What protective gear is used in amateur Muay Thai?
Officials' detail · The contest · 1 of 1Athletes wear IFMA-approved 10-ounce gloves over wraps of no more than 5 m, a head guard, cloth shin and elbow guards, a gum shield and a groin guard. A body protector is compulsory from U12 to U24 and for Masters 40+ and 45+, but not worn by Elite athletes. Elite women also wear chest protection.
How it works
- Gloves: 10 ounces, red or blue, identical for both athletes.
- Wraps: soft bandage or Velcro, no more than 5 m a hand.
- Head guard: no cheek, chin or face protection.
- Shin and elbow guards: cloth, with Velcro.
- Gum shield: fitted, not red or pink.
- Body protector: U12 to U24 and Masters 40+ and 45+.
- Dress: Muay Thai shorts and a singlet in the corner colour.
- Face: clean shaven; a little Vaseline on the face only.
The glossary has the gloves (Muay Thai), the hand wraps, the head guard, the shin and elbow guards, the body protector and the gum shield.
Tricky cases
An athlete's glove comes undone. What happens?
The referee stops the contest to fix it.
Can an athlete wear an ankle support?
No. Ankle protection is not allowed.
Can athletes cover their head for religious reasons?
Yes, with approved white head and body covers.
Can an athlete with a beard fight?
Only clean shaven, or with a beard net if the Technical Delegate allows it for religious reasons.
Why the rule exists
Standard kit protects athletes and makes contests equal. Banning grease on the body stops strikes sliding off unfairly.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Elite and Masters 35+ | No body protector | 15.4 |
| U12 to U24 | Body protector compulsory | 15.4 |
| Elite women | Chest protection compulsory | 15.8 |
From the rule book
IFMA, Rules & Regulations for International Competition, version 3.057, rules 15.1 to 15.12. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IFMA Rules & Regulations, version 3.057.