Materials guide
The material decides most of the price, feel and lifespan of fight gear. Use this guide to pick a starting point, then compare real swatches on your sample.
Glove and equipment outers
| Cowhide leather | Goatskin leather | PU / synthetic leather | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Firm, thick, structured | Soft, supple, lighter | Smooth and consistent |
| Break-in | Longer | Shorter | Little to none |
| Durability | High with care | High with care | Depends heavily on the grade |
| Colour range | Good | Good | Widest, including metallics |
| Relative cost | Higher | Higher | Lower |
| Common use | Premium training and fight gloves, heavy bags | Premium gloves where a softer feel is wanted | Class sets, entry and mid-price lines |
Padding
Layered foam stacks foams of different density. It is the most common build and can be tuned for bag work, sparring or competition.
Moulded (injected) foam is formed as one piece. It gives a consistent shape across a large order.
Tell us the use and the feel you want, or send a reference glove, and we propose the build.
Linings and closures
Linings: moisture-wicking fabric is standard; antimicrobial treatment can be specified.
Closures: hook-and-loop for training and fast changes; laces for a fight-style fit.
Fabrics for fightwear, uniforms and wraps
| Product | Material | Why buyers choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Muay Thai shorts | Polyester satin | Traditional shine, strong colours, takes embroidery well |
| Muay Thai shorts | Nylon / microfibre | Lighter, quicker drying, modern look |
| Boxing trunks | Satin, with mesh panels | Fight-night look with ventilation |
| Robes | Satin | Classic ring-walk shine, lighter to wear |
| Robes | Velvet | Heavier, richer look for statement robes |
| Hand wraps | Semi-elastic (Mexican-style) | Conforms to the hand, firm support |
| Hand wraps | Cotton | Simple, durable, lower cost |
| BJJ gi | Pearl weave cotton | Light and strong; the most common jacket weave |
| BJJ gi | Gold weave cotton | Softer and more durable, heavier |
| BJJ gi pants | Ripstop or cotton twill | Ripstop is light and tear-resistant; twill is traditional |
| Judo / karate | Single or double weave; poly-cotton or cotton canvas | Heavier weaves for grip resistance and kata; poly-cotton for students |
| Rash guards, spats, MMA shorts | Polyester-spandex | Stretch, quick drying, ideal for full sublimation |
| Teamwear | Cotton fleece, French terry, jersey | Comfortable for hoodies, tracksuits and tees |
Questions buyers ask
Is synthetic leather good enough for boxing gloves?
Good PU suits entry and mid-price gloves and class sets. Leather usually lasts longer and breaks in better, and costs more. The grade of PU makes a big difference, so judge it on a sample.
Which fabric is traditional for Muay Thai shorts?
Polyester satin is the traditional choice for its shine and colour. Nylon and microfibre make lighter shorts with a more modern look.
Not sure which material fits your price point?
Tell us your target retail price and use, and we propose materials in your quote.