Short answer: grappling shorts are sized by waist. As a starting point, a 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). Most grappling shorts have an adjustable velcro and drawcord waist, so if you are between sizes, choose by hip and thigh room rather than waist alone. For IBJJF no-gi events, shorts must reach at least halfway down the thigh and stop above the knee.
This guide gives you a grappling shorts size chart, explains how to measure, covers the IBJJF length rules, and shows brands and academies which specs to give a factory when ordering custom grappling shorts.
How to Measure for Grappling Shorts
Use a soft tape measure and measure over underwear or compression shorts.
- Waist: measure around where the waistband will sit, usually just below the belly button.
- Hips: measure around the widest part of the hips and seat.
- Thigh: measure around the fullest part of one thigh, just below the crotch.
- Inseam (optional): measure from the crotch down the inside of the leg to where you want the shorts to end.
Waist decides the size. Hips and thighs decide whether you need the larger of two sizes, because tight legs restrict guard work.
Men’s Grappling Shorts Size Chart
| Size | Waist (cm) | Waist (in) | Hips (cm) | Typical US jeans size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 66–71 | 26–28 | 84–89 | 26–28 |
| S | 71–76 | 28–30 | 89–94 | 28–30 |
| M | 76–81 | 30–32 | 94–99 | 30–32 |
| L | 81–86 | 32–34 | 99–104 | 32–34 |
| XL | 86–91 | 34–36 | 104–109 | 34–36 |
| 2XL | 91–97 | 36–38 | 109–114 | 36–38 |
| 3XL | 97–102 | 38–40 | 114–119 | 38–40 |
These are typical body measurements for fightwear. Patterns vary by brand, so check each brand’s own chart.
Women’s Grappling Shorts Size Chart
| Size | Waist (cm) | Waist (in) | Hips (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 61–66 | 24–26 | 84–89 |
| S | 66–71 | 26–28 | 89–94 |
| M | 71–76 | 28–30 | 94–99 |
| L | 76–84 | 30–33 | 99–107 |
| XL | 84–91 | 33–36 | 107–114 |
Women’s grappling shorts usually have a shorter rise, more room at the hip and a shorter leg than men’s. Many women also wear spats or compression shorts underneath.
Kids’ Grappling Shorts 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 |
Grappling Shorts Length and Inseam
Length matters as much as waist size, both for comfort and for competition rules.
| Length style | Typical inseam (size M) | Where it ends | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short grappling cut | 13–18 cm (5–7 in) | Mid-thigh | BJJ, submission grappling |
| Standard fight short | 18–23 cm (7–9 in) | Just above the knee | MMA, mixed training |
| Hybrid / board short | 23–28 cm (9–11 in) | Knee | Casual training, beach and gym |
Inseams grow by about 1–1.5 cm per size up. If you buy a longer cut, check that it still ends above the knee for IBJJF events.
IBJJF Rules for No-Gi Shorts
If you compete in IBJJF no-gi events:
- Shorts must cover at least halfway down the thigh and be no longer than the knee.
- Colours: black, white, black and white, and/or your belt colour.
- No pockets, or pockets stitched completely shut.
Most other grappling events follow similar rules. Always check the current rule book for the event you are entering.
What Makes a Good Pair of Grappling Shorts
The size chart gets the fit right. These features make the shorts work on the mat:
- Stretch panels: a 4-way stretch gusset or inner-thigh panel lets you play guard and squat without the shorts pulling.
- Dual closure: velcro fly plus drawcord keeps the shorts on during scrambles.
- Side splits: a short split at the hem adds range of movement for kicks and guard.
- No pockets: pockets catch fingers and toes and are not allowed in IBJJF no-gi.
- Flat seams: reduce chafing and mat burn.
- Sublimation print: colours and logos are dyed into the fabric, so they do not crack or peel.
Grappling Shorts Specs for Brands and Academies
If you are ordering custom grappling shorts from a factory, send a short spec sheet with your design. These are the specs factories and buyers check first, and our standard at Onrox International:
| Spec | What to specify | Onrox standard |
|---|---|---|
| Shell fabric | Fabric type | 4-way stretch polyester for grappling cuts; polyester or poly-spandex blends on request |
| Stretch panel | Position | 4-way stretch inner-thigh panel standard on BJJ cuts |
| Closure | Velcro, drawcord or both | Velcro fly plus drawcord |
| Side splits | Length | Specified per design |
| Liner | Inner compression short or none | Optional |
| Pockets | Yes or no | None on grappling cuts |
| Printing | Method | Full dye-sublimation |
| Branding | Waistband, leg, back | Sublimated print, woven labels, embroidered patches |
| MOQ | Pieces per design | 25 pieces per design, sizes can be mixed |
| Samples | Lead time | 7–10 days |
| Production | Lead time | 25–35 days after sample approval |
Garment Measurement Points for a Shorts Tech Pack
For production, factories work from finished garment measurements for each size, measured flat:
| Point of measure | How it is measured |
|---|---|
| Waist (relaxed) | Waistband edge to edge, laid flat |
| Hip | 15 cm below waistband, laid flat |
| Front rise | Waistband to crotch seam, front |
| Back rise | Waistband to crotch seam, back |
| Inseam | Crotch seam to hem |
| Outseam | Waistband to hem at the side |
| Leg opening | Hem edge to edge, laid flat |
| Side split | Hem to top of split |
Add a tolerance to each point, usually plus or minus 1 cm. Our tech pack guide shows how to lay one out.
How to Plan Sizes for a Team Order
- Ask for waist and hip measurements, not jeans sizes. Jeans sizes vary between brands.
- Order a size set of samples so members can try them on before you confirm the bulk order.
- Match the rash guard order. Academies usually order shorts and rash guards together in matching designs. See our rash guard size chart.
- Allow a small buffer of the most common sizes for new members.
Frequently Asked Questions — Grappling Shorts Sizing
Q: Should grappling shorts be tight or loose?
A: Fitted at the waist with room in the legs. The waist should stay in place without the drawcord pulled hard, and you should be able to squat and pull your knee to your chest without the shorts pulling.
Q: How long should grappling shorts be for IBJJF?
A: They must cover at least halfway down the thigh and must not go past the knee.
Q: Can I wear grappling shorts with pockets in competition?
A: Not in IBJJF no-gi events, unless the pockets are stitched completely shut. Pockets can catch fingers and toes.
Q: Do grappling shorts shrink?
A: Polyester and stretch fabrics hardly shrink. Wash cold and air dry to protect the stretch panels and the velcro.
Q: What is the minimum order for custom grappling shorts?
A: At Onrox International the minimum is 25 pieces per design, and sizes can be mixed within that quantity.
Q: Can you make matching shorts and rash guards?
A: Yes. Matching shorts and rash guard sets in one sublimated design are one of the most common academy orders.
Order Custom Grappling Shorts from Onrox
Onrox International makes custom sublimated grappling shorts, MMA fight shorts and hybrid shorts for academies, teams and fightwear brands in Sialkot, Pakistan. Send your logo, design idea and size split, and we will reply with a free digital mockup and a factory-direct quote.
Custom Grappling Shorts → | Grappling Shorts Manufacturer in Pakistan → | Request a Quote →
Related guide: need spats to go with your shorts? See our BJJ spats size chart.