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To Wear or Not to Wear Underwear: The Great BJJ Spats Debate

Writer's picture: ChristianChristian

Updated: Jan 20

Picture this: You’re stepping onto the mats in your brand-new spats from LE Movement, ready to roll. You look good, you feel good, you’re about to unleash your inner grappling beast… when suddenly, a curious training partner asks:

“Dude… are you wearing underwear under those?”

Cue awkward pause.

Ah yes, the age-old question that every grappler eventually faces:

Should you wear underwear under your BJJ spats?



Let’s dive into this sweaty rabbit hole together and see if we can finally answer what might be the silliest-yet-most-important topic you’ll discuss all day with your gym friends.


1. The Commando Approach AKA "the Free Willy"

Pros:

  • Maximum freedom. (Need I say more?)

  • Fewer layers to wash, saving you time on laundry.

  • You feel like you’re living on the edge. Danger is your middle name.

Cons:

  • Potential wardrobe malfunctions. If your beloved spats ever tear mid-roll (please, no!), you’re in for more exposure than you bargained for.

  • Sweat absorption. With one less layer, your spats take all the, uh, moisture. Make sure you wash them thoroughly

In short, commando is the ultimate minimalistic route, but do so at your own risk.


2. The Underwear Fan Club

Pros:

  • Extra security. If your spats unexpectedly meet their demise, you’ve got a backup layer preventing an impromptu peep show.

  • Absorbs a bit of sweat. Your spats might stay fresher for longer (or at least smell slightly less like a wet dog).

  • Personal comfort. Some folks feel more “supported” when they’re rolling and twisting in all those precarious positions.

Cons:

  • Another layer means slightly more laundry. (Adulting is hard enough already, right?)

  • A pair of boxers or compression shorts might bunch up if they’re not snug enough and create a weird looking shape - but you wear Shorts over it anyway. You do that, right? Right???


3. The Hybrid Approach

There’s also a middle ground: wearing tight boxers or specialized compression underwear under your compression spats. It sounds a bit redundant, but for some people, it’s the sweet spot. Think of it as a “double-layer fortress” against falling out juwels, rashes, or that one training partner who seems to sweat enough for two.

  • Ultimate Support: If you’re going for a flying armbar, you don’t want to be worried about… movement in the trunk region mid-air, resulting in you having only two options: getting a tap or having children in the future.

  • Minimal Distractions: With the right combo, you can focus on your game plan instead of adjusting gear.

  • Extra Protection: More layers = more barrier between you and the sweat-soaked mats.

Just make sure each piece fits properly. The last thing you want is to feel like a sausage in an overstuffed casing, especially when that 220-pound purple belt is trying to choke you out.


4. Which Option Is “Right”?

Drumroll, please… it’s totally up to you. Shocker, I know. BJJ is about adapting to your body, your comfort level, and your style. If you’re a commando crusader, rock on. But ensure you’re wearing premium quality spats (like LE Movement spats) so you’re not playing a high-stakes game of “Will They Rip Today?”

If you’re pro-underwear, pick something sleek, supportive, and sweat-wicking to avoid weird lumps or bunching. And if you prefer layering compression shorts under your spats, more power to you! The world of BJJ is already weird enough; a little extra gear never hurt anyone.


5. Final Thoughts

No matter which route you choose, comfort and confidence are king. You’re here to roll hard, learn new techniques, and maybe hit that sweet inverted triangle you’ve been practicing.

  • If you’re the type who wants minimal fuss, spats alone might be enough. Just be sure they’re top-notch. Like ours: built to hold up against the toughest training sessions, so you can worry less about ripping and more about gripping.

  • If you like the extra layer, go for it. Just make sure your underwear or compression shorts won’t get in the way.


At the end of the day, do what keeps you on the mats, training your hardest, and enjoying every roll. That’s the real key to success in BJJ. Plus, it’s way more fun than stressing about your fashion choices.


Ready to Roll?

Check out our range of LE Movement Spats designed by grapplers, for grapplers. Whether you’re commando-curious or an underwear loyalist, our spats are here to keep you comfortable, supported, and stylish - no matter how you roll. Now go forth and choke someone.. uh, politely.. without worrying about what’s under your spats!

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