The high-intensity confrontation and large-scale body movements (kicking, grappling, and rolling on the ground) of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) determine that the fabric of its shorts must be designed around four core properties: tear resistance, wear resistance, high elasticity, unrestricted, quick drying, breathability, and lightweight anti sticking. The following are specific fabric types, performance characteristics, and technical application details:
Mainstream fabric composition and core characteristics
1. Polyester fiber (polyester) – the main basic fabric
Polyester fiber is the core material of MMA shorts, usually accounting for 70% -85%, and is the key to achieving durability and quick drying.
core performance
Tear resistant and wear-resistant: With high fiber strength, it can withstand grabbing, kicking, and ground friction during combat, and is not easily damaged; After adopting high-density plain or diagonal weaving technology, the wear resistance can be improved by more than 30%.
Hydrophobic quick drying: It does not absorb water itself, and sweat will quickly adhere to the surface of the fabric and evaporate, avoiding the shorts from becoming heavier and sticking to the legs after absorbing sweat, reducing the risk of skin stuffiness and friction damage during exercise.
Anti deformation+easy to maintain: resistant to washing and sun exposure, not easy to shrink or fade after repeated cleaning, and fast drying speed, suitable for high-frequency training use.
Fabric derived forms
Mesh polyester fiber: designed with honeycomb shaped breathable holes on the surface of the fabric, increasing air circulation by 50%, suitable for summer training or high-temperature environment competitions.
Matte polyester fiber: commonly used in high-end competition styles, with a more delicate touch and avoiding reflection under strong light that affects the visual experience.
2. Spandex (Lycra) – elastic support core material
Spandex, as an elastic additive, usually accounts for 15% -30% and is not used alone as the main material. It is the core to ensure the freedom of movement.
core performance
High elasticity+strong rebound: The stretching rate can reach 3-5 times its own length, and the rebound speed is fast. It can adapt to large movements such as kicking and splitting, while ensuring that the shorts fit the body without loosening, avoiding leg leg movement interference.
Fatigue resistance: High quality spandex can withstand tens of thousands of stretching cycles, and long-term use is not prone to elastic degradation (poor quality spandex can cause shorts to loosen and deform after prolonged wear).
Matching advantages
Blended with polyester fibers to form a “golden ratio” that balances durability and elasticity, it is a standard material combination for over 90% of MMA shorts on the market.
3. Nylon – Special Fabric for Local Reinforcement
Nylon has better wear resistance than polyester fiber and is not used as a whole fabric. It is only used to reinforce the easily worn parts of shorts.
Application areas: inner thighs, edge of pants legs, waist belt, these areas have the highest friction frequency in entanglement.
Core performance: High hardness, strong tear resistance, can extend the service life of shorts by 3-5 times, while not affecting the overall lightweight characteristics of the fabric.
4. High end elastic knitted fabric – a professional event level choice
Some high-end brands’ competition shorts will use a four sided elastic knitted fabric blended with polyester fiber, spandex, and viscose fiber, accounting for about 60%: 25%: 15%.
Core performance: Soft and skin friendly touch, reducing friction and irritation on the skin caused by prolonged exercise; At the same time, it retains high strength elasticity and breathability, and the fabric has a good drape, without wrinkles or accumulation during exercise.
Applicable scenarios: professional MMA events, long-term training with extremely high comfort requirements.
Implementation of core performance technology for fabrics
Omnidirectional elastic technology
In addition to the addition of spandex components, some brands will use bi-directional stretching weaving technology to allow the fabric to stretch freely in both horizontal and vertical directions, completely eliminating the sense of restraint during kicking and squatting; The waist is designed with a wide elastic band and drawstring, which ensures a snug fit and can be freely adjusted according to body shape to prevent slipping during exercise.
Moisture wicking and sweat wicking technology
High quality MMA shorts fabric will adopt a micro groove fiber structure, which quickly guides sweat from the skin surface to the outer layer of the fabric through the small grooves on the fiber surface, and then combines with the mesh structure to accelerate evaporation, achieving the effect of “moisture absorption without getting wet, quick drying without sticking to the skin”.
lightweight design
The weight of the fabric is strictly controlled at 120-180g/㎡, which is 20% -30% lighter than ordinary sports shorts. While ensuring strength, it minimizes the weight of sports and improves the flexibility of movements.
Fabric selection and pit avoidance guide
Absolutely avoid pure cotton fabrics: pure cotton will quickly become heavier and stick to the legs after absorbing sweat, and the drying speed is extremely slow. During combat, it can easily cause skin to become stuffy and itchy, and even increase the risk of abrasions.
Daily training style: 80% polyester fiber+20% spandex, high cost-effectiveness, wear-resistant and washable.
Professional competition style: Four sided elastic knitted fabric with nylon local reinforcement, skin friendly and comfortable, stronger elasticity, and more exquisite appearance.
Fabric maintenance and lifespan extension techniques
Cleaning: Machine wash in cold water, with water temperature not exceeding 30 ℃, to avoid high temperature damage to spandex elasticity; Wash separately from other clothing to reduce fabric friction.
Drying: Natural drying, do not dry at high temperatures or expose to direct sunlight. High temperatures can cause aging of polyester fibers and attenuation of spandex elasticity.
Storage: Fold and store to prevent the waist elastic band from becoming loose and deformed due to prolonged suspension.
