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Muay Thai Gear & Accessories | Warrior Outlet

Muay Thai Starter Kit: Exactly What You Need to Start Training...and What to Skip

Muay Thai Starter Kit: Exactly What You Need to Start Training...and What to Skip

Starting Muay Thai in the UK and wondering what gear you actually need? This guide keeps it simple, budget-friendly, and beginner-proof. We’ll show you the must-haves, the nice-to-haves, how to pick the right sizes, and what you can skip for now, plus quick links to shop everything on Warrior Outlet.

TL;DR – Your first-week checklist

Optional but useful: deodoriser, ankle supports, kit bag (links below).

1) Gloves: what oz should you buy?

Gloves are your #1 purchase. The “oz” (ounce) is a weight that loosely correlates with padding. More padding = better for sparring. Lighter gloves are fine for bag/pad work. Most UK gyms require 16oz for sparring (for safety), but beginners often start with 12oz or 14oz if they’re only doing bag/pads at first.

Quick chooser (guide, not a rule):

Your plan

Typical choice

Why

Just starting; bag & pads only

12oz–14oz

Lighter and comfy for technique rounds

Starting now, spar in 4–8 weeks

14oz (buy 16oz later)

Good middle ground to begin; upgrade when sparring starts

Starting and want one pair for everything

16oz

You’ll be sparring eventually; saves a second purchase

Already heavier/stronger or big hands

16oz

Extra padding = safer for partners when you spar

 

If your coach has a firm rule, follow that first. When in doubt, go 16oz to cover sparring.

Fit tips

  • Try your gloves with wraps on, wraps add a bit of bulk.

  • A snug hand cage is good; numb fingers or sharp pressure points are not.

  • Wrist support matters. If you’ve had wrist niggles before, prioritise a stiffer cuff.

2) Hand wraps: small price, big difference

Wraps stabilize the wrist and cushion the knuckles. They’re essential for beginners because your technique isn’t perfect yet (no shame). Standard 4–4.5m wraps work for most adults; 2.5–3m if you have smaller hands or want a lighter wrap. Get two pairs so one can dry while the other’s in use.

Fast wrap routine (30 seconds):

  1. Thumb loop on,

  2. 3–4 turns around the wrist,

  3. 3–4 turns around the knuckles,

  4. Figure-eight across the hand,

  5. Finish on the wrist.
     (Ask your coach to check your first few attempts.)

3) Shin guards: protect kicks early

Even if your gym won’t throw you straight into hard sparring, shin guards help when you start drilling kicks, checks, and partner work.

Sizing guide (general):

  • S / M for smaller or shorter athletes

  • L / XL for taller or thicker calves

  • The guard should cover from just under the knee to just above the ankle with no big gaps.

Fit tips

  • Straps should stay flat, no twisting.

  • You shouldn’t need to re-tighten every round. If you do, try a different model or size.

  • For mobile drills, a slightly lighter/low-profile guard is nice; for sparring, a thicker, more protective profile helps.

  • Shop Shin Guards

  • Popular pick for solid coverage and comfort: check Fairtex options here ,  Shop Fairtex

4) Gumshield / mouthguard: non-negotiable for contact

A basic boil-and-bite gumshield is fine to start. It protects teeth and reduces risk of lip/tongue cuts, even in light contact.

Fit tip: Follow the boil instructions exactly, and bite down gently to mould. Trim excess if it pokes your gums.

5) Muay Thai shorts (or any non-restrictive athletic shorts)

Classic Muay Thai shorts are designed for full range kicks and clinch freedom. Look for:

  • A comfortable waistband that sits secure without digging,

  • Roomy leg openings (no catching on knees),

  • Breathable fabric.

If you’re not ready for Thai shorts on day one, any breathable sports shorts without pockets can do while you get started.

Sizing tip: If between sizes, consider the larger waist, tight waistbands feel unforgiving during conditioning.

Optional but smart add-ons

  • Deodoriser / glove fresheners – help keep liners dry and reduce odour.

  • Ankle supports – a little compression and confidence for pivots and checks.

  • Kit bag – keeps sweaty gear separate from clean clothes.

  • Leather balm (for leather gloves) – occasional conditioning keeps them supple.

  • Shop Accessories

What to skip (for now)

  • Shin-to-instep socks without straps if they slide everywhere. Go for secure straps early on.

  • Fancy lace-up gloves – gorgeous, but Velcro is way more practical for class.

  • Heavy “pro” groin guards – not needed on day one unless your coach says so.

  • Elbow pads/knee pads – most beginners won’t need them initially.

Care tips so your kit lasts

After every session

  • Open your gloves fully and air-dry (don’t leave them zipped in your bag).

  • Pull shin guards out to dry as well; wipe sweat off the straps.

  • Let your wraps fully dry before re-rolling (or they’ll smell fast).

Weekly

  • Wipe glove exteriors with a slightly damp cloth, then dry.

  • Use deodoriser inserts in gloves and shoes.

  • Check Velcro health: remove lint so it keeps gripping.

Monthly

  • If your gloves are leather, a tiny bit of leather balm helps prevent cracking (don’t overdo it).

  • Inspect stitching, catching loose threads early prevents bigger problems.

Grab the care bits here: Shop Accessories

Beginner bundles: simple, done-for-you picks

You should be equipped with the knowledge to build your own custom muay thai beginner kit, and if you need any guidance reach out to us and our team will help.

Quick FAQ (UK beginners)

Do I need 16oz gloves right away?
 If your gym has sparring soon, yes, 16oz is standard. If you’re doing only bag/pads to start, 12–14oz is fine and more comfy.

Can I use MMA shin guards for Muay Thai?
 For pure Muay Thai, dedicated Muay Thai shin guards give better shin/instep coverage and protection. MMA shin guards are lower profile, okay for light drills, but most gyms prefer Muay Thai guards for kicking volume and checks.

How many wraps do I need?
 Two pairs minimum. Rotate them so one pair dries while you use the other.

What size shin guards should I pick?
 Start with your height and calf size: smaller/shorter usually S/M, taller/thicker calves usually L/XL. The guard should cover shin-to-instep without big gaps or sliding.

Do I need Muay Thai shorts on day one?
 Nice to have, not mandatory. Any breathable shorts that don’t restrict kicks will do until you commit.