Quick answer: Wash satin Muay Thai shorts inside out in cold water (30 °C or below), by hand or on a gentle cycle in a laundry bag, with mild detergent and no bleach. Hang them to dry in the shade and never use a tumble dryer. If the care label says something different, follow the label.
Most Muay Thai shorts are made from satin – smooth, light and shiny, with embroidered or printed Thai lettering and a tall elastic waistband. Satin is tougher than it looks, but three things ruin it fast: heat, bleach and friction. Here is a routine that keeps your shorts looking new.
Check the label first
Fabrics differ between brands and models. Some of the care notes from our catalog:
- Thaismai nylon shorts: cold wash, drip dry, do not bleach.
- Fightlab Kowabunga (polyester): machine wash at 30 °C.
- Siamkick Pure Carbon (microsatin): machine washable.
If the label says something different from this guide, follow the label.
Step by step: washing satin shorts
- Wash soon after training. Sweat left to sit in the fabric causes smell and can discolour the satin. If you can't wash them the same day, hang them up to dry – never leave them balled up in your gym bag.
- Turn them inside out. This protects the shiny face and the lettering from rubbing.
- Use cold water. Hand wash, or a gentle/delicate machine cycle at 30 °C or below. Hot water fades colours and weakens the elastic.
- Use a mild detergent, and no bleach. Skip fabric softener too – it can leave residue on technical fabrics.
- Use a laundry bag in the machine, and don't wash with zips, Velcro or heavy items like jeans or towels – they snag satin.
- Wash dark and bright colours separately the first few times, as vivid satin colours can bleed.
Drying: the step that ruins most shorts
- No tumble dryer. The heat can shrink the waistband elastic, crack printed graphics and loosen embroidery.
- Hang to dry in the shade. Strong direct sun fades satin colours over time. Satin dries quickly, so a few hours indoors or in shade is enough.
- Don't wring them hard. Gently squeeze out water or roll them in a towel.
Ironing: usually unnecessary
Satin shorts rarely need ironing if you hang them straight. If you must, iron inside out on the lowest setting and never directly on printed lettering or patches – a hot iron can melt or lift them.
Quick reference
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Wash inside out, cold | Use hot water |
| Mild detergent | Bleach or strong stain removers |
| Laundry bag, gentle cycle | Wash with jeans, zips or Velcro |
| Hang to dry in the shade | Tumble dryer or direct hot sun |
| Hang up straight after training | Leave them in your gym bag |
Removing smell
If shorts already smell, soak them inside out for 30 minutes in cold water with a little white vinegar or a sports detergent, then wash as above. The waistband holds the most sweat, so give it extra attention.
Storing your shorts
Store clean, fully dry shorts folded or hung in a cupboard, away from direct light. Don't pack them away damp – in humid climates that is how mildew starts. When travelling to a fight or a training camp, pack used shorts in a breathable mesh bag rather than a sealed plastic bag, and wash them as soon as you can.
How long should satin shorts last?
With this routine, a good pair lasts for years of regular training. The waistband elastic is usually the first thing to go, so if you train daily it is worth rotating two or three pairs. Classic satin pairs like the BOON Sport Classic make an affordable second pair, and the MAVINN Signature Series is a premium satin option.
Browse all Muay Thai shorts, and check our size chart before ordering. We ship worldwide from Phuket, Thailand: allow 1–3 business days for us to source and pack your order; with Standard International Shipping, delivery takes 7–15 business days in total. See shipping & delivery for details.