One of the most frequently asked questions from kickboxers and boxers concerns how to put on hand wraps. Many people new to boxing or kickboxing have no idea how to put on hand wraps (also called handwraps or handwraps).
They often don't dare ask. As a result, they either train without handwraps or foolishly wrap them around their hand and wrist 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 strengthen your metacarpals , 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 don't wear handwraps or inner gloves, the sweat from your hands will soak into your gloves. And over time, your gloves will start to smell terribly.
Moreover, the padding doesn't improve, so the quality of the boxing glove quickly deteriorates. You might even remember the boxing gloves you wore during your trial lesson!
5 Reasons to Wear handwraps (or Inner Gloves):
- absorbs sweat
- provides extra support
- provides extra protection for the knuckles
- your boxing gloves will last longer
- your boxing gloves stay smelling fresh
Why do we recommend adults to choose a handwrap?
If you put on hand wraps correctly, you'll develop a compact fist . As soon as you put on a hand wrap, you'll immediately feel like you can punch harder because of that compact feeling. You're supporting all the bones in your hand and wrist, which will increase your punching power.
The benefits of handwraps:
- Better protection for the hand and fingers
- Compact fist which gives you greater punching power
- They are usually cheaper
- Absorb the sweat from the hands
- Slightly elastic so that your hands do not get pinched
Choosing the right length handwraps
handwraps are available in a wide variety of lengths, colors, and materials. We sell them in almost every color 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"), but also intermediate sizes and extra-long handwraps of 530 cm (210"). The short version is most suitable for small women's hands and children.
If you choose the wrong length, you'll either see the end of the handwrap or not! And don't overtighten it. If you do, your hand will be barely movable and blood flow will be severely restricted.
Standard lengths of handwraps (recommended):
- 250 cm (100") for children and small women's hands
- 450 cm / 460 cm (180") standard adult length
Different lengths of handwraps (specific wishes):
- 300 cm
- 380 cm (120")
- 400 cm
- 500 cm (200")
- 530 cm (210") extra long
Choose handwrap material: cotton, polyester or polycotton
Nearly all handwraps sold by all brands are a blend of polyester and cotton . This blend is necessary to give the material a little stretch so it wraps properly.
This also makes them sturdier and more washable. True old-school boxers swear by 100% non-stretch cotton hand wraps. However, these don't stretch and should only be applied by an experienced professional. Of course, we also stock such hand wraps.
We have a huge collection of handwraps, dressings and gaiters for boxing and kickboxing from various brands that specialize in combat sports, such as boxing, kickboxing and MMA in our webshop.
Material choices for boxing handwraps:
- Polyester-cotton blend: most common
- Nylon-cotton mix: a slightly more luxurious version, very strong
- 100% cotton: softer and more luxurious handwraps, usually less stretch
- Rayon (viscose): the most exclusive material from Winning handwraps
- Polyviscose-cotton blend: luxury 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 so difficult, but rather because there are countless ways to do it. Below, we've created a step-by-step plan that strikes a good balance between knuckle protection and wrist strengthening.
How to tie handwraps - Step by step
1. Wrapping the wrist
Hook the loop of the handwrap around your thumb and let the handwrap drape over the back of your hand, not your palm. Then wrap the handwrap around your wrist two or three times. For extra wrist stability, you can add one or two more wraps. Tighten the handwrap securely without constricting your wrist.
2. About the hand and knuckles
Run the handwrap diagonally upwards toward the side of your hand, making sure to place it over the back of your hand. Wrap the handwrap twice around your knuckles. For extra knuckle protection, you can add a twist to your knuckles.
3. Between the fingers
After the knuckle wraps, go back to the wrist and then between the little finger and ring finger: push the wrap from the back of the hand through the opening between those two fingers to the palm, along the inside of your little finger and then back up over the back of the hand to the wrist.
Then make the same motion between your ring and middle fingers, then your middle and index fingers. After this, you can wrap another one or two around your knuckles.
4. Crossing
First, wrap the handwrap once around your wrist. Then make two diagonal crossings from your wrist to the top of your hand and back between your index finger and thumb, creating an X-shape that stabilizes your wrist. Wrap once more around your wrist to secure the X-shape.
5. Thumb and wrist
If you have enough length left, you can place a short wrap around your thumb, being careful not to pull it too tight. Finish with 2–3 firm wraps around your wrist so the Velcro can adhere securely.
Attach the Velcro so that it lies flat and does not come loose.
Tying handwraps using a video
There are several videos online showing how to put on handwraps. We highly recommend this page . It uses illustrations to show you step-by-step how to put on handwraps. The descriptions accompanying the illustrations are in English, but the pictures are self-explanatory if you don't speak the language.
More information about handwraps:
- Top 9 Hand Wraps for Boxing and Kickboxing (2025) - Best Buy Guide Fight2Win.nl
- 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. This is much easier. Older children and adults hit harder and therefore benefit more from a handwrap.
Anyone can wear inner gloves, of course. However, the largest target group is younger children. A child can easily put on and take off an inner glove themselves. A child aged 6 or older can certainly learn to put on a handwrap, but it's not very practical.
Inner gloves are ideal for:
- children up to and including 10 years old
- men and women who do cardio boxing, kick fun, boxing fitness and group lessons
- men and women who train recreationally at a leisurely pace
- men and women who do not want or need extra support
- men and women who find handwraps complicated
When should you choose an inner glove?
There are several types of inner gloves. The simple inner gloves you can quickly put on, and the type of inner gloves (often called gel wraps) that have a piece of handwrap attached. This type is shorter than a regular handwrap and is primarily intended to provide extra support for the wrist.
The inner gloves from XPRT, Hayabusa, Fumetsu, and Booster, among others, are equipped with these extra handwraps. These inner gloves also feature gel padding, providing even better knuckle protection.
We have several simple inner gloves in stock. These are ideal for children and those who don't have patience for handwraps.
The following gel-padded inner gloves are ideal for adult men and women looking for extra knuckle protection. Some models are available in multiple sizes, while others are one-size-fits-all.
View all simple inner gloves for boxing gloves in our webshop.
Alternative to handwraps 2: Gel wraps
Gel wraps are a more modern form of hand protection for martial artists. 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 advantages of gel wraps:
- Shock absorption: Gel wraps provide excellent shock absorption, reducing the impact of blows to your hands. This helps prevent injuries.
- Comfort: The gel pads provide extra comfort and cushioning during hitting, reducing fatigue.
- Convenience: Gel wraps are easy to apply 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.
The gel wraps 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 better absorbed, and the risk of nasty knuckle injuries is significantly reduced. The extra layer of gel padding makes the gel wraps considerably thicker.
The choice between these two depends on your personal preference and the intensity of your training.
It's important to note that, regardless of which option you choose, hand protection is essential for preventing injuries. Both inner gloves and gel wraps are valuable accessories for martial artists, and you can customize them to your specific needs and comfort level.
Benefits of gel wraps
In our store, we often hear that people don't feel like wearing handwraps. And that's perfectly fine! Exercise is fun and should stay fun. So there's nothing wrong with working out with gel wraps. They offer the following benefits:
- Protection: extra protection on the knuckles
- Comfort: easy and quick to put on
- Convenience: usually washable
We have an extensive collection of gel wraps and inner gloves with protection from various brands that specialize in combat sports, such as boxing, kickboxing and MMA in our webshop.
Personal choice: inner gloves, gel wraps or handwraps?
It is now up to you to make the right choice: wear inner gloves, gel wraps or regular handwraps when boxing, kickboxing or cardio boxing.
Looking for more buying advice on boxing hand wraps? Then be sure to read our comprehensive best-buy guide: Top 9 Best Hand Wraps for Boxing, Kickboxing, and Cardio Boxing