Wrestling Attire & Gear

Wrestling is one of the oldest sports known to man. It is one of the sports played in the earliest Olympic games. Wrestling is an individual sport that involves strength, agility, flexibility and the ability to think well on your feet. Training for the sport often involves weight lifting, running and balance training, in addition to actual technique training.

Compared to the training, Wrestling gear is pretty simple and consists of head gear, a singlet, socks, knee pads and wrestling shoes.

  1. Head Gear

    • Head gear in wrestling is worn to protect the ears. The ears need protection from cauliflower ear. Cauliflower ear occurs when friction against the outer ear causes an accumulation of fluid under the skin. This eventually hardens if not treated right away. It also causes the ear to become disfigured. Many wrestlers choose not to have their cauliflower ear treated because it is thought of as a badge of honor, especially in the European countries.

      Headgear has straps that go across the top of the head leading to two rigid cups that cover the ears. The cups are lined with padding for extra comfort. The straps are adjustable. There are many different types of head gear on the market, each designed with different comfort levels in mind. Some head gear has air holes to allow for better hearing during a wrestling match.

    Singlet

    • A singlet is worn during competitions. It is a one piece spandex uniform. It is worn close to the body so that the other competitor does not break his finger by getting it caught like he could if you were wearing a t-shirt and shorts. It has "tank top " straps and resembles a bicycle suit. They come in many different colors. In freestyle and Greco-Roman competitions a red or blue singlet must be worn. In folkstyle and collegiate any color can be worn. Singlets are made in both men's and women's cuts.

    Knee Pads

    • Knee pads protect the knee from injuries such as mat burn or ligament damage. These injuries can occur in normal moves of wrestling such as single and double legs and penetration step, as well as accidental positions or landings. They are made of soft material that absorbs shock from falls.

    Socks & Mouth Guards

    • There are socks that are made specifically for wrestling. These socks absorb sweat and allow the feet to breathe.

      Mouth guards protect the teeth from accidental falls or when an arm or knee comes in contact with the mouth. Wrestlers who wear braces must wear a mouth guard to protect the other wrestler. For all other wrestlers a mouth guard is optional.

    Wrestling Shoes

    • Many wrestlers feel that their wrestling shoe is the most important piece of attire they own. The shoes help them win matches by allowing them to step into a single leg, and do the steps for a body lock. Wrestling shoes vary greatly in price and in feature. Typically youth wrestlers start out with a very simple wrestling shoe. These shoes offer very little in style and comfort. As the wrestler increases in ability so do their wrestling shoes.

      The shoes' grip helps by preventing slips while on the mat. Other available features of shoes include climate control, shoe lace covers or rounded bottoms which make it easier to take shots.