amazon
Gorilla Wear Piru Muay Thai Shorts
Perfect for training, these shorts bring a more understated style to the sport compared to traditional bright colours.
The unisex design is modern but doesn’t lose the authenticity of Muay Thai, made with lightweight fabric and mesh panels to keep you cool during intense sessions.
I like how the wide elastic waistband sits securely without digging in and the side slits offer exactly the freedom of movement you need for big kicks and fast footwork.
Buy now £29.56, Amazon
Fairtex Elastic Mesh Handwraps Grey
Muay Thai Boxing is a favourite for authentic gear in the UK, from gloves to guards - even the small details, like hand wraps, are carefully considered.
These wraps are made with rubber for greater flexibility than traditional styles, moulding perfectly to the shape of your hand and offering firm, reliable wrist support without feeling stiff or bulky. They're built to last, making them a smart investment for regular training. The grey shade also brings a more refined, professional look, especially if you’re comparing it to the ocean of usual neon styles.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
Yokkao Muay Thai Mouth Guard
No one wants their teeth knocked out, so a mouth guard is essential for covering them properly.
This mouthguard’s boil-and-bite design gives you a custom fit, where the gel-fit liner takes a perfect impression of your teeth for better comfort and protection. Breathing channels make it easy to stay focused under pressure, and the heavy-duty rubber absorbs impact. Ideal for all contact sports, it even comes with a case to throw straight into your kit bag.
Buy now £13.00, Yokkao
Tatami Essentials Long Sleeve Rash Guard
If you value your skin’s health, a rash guard is a must.
I have been using Tatami for years: its rash guards stand out as they are made from a lightweight, durable fabric perfect for long sessions, and the material stays dry even during more intense sessions.
This monochrome option has a rubber waistband to keep it in place, so I’m not constantly adjusting it mid-fight. The long sleeves offer added protection for those hard elbow strikes, and it fits like a second skin.
Buy now £24.50, Tatami
