Muay Thai has some unique cultural characteristics that contribute significantly to its unmistakable character, and fight shorts are one of them. The unique and colorful satin shorts exude cultural heritage and often emphasize a fighter's individuality.
The best Muay Thai shorts are made in Thailand, and a new player from Muay Thai's homeland called SiamKick has entered the market, aiming to disrupt the hegemony of the leading brands, such as Yokkao, Twins, Fairtex, and Raja.
The company's website says it was established in 2010, but SiamKick has only recently pushed to enter the western Muay Thai shorts market, so I consider it a new company.
I received a pair of SiamKick shorts from their legacy series and liked them immediately. Let's dive deeper into what these Muay Thai shorts have to offer to Nak Muay and kickboxers.
Pros:
Cons:
Material & Quality
The SiamKick Muay Thai shorts are made from micro satin and are individually handmade in Thailand.
I don't know about you, but I love handmade products. There is something to them, a hard-to-describe authenticity, which makes me like them more than something not touched by a human hand.
SiamKick shorts are handmade in Thailand, and like all other fight gear made there, the workmanship is flawless. All the stitching and embroidery are perfectly placed and stitched.
The website says the stitching is reinforced for extra durability, and from my experience with the shorts, I believe they will last for a really long time.
Micro satin is a synthetic alternative to real satin made from polyester. I am sure the difference between the real thing and micro satin cannot be noticed by a regular user, and I assume only a professional can distinguish them, if at all possible.
Micro satin is every bit as glossy and even and has the same flowing drape as genuine satin fabric.
Waistband
The waistband on the SiamKick Legacy series shorts is the typical elastic waistband you would expect from Thai-style shorts. However, while the Legacy series is the company's take on traditional Thai shorts, the waistband is not as wide as in classic models.
The size is perfect, in my opinion, because it conserves the aesthetic and function of classic shorts, but I have always found traditional waistbands to be too big. SiamKick have designed it perfectly.
On the inside, you get a drawstring to adjust the tightness to your preference.
Sizing
Based on the size chart, I ordered size XL shorts because they are the equivalent of 32-34 inches, which is my usual size, and the shorts fit perfectly.
I usually wear L with most other fight brands, but the sizing chart is correct, so you should have no issues if you choose based on it.
Comfort
I love the feel of Thai shorts in general, and the SiamKick Legacy shorts deliver it. I already mentioned the waistband, but I want to praise the design again because the size is perfect.
It's not too big to cover your belly button when you move around, but it's still big enough to keep the shorts in place and maintain the characteristic aesthetic of Muay Thai shorts.
The SiamKick shorts also have a great fit. Classic-style Thai shorts are typically too baggy, but this model is somewhere between the old-school design and modern shorts with side panels in terms of fit.
As expected from this design, there is absolute freedom of movement and kicking, and there is no obstruction whatsoever. The wide side slits and leg opening, in combination with the smooth satin fabric, provide all the mobility Thai shorts are known and loved for.
Design
If I have to pick my favorite thing about the SiamKick shorts, it has to be the visual design. I am a sucker for black and gold colorways and find them regal and sophisticated. I guess I'm not the only one since the UFC made all their championship shorts in this color scheme.
On the front of the shorts, you get the typical Thai inscription, but here, the material used is reflective and catches the light, which adds a lot to its elegance and aesthetic.
On the side is a stylized lotus flower embroidery from the same reflective material, and a small SiamKick embroidery is on the bottom left. The embroidery signifies genuine quality and tradition.
Price
At $44.99, the SiamKick Muay Thai shorts provide excellent value. They are a bit cheaper than the leading players like Fairtex and Twins and a lot more affordable than my personal favorite, Yokkao shorts.
The price is comparable to Venum, Lumpinee, and other Thai brands, and I believe SiamKick is well worth every penny.
Summary
I can conclude the SiamKick Legacy Muay Thai shorts review by saying I am happy with them. They offer the traditional Thai style shorts experience and visuals in a more elegant, modern, and streamlined way.
The gold and black colorway looks killer. The waistband is the perfect size, and they offer unlimited movement and mobility, which I expect from every high-quality pair of shorts.
With a price lower than the top brands and quality comparable to theirs, I expect SiamKick to establish themselves on the market sooner rather than later.
SiamKick Muay Thai Shorts
