Can You Reuse Boxing Wraps

Can You Reuse Boxing Wraps?

Boxing wraps are just one of many accessories you’ll need to research and invest in if you want to be a successful boxer.

Can You Reuse Boxing Wraps

However, because boxing wraps come in many different styles and materials, each with their own set of maintenance guidelines, new boxers often have questions concerning this piece of gear.

One of the most commonly asked questions surrounding boxing wraps is whether or not they can be reused – and if so, how many times?

In today’s article, we’re going to be answering the question ‘can you reuse boxing wraps?’ and providing you with all the additional information you need on this subject.

What Are Boxing Wraps?

What are Boxing Wraps

Let’s start with the basics. Before we get into the various types of boxing wraps available on the sportswear market, it’s worth explaining exactly what boxing wraps are and how they work.

Boxing wraps, also simply known as hand wraps, are essentially strips of material (the fabric itself varies depending on the type of wrap) that are designed to be wrapped around the wearer’s hand for protection and support.

Hand injuries are, predictably, very common in boxing, and boxing wraps help to protect bones and joints against damaging impact by providing extra support and padding.

What are the Different Types of Boxing Wraps?

In theory, boxing wraps are a fairly simple element of boxing gear. However, matters are complicated slightly by the fact that there are actually several different types of boxing wraps.

Boxing wraps can generally be split into four main types: Mexican wraps, cotton wraps, gauze wraps, and gel wraps.

Some of these wraps are reusable, while others are not. In this section, we’ll be outlining the features and benefits of each type of wrap. To see which ones can be reused, be sure to check out the next section.

Mexican Wraps

Mexican boxing wraps are made out of elasticated material. The elasticity of these wraps allows them to be wound tightly around the hand, providing even more support and contouring the shape of the hand exactly.

Cotton Wraps

Cotton boxing wraps are the traditional option. They are budget-friendly and skin-safe thanks to the cotton material and usually feature a hook or loop for the thumb. Most cotton wraps also have a velcro strip at one end of the material to act as a closure.

Gauze Wraps

Some boxers choose to wrap their hands with a simple combination of gauze and tape. Gauze is quite inexpensive and is easy to wrap around the hand before securing quickly with a piece of tape.

Gel Wraps

Gel boxing wraps are the more expensive, high-end option, but they’re also the most effective when it comes to protecting your hands. These wraps feature gel padding across the knuckles for superior cushioning and shock absorption. Gel wraps are actually less like wraps and more like gloves because they can be pulled on and off.

Which Boxing Wraps Are Reusable?

Which Boxing Wraps are Reusable

Based on the information provided above, you might already know which type of boxing wrap you’d prefer to use. However, if reusability is a key factor in your decision-making, you’ll need to know which of the above wrap styles can be worn more than once.

The good news is that the majority of boxing wraps are reusable. Cotton wraps and Mexican wraps can both be reused multiple times, assuming that they are kept clean and undamaged.

Gel wraps are probably the easiest to reuse, mainly because you don’t even have to re-wrap them every time. They slip on just like gloves, so all you need to do between uses is wash them.

Unfortunately, although gauze wraps might be the easiest and most cost-effective option for some boxers (in the sense that you probably already have gauze and tape in your first aid box), this type of wrap cannot be reused.

Even reusing the gauze and replacing the tape isn’t really an option since gauze loses its shape easily and can’t usually be washed without fraying.

Therefore, if you choose this option, you’ll need a large, consistent supply of gauze and tape to make fresh hand wraps for every session.

How Many Times Can I Reuse My Boxing Wraps?

The exact number of times you can reuse your boxing wraps (assuming you’re not using gauze wraps) depends on the quality of the material. Of course, this varies between manufacturers, so it’s difficult to put a precise number on the reusability of boxing wraps.

With that being said, most reusable boxing wraps need to be replaced every 4 to 5 months on average. This is because the material will eventually start to show wear and tear through repeated use and washing, and this will make the wraps less effective at protecting your hands.

How Do You Wash Reusable Boxing Wraps?

How Do You Wash Reusable Boxing Wraps

Again, the washing process for reusable boxing wraps will be different depending on the type of material your wraps are made from and the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

When in doubt, it’s always best to stick to the guidelines set out by the manufacturer since these will be tailored to the material used in the construction. You should be able to find this information directly through the company website or third-party retailer.

Most manufacturers recommend hand washing your wraps with warm water and a modest amount of laundry detergent. You can leave them to soak in the water for a couple of hours before hanging them up to air-dry.

If the manufacturer has stated that their wraps are safe for machine washing, you can also go this route. However, you should make sure that you wash the wraps on a gentle setting. Never tumble-dry your wraps as this may cause them to lose their shape or shrink.

Final Thoughts

Hand wraps for boxing come in 4 types: cotton wraps, Mexican wraps, gel wraps, and gauze wraps. All boxing wraps except for gauze wraps can be reused.

Remember to wash your cotton, gel, or Mexican wraps by hand or on a gentle machine setting between uses before letting them dry naturally. Also, don’t forget to replace your wraps at least every 5 months.

Max

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