Hand wraps are elongated strips of cloth, used by a boxer to encase his hands before putting on the gloves. Wrapping is a protective measure, utilized to prevent breaks and injury to a fighter's hands during training and competition. Many styles of hand wraps are each one designed to fit a boxer's personal sense of comfort and utility.
Mexican
Mexican-style hand wraps are traditionally longer than most other types and certain brands can extend to 180 inches. The lengthy design allows a boxer to heavily encase his wrist and part of the forearm for added protection. Mexican-style wraps also have and elastic property that pulls together snugly as each hand is wrapped. This causes the material to seal in a way that minimizes space between the fabric, creating a solid, cast-like configuration. When worn, the Mexican wrap feels solid, like an extension of your hand. For this reason, many fighters prefer this type over most others.
Classic
Classic-style wraps are typically a boxing enthusiast's first set. They are often much shorter, but can be as long, as Mexican wraps. The material, however, does not stretch, and the fabric can often shift and "bunch" inside the glove. Classic wraps can be hung up to dry after training and worn repeatedly before washing, with no loss in fabric consistency. However, the shorter design leaves little leeway for wrapping the lower forearm.
Junior
Junior wraps are specifically designed for smaller hands. They are made in Mexican and Classic style, but typically run 10 feet or less in length. This prevents the finished wrap from being too bulky, making it difficult to put on smaller gloves.
Glove Wrap
Glove wraps are a newer style that many use for their comfortable feel and ease of use. These consist of a glove, made of rubber-like material, with a pad of shock-resistant gel sown into knuckle portion of the wrap. Glove wraps are easy to slip on, allowing you to "get into the action" more quickly. The gel also conforms to the contours of your fingers, preserving the knuckles in comfort.
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