How to Put On Boxing Gloves

You can bruise or even break your hands if you don't protect them properly for boxing. That starts with covering your hands with long strips of cloth called hand wraps, then digging them into the gloves.

Things You'll Need

• Boxing Gloves
• Boxing Hand Wraps

Instructions

1. Strap the hook of the hand wrap around your thumb, then wrap the cloth around your wrist three or four times.

2. Wrap the cloth next around your knuckles four or five times (excluding the thumb). Keep your fingers spread apart to allow for flexibility when making a fist.

3. Continue the wrap around the base of your thumb, keeping your thumb spread from the rest of your hand, then take the wrap up to the outside of your hand, adjacent to your pinkie. Wrap the cloth across the back of your hand.

4. Wrap the cloth across your palm and around the inside of your hand, between the thumb and index finger. Then take the cloth back to the outside of the hand (the pinkie side).

5. Make an X pattern over the hand by crisscrossing between the inside and outside portions of your hand, then wrap the excess around your wrist.

6. Tie off the end of the cloth at your wrist. Most wraps have fabric fastener straps that can be secured at the wrist for a snugger feel.

7. Place your wrapped hands into the gloves so that each hand feels comfortable and secure.

8. Fasten the fabric fastener straps on the gloves for a solid fit. Tie laces on each glove, if applicable.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid wrapping the hand wrap too tightly or loosely. The wrapping should be secure, but not to the point where making a fist is difficult. Likewise, try not to put the gloves on so tightly that they cut your blood circulation or so loosely that they slip off.

• For a more secure and protective fit, try wrapping the cloth in between each finger. See Related Sites for details.

• Sparring gloves (also called competitive gloves) are different from gloves used to punch a bag. Sparring gloves are designed to protect the hands from contact with an opponent, whereas bag gloves offer just enough protection against the force of hitting a heavy bag.

• Bag gloves come in various styles, weights and qualities. A good size for a bag glove is 12 oz. A good sparring glove is padded with multilayered foam and weighs around 14 oz.

• If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.