Boxing Hand Wraps and Inner Gloves for Training and Sparring
Boxing hand wraps are an essential part of your equipment for boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai and MMA. They are worn underneath your gloves to support the wrists, metacarpals and knuckles. At the same time, they absorb some of the moisture produced during training and help protect the inner lining of your gloves.
At Vikingstore, you will find boxing hand wraps and inner gloves in different lengths, materials and designs. Our range includes classic semi-elastic hand wraps, padded inner gloves, gel models, knuckle guards and practical fast wraps from brands such as Leone1947, Phantom, Fairtex, Benlee, 8 Weapons and Ringhorns.
Why Are Boxing Hand Wraps Important?
Even high-quality boxing gloves cannot stabilise your hands on their own. Punching puts considerable force on the knuckles, metacarpals, thumbs and wrists. Properly wrapped hand wraps help support these areas and distribute the impact more evenly.
Boxing hand wraps serve several purposes:
- They support and stabilise the wrist.
- They help keep the finger and metacarpal bones compact.
- They provide an additional layer of protection over the knuckles.
- They reduce movement of the hand inside the boxing glove.
- They absorb sweat and help protect the inner lining of the gloves.
- They can improve comfort and fit.
Hand wraps cannot completely prevent injuries. Proper punching technique, suitable gloves and a controlled training programme remain just as important.
What Length Should Boxing Hand Wraps Be?
The right length depends on your hand size, preferred wrapping technique and intended use.
- 2.5 metres: Suitable for children, smaller hands, short wrapping techniques or light fitness boxing.
- 3 to 3.5 metres: Suitable for smaller hands and a compact wrap.
- 4 to 4.5 metres: A versatile standard length for most adults.
- 5 metres: Provides additional material for larger hands or extra padding around the knuckles and wrist.
For regular boxing training, 4 to 4.5 metres is the best starting point for many adults. If you have large hands, prefer a more extensive wrapping technique or want additional wrist support, 5-metre wraps may be the better choice.
However, wraps that are too long or bulky can make your boxing gloves feel too tight. Your fingers should never tingle, become numb or change colour.
Elastic, Semi-Elastic or Non-Elastic Hand Wraps?
Semi-elastic boxing hand wraps combine flexibility with a stable fit. They adapt well to the shape of the hand and are suitable for many different types of training. This makes them particularly popular among boxers, kickboxers and Muay Thai athletes.
Non-elastic cotton wraps offer very little stretch and allow for a controlled wrap. They must be applied carefully to prevent them from slipping or sitting too loosely.
Highly elastic wraps fit closely around the hand but may restrict circulation if wrapped too tightly. Regardless of the material, hand wraps should always feel secure without cutting into the hand.
Traditional Hand Wraps or Inner Gloves?
Traditional boxing hand wraps offer the greatest flexibility when it comes to wrapping technique. You can decide how much support you want around the knuckles, back of the hand, thumb and wrist. For regular and intensive training, they are usually the best choice.
Inner gloves are much quicker to put on. Depending on the model, they may feature gel or foam padding over the knuckles as well as an additional wrap around the wrist. They are a practical option for fitness boxing, short training sessions or athletes looking for a simple solution.
However, basic inner gloves do not always provide the same individually adjustable support as properly applied long hand wraps. Traditional wraps are often the better choice for intensive boxing training and sparring.
Gel Inner Gloves and Knuckle Guards
Gel inner gloves feature additional padding around the knuckles. They can improve comfort and are quick and easy to wear underneath your gloves.
Separate knuckle guards are usually combined with traditional hand wraps. They provide an additional protective layer over the knuckles but require enough space inside the boxing glove.
More padding is not automatically better. If the glove becomes too tight, it may reduce comfort and cause pressure points. Always consider the combination of your hand size, hand wraps and the available space inside the glove.
Fast Wraps and Quick Wraps
Fast wraps combine the convenience of an inner glove with additional wrist support. They are especially practical if you want to prepare your hands quickly or find traditional wrapping difficult.
High-quality fast wraps can be a stable and time-saving option for boxing training, pad work and fitness boxing. For competitions or demanding sparring sessions, however, you should always follow the requirements of your coach, gym or governing body.
How to Wrap Boxing Hand Wraps Correctly
A good wrap should support the hand without restricting circulation. The wrap is normally passed around the wrist, across the back of the hand, over the knuckles and between the fingers. The exact technique may vary depending on the combat sport, length of the wraps and your individual needs.
Keep the following points in mind:
- The wrap should lie flat without large creases.
- The wrist should receive sufficient support.
- The knuckles should be covered evenly.
- The thumb must be able to move naturally.
- You must still be able to close your fist completely.
- The wrap must not restrict blood circulation.
Ask your coach to show you the correct wrapping technique. A wrap that is applied incorrectly or too loosely provides very little support.
Hand Wraps for Boxing, Kickboxing and Muay Thai
In boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai, hand wraps are generally worn underneath training gloves. The ideal length and wrapping technique may differ depending on the discipline and personal preference.
Long hand wraps are particularly useful for intensive heavy-bag training and sparring because they allow for more extensive wrapping around the wrists and knuckles. However, wraps do not replace gloves. Never train on a heavy bag wearing only hand wraps; always use suitable boxing gloves or bag gloves.
Are Hand Wraps Also Worn for MMA?
Hand wraps can and should also be worn underneath MMA gloves. Because MMA, grappling and sparring gloves have a more open design, the wrap must suit the required finger mobility and the specific glove.
MMA competitions often have specific rules regarding tape, gauze and wrapping techniques. Always follow the regulations of the event organiser or governing body and have competition wraps applied by an experienced person.
Hand Wraps Under Lace-Up Boxing Gloves
Hand wraps are also worn underneath lace-up boxing gloves. As lace-up models can be adjusted particularly closely and precisely, the wraps must be applied evenly while leaving enough room for a comfortable fit.
A lace-to-strap converter can make lace-up gloves more practical for everyday training. It does not replace the laces but, depending on the model, can make it easier to put on and remove the gloves without requiring constant help from another person.
How Often Should Boxing Hand Wraps Be Washed?
Boxing hand wraps absorb sweat during training and should therefore be washed regularly. If you train intensively, washing them after every use is recommended.
Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. Close the hook-and-loop fastening before washing and ideally place the wraps inside a laundry bag. This prevents them from becoming tangled or damaging other fabrics. Allow them to air-dry completely afterwards.
Inner gloves with gel or foam padding require product-specific care and are not always machine washable. Having several pairs to rotate is especially useful if you train multiple times per week.
Buy Boxing Hand Wraps and Inner Gloves in Switzerland
Discover boxing hand wraps, gel inner gloves, fast wraps and knuckle guards for boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai and MMA at Vikingstore. Our range includes different lengths, colours and designs for beginners, experienced athletes and competitive fighters.
Order your combat sports equipment conveniently online with delivery throughout Switzerland or visit our stores in Bern or St. Gallen. We will be happy to help you find the right wraps for your hands, gloves and style of training.
