Hand Wraps

Length, material and why it matters

The hand has 27 bones, most of them small, and punching loads them in a way nothing else in daily life does. A hand wrap holds those bones together as a unit and braces the wrist against the rotation that causes most punching injuries. Gloves pad the impact; they do essentially nothing for wrist stability. Wrapping is the part that keeps you training.

Length is the first decision. 180 inches suits most adult hands and gives enough material for several passes around the wrist, the knuckles and between the fingers. 120 inches is a children's and small-hands length. If you have large hands or you like a lot of wrist support, 180 is the minimum and some prefer longer.

Semi-elastic wraps — usually a cotton and elastane blend — are the common choice for training because they conform to the hand and stay put through a session. Pure cotton wraps do not stretch, which gives a firmer, more precise wrap but demands more care in application. Traditional Mexican-style wraps sit between the two. For most people training several times a week, semi-elastic is the practical answer.

How you wrap matters more than what you buy. Anchor at the wrist, build several supporting turns there before you go anywhere near the knuckles, pass between each finger to separate the knuckles, and finish back at the wrist. The wrap should feel firm with a closed fist and not restrict blood flow with an open hand. Wash them regularly — they absorb everything, and unwashed wraps are the usual reason a gym bag smells.