Why You Need Boxing Hand Wraps
If you’re just getting started, this guide will show you how to use boxing hand wraps to protect your hands and train safely.
It might be tempting to throw on gloves and start punching. But before you do, there’s something even more important: hand wraps.
Boxing hand wraps protect the small bones and joints in your hands and wrists. They keep everything aligned and supported, especially during impact. Even with good gloves, your hands can take serious damage if they’re not wrapped correctly.
Without wraps, you’re at greater risk for sprains, fractures, and wrist injuries – even during light training.
For more information about why quality gear is a good investment
Types of Boxing Hand Wraps
There are a couple of main types of hand wraps. The best one for you depends on your training goals and convenience preferences.
1. Traditional Fabric Wraps
These are long strips of fabric (usually 120–180 inches) that you wrap manually around your hands, knuckles, and wrists.
A tip I found is you can’t really go wrong with red, blue or black boxing wraps (although I have seen some cool colours, purple wraps did catch my eye).
- Offers the best support and protection
- Takes time to learn to wrap properly and time to put on
- Easy to wash and reuse
- Most common wraps
Most serious boxers and trainers recommend this type.
2. Quick Wraps (Glove-Style)
These are glove-shaped wraps with padding over the knuckles and a wrist strap. You just slide them on like gloves and tighten.
- Super fast to put on
- Not as customisable or snug as traditional wraps
- Good for beginners or fitness classes
I find that fast wraps normally lack significant wrist reinforcement, however I currently use these wraps and I find they fit really well and provide really good protection.
How to Wrap Your Hands for Boxing
Here’s a simple way to wrap using traditional 180” fabric wraps:
- Start with the thumb loop and anchor the wrap around your wrist.
- Go up around the knuckles 3 times.
- Cross over the back of the hand and wrap between each finger.
- Wrap around the thumb for support.
- Finish with a few more turns around the wrist and secure with Velcro.
Listing how to wrap hands can be quite confusing, click here for a video guide on how to wrap them.
Recommended Hand Wraps for Beginners
Here are a few popular hand wraps on Amazon that are beginner-friendly and affordable:
- EVO Fitness Boxing Wraps – Traditional 180″ Mexican-style wraps
- Fortress Pro T1 Fastwraps – Quick glove-style wraps (Premium)
- RDX Gel Fastwraps – Cheaper wraps, better for fitness training
Make sure to choose wraps that are at least 120 inches long for full support in regular boxing wraps.
How to Care for Hand Wraps
Hand wraps soak up a lot of sweat – and trust me, they can get gross fast if you don’t care for them.
Here’s how to keep them clean and fresh:
- Wash them in a mesh laundry bag to prevent tangling
- Air-dry them – never use a dryer (it ruins the Velcro)
- Use a light spray of antibacterial fabric spray if needed
Aim to wash wraps after every 1–2 training sessions
Conclusion
Whether you’re training casually or aiming to spar, boxing hand wraps are a must-have piece of gear. They protect your hands, improve your glove fit, and help you train safely. Whether you prefer quick wraps or traditional fabric, the key is to use them consistently and care for them properly.
💬 Got questions about wraps or wrapping technique? Drop a comment below or check out my Boxing Gloves Sizing Guide for more gear advice.
