Best Sauna Suit for Thai Boxing: Twins vs. Fairtex

What is the best sauna suit for Thai boxing? Let’s compare the Twins VSS-1 & Fairtex VS2

When it comes to cutting weight before a bout, fighters understand the importance of shedding those last few pounds. Meeting the strict weight requirements for competition often requires a last-minute, quick fix. Fighters go all out, pushing themselves to the limit in a final sprint towards their goal.

In combat sports, failing to make weight carries a heavy stigma. Consider the extensive efforts that go into a fight promotion! Including months of media hype, financial investments and promotional materials featuring the fighters images. Not to mention the hard work of both teams. Failing to make weight can tarnish a fighter’s reputation and ruin the event. Therefore, fighters need every tool available to battle the scale.

One such tool in a Nak Muay’s weight-cutting arsenal is the boxing sauna suit. Built to promote excessive sweating, a sauna suit is a waterproof and unbreathable tracksuit. Traditional sauna suits were made of rubber, but modern versions utilize lightweight materials such as vinyl. It’s important to note that sauna suits should not be worn regularly or for long workouts, due to health reasons. However, if you do a professional weight-cutting plan and still find yourself a few pounds over? A sauna suit can help you drop water weight fast. Remember to rehydrate properly after weigh-in to optimize your performance in the ring. Get ready to dominate!

In this blog post, we will compare the two of the most popular sauna suits on the Thai boxing market: Twins VSS-1 and Fairtex VS2.

The Classic Twins Sauna Suit VSS-1:

Twins Special is popular worldwide due to the sturdiness, reliability and practicality of their equipment. Their loyal fan base extends beyond Muay Thai into Western boxing and other combat sports. Twins has become a global elder-statesman of Muay Thai. Their reputation is built, not on a giant marketing budget, but on consistent quality and word of mouth. If you’ve spent significant time in Thailand, chances are, you’ve seen a professional fighter using the Twins VSS-1 during road-work.

Construction:

The Twins VSS-1 Sauna Suit is a thick two-piece garment made of highly resilient vinyl. It features tight elastic at the bottom of the jacket, plus ankle fastening and cuffs, to retain heat. The suit’s zip is chunky and built to last, with tight interlocking teeth. It is roomy, and utilises neoprene panels under arms and legs, allowing for freedom of movement. It has a full collar which can be popped high, to trap extra heat .

Aesthetics:

The VSS-1 comes in a solid black colour with a metallic trim that nicely complements its minimalistic look. The jacket features a Twins logo on the side of the chest. On the back, there’s another Twins logo in slightly larger font. The suit has a baggy, old-school boxing style that wouldn’t look out of place in a Rocky training montage. Aesthetically this Twins suit says, real-deal pro fighter, no doubt.

If you’re looking for a more detailed break down of the Twins Sauna Suit, please click here. 

The Contemporary Fairtex Sauna Suit VS2:

Fairtex is the most prolific and arguably the most creative brand in combat sports. They are well known for crafting quality equipment and offering a diverse range of innovative structural and artistic designs. Fairtex equipment is a hit with Nak Muay, Western boxers, mixed martial artists and BJJ players. Despite being in business almost 20 years before Twins Special, Fairtex often feels like the young upstart. Their equipment has a fresh and modern appeal, which is reflected in their slim-cut sauna suit.

Construction:

The Fairtex VS2 Sauna Suit is also a two-piece garment made of lightweight but durable vinyl. It features strong elastic bands that seal the ankles and cuffs, to trap heat. But unlike the Twins version, Fairtex doesn’t use an elastic band at the bottom of the jacket. It is relatively slim-cut, especially compared to the bulkier Twins suit. This cut, has the effect of trapping heat, in the absence of an elastic seal at the jacket’s base. The design and the use of spandex panels under the arms and legs offer the wearer mobility. It has a half collar, perfectly made to trap heat but has less leeway for adjustability than the Twins collar.

Aesthetics

The VS2 comes in a choice of deep blue, maroon, or black. It has a large white Fairtex logo across the chest and a smaller logo between the shoulder blades on the back. Above the back logo, below the collar, there’s a big red star surrounding a Fairtex “F.” The suit has a slimmer, sleeker, and more modern cut compared to the Twins offering. This sweat suit appeals more to the contemporary eye. 

Looking for even more details on the Fairtex VS2 model? Check out this product review. 

 

Notable differences between the Fairtex & Twins Sauna Suits for Boxing:

Twins VSS1 Sauna Suit	Fairtex VS2 Sauna Suit
Extra durable with strong vinyl, polyester fabric, durable elastic, and reinforced seams	Much more lightweight when compared to the Twins VSS-1
Panels of neoprene fabric under each arm and between the legs	Spandex under arms and legs
Stretchy vinyl fabric	Folds nicely for easy storage
Baggy enough for extra clothing underneath	Potentially more resistant to tearing and punctures
Elastic waistband at base of jacket for extra heat retention (may cause jacket to ride-up users hips, requiring regular readjustments during training)	Tailored fit with no elastic waistband (traps less heat but means jacket doesn’t ride-up user’s waist during road work)
Metallic piping for visibility during outdoor activities	Fairtex signature logo across the front and red star logo on the back
Twins logo printed on the front and back	Short collar and rounded-edge zipper for comfort
Looks like pro boxing gear with a pugilist feel	Two small zipper pockets with metal teeth
Doubles as weight resistance for training	Available in adult sizes small through extra large
Available in a full range of sizes from small to 2X large	Available in black and blue colours (same colour for both pieces in the matching set)

So, which one is the best sauna suit for Thai boxing?

When comparing the Fairtex VS2 and the Twins VSS-1, there are some notable differences to consider. The vinyl used in the Fairtex VS2 is lighter in weight, while the Twins VSS-1 utilizes heavy-duty vinyl. In terms of stretch material, the Fairtex VS2 uses spandex, whereas the Twins VSS-1 utilises neoprene panels.

Both suits allow for freedom of movement during training sessions. The Fairtex VS2 offers a more snug slim-cut fit but has a limit to their sizing variety. While the Twins VSS-1 focuses offers a more forgiving fit and a larger size range. The logo size placement is another distinguishing factor. The Fairtex VS2 showcases the signature logo, in large, spanning the shoulders and chest, on front and back. While the Twins VSS-1 displays a full-size logo solely on the back with a smaller logo on the heart position, on the front.

Both the Fairtex VS2 and the Twins VSS-1 are equipped with robust zips, built to last.

Sizing options vary slightly between the two suits. The Fairtex VS2 is available in sizes ranging from small to extra large, whereas the Twins VSS-1 offers a full range of sizes from small to 2X large.

Both suits are durable and practical, offering mobility and efficient heat capture. The factors that set these two products apart are the product weight, collar length, the cut of the suits, the use of elastic at the waist and the aesthetics.

These factors should be taken into account when deciding which suit is best for you. Both suits have their strengths, and the choice may depend on personal preferences and specific requirements.

Overall Rating:

Fairtex VS2: 4.5/5

Twins VSS-1: 4.5/5

Which Sauna Suit Comes Out On Top?

Both sauna suits have their strengths. And as with many other pieces of equipment, the quest to find the best sauna suit for boxing, depends a lot on on personal preferences, specific requirements and professional advice. The weight cut is potentially one of the most risky facets of the fight game. So always consult your Coach. If they have no recommendation, whether you prefer the classic heavy-duty Twins suit or the modern lightweight Fairtex offering, is up to you. Let us know your pick in the comments below 🙏