Custom MMA Fight Shorts: Rules, Fabrics and Design Brief
Custom MMA fight shorts must follow the attire rules of the commission running the event. Under the Unified Rules of MMA, the hem may not fall below the knee, and fight shorts may not have exposed velcro, pockets or zips.
By the Oversky International team
Custom MMA fight shorts must follow the attire rules of the commission running the event. Under the Unified Rules of MMA, the hem may not fall below the knee, and fight shorts may not have exposed velcro, pockets or zips. Within those limits, brands choose the cut, stretch panels, closure and sublimated design, then brief fight and training shorts as separate garments.
What do the Unified Rules say about MMA fight shorts?
The Unified Rules set two clear limits on fight shorts: length and hardware. The Association of Boxing Commissions' Unified Rules of MMA (August 2026) state that the hem of the trunks may not extend below the knee, and that fighting shorts or trunks shall not have exposed velcro, pockets or zips.
Female competitors follow the same requirements for bottom covering, minus the groin protection requirement. State and national commissions publish their own copies; the California State Athletic Commission's version uses the same wording on these points. Promotions can add their own rules on top, such as approved colours or sponsor logo sizes, so ask the athlete or promoter for the event rules before artwork is signed off.
How do the rules change the design?
The rules shape three parts of the garment: length, closure and surface. Everything else is a design choice.
| Rule | Design impact |
|---|---|
| Hem above the knee | Set the outseam so the hem sits above the knee on every size, including tall athletes |
| No exposed velcro | Hide hook-and-loop under a fabric flap, or use a drawcord or lace-up closure |
| No exposed pockets | Leave pockets off fight shorts; keep them for training shorts |
| No exposed zips | No zipped vents or pockets on the outside |
Because length is judged against the knee, grading matters. A short that sits well above the knee in size medium can reach the knee on a tall athlete in large if the pattern is graded only by width. Check length on the sample in two or three sizes.
What fabric should MMA fight shorts use?
Most MMA fight shorts use a woven polyester shell, often with stretch, plus stretch panels at the crotch or side splits. The shell needs to resist abrasion on the canvas and take a sublimated print well.
Typical choices:
- Shell: polyester or polyester-spandex woven, light enough not to hold sweat.
- Stretch panels: four-way stretch knit at the crotch gusset or side splits for kicking and scrambling.
- Waistband: wide elastic with an internal drawcord, or a lace-up front.
- Lining: optional; some athletes prefer an inner liner, others wear compression shorts underneath.
Because the shell is usually polyester, sublimation works well. Epson notes that higher polyester content gives more vibrant sublimation results, which is one reason fight-short shells are typically 100% polyester or close to it. Our fabric guide explains the stretch wovens and knits we use.
How should fight shorts and training shorts differ?
Brief fight shorts and training shorts as two separate garments. Fight shorts must meet commission rules; training shorts do not, so they can carry the features athletes like day to day.
Training shorts can include zipped or open pockets, exposed velcro closures, longer lengths and lighter fabrics. Fight shorts need hidden closures, no pockets and the right length. Keeping them as separate styles avoids an athlete turning up to weigh-ins in a pair that fails inspection. It also helps with ordering: each style and colour counts on its own, with most designs starting at 50 pieces per style and colour.
What goes into a fight shorts design brief?
A good brief gives the factory everything needed for a sample in one message. Include:
- Use: fight, training or both, and which commissions or promotions they are for.
- Cut: length (with a measurement above the knee), leg width, side split depth.
- Closure: lace-up, drawcord or hidden hook-and-loop under a flap.
- Fabric: shell, stretch panel and waistband preferences, or the feel you want.
- Artwork: vector files, colour references, and where logos and sponsor marks sit.
- Sizes: a size breakdown, plus any athlete-specific measurements.
- Labels and packing: neck or waistband labels, care labels and polybags.
Our MMA range covers fight shorts, rashguards and compression wear, so a full fight-camp set can be sampled together.
How long does a custom fight shorts order take?
At Oversky, the specification is confirmed in 2-3 days after the brief, and the sample usually leaves the factory in 7-10 working days once artwork, measurements and materials are confirmed. Bulk production typically takes 4-6 weeks after sample approval and the 30% deposit.
If the shorts are for a specific event, count back from the fight date and add shipping time. Every order is checked against the approved sample before it ships, including measurement checks, print placement and colour consistency across the batch.
Frequently asked questions
Can MMA fight shorts have a velcro closure?
Only if the velcro is not exposed. The Unified Rules prohibit exposed velcro, pockets and zips on fight shorts, so brands usually hide hook-and-loop under a fabric flap or use a lace-up or drawcord closure instead. Check the specific commission's rules before choosing a closure.
How long can MMA fight shorts be?
Under the Unified Rules, the hem may not extend below the knee. Set the length with a margin above the knee and check it on the sample in several sizes, because tall athletes in larger sizes are the most likely to fail. Promotions may also set their own length or style rules.
Can fight shorts be fully sublimated?
Yes. Most fight shorts have a polyester shell, which suits sublimation, so the design can run across the whole garment, including side panels and waistband. Sponsor logos and names can be printed in the same process. Our sublimation guide explains why.
Do you make matching rashguards and compression shorts?
Yes. Our MMA range includes rashguards and compression wear as well as fight shorts. Each is its own style for ordering, and they can be sampled and produced together so colours and artwork match across the set.
What to do next
Send your cut, closure, artwork and size breakdown through the quote form on our homepage. We reply within one business day and will build your fight shorts sample to the attire rules you need to meet.