Boxing hand wraps – why and how to tie them

If you train striking martial arts, boxing hand wraps are an essential item for your gym bag. Find out how hand wraps work, how to put them on, and what to look for when choosing the right pair.

• Boxing hand wraps, also known simply as wraps or wrist wraps, serve one primary purpose: protecting your hands from injury.

• Hand wraps are a foundational piece of gear for every fighter, but they are not an alternative to boxing gloves. Only using them together creates an effective protective barrier for your fingers and wrists.

• You will find several types of boxing hand wraps on the market, differing not only in design, but also in material, length, and construction. In this article, we cover their pros and cons.

What are boxing hand wraps used for?

Hand wraps 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 a sprained thumb. Wraps have another essential purpose: they protect the inside of your gloves from sweat. Boxing hand wraps are easy to keep clean simply by washing them after every workout.

Which hand wraps to choose?

Boxing hand wraps are made of cotton, polyester, or a blend of materials. Cotton wraps provide great hand stabilization and are durable, but they require practice to tie—if wrapped improperly, they can easily come loose. Elastic polyester wraps are easy to put on and adjust to your hand, but if you wrap them too tightly, you risk restricting blood circulation. Wraps made from a polyester and nylon blend combine the best features of both materials: they are exceptionally durable, optimally elastic, resistant to stretching, and fit the shape of your hand perfectly.

The length of the wraps also matters. If they are too short, you won't be able to tie them properly. If they are too long, you'll also struggle to wrap them neatly. It is best to choose a 4-meter length, which is considered relatively universal.

How to put on boxing hand wraps?

For beginners, tying boxing hand wraps can seem a bit complicated, but don't worry—practice makes perfect. You can learn it on your own, for instance by watching instructional videos, or ask your coach for a quick lesson.

Try a few different methods and choose the one that suits you best. Even if you struggle with wrapping your hands at first, don't get discouraged, just keep practicing. Whatever you do, don't skip using wraps; your fingers and wrists will thank you for it.

Classic wraps vs. gel boxing wraps

Gel wraps serve the exact same purpose as traditional wraps, but they differ in design and how you put them on. They resemble fingerless gloves and feature a gel padding that protects your knuckles and absorbs impact. If you prefer gel wraps, choose a model with an attached wrist strap—this ensures proper wrist stabilization. Remember, gel wraps are an alternative to traditional hand wraps, not to boxing gloves.