Yokkao

Yokkao took traditional Thai manufacturing and pointed it at a much bolder design language — heavy colour, big graphics, gear that looks like something. It would be easy to write that off as styling, except the underlying construction is genuinely Thai-made and holds up to the same use as anything else on the wall.

The gloves sit a little softer in the hand than a classic Fairtex, with a slightly more open palm, and they need less break-in time. People coming from synthetic gloves usually find them more immediately comfortable. Start with the Matrix line, which comes in velcro and lace-up.

Most people find the brand through the shorts. The smaller kit is worth a look too: Yokkao hand wraps, boxing mouthguards, cotton elbow guards and shin guards are all on the shelf, and they're what people tend to come back in for.