Custom MMA Shorts: Manufacturing & Design Guide (2026)

Custom MMA Shorts: Manufacturing & Design Guide (2026)

By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Manufacturing Expert Review
Last Updated: January 21, 2026

Custom MMA shorts are the fastest-growing product in fight gear manufacturing. Gyms, professional fighters, and brands order 50-500+ units at $22-38 per short. The price depends on fabric weight (220-260 GSM), inseam length (7-13 inches), and customization features. These features include full sublimation printing, side slits design, velcro closures, and sponsor logos. Pakistan-based manufacturers like FitmanPro in Sialkot lead the global market. They offer premium 4-way stretch shorts made from polyester-spandex blend (88-92% polyester, 8-12% elastane). FitmanPro ships to 150+ countries worldwide. Their customers include MMA fighters, BJJ no-gi practitioners, Muay Thai athletes, and kickboxers. Academies can make 40-60% retail markup on custom fight shorts.

Why Custom MMA Shorts Drive Revenue & Brand Visibility

Multi-Discipline Appeal

MMA shorts serve more markets than traditional BJJ gis. You can use them for MMA training, no-gi grappling, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and boxing. They also work for fitness classes and CrossFit workouts. This makes them essential for modern martial arts academies. According to UFC Performance Institute research, 75-85% of students train both gi and no-gi. Custom-branded shorts generate $8,000-25,000 annually for mid-size gyms with 100-200 members. Gyms buy them wholesale at $22-38 per short. Then they sell them retail at $55-85 per short. This creates 145-215% markup. The shorts also create unified team appearance during competitions.

Professional Fighter Endorsement Value

Custom MMA shorts worn by fighters during UFC, Bellator, and ONE Championship fights generate massive brand visibility. A single 15-minute televised fight reaches 500,000-3 million viewers. This data comes from UFC global broadcast statistics. Fighter sponsorship through custom shorts costs $500-5,000 per fight for logo placement. This creates one of the highest ROI marketing investments for gyms and brands. Team-branded shorts drive 40-60% higher student purchase rates. This happens when the academy’s competition team wins regional or national events.

Custom MMA Shorts Manufacturing Process

Step 1: Design Consultation & Mockup

FitmanPro’s design team provides complete fight shorts customization. They offer several styles. Classic board short style has a traditional MMA look. Vale tudo style is tight-fit with minimal fabric. Hybrid style combines board short appearance with vale tudo mobility. Muay Thai style has shorter inseam and wider leg opening. Competition style is inspired by UFC official fight shorts worn in the octagon. Logo placement options include front thigh panels (most visible during fights), rear waistband area (sponsor showcase), and side leg panels. You can customize with full sublimation printing (unlimited colors), screen printing, embroidered patches, and contrast stitching. FitmanPro delivers initial design mockups within 24-48 hours. Unlimited revisions are included. They provide 3D rendering preview showing exact appearance.

Step 2: Fabric Selection & Construction

4-Way Stretch Polyester (Standard – 90% of Orders)

220 GSM Lightweight Performance is best for hot climate training and competition weigh-ins. It offers maximum breathability and quick-dry properties. This fabric lasts 2-3 years with regular training (400-600 hours). Price ranges from $22-28 per short with 50-unit minimum order. It’s popular with competitors and warm-weather gyms.

240 GSM Standard Training works for daily training and all-season use. It provides balanced performance. The durable 4-way stretch maintains shape and looks professional. It lasts 3-4 years (800-1,000 hours). Price ranges from $26-32 per short with 50-unit minimum. FitmanPro recommends this as best value for academy programs. Most MMA gyms choose this option.

260 GSM Heavy-Duty Professional targets intensive grappling and rough training. It has thick fabric with reinforced construction. This premium option lasts 4-5 years (1,200+ hours). Price ranges from $30-38 per short with 50-unit minimum. Professional fighters and hard-training academies prefer this weight.

The industry standard is 88% polyester / 12% elastane blend. This follows specifications similar to Venum UFC official fight shorts and Hayabusa professional gear. All fabrics feature 4-way stretch for unrestricted movement. They have moisture-wicking technology that dries 5x faster than cotton. Anti-microbial treatment prevents odor and bacteria. Reinforced stress points protect the crotch, waistband, and side slits. Colorfast dye means no fading after 100+ washes.

Ripstop Fabric (Premium Option – 10% of Orders)

240-260 GSM Ripstop Polyester has a grid pattern that prevents tearing. It’s ultra-durable and lightweight. This option is ideal for professional fighters and hard grapplers. It costs an additional $4-6 per short. The visible grid creates a tactical look. UFC, Bellator, and major promotion fighters use this fabric. This is confirmed by combat sports equipment research.

Step 3: Construction Features

Inseam Length Options

7-8 Inch Inseam (Short Fit) gives maximum leg freedom. It allows unrestricted kicking. This is best for Muay Thai, kickboxing, and striking-focused training. Strikers and competitive kickboxers prefer this option. It provides mid-thigh length coverage.

9-10 Inch Inseam (Standard Fit – 60% of Orders) offers excellent balance of coverage and movement. It works for MMA, mixed training, and all-around use. Most MMA practitioners choose this as their academy standard. It sits just above the knee when standing.

11-13 Inch Inseam (Long Fit) serves grappling-heavy training. It provides modest coverage preference. You get full range during ground fighting. BJJ crossover practitioners and traditional gyms prefer this. It reaches at or slightly below the knee.

Waistband Closure Systems

Velcro + Drawstring (Standard – 85% of Orders) combines adjustable velcro closure with internal drawstring backup. The velcro provides secure fit during training. The drawstring prevents slippage. It includes a 2-3 inch velcro panel with custom logo option. The elastic waistband is comfortable with flexible sizing.

Velcro Only (Competition Style) features wide velcro closure for fast adjustment between rounds. It has a professional appearance. UFC and Bellator fighters use this style. It costs slightly more at +$2/short.

Tie Only (Traditional Muay Thai) offers traditional Thai-style tie closure. There’s no velcro so no scratching during clinch work. It has a vintage look. Customization options are limited.

Hybrid System (Premium) provides velcro + button + drawstring. This gives maximum security. The shorts won’t come off during training. Professional fighters prefer this option. It costs an additional $3-4/short.

Side Slit Designs

Heat-Glued Side Slits (Standard) use thermo-bonded side panels with no stitching. This provides maximum mobility during kicks and sprawls. Each leg has 4-6 inch slits. It looks professional and is included in base price. This mirrors UFC Venum Authentic Fight Night shorts technology. Thermo-bonded seams eliminate stitching failure during high-kicks.

Split Side Slits (Competition Style) offer higher slits up to 8 inches. You get maximum range of motion. It has UFC-style professional look. It costs an additional $2/short.

Covered Side Slits (Modest Option) feature mesh panel covering the slits. You get full mobility with more coverage. This is popular for women’s training shorts. It costs an additional $3/short.

No Slits (Vale Tudo Style) provide tight-fit construction with minimal fabric. It has compression-style appearance. This requires different construction method.

Crotch Panel Construction

Double-Layer Lycra Crotch (Standard) includes reinforced 2-layer stretch panel. This prevents tearing during grappling. The gusseted design provides freedom of movement. This is included in all shorts.

Triple-Layer Reinforced (Premium) offers professional fighter grade with maximum durability. It costs an additional $2/short. This follows ASTM D5034 textile strength standards for combat sports.

Step 4: Customization & Branding

Full Sublimation Printing

Sublimation allows unlimited design capability. You can create photographic quality graphics. There are unlimited colors with no per-color charges. Complex patterns, gradients, and fades are achievable. The dye infuses into the fabric. It’s permanent and never cracks or peels. Wash durability survives 200+ cycles without degradation. This is confirmed by ISO 105 colorfastness testing standards. Popular design themes include national flags, team logos, sponsor collages, geometric patterns, camouflage patterns, graffiti styles, and traditional martial arts motifs.

Screen Printing & Embroidered Elements

Screen printing provides surface logos with bold, solid colors. You can choose matte or glossy finish. It costs an additional $3-5 per short for 1-2 colors. It lasts 50-100 washes. This works best for simple gym logos and sponsor patches.

Embroidered patches offer premium appearance with raised texture. They’re extremely durable and last the lifetime of the short. They cost an additional $5-8 per patch. Placement options include waistband and leg panels. This is ideal for luxury brands and fighter signature shorts.

Custom Waistband & Personalization

Interior waistband customization allows custom text printing. You can add fighter name or gym motto. This costs nothing additional because it’s included in sublimation. It’s visible when shorts are pulled down slightly.

Exterior waistband features wide elastic band with custom logos. You can choose contrast colors. It has professional UFC-style appearance. This costs an additional $3-4/short.

Individual personalization enables fighter name on waistband or leg at +$6-10/short. Team roster numbers cost +$4-6/short. Nickname embroidery costs +$8-12/short. This is best for competition teams and professional fighters.

Minimum Order Quantities & Pricing

FitmanPro MOQ Structure:

25-49 Units (Small Gym/Team) – 240 GSM Standard costs $32-38 per short. Total investment is $800-1,862. Production time is 3-4 weeks. This is best for small MMA gyms with 30-80 members and trial programs. Retail potential is $1,375-2,695 at $55/short retail. Profit is $575-833 with 72-90% markup.

50-99 Units (Most Popular – Mid-Size Gym) – 240 GSM Standard costs $26-32 per short. Total investment is $1,300-3,168. Production time is 2-3 weeks. This is best for mid-size gyms with 80-200 members. Retail potential is $2,750-5,445 at $55/short retail. Profit is $1,450-2,277 with 111-172% markup. This is the volume sweet spot with best price-to-quality ratio.

100-249 Units (Large Gym/Multi-Location) – 240 GSM Standard costs $24-29 per short. Total investment is $2,400-7,221. Production time is 2-3 weeks with priority scheduling. This is best for large gyms with 200+ members and 2-3 locations. Retail potential is $5,500-13,695 at $55/short retail. Profit is $3,100-6,474 with 129-180% markup. Perks include free sample short, priority production, and dedicated account manager.

250-499 Units (Distributor/Franchise) – 240 GSM Standard costs $22-27 per short. Total investment is $5,500-13,473. Production time is 3-4 weeks. This is best for franchise networks, regional distributors, and emerging brands. Retail potential is $13,750-27,445 at $55/short retail. Profit is $8,250-13,972 with 150-260% markup. Perks include rush production available in 2 weeks, custom packaging, and volume shipping discounts.

500-999 Units (Private Label Brand) – 240 GSM Standard costs $20-25 per short. Total investment is $10,000-24,975. Production time is 4-5 weeks. This is best for established brands, online retailers, and international distributors. Retail potential is $27,500-54,945 at $55/short retail. Profit is $17,500-29,970 with 175-300% markup. Perks include custom woven labels, hang tags, individual poly bags, and branded boxes.

1,000+ Units (Major Brand Partnership) – 240 GSM Standard costs $18-23 per short. Total investment is $18,000-22,977. Production time is 5-6 weeks. This is best for major brands, national franchises, and professional fighter contracts. Retail potential is $55,000+ at $55/short retail. Profit is $37,000-31,968+ with 205-300% markup. Perks include dedicated production line, inventory management, and global logistics.

All prices include full sublimation printing, standard features (velcro + drawstring, side slits, reinforced crotch), and professional packaging. International shipping is quoted separately. Express production fees and premium add-ons (embroidery, ripstop fabric) cost additional.

Worldwide Shipping From Pakistan

FitmanPro ships custom MMA shorts to 150+ countries. USA gets standard delivery in 16-20 days at $180-350 for 50-unit order. Express (DHL) takes 8-12 days at $300-550. Duty is usually $0-50 for sportswear. Canada gets standard in 18-22 days at $200-400. Express takes 10-14 days at $350-600. Mexico gets standard in 20-24 days at $220-450. UK, Germany, France get standard in 16-20 days at $220-450. Express takes 8-12 days at $400-650. Australia gets standard in 18-24 days at $240-500. Express takes 12-16 days at $450-800. UAE, Singapore get standard in 10-16 days at $150-350. Express takes 6-10 days at $300-550. Shorts are lighter and smaller than gis. This means lower shipping costs per unit.

Quality Control Process

FitmanPro 8-Point Quality Inspection includes fabric testing with GSM weight verification and stretch recovery testing confirming 4-way stretch. Colorfastness testing follows ISO 105 standards. Pre-production wash test measures shrinkage. Print quality verification checks sublimation accuracy versus approved design. Color matching is verified. Edge clarity is inspected. There’s no bleeding or smudging. Construction integrity check covers reinforced crotch panel inspection. Side slit heat-bonding strength is tested. Waistband elastic tension is checked. Velcro attachment security is verified. Stitching quality review includes flatlock seam inspection. Thread tension is standardized. Reinforced stress points are verified. There are no loose threads. Sizing accuracy verification includes random measurement checks. Waist, inseam, and leg opening are checked. Sizes are consistent across all units. Functional testing includes velcro closure strength test. Drawstring durability is checked. Stretch test simulates kicking motion. Wash testing involves washing sample shorts 5+ cycles. Sublimation durability is confirmed. There’s no color bleeding. Fabric integrity is maintained. Final visual inspection means each short is individually inspected. Stain and defect check is performed. Packaging is verified. Defect rate is less than 0.4% which is industry-leading. Replacement policy offers free replacement for manufacturing defects within 30 days.

Case Studies: Successful Custom Shorts Programs

Case Study 1: MMA Gym (150 Members) ordered 100 custom MMA shorts with gym logo and sponsors. Cost was $2,900 at $29/short for 240 GSM. Retail price was $65/short to members. Sales timeline was 4 months. They sold 82 shorts which is 82% sell-through. Revenue was $5,330. Profit was $2,430 with 84% markup. They kept 18 shorts for retail and trial inventory. The gym owner said “Shorts sold faster than gis because members use them for kickboxing, no-gi, and general training. Higher versatility equals easier sales.”

Case Study 2: Professional Fighter Sponsorship ordered 30 custom shorts with fighter signature design. Cost was $930 at $31/short with fighter name customization. The strategy was fighter wears shorts in UFC fight and sells via Instagram. Retail price was $85/short which is premium pricing. Pre-orders before fight were 22 shorts generating $1,870 revenue. Post-fight sales over 3 months were 48 additional generating $4,080. Total was 70 shorts sold generating $5,950 revenue. Profit was $5,020 with 540% markup. Bonus was brand visibility to 1.2M UFC broadcast viewers. The fighter said “Custom shorts became a revenue stream. Fans wanted what I wore in the octagon. Made $5K profit on one design.”

Case Study 3: Private Label Brand ordered 300 shorts with mixed designs as white label brand. Cost was $7,500 at $25/short volume discount. Sales channel was online store and Amazon. Retail price was $69.99/short. Over 8 months they sold 234 shorts which is 78% sell-through. Revenue was $16,378. Profit was $8,878 with 118% markup. Remaining inventory was 66 shorts valued at $4,619 retail. The brand owner said “Lower MOQ than gis let us test market with less risk. Shorts proved demand before investing in full gi line.”

How to Order Custom MMA Shorts From FitmanPro

Step-by-Step Process begins Day 1-2 with initial contact. You can use website fitmanpro.com, Instagram @fitman.pro (DM), email, or WhatsApp. Provide your gym/brand/fighter name, desired quantity, design ideas or reference images, logo files (PDF, AI, PNG), sponsor logos if applicable, and timeline requirements.

Day 3-5 is design and mockup phase. You receive 3D mockup showing front, back, and side views. You get multiple colorway options. Size chart recommendations are provided. You receive detailed quote. You can make unlimited design changes. Adjust logos, colors, and placement.

Day 6-7 is quote and payment. Quote includes unit price based on quantity, customization costs, packaging, shipping estimate, and total investment. Payment requires 50% deposit to start production. You pay 50% balance before shipping. Payment methods are PayPal, Wire Transfer, or Western Union.

Day 8-28 is production which takes 2-3 weeks. Week 1 covers fabric cutting and sublimation printing. Week 2 is assembly and velcro/waistband attachment. Week 3 is quality control and packaging. You get progress photos every 5-7 days. Pre-shipment approval photos are sent.

Day 29-50 is shipping and delivery. Tracking number is provided. Standard delivery takes 14-20 days. Express takes 7-12 days. Customs support is included. Total timeline is 29-50 days for Standard or 22-35 days for Express.

Design Best Practices

Logo Placement Strategy uses front thigh panels as primary placement. Optimal size is 6″x6″ to 8″x8″ per leg. This offers highest visibility during standup and photos. Typical use is main gym logo on left and primary sponsor on right.

Rear waistband has optimal size 8″x3″ to 12″x4″. This provides visibility during ground fighting and rear-facing photos. Typical use is secondary sponsors and gym name.

Side panels have optimal size 4″x4″ to 6″x6″. This offers visibility in side-angle photos and movement. Typical use is tertiary sponsors.

Front waistband center has optimal size 4″x4″ maximum. This provides visibility in close-up and weigh-in photos. Typical use is brand icon or fighter logo.

Color Psychology shows black shorts make up 40% of orders. They look professional and versatile. They hide sweat. Best accents are white, red, gold, and neon colors. Sublimation shows brilliantly on black.

Red shorts make up 25% of orders. They look aggressive, confident, and high-energy. Best accents are black, white, and yellow. Strikers prefer red. This is confirmed by combat sports psychology research.

Blue shorts make up 20% of orders. They look team-oriented, traditional, and calm. Best accents are white, gold, and silver. Grapplers prefer blue.

Custom colors make up 15% of orders. These enable brand-specific matching. You need Pantone codes. Sublimation offers unlimited options.

Maintenance & Care

Washing instructions require washing after every use. Wash within 6 hours to prevent bacteria growth. Use cold water only. Turn inside-out to protect sublimation. Use gentle cycle.

Drying requires air drying for best longevity. You can use low heat if machine drying. Never use high heat because it damages elastane. American Cleaning Institute research confirms cold water washing preserves elastane fibers 3x longer than hot water. This is critical for maintaining 4-way stretch.

Storage requires hanging or folding in dry area. Never store damp. Lifespan is 800-1,200 training hours which equals 3-4 years regular use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the minimum order for custom MMA shorts?
A: 25 units minimum. This is industry-low for premium custom manufacturing.

Q: Can I mix sizes in one order?
A: Yes. Provide breakdown like 10 Small, 20 Medium, 15 Large, 5 XL.

Q: How long does sublimation printing last?
A: Permanent. Dye bonded to fabric survives 200+ washes without fading.

Q: Can fighters wear these in UFC/Bellator?
A: Yes, if designed to promotion specifications. Current UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy under Venum partnership and Bellator regulations require specific sponsor placement zones. They also require fabric standards and safety compliance. FitmanPro’s design team ensures this during mockup approval.

Q: Do you offer women’s specific cuts?
A: Yes. We offer adjusted waist-to-hip ratio and shorter inseam options.

Q: Can I get samples before bulk order?
A: Yes. Samples cost $45-65 each including shipping. Cost is credited toward 50+ unit orders.

Q: What if I need rush production?
A: Express production is available. It takes 7-10 days production plus 7-10 day express shipping. There’s a 25% upcharge.

Q: Are there fighter sponsorship packages?
A: Yes. Fighter signature shorts with revenue-share options are available. Contact for details.

Related Resources

Internal BJJ Sportswear Guides:

• Custom BJJ Rash Guards – Complete no-gi top solution
• Custom BJJ Gi Guide – Traditional gi manufacturing
• Gi vs No-Gi Training – Understanding combat sports gear
• Is BJJ Good for MMA? – MMA training integration
• BJJ Hygiene Tips – Equipment care importance
• Prevent Ringworm & Staph – Training safety
• What is BJJ? – Complete introduction
• Top NYC MMA Gyms – Gyms using custom gear

External Combat Sports Resources:

• UFC Official Website – Professional MMA standards and athlete profiles
• Bellator MMA – Major promotion fight gear regulations
• ONE Championship – Asian MMA organization standards
• Venum Fight Gear – Official UFC gear partner specifications
• Hayabusa Fight Equipment – Professional grade references
• UFC Performance Institute – Elite training research and standards
• ASTM Textile Standards – Industry fabric testing protocols
• ISO Quality Standards – International manufacturing certification
• American Cleaning Institute – Textile care research

Custom MMA Shorts – Equip your gym, sponsor professional fighters, or launch your fight gear brand. Get premium 4-way stretch fight shorts. Manufactured by Pakistan’s leading combat sports factory. Ships to 150+ countries. Features 240-260 GSM polyester-elastane construction. Includes full sublimation printing. Complete customization available. Minimum 25-unit orders to 1,000+ private label production runs.

Get your free design mockup today: Contact FitmanPro