4 min read · Beginner
What to wear (and what not to) for a first class
Shorts, shirt, shoes (or not), hair, jewellery, deodorant. Nothing embarrassing. Everything practical.
You do not need a $200 fight-brand outfit. Here's what actually works for your first class.
Boxing / Muay Thai / Kickboxing / MMA
- Shorts - any athletic shorts without a zipper or pockets. MMA/Muay Thai shorts are flexible, but regular gym shorts are fine for a trial.
- Shirt - a fitted t-shirt or rash guard. Loose cotton will get in the way and soak through fast.
- Barefoot for striking. Socks are slippery and trip hazards. Most gyms will ask you to take shoes off at the mat edge.
- No jewellery. Rings, watches, earrings, chains - all off. Studs can be taped.
- Wraps + gloves - the gym will loan for trial. After that, buy 180-inch cotton wraps and 14oz or 16oz gloves.
BJJ
- Gi - the gym will loan one for your first class. If you commit, a starter gi costs $120-180.
- Rash guard underneath (women: sports bra + rash guard). No loose cotton.
- Compression shorts under gi pants. Keeps things where they should be.
- Barefoot on mats, shoes to the edge. Long hair tied back. Nails clipped.
Hygiene
Shower before class, not after. Deodorant. Clean kit every session. No one cares how fit you are if you smell, and in BJJ especially, your partners will remember.