Versace tipped its hat at the boxing world yesterday (January 12, 2019) when it showed a pair of Muay Thai boxing shorts on it men’s runway for 2019. The shorts were modeled by Imaan Hamman whose gorgeous visage combined with a femme fatale walk has made her a social media favorite.
For Hamman’s look, the label paired the blue and white satin shorts with a plunging, not pink top, topped with a grey, men’s-tailored suit jacket, an evolution of the cycling shorts and suit jacket look Kim Kardashian popularized.
While boxing is known for its embrace of flash, Muay Thai shorts take the trend to another level and are known for flashy prints and are often prominently detailed with embroidered or glitter slogans along with club or brand names Featuring a higher cut and a side slit reflective of the sport’s kicking component, Muay Thai boxers exude heat.
At the same time, according to Muay Thai Citizen, there are rules. In an article celebrating Muay Thai boxing shorts, the author wrote, “Certain design elements are not appropriate for Muay Thai shorts. They might even be offensive to the Thais. On a human body, anything below the waist is not considered a respectful position in Thai culture (and many Asian cultures in general). The Garuda is a symbol of Thai royalty, so to have it on the crotch is certainly very disrespectful to the Thai people. Same goes for the Thai flag, it should not go onto the Muay Thai shorts.
The shorts have been showing up in Western gyms for a hot minute. In the same article, the author highlights Hong-Kong-born Muay Thai boxer and model Mia King, wearing a pair for a February 2018 workout, and Wiz Khalifa who wore his during a December 2017 workout.
Long before Versace, trend king Nigo through his label Human Made dropped a capsule in spring 2018. Adidas has also offered the silhouette.
More recently, one of our favorite spottings came via Man Repeller head of operations and certified fashion killer, Crystal Anderson, who paired her fringed Muay Thai shorts with a pair of rubber trout slip-on sandals.
While the trend has been percolating just beneath the surface for a while, the handsome silhouette’s exposure on Versace’s runway indicates Muay Thai shorts are about to have a break out moment.
If you’re interested in purchasing a pair, visit Muay Thai Citizen for brand suggestions as well as fit advice.
Check out the trend below.
Imaan Hamaan working the look for Versace
Crystal Anderson: Catch these hands (and fins)!
Mia King
Wiz Khalifa
