Hand Wraps
What Are Boxing Wraps Used For?
Boxing wraps (also known as hand wraps) are flexible or cotton strips of material wrapped around the hands and wrists before putting on gloves. They serve as the first line of defense for your hands. By stabilizing them, they minimize the risk of injury during strikes, such as bone fractures or thumb sprains. Wraps have another essential purpose: they protect the inside of your gloves from sweat—you can easily keep them clean by washing them after every training session.
Are Hand Wraps Essential?
Definitely yes! Properly selected boxing gloves provide the first level of hand protection, while boxing hand wraps are the next. Worn under the gloves to even better secure your fingers and wrists against injuries, boxing wraps should not be treated as an accessory, but as a core piece of gear for anyone training combat sports like boxing, kickboxing, MMA, or Muay Thai.
Every fighter knows how easy it is to get injured while fighting in the ring or cage. Even pad work or heavy bag training can lead to painful injuries, the complications of which last a long time and often restrict or completely prevent you from training.
Which Hand Wraps to Choose?
Boxing hand wraps should fit your hands properly to ensure maximum comfort and safety. Browsing the range of boxing wraps, you will notice that models vary by material and length. Which ones to choose and what to look for? Let’s start with the material.
Boxing hand wraps are made from cotton, polyester, or a blend of both. Cotton wraps offer great hand stabilization and durability, but they require practice to wrap—if applied incorrectly, they easily loosen. Elastic polyester wraps are easy to put on and adjust to your hand, but wrapping them too tightly can restrict blood circulation. Cotton-polyester blend wraps combine the benefits of both materials: they are durable, optimally elastic, and fit the hand perfectly.
Optimal Length of Boxing Wraps
The length of hand wraps also matters. Boxing wraps come in various lengths, typically ranging from 2.5 m to 5 m. If they are too short, you won't be able to wrap them properly. If they are too long, you will also struggle to lay them correctly. It is best to choose a length of 4 m, which is considered versatile and suitable for most practitioners. This allows for comfortable wrapping and proper hand protection.
Hand Wrap Material
Elastic wraps are easier to fit to the hand. Cotton wraps require greater precision when wrapping. Therefore, the best choice is boxing wraps made from a blend of both cotton and polyester. They fit the hand easily, while being durable and resistant to deformation. They securely stabilize the wrists and hands during training. Cotton-polyester blend wraps are available in the Ground Game range.
Design and Colors
Design comes down to taste and individual preference. Do you prefer classic, solid-colored boxing wraps, or vibrant, patterned ones? At Ground Game, we offer boxing wraps in various colors and designs, making it easy to find your favorite pair.
Can You Wash Boxing Hand Wraps?
Dirty, sweaty hand wraps are an ideal breeding ground for fungi and bacteria. If you want your wraps to last longer than a few sessions, wash them regularly following the care label instructions and lay them flat to dry. Avoid tumble drying, as it can shrink and deform them. Pro tip: wash your wraps inside a mesh laundry bag so the hook-and-loop fasteners don't snag other clothes, and your washing machine doesn't "eat" them like lost socks.
Traditional Boxing Wraps or Gel Quick Wraps?
In addition to traditional wraps, alternative solutions such as gel quick wraps are also available on the market. Gel quick wraps, also known as inner gloves or gel wraps, serve the same function as traditional boxing hand wraps, but are designed to provide extra protection for the hands and wrists. They are much easier and faster to put on than traditional wraps.
Additionally, they feature a gel padding layer that offers maximum knuckle protection and shock absorption. However, keep in mind that they cannot be used as standalone gear during sparring or fights. Without boxing gloves, they do not provide sufficient protection on their own.