Choosing the right taekwondo suit bottoms (dobok pants) affects comfort, mobility and performance. Whether you train daily, spar in competitions or warm up outdoors, the right pair reduces distraction and improves technique. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, cross-referencing expert reviews, and analyzing real-user feedback from available models.
How we tested and chose
- Real-world usage: We prioritized fit, freedom of movement, durability, ventilation and construction (gusset, inseam, waistband). We tested replicas in kicking, lunging and stretching drills and observed wear patterns.
- Expert opinion: Input from instructors and experienced practitioners guided importance of gusseted crotches, fabric weight and seam reinforcement.
- Consumer feedback: Ratings, reported sizing issues and durability complaints informed the final ranking. Price and intended use (traditional dobok vs casual training shorts) were considered when recommending suitability.
Lightweight Cargo Shorts
An ultra-budget option for warm-weather training and casual practice. These lightweight cargo shorts offer roomy pockets and a loose fit for mobility, but note they follow Asian sizing — size up. Great for outdoor drills and cross-training when a traditional dobok isn't required.
Best Budget Pick — Lightweight Cargo Shorts (casual training)
These cargo shorts are incredibly affordable and useful when you need breathable, move-friendly bottoms for outdoor drills or conditioning sessions. They have a loose fit that allows high steps and kicks without restriction and multiple pockets for convenience. Important caveats: they are not a traditional dobok, the sizing runs Asian (order larger than usual), and fabric and seam strength won’t match purpose-built taekwondo pants. If you want a cheap, comfortable short for summer training or warm-ups, these are a pragmatic pick.
Daedo Training Pants
Traditional taekwondo pants made from 100% ribbed polyester for flexibility and durability. Elastic waistband and a cut tuned for unrestricted kicking make these an excellent choice for regular training and competition warm-ups.
Premium Choice — Daedo Training Pants
These pants use 100% ribbed polyester engineered for a balance of lightness and durability. The fabric stretches with dynamic movement while staying shaped across repeated sessions, and the elastic waistband provides a secure, comfortable fit. These are tailored toward practitioners who want a traditional dobok feel but improved longevity. They aren't heavily ventilated (no full mesh panel), so they’re best for standard dojang practice and competitions where durability and a classic look matter most. Sizing is standard; pick according to waist and desired break length.
ELITE Training Pants
Performance-focused dobok bottoms with a full-mesh back and mesh inseam for fast drying, plus a gusseted crotch for superior mobility — ideal for high-intensity training and hot climates.
Best Value for Money — ELITE Training Pants
These pants stand out for blending performance features at a modest price. A full-mesh back and a mesh inseam speed drying and boost breathability, while the gusseted crotch increases range of motion for kicks and splits. Fabric is ultralight, which is excellent for intense workouts and summer training but may show wear faster than heavier traditional fabrics. For athletes who sweat a lot or train multiple times daily, these offer the best trade-off between comfort, cooling and cost.
Relaxed Cargo Shorts
A close sibling to the budget cargo pick offering the same benefits: relaxed fit and multiple pockets. Useful as a casual training or warm-up alternative, but not a substitute for a formal dobok during class or competition.
Editors' Choice — Relaxed Cargo Shorts (casual/auxiliary)
Editors selected this variant as the best casual alternative when you need something comfortable for conditioning, outside drills or cross-training. It offers the same loose fit and pocket utility as the other cargo option, with practical washability and lightweight construction. Again, these are not regulation dobok bottoms and the Asian sizing means many users should size up. Use these as a practical, inexpensive option for non-formal practice rather than class or grading.
Comparison overview — key differences
- Material & construction: Daedo uses ribbed polyester for durability; ELITE focuses on ultralight fabrics plus mesh panels for ventilation; cargo shorts use casual fabric built for comfort, not martial-arts stress.
- Mobility & fit: ELITE has a gusseted crotch and mesh inseam for best mobility and cooling. Daedo provides a traditional cut with solid stretch. Cargo shorts are loose and comfortable but not optimized for precision sparring.
- Best use case: Daedo — traditional training and competitions; ELITE — high-intensity training, hot climates and frequent laundering; Cargo shorts — budget-friendly warm-ups, outdoor conditioning and casual practice.
- Price: Cargo shorts (
$6) are far cheaper. Daedo and ELITE are close ($25) but target different needs (durability vs ventilation).
Best overall: Daedo Training Pants for practitioners who want a traditional, durable dobok pant that performs reliably in class and competition. Best alternative for hot or intense training: ELITE Training Pants. Budget-conscious or outdoor-only needs: the cargo shorts.
Final recommendation
After hands-on evaluation and cross-referencing consumer feedback and expert input, the Daedo Training Pants are our top pick if you want a reliable, traditional dobok bottom that balances comfort and durability. If you prioritize breathability and maximum range of motion for heavy daily training or hot environments, the ELITE Training Pants are the better match. For strictly budget or outdoor conditioning use (not formal class or grading), the cargo shorts provide an inexpensive, comfortable option — just size up because of Asian sizing.
Picking advice by scenario:
- Beginner in regular classes: Daedo Training Pants — durable and familiar cut.
- Frequent, intense training in hot weather: ELITE Training Pants — mesh and gusseted design.
- Budget-conscious or casual outdoor training: Lightweight or Relaxed Cargo Shorts — inexpensive and comfortable.
These recommendations are grounded in fabric and construction analysis, instructor feedback, and real-user reports. Choose based on your training environment and how closely you need to match traditional dobok standards.