Hand wraps: which length and which type?
Adults: 4.5 metres semi-elastic. Children and small hands: 2.5 metres. Cotton sits the firmest, elastic wraps the easiest.
For adults, 4.5 metre hand wraps are the standard: long enough for wrist, knuckles, fingers and thumb. 2.5 metre wraps are for children and very small hands. Semi-elastic wraps are the easiest to wrap and the best choice for most athletes; stiff cotton wraps sit the most firmly but take more practice.
Length: 2.5 or 4.5 metres?
Hand wraps are sold in roughly two lengths: about 2.5 metres and about 4.5 metres, sometimes also 3.5 or 5 metres. The length determines how many turns you can make. With 4.5 metres you do the full wrapping routine (three times wrist, three times knuckles, between the fingers, thumb, finish off) with room to spare for extra protection on the knuckles.
With 2.5 metres you only manage that with small hands or if you skip the finger turns. For children up to about twelve, 2.5 metres is fine. Adults, even with small hands, are better off with 4.5 metres; whatever is left over, you simply wrap around the wrist as extra. Wraps that are too long are no problem, wraps that are too short are.
Semi-elastic: the all-rounder
Semi-elastic hand wraps (often called Mexican style) contain a little stretch. As a result they follow the shape of your hand, sit without folds and can be wrapped reasonably tight without cutting off circulation. For beginners and for most advanced athletes they are the best choice.
Watch the amount of stretch. A wrap with too much stretch gets looser during training and offers less wrist support. Good brands such as Booster, Twins Special and King Pro Boxing keep it to a light stretch that combines firmness with ease. In our shop every wrap states whether it is elastic or cotton, and which lengths it is available in.
Cotton: stiff and firm
Cotton hand wraps have no stretch. They sit like a firm bandage and give the most wrist support, especially for hard punches on a heavy bag. The downside: they are harder to wrap without folds and quickly end up too tight or too loose. You really have to learn how to lay them.
Cotton is popular with athletes who generate a lot of power and for whom elastic wraps come loose too quickly. Some people with a sensitive wrist also deliberately choose cotton. Cotton wraps sometimes shrink slightly in the first wash, so bear that in mind with the length. If you are just starting out, begin with semi-elastic and try cotton later to feel which you prefer.
Inner gloves and gel wraps
Besides classic hand wraps there are inner gloves: fabric fingerless gloves with a gel cushion on the knuckles and a short wrist strap. They are on in a few seconds and protect the knuckles well. Wrist support is limited, so for hard bag work and sparring they are less suitable.
A middle ground is the gel wrap: an inner glove with gel on the knuckles plus a long elastic strap that you wrap around the wrist. You get the convenience of a glove with reasonable wrist support. For pad work and technique an excellent choice, especially if you never get the hang of classic wrapping. For sparring the full hand wrap remains the standard.
Competition wraps and tape
At competitions hands are often wrapped with gauze and tape by a coach or cutman. That is a craft in itself and not something you do for training. For amateur competitions, federations usually prescribe regular hand wraps, sometimes with a maximum length or a compulsory colour. Check the rules of the organisation before you enter a competition.
For training you can also use tape to secure a loose wrap at the wrist or to give a sensitive knuckle some extra protection. It is not a replacement for hand wraps, but an addition. Use sports tape and not household tape; that leaves glue inside your glove.
How many pairs and how to wash them
Buy at least two pairs, so you always have a dry pair. Hand wraps absorb all the sweat and wrapping with a wet pair is unpleasant and unhygienic. If you train three times a week or more, three or four pairs are handy.
Wash hand wraps in a laundry bag at 30 or 40 degrees and hang them to dry. Not in the tumble dryer: elastic wraps lose their stretch and cotton shrinks. Roll them up straight after drying with the velcro on the outside, then they are ready to wrap at the next session. Replace a wrap that frays or whose velcro no longer sticks; it is a small expense for an important piece of protection.
| Type | Length | Wrist support | Ease | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-elastic | 4.5 m | Good | Easy | Almost everyone |
| Semi-elastic short | 2.5 m | Fair | Easy | Children, small hands |
| Cotton | 4.5 m | Very good | Harder | Hard hitters, sensitive wrist |
| Inner glove gel | - | Limited | Very easy | Pads, technique |
| Gel wrap with wrist strap | - | Fair | Easy | Pads, light bag |
Ordering from anywhere in the EU
PadsByBilly ships from the Netherlands to every EU country: Belgium €7.95, Germany €9.95, other EU countries €14.95, free from €75. No customs or import fees inside the EU; prices include VAT. Delivery usually takes 2–5 working days and you have a 14-day right of withdrawal.
Running a gym or fight school and need hand wraps for the whole team? From €500 order value we make a custom quote with a bigger discount.
Frequently asked questions
Which length hand wraps for an adult?
4.5 metres. That lets you do the full wrapping routine with enough turns around wrist and knuckles.
Are elastic hand wraps worse than cotton?
No, they are easier to wrap and better for most athletes. Cotton gives slightly more wrist support but takes more practice.
Can I use inner gloves for sparring?
Better not. The wrist support is too limited. For sparring and hard bag work use a full hand wrap.
How often should I wash hand wraps?
After every session, or at least before you use them again. Alternate between at least two pairs.
Can hand wraps go in the tumble dryer?
No. Elastic loses its stretch and cotton shrinks. Line dry and roll them up straight afterwards.
