Short answer: BJJ spats are sized by waist and hips, with height deciding the leg length. As a starting point, a men’s small fits a 71–76 cm (28–30 in) waist, a medium 76–81 cm (30–32 in), a large 81–86 cm (32–34 in) and an XL 86–91 cm (34–36 in). Spats are compression tights, so they should feel snug from waist to ankle without digging in. If you are tall for your waist size, or between sizes, go up one size so the legs reach your ankles.
This spats size chart guide gives you men’s, women’s and kids’ sizes, explains how to measure, covers competition rules, and lists the specs academies and brands should give a factory when ordering custom spats.
How to Measure for Spats
Use a soft tape measure and measure over underwear.
- Waist: around your natural waist, where the waistband will sit.
- Hips: around the widest part of your hips and seat.
- Inseam: from the crotch down the inside of the leg to the ankle bone.
- Height: stand straight against a wall, no shoes.
Waist and hips choose the size. Height and inseam tell you whether the legs will be long enough.
Men’s Spats Size Chart
| Size | Waist (cm) | Waist (in) | Hips (cm) | Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 66–71 | 26–28 | 84–89 | 160–168 |
| S | 71–76 | 28–30 | 89–94 | 165–173 |
| M | 76–81 | 30–32 | 94–99 | 170–178 |
| L | 81–86 | 32–34 | 99–104 | 175–183 |
| XL | 86–91 | 34–36 | 104–109 | 178–188 |
| 2XL | 91–97 | 36–38 | 109–114 | 180–190 |
| 3XL | 97–102 | 38–40 | 114–119 | 183–193 |
| 4XL | 102–109 | 40–43 | 119–124 | 183–195 |
These are typical body measurements for compression wear. Each brand’s pattern is slightly different, so always check the chart of the brand you are buying from.
Women’s Spats Size Chart
| Size | Waist (cm) | Waist (in) | Hips (cm) | Hips (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 61–66 | 24–26 | 84–89 | 33–35 |
| S | 66–71 | 26–28 | 89–94 | 35–37 |
| M | 71–76 | 28–30 | 94–99 | 37–39 |
| L | 76–84 | 30–33 | 99–107 | 39–42 |
| XL | 84–91 | 33–36 | 107–114 | 42–45 |
Women’s spats use a fitted cut with a higher rise and more room at the hips. If your waist and hips fall in different sizes, choose by hips first: spats that are tight at the hips feel restrictive in guard.
Kids’ Spats Size Chart
| Size | Age (approx.) | Height (cm) | Waist (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| YXS | 4–5 | 105–115 | 51–54 |
| YS | 6–7 | 115–125 | 54–57 |
| YM | 8–9 | 125–137 | 57–61 |
| YL | 10–11 | 137–147 | 61–66 |
| YXL | 12–14 | 147–158 | 66–71 |
Children grow quickly, so most parents and academies order one size up.
Full Length or 3/4 Length?
| Full-length spats | 3/4-length spats | |
|---|---|---|
| Where they end | At the ankle | Just below the knee |
| Best for | Mat burn protection, no-gi, under a gi in cold gyms | Hot gyms, MMA training, wrestlers |
| Fit tip | Check the inseam against your height | Check that the hem sits below the knee when you squat |
Competition Rules for Spats
Rules differ between organisations, so always check the current rule book for your event.
- IBJJF no-gi: the published rules allow women to wear skin-tight compression pants (spats) and compression shorts. For men they mention elastic compression shorts worn beneath the shorts.
- Colours (IBJJF): black, white, black and white, and/or your belt colour.
- Other grappling events: many local and submission-only events allow spats under shorts for all competitors.
This is why many academies order rank spats: the same design produced in each belt colour.
What Makes Good Spats
- Compression fabric: a polyester/spandex blend that holds its shape and recovers after stretching.
- Gusseted crotch: lets you play guard and sit in a deep squat without the seams pulling.
- Flatlock seams: flat against the skin, so they do not chafe or cause mat burn.
- Wide waistband: stays in place during scrambles; a drawcord adds security.
- Sublimation print: the design is dyed into the fabric, so it does not crack or peel when the fabric stretches.
Spats Specs for Brands and Academies
When an academy or brand orders custom spats, send a short spec sheet with the design. These are the details that decide quality and price, with our standard at Onrox International:
| Spec | What to specify | Onrox standard |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Blend and stretch | 80% polyester / 20% spandex compression fabric |
| Seams | Stitch type | Flatlock stitching throughout |
| Printing | Method | Full dye-sublimation, waistband to ankle |
| Length | Full or 3/4 | Both available |
| Cut | Men, women, youth | Men’s standard, women’s fitted and youth |
| Sizes | Range | XS–4XL |
| Waistband | Branding | Brand or academy name printed or woven in |
| Rank sets | Belt colours | White, blue, purple, brown and black |
| MOQ | Pieces per design | 25 pieces per design, sizes can be mixed |
| Production | Lead time | 2–4 weeks from design approval |
Matching rash guard and spats sets in one design are one of the most popular academy orders. See our rash guard size chart and grappling shorts size chart to size the whole kit.
Garment Measurement Points for a Spats Tech Pack
| Point of measure | How it is measured |
|---|---|
| Waist (relaxed) | Waistband edge to edge, laid flat |
| Hip | 18 cm below waistband, laid flat |
| Front rise | Waistband to crotch seam, front |
| Back rise | Waistband to crotch seam, back |
| Thigh | 2.5 cm below crotch, laid flat |
| Knee | Halfway down the inseam, laid flat |
| Leg opening | Hem, relaxed, laid flat |
| Inseam | Crotch seam to hem |
Add a tolerance to each point, usually plus or minus 1 cm. Our tech pack guide shows how to set one up.
Frequently Asked Questions — Spats Sizing
Q: Should spats be tight?
A: Yes. Spats are compression tights and should sit against the skin from waist to ankle without wrinkles. They should not restrict blood flow, dig in at the waist or leave deep marks; if they do, go up a size.
Q: Do spats shrink?
A: Polyester/spandex spats hardly shrink. Heat is the bigger risk: hot washes and tumble dryers damage the spandex and make spats lose their stretch. Wash cold and air dry.
Q: Can I wear spats under a gi?
A: Yes, many people train in spats under gi pants, especially in cold gyms. Check your competition’s rules before wearing them in a gi division.
Q: What is the difference between spats and leggings?
A: Spats are built for grappling: compression fabric, flatlock seams, a gusseted crotch and a waistband that stays put. Fashion leggings are thinner and often tear or slide down on the mat.
Q: What is the minimum order for custom spats?
A: At Onrox International the minimum is 25 pieces per design, and you can mix sizes within that quantity.
Q: Can you make rank spats for an academy?
A: Yes. We produce rank spat sets in white, blue, purple, brown and black, with the academy logo on the waistband.
Order Custom Spats from Onrox
Onrox International makes custom sublimated spats, rank spats and matching rash guard sets for BJJ academies, MMA gyms and fightwear brands in Sialkot, Pakistan. Send your design, colours and size split and we will reply with a free digital mockup and a factory-direct quote.
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