How to Build a Fight Camp Wardrobe: What to Actually Train In

By Michael "Heck" Heckert — professional Bare Knuckle FC fighter & co-founder of King Killers. Last updated June 2026.

I've spent more hours in a fight camp than I can count, and I've ruined plenty of gear figuring out what actually holds up. Here's the honest version of what to wear to train — no fluff, just what works on the bag, on the mats, and in conditioning.

Match your gear to the work, not the aesthetic

A fight camp isn't one workout — it's five or six different ones. What you wear for sparring is not what you want for a 5-mile run or a rolling session. Build a small rotation that covers each:

Bag work & conditioning: lightweight shorts that breathe

For striking and conditioning you want range of motion and airflow. Our relaxed-fit mesh shorts are 100% polyester with zip pockets and a drawstring — light enough that you forget you're wearing them. If you want compression support built in, go with 2-in-1 shorts: a spandex liner under a lightweight outer short. Research on compression wear is mixed on performance, but most fighters wear the liner for one simple reason — no chafing during long rounds.

Grappling & BJJ: a rash guard is non-negotiable

If you roll, a rash guard isn't a fashion choice — it's hygiene. A rash guard reduces mat burn and creates a barrier against skin infections that spread on shared mats, like ringworm and staph. Dry-fit fabric also wicks sweat so you're not soaked through by the third round. Wash it after every session — every single one.

Tops: train in something that moves sweat

Skip heavy cotton for hard sessions; it holds water and weighs you down. A lightweight tank top or moisture-managing tee keeps you cooler when the room heats up. Save the cotton graphic tees for walking around — they're built for everyday wear, not soaking through on the bag.

The walk-in: a layer for before and after

Warming up and cooling down matters. A sleeveless hoodie or full hoodie keeps your muscles warm on the way in, and a hat handles the bad-hair-day walk home. Small things, but they're part of the routine.

The shortcut: one kit that covers it

If you'd rather not piece it together, we built the Fight Camp Kit for exactly this — training shorts, a fighter graphic tee, and a hat for the walk in. Add two or more pieces and Stack & Save kicks in automatically: buy 2 get 10% off, 3+ get 15% off, with free US shipping over $75. It's the fastest way to kit up without overthinking it.

Care = longevity

Cold wash, hang dry, no fabric softener (it clogs moisture-wicking fibers). Rotate at least two of everything so gear gets a full dry between sessions. Treat your training kit like equipment, because that's what it is.

Quick answers

What should I wear to train MMA? Lightweight shorts (mesh or 2-in-1) for striking and conditioning, a dry-fit rash guard for grappling, a moisture-wicking top, and a layer for warm-up. Cotton is for after, not during.

Why do I need a rash guard for BJJ? It reduces mat burn and adds a hygienic barrier against skin infections like ringworm and staph that spread on shared mats, while wicking sweat. Wash it after every session.

Are 2-in-1 shorts worth it? Yes if you want built-in compression and zero chafing on long sessions — the liner sits under a lightweight outer short, so you get support without a second garment.