Ever wondered why professional boxers are so meticulous about those strips of fabric they wrap around their hands? Hand wraps are more than just a fabric, they’re crucial for protecting your hands and wrists from injuries and can significantly enhance your performance.
In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of hand wraps, the different types available, how to use them correctly, how to choose the right pair for your training needs, and tips for keeping them in top condition.
What Are Hand Wraps?
Hand wraps are long, flexible strips of fabric that you wrap around your hands and wrists before putting on your boxing gloves.
Most hand wraps are made from cotton, which is soft and breathable, or elastic, which offers a snug fit and added support. Some wraps combine both for the best of both worlds.
Why Do Fighters Wear Boxing Wraps?
If you’re new to boxing, it might seem like just another piece of accessory. But hand wraps are actually a key part of boxing gear that helps keep you safe and performing at your best.
Wraps helps to prevent injuries. When you throw a punch, your hands and wrists take a lot of impact. Without the proper protection, this repeated stress can lead to injuries. Hand wraps act like a shield for your hands, reducing the risk of damage and letting you train harder and safer.
They support your wrist and protect your knuckles, which are vulnerable when you punch. Hand wraps provide crucial support, keeping your wrists aligned and giving extra padding to your knuckles. This means less strain on your joints and a lower chances of injury.
Hand wraps offer an extra layer of padding that absorbs and softens the impact of each punch. This added cushioning helps shield your skin and bones from the harsh effects of repeated strikes.
Hand Wraps Improve Your Performance
Hand wraps are not just for keeping your hands protected. They also help you perform better.
Increased Confidence: When your hands are well-protected, you feel more secure in your punches. This added confidence allows you to hit harder and push yourself further in training. When you’re not worried about injuring yourself, you can focus on giving your best effort and improving your skills.
Better Technique: Properly wrapped hands ensure that your wrists and fists are aligned correctly. This alignment is essential for throwing effective punches. When your hands are supported and properly positioned, your punches become more accurate and powerful, giving you an edge in both training and matches.
Reduced Discomfort: The extra cushioning provided by hand wraps makes punching less painful. This means you can train longer without being distracted by discomfort. With less pain, you can concentrate on refining your technique and building strength, rather than on the soreness in your hands.
Keep Your Gloves Fresh and Odor-Free with Hand Wraps
Hand wraps are essential for maintaining both the hygiene and longevity of your boxing gloves. While they are widely known for protecting your hands, they also play a crucial role in keeping your gloves fresh and free from unpleasant odors.
During intense training sessions, your hands sweat, and without hand wraps, this sweat can seep into your gloves. Over time, this moisture can lead to unpleasant odors and create an environment where bacteria and fungi can thrive.
Hand wraps absorb this sweat, preventing it from transferring into your gloves. This not only helps keep your gloves cleaner but also reduces the buildup of bacteria that causes bad smells.
Remember to wash your hand wraps regularly to keep them in good condition. Later, we’ll provide tips on how to properly care for your hand wraps.
Understanding Different Types of Hand Wraps
Here's the type of hand wraps for boxing you can choose from, each with different benefits.
Cotton Wraps
These are great choice for everyday use. Cotton wraps are soft, breathable, and very comfortable, making them ideal for regular training sessions. They’re also budget-friendly, so you can get a lot of use out of them without costing a lot.
Elastic Wraps
If you want a bit of stretch, elastic wraps are perfect. They hug your hands nicely and give you extra support. The slight stretch makes them great if you need both compression and a little flexibility.
Gel Wraps
Gel wraps are a great option for those intensive training sessions. They come with built-in padding that provides superior cushioning, offering excellent protection for your hands during high-impact workouts.
Here are some great options you might consider:
Quick Wraps
Also known as “fast wraps,” these are all about convenience. They slip on easily and include built-in padding, which makes them perfect for quick sessions or when you're in a hurry. If you're short on time but still want solid protection, quick wraps are the way to go.
Tape and Gauze
Tape and gauze wraps are often used in professional boxing but aren't usually seen outside of competitions because they take a lot of time to apply and need someone else to help. In matches, there are strict rules about how much tape and gauze you can use.
At Fight Co, we’ve got a great selection of hand wraps to fit everyone’s needs. With sizes from 2.5 meters to 5 meters, you’ll find options for both kids and adults. We stock top brands like MTG-Pro, Venum, Fairtex, Rival, and Twins, so you can find exactly what you need.
Choosing the Right Hand Wraps for Your Needs
Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the best wraps for your needs:
For Beginners: If you’re just starting out, cotton or elasticated wraps are a good choice. They’re easy to use, comfortable and affordable. Cotton wraps provide the basic protection you need and are a great introduction to hand wrapping.
Gel wraps are a smart choice for beginners who are still learning how to wrap their hands properly, as well as for kids. They’re also useful when you’re in a rush and need quick and easy protection without having to spend a lot of time on wrapping.
Fit and Length: The length of your hand wraps can make a difference. Longer wraps, usually around 5m long, give you more coverage, which is great for providing extra support.
Shorter wraps, around 2.5m long might be sufficient if you’re looking for something quicker and simpler. Make sure the wraps you choose are long enough to cover your hands and wrists properly without being too tight or too loose.
Generally a 2.5m hand wraps would be used by children and a 5m hand wrap would be an adults size.
Professional fighters use gauze and zinc oxide tape to wrap their hands properly, ensuring they are well-protected. We offer top brands like Empire Pro Tape, which provide specialized boxing tape designed just for this purpose.
Step-by-Step Guide to Wrapping Your Hands
To get the most out of your hand wraps, it’s important to wrap them correctly. Follow these simple steps for a secure and effective wrap:
Step 1: Start with Your Hand Relaxed: Begin by sitting comfortably with your hand relaxed. Unroll the wrap and start with the end of the wrap around your wrist.
Step 2: Wrap the Wrist: Secure the wrap around your wrist a couple of times to provide a solid base. Make sure it’s snug but not too tight. This helps stabilize the wrist and provides support.
Step 3: Wrap the Thumb: Bring the wrap up between your thumb and index finger. This loop will help keep the wrap in place and protect the base of your thumb.
Step 4: Wrap the Knuckles: Move the wrap across the back of your hand, covering your knuckles. Make sure to cover them well, as this is a critical area that needs cushioning. You may want to make several passes to ensure adequate padding.
Step 5: Wrap the Fingers: After covering the knuckles, start wrapping each finger. Begin with your pinky, wrapping the wrap around it a couple of times. Move on to your ring finger, middle finger, and index finger, wrapping each in the same way. This helps to keep your fingers aligned and protected.
Step 6: Wrap Around the Knuckles Again: Go back to wrapping over your knuckles to add extra cushioning and support. Ensure that the wraps over the knuckles are firm but not so tight that they restrict blood flow.
Step 7: Finish Around the Wrist: Finally, secure the wrap by going back around your wrist. Make sure the wrap is snug and secure but not overly tight. You should be able to move your fingers comfortably.
Step 8: Secure the End: Most hand wraps have a Velcro strip at the end. Use this to secure the wrap in place. Make sure it sticks well so the wrap doesn’t come undone during training.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
To ensure you get the best protection, avoid these common mistakes:
Too Loose or Too Tight: One of the biggest mistakes is not getting the wrap tightness just right. If your wraps are too loose, they won’t provide enough support or cushioning, which can leave your hands vulnerable to injury.
On the other hand, if they’re too tight, they can cut off circulation, making your hands feel numb or uncomfortable. Aim for a snug fit that offers support but still allows for comfortable movement. You should be able to move your fingers and make a fist without feeling restricted or overly compressed.
Incomplete Coverage: Another mistake is not covering all the essential areas of your hands and wrists. Make sure your wraps cover your knuckles, wrists, and the spaces between your fingers.
If any of these areas are left exposed, you risk leaving parts of your hands unprotected, which can lead to injuries. Proper coverage is crucial for effective protection and to ensure that every part of your hand gets the support it needs.
Wrong Technique: If you wrap your hands incorrectly, the wraps won’t be as effective in protecting you. Make sure to follow each step carefully. Starting with the wrist, covering the knuckles, threading between the fingers, and finishing securely around the wrist.
Missteps in the wrapping process can result in uneven protection and leave you at risk of injuries. Pay attention to each step and adjust as needed to ensure your wraps are applied correctly and offer the best support.
It might take a few tries to perfect your wrapping technique, so remember, practice makes perfect.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Hand Wraps
Proper care of your hand wraps not only keeps them clean but also extends their lifespan.
Wash Regularly: After each use, make sure to wash your hand wraps. This helps remove sweat, dirt, and bacteria that can accumulate during your workouts. Follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions to avoid damaging the fabric.
Most wraps can be hand-washed in cool water with mild detergent or placed in a mesh laundry bag and washed on a gentle cycle in the machine. Regular cleaning keeps your wraps fresh and ready for your next training session.
Air Dry: After washing, let your hand wraps air dry completely. Hang them up in a well-ventilated area or lay them flat on a clean towel.
Avoid using a dryer, as the heat can weaken the fabric and cause it to lose its elasticity. Air drying helps maintain the wrap’s shape and ensures it remains effective for protecting your hands.
Inspect for Wear: Take a moment to regularly inspect your hand wraps for any signs of wear and tear. Look for fraying, holes, or any areas where the fabric might be coming apart.
If you notice any damage, it’s time to replace the wraps. Worn-out wraps might not provide the proper support and protection, which could lead to injuries.
Conclusion
Now that you know why hand wraps are so important, you can see how they help protect your hands and wrists during training. While they won't make you completely injury-proof, they do a great job of reducing the risk of getting hurt.
So, make sure to always put on your hand wraps before you put on your gloves. Trust me, your hands will thank you!
If you need more help or have questions, our team is here and happy to assist.