As with most sports, wrestling has its own equipment and clothing that athletes wear during play. Unlike most sports -- with the possible exception of Olympic beach volleyball -- this clothing and equipment is kept to a bare minimum. Wrestlers wear as little as possible to maximize mobility and safety during a match.
Singlet
The standard competition clothing for wrestling is a form-fitting outfit that resembles an old-fashioned men's bathing suit. This outfit is called a singlet, and each team usually has them made with colors that correspond to the official colors for their school. A singlet is made from stretch fabric that molds to the wrestler's body. This helps protect athletes by preventing trapped fingers, which is a common cause of broken digits.
Head Gear
A wrestler's head gear consists of a protective plate over each ear, secured to the head with straps. Head gear exists to protect the wrestlers from cauliflower ear, which is damage to the cartilage of the ear suffered from repeated rubbing and impact. Head gear also provides some protection against concussion by also covering the side of head.
Shoes
Wrestling shoes are as specialized as the shoes for any other sport. They have tall ankles to protect against sprains, and soles textured for the best combination of grip and mobility on the surface of a wrestling mat. Most importantly, they are thin and light -- even the soles have little padding. This helps the wrestler move his feet as fast a possible without the extra weight of a thick pair of shoes.
Undergarments
Wrestling gear is skimpy and form-fitting, meaning nearly all wrestlers wear something under the singlet for the sake of modesty. Men will usually wear undershorts or a jock strap. Women will wear undershorts and either a sports bra or a T-shirt. Some teams issue a pair of tights to wear beneath the singlet and extend down the length of the leg. However, as of 2011, this practice has been out of vogue for at least 15 years -- long enough that it may soon make a comeback.
References
- Andy Brick; Wrestling Coach; Hillsboro, Oregon
- Olympic.org: History of Wrestling Equipment
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