One of the most frequently asked questions from kickboxers and boxers concerns putting on boxing wraps. Many people who start boxing or kickboxing have no idea how to put on handwraps (also called bandages or wraps).
They often do not dare to ask. As a result, they either train without handwraps or simply wrap the hand and wrist around as many times as possible.
Why do you wear handwraps?
The main reason to wear handwraps (or an alternative to handwraps, such as inner gloves) is to reinforce your metacarpal bones, support your wrists, and protect your knuckles.
In addition, handwraps (or inner gloves) have the added benefit of absorbing most of your sweat. So if you do not wear handwraps or inner gloves, the sweat from your hands will seep into your gloves. Over time, your gloves will start to smell terrible.
Moreover, the padding does not benefit from this either, so the quality of the boxing glove quickly deteriorates. You may remember the boxing gloves you wore during your trial lesson!
Five reasons to wear handwraps (or inner gloves):
- absorbs sweat
- provides extra support
- provides extra protection for the knuckles
- your boxing gloves last longer
- your boxing gloves continue to smell fresh
Why do we recommend that adults choose handwraps?
When you put on your handwraps correctly, you get a compact fist. As soon as you have put on a handwrap, you immediately feel that you can punch harder because of that compact feeling. You stabilize all the bones in your hand and wrist, which increases your punching power.
The benefits of handwraps:
- Better protection for the hand and fingers
- Compact fist, giving you greater punching power
- They are usually cheaper
- Absorb sweat from your hands
- Slightly elastic so they do not constrict your hands
Choosing the right handwrap length
Handwraps are available in all kinds of different lengths, colors, and materials. We sell them in almost all the colors of the rainbow: green, orange, pink, red, blue, and black from various brands.
We have the most common lengths of 250 cm (100") and 450 cm (180"), as well as intermediate sizes and extra-long handwraps of 530 cm (210"). The short version is best suited for smaller women's hands and children.
If you choose the wrong length, the end of the handwrap will not end up in the right place, or will end too soon! And above all, do not wrap them too tightly. If you do, your hand will be barely movable and blood flow will be reduced to a minimum.
Standard handwrap lengths (recommended):
- 250 cm (100") for children and small women's hands
- 450 cm / 460 cm (180") standard length for adults
Non-standard handwrap lengths (specific requirements):
- 300 cm
- 380 cm (120")
- 400 cm
- 500 cm (200")
- 530 cm (210") extra long
Choosing handwrap material: cotton, polyester, or polycotton
Almost all handwraps sold by all brands are a blend of polyester and cotton. This blend is necessary to give the material a little stretch, making it easy to wrap.
This also makes them stronger and easier to wash. True old-school boxers swear by 100% non-stretch cotton handwraps. However, these have no stretch and should really be applied by an experienced professional. Of course, we also carry these types of handwraps in our range.
Material options for boxing handwraps:
- Polyester-cotton blend: most common
- Nylon-cotton blend: a slightly more luxurious option, very strong
- 100% cotton: softer and more luxurious handwraps, usually with less stretch
- Rayon (viscose): the most exclusive material in Winning handwraps
- Polyviscose-cotton blend: luxurious handwraps from Rival Guerrero handwraps
How do you put on handwraps?
As with many things, the question is easier than the answer. Not because putting on handwraps is particularly difficult, but rather because there are countless ways to put them on. Below, we have created a step-by-step plan with a good balance between knuckle protection and wrist support.
Wrapping handwraps — Step by step
1. Wrapping the wrist
Hook the loop of the handwrap around your thumb and let the handwrap run over the back of your hand, not over your palm. Then wrap the handwrap around your wrist 2 or 3 times; for extra wrist stability, you can add 1 or 2 wraps. Pull the handwrap tight without cutting off circulation to your wrist.
2. Over the hand and knuckles
Let the handwrap run diagonally upward toward the side of your hand, making sure it passes over the back of your hand. Wrap the handwrap twice around your knuckles. For extra knuckle protection, you can add one wrap around your knuckles.
3. Between the fingers
After wrapping the knuckles, return to the wrist and then move between the little and ring fingers: push the handwrap from the back of the hand through the gap between these two fingers onto the palm, along the inside of your little finger, and then back up over the back of the hand to the wrist.
Then repeat the same movement between the ring and middle fingers, then between the middle and index fingers. After this, you can make one or two more wraps around the knuckles.
4. Crossover
First, wrap the handwrap once around your wrist. Then make 2 diagonal crossovers from the wrist to the back of the hand and back between the index finger and thumb, creating an X-shape that stabilizes the wrist. Wrap once more around the wrist to secure the X-shape.
5. Thumb and wrist
If you still have enough length left, you can make a short wrap around the thumb. Make sure not to pull it too tightly. Finish with 2–3 firm wraps around the wrist so that the hook-and-loop closure can adhere securely there.
Fasten the hook-and-loop closure so that it lies flat and does not come loose.
Tying handwraps with the help of a video
There are various videos online showing how to put on handwraps. In our view, the links below are highly recommended.
More information about handwraps:
- Youtube: Rival: Russ Anber teaches you how to do your handwrap
- https://www.wikihow.com/Wrap-Your-Hands-for-Boxing
Alternative to handwraps 1: inner gloves
Who are inner gloves suitable for?
Children up to and including 9–10 years old are best off using inner gloves. It is simply easier. Older children and adults hit harder and therefore benefit more from a handwrap.
Of course, anyone can wear inner gloves. However, the largest target group is younger children. A child can easily put on and take off an inner glove by themselves. A child aged 6 or older can certainly learn how to put on a handwrap, but it is not very practical.
Inner gloves are ideal for:
- children up to and including 10 years old
- men and women who do cardio boxing, kickfun, boxing fitness, and group classes
- men and women who train recreationally at a relaxed pace
- men and women who do not want or need extra support
- men and women who find handwraps too complicated
When should you choose an inner glove?
There are various types of inner gloves: simple inner gloves that you can put on quickly, and the type of inner gloves often called gelwraps, which have a piece of handwrap attached. This length is shorter than that of a regular handwrap and is mainly intended to provide extra wrist support.
The inner gloves from XPRT, Hayabusa, Fumetsu, and Booster, among others, feature these extra handwraps. These inner gloves also have gel padding, providing even better protection for the knuckles.
We have various simple inner gloves in stock. They are ideal for children and people who have no patience for handwraps.
The inner gloves with gel padding are ideal for adult men and women seeking extra protection for their knuckles. Some models are available in various sizes, while others are one-size-fits-all.
Alternative to handwraps 2: Gel wraps
Gel wraps are a more modern form of hand protection for martial arts practitioners. They consist of a combination of gel pads and elastic fabric and are wrapped directly around your hands under your boxing gloves. Here are some benefits of gel wraps:
- Shock absorption: Gel wraps offer excellent shock absorption, reducing the impact of punches on your hands. This helps prevent injuries.
- Comfort: The gel pads provide extra comfort and cushioning while punching, reducing fatigue.
- Convenience: Gel wraps are easy to put on and conform well to the shape of your hands, making them convenient for quick training sessions.
The difference between inner gloves and gel wraps
The main difference between inner gloves and gel wraps lies in the level of protection and comfort they provide.
Inner gloves focus more on basic protection and moisture wicking, while gel wraps offer better shock absorption and cushioning.
Gelwraps have an extra layer of protection around the knuckles and the back of the hand. This provides extra protection for the fist and knuckles when punching. The impact of a hard punch is absorbed more effectively, significantly reducing the risk of unpleasant knuckle injuries. Due to the extra layer of gel padding, gelwraps are considerably thicker.
The choice between the two depends on your personal preference and the intensity of your training.
It is important to note that, regardless of which option you choose, hand protection is essential to prevent injuries. Both inner gloves and gel wraps are valuable accessories for martial arts practitioners, and you can adapt them to your specific needs and comfort level.
Benefits of gel wraps
In our store, we often hear that people don't feel like putting on handwraps. That's fine! Sport is fun and should stay fun. There's nothing wrong with training with gel wraps. They offer the following benefits:
- Protection: extra protection for the knuckles
- Comfort: easy and quick to put on
- Convenience: usually machine washable
Personal choice: inner gloves, gel-wraps, or handwraps after all?
It is now up to you to make the right choice: put on inner gloves, gel-wraps, or regular handwraps for boxing, kickboxing, or cardioboxing.
