Boxing Clothes To Wear To Your First Boxing/Kickboxing Class
When choosing what to wear for your first boxing class (or at-home boxing training session with FightCamp), remember that comfort and functionality are key! Boxing is a high-impact, high-intensity sport where you burn a ton of calories, and yes, SWEAT! It’s important, especially for women to keep this in mind when choosing workout attire.
Tips For Choosing What to Wear (For Women):
- Wear tight-fitting athletic clothing that’s not baggy
- Choose moisture-wicking material that will absorb sweat
- If you're training in public you may want to select darker color clothes as light colors will likely show perspiration and stains
Boxing Clothes You Need:
Sports Bra
You are going to be bouncing around and cracking punches, so make sure you opt for a sports bra that is supportive (medium or high-impact), doesn’t slip around, and has sweat-wicking capabilities.
Compression Leggings
When choosing leggings to box in, look for compression, moisture-wicking material, and make sure they stay in place! The last thing you want to do in the middle of throwing a boxing combo is having to quit and take your gloves off to adjust your pants. Also, make sure they are squat-proof and not see-through! Do a few jump squats and lunges to see how well they stay put. I prefer to box in high-waisted leggings for this reason. If you prefer to wear shorts, go for it, and follow these same guidelines when making a selection.
Top: Athletic Tank, T-Shirt, or Crop Top
Avoid choosing a top that is oversized or baggy. Baggy clothes can catch or get in the way of your striking and tend to be a nuisance while training. Opt for a tight-fitted athletic tank or tee made from sweat-wicking, breathable material, or a tighter crop top. Or skip the top all together and just rock a sports bra! That’s usually my choice for both kickboxing and boxing. There is one less thing to worry about putting through the wash.
Shoes
If you wish to invest in a pair of boxing shoes, opt for a pair with a smooth bottom, low heel, and solid ankle support. However, cross trainers are a great alternative to boxing shoes, and you can get more use out of them since they are not limited to just boxing. I do not recommend wearing running shoes or sneakers when boxing because they often have thick soles that are not ideal for boxing movements like pivoting or moving laterally. Another option is to box barefoot! I am a huge advocate for barefoot training. This is especially great if you are training in a matted area. Kickboxing is usually done barefoot, but if you are on a floor that is not optimal for bare feet, then I recommend you wear cross trainers. You shouldn’t kickbox in boxing shoes since they don’t allow as much ankle flexion.
The last thing you want to worry about when you’re working out or learning a new skill is what to wear, so remember these tips when you’re getting ready for your workout. Spend less time worrying and more time focusing on what matters most: getting those combos down and smashing your workout!
Ready for your first boxing class but need some training outfits? Check out the FightCamp Apparel Store for all of your workout clothing needs. We are here to help you break a sweat and look stylish while training!
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The Author: Shanie "Smash" Rusth is an undefeated professional mixed martial artist, FightCamp Trainer, and mother of two. She began training MMA in 2011 as a way to get in shape, learn a new skill, channel aggression, and feel empowered after becoming a young single mom. Outside of practicing martial arts and being a trainer, Shanie loves spending time in the gym and being active in the sunshine with her kids by going to the beach, running in the soft sand, and riding skateboards. Shanie is also USA Boxing Coach certified.