Boxing is a popular combat sport in which athletes use only their fists while wearing gloves. In addition to the distinctive boxing gloves, protective gear, and boxing trunks are essential boxing equipment. Keep reading for a complete list of boxing gear, equipment, and accessories.

Boxing is a unique combat sport in which two combatants will trade punches for a determined amount of time or until one of them forfeits. In its early days, boxers fought “bare-knuckle” with no gloves or other protective gear. They would draw a circle on the ground and simply continue fighting until one contestant forfeited or could not continue. Boxing today is a more refined version of its historical predecessor, in part thanks to some changes to the combat arena, protective gear, and the development of new training equipment.

Boxing clothing should be comfortable, breathable, and not restrictive of the movement of boxers in the ring. Anyone who's seen a boxing match will tell you there aren’t many pieces of clothing involved in the sport, so this portion of our list will be short and sweet. The main pieces of boxing clothing are shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops.

Fight trunks are used by boxers mainly in boxing matches. In addition to being a piece of equipment necessary to box, trunks are also a fashion statement. Boxers try to make their personalities known by having words, symbols, or patterns embroidered onto their shorts and using specific colors that say something about them. For example, boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, who is known for his wealth, fancy cars, and glitzy jewelry, used to wear trunks with gold tassels and embroidery.

Boxers also have the logos of their sponsors patched to their trunks. For some of the most famous fights of his career, Mayweather had Swiss watch company Hublot embroidered on his trunk's waistband.

It is pretty common to see boxers wearing robes before their match begins. Boxers will prepare for a fight in a separate room within the venue while they wait for their turn to compete. A robe can keep the boxers warm between the warm-up space and the ring. Boxers don't always wear robes; they sometimes choose to wear simple shirts, hoodies, or even elaborate costumes in an important fight. Traditional, satin-made ring robes cost around $60 if made by an established boxing equipment company.

Boxing shorts or trunks are used by boxers both in practice and during matches. While regular athletic shorts can be worn during practice, most boxers choose to wear boxing shorts made by boxing equipment manufacturers. The trunks are usually made of satin with a cooling polyester base.

In addition, many trunks have a velcro strap to keep them secure during action. It comes down to the boxer's preference when choosing how long the shorts are, as different models have different lengths. Boxing shorts cost between $20 and $40.

While boxers fight shirtless in official boxing matches, some choose to wear a shirt or a tank top when doing drills or when sparring in practice. There are really no rules on this matter, so boxers can and should wear whatever they feel the most comfortable in during practice. Many boxing equipment manufacturers sell shirts with their own logos and boxing-related phrases. Boxing tank tops are relatively inexpensive, costing around $20 on average.

Fight gear helps keep boxers safe and improves their performance during boxing matches. The gear used during a fight is similar to sparring gear but provides less protection. The following is a full list of fight gear:

Gloves are a crucial part of boxing, so it is very important to choose the right size and model, as they will be worn in every practice and in every match. Boxing glove sizes are measured in weight, so boxers have to choose between 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, or 20-ounce gloves. Your choice of glove weight will vary, depending on your skill level and body weight, as dictated by the organization you are boxing within. While heavier gloves will offer more padding, they will also make punches slower. Your gloves must make you feel comfortable above all. Boxing glove prices vary a lot, ranging from $30 to upwards of $100 for a pair.

Mouthguards are essential protective equipment in boxing. A mouthguard is mandatory in boxing, and spitting it out on purpose during a match can result in the loss of points. Mouthguards are made of rubbery material; they have to be comfortable, and the boxer must feel safe when using them. Mouthguards vary in price depending on the material, size, and brand, and whether they are double or single protection, but you shouldn't find it hard to buy a really good mouthguard for $20 or less.

Footwork is a major part of boxing, so having the right boxing shoes is crucial for a boxer to perform at their best. No matter what level you are boxing at, you need proper boxing shoes. The right pair of shoes in boxing will provide you with ankle support while also being light enough that they don't compromise your agility. There are many options for boxing shoes to choose from. You can find a pair for as low as $50, or you can choose to spend a little more for pairs around $150.

Underneath their boxing gloves, boxers have their hands wrapped tightly around the wrist, palm, and thumb, making it safer to punch and thus allowing for more power when doing so. To wrap their hands, boxers either use gauze and tape or boxing wraps. Wrapping always comes down to boxer preference; each boxer has their own way of wrapping their hands, either with cloth wraps or using tape and gauze.

Neither cloth wraps nor gauze and tape are expensive; wraps go for $20 or less, and gauze and tape are standard products found in drug stores at a low price. Make sure you know how to wrap your hands for minimal damage and maximum power.

In training, boxers work to hone their precision and find a rhythm while increasing speed, strength, and stamina. A number of different pieces of equipment have been developed and used for decades to help with these skills, as well as other fundamentals like form and footwork. The following is a list of common training equipment that you can expect to see in almost any boxing gym:

A bell or timer can be quite useful in a boxing gym, not only during sparring but also during drills. Having something measuring the time (timer) and something to signal after a period of time is reached (bell) allows trainers and athletes to do interval training. Boxing timers can be analogs, timers that mechanically countdown time; digital standalones, which can be hung on the wall and programmed; or even a small wearable device that athletes or coaches can carry on their wrists. While a standalone with many functions can cost hundreds of dollars, small wearables go for as low as $20.

A double end bag helps boxers improve their rhythm, accuracy, and timing. The equipment consists of a small punching bag that hangs at the boxer's height and is attached to both floor and ceiling by elastic cords. That way, the bag moves around as the boxer punches it. Double end bags vary in shape, material, and size. The prices can go from $40 to $90.

A heavy bag is the traditional punching bag for boxing. It hangs from the ceiling and is long, wide, and heavy so that boxers can practice their sequence of powerful punches. By punching the heavy bag, boxers not only practice the power of their punches but also get great aerobic exercise and increase muscle mass. Heavy bags are used in most martial arts, so there are plenty of options to choose from. Heavy bags usually go for $100 to $200.

Jumping rope is a huge part of boxing training; most boxers do it on a daily basis in their practice sessions. Jumping rope helps improve key physical skills for the sport, such as footwork, quickness, speed, and endurance. It is recommended that boxers have their own jump ropes, best fitted to their size and preferences. Boxing jump ropes are made of light and flexible materials such as PVC plastic, which allow for power and speed when jumping. Ropes go for around $20 or less.

In boxing, pads are a type of glove used by coaches. Coaches wear pads, and boxers have to punch the pads. Training with pads provides a more real situation than just using punching bags. During training, besides punching the coach's padded hands, boxers will also have to dodge to avoid being hit by the coach, simulating a match. The pads are usually made of leather or synthetic material and, as the name indicates, have a lot of padding. A pair of pads go for around $20 to $50.

No, boxers do not skydive during their training. The parachutes used in boxing are instead attached to the boxer's waist and offer resistance when the boxer runs. That way, the boxer builds strength and endurance, which come in handy inside the ring. This training is used by athletes of many other sports as well. A resistance parachute is not as expensive as you might think; most options go for $30 or less.

A speed bag is one of the most traditional pieces of equipment when it comes to boxing training. It is a small, relatively light punching bag that hangs at the height of the boxer's face. The bag is attached to a wooden platform by a small anchor, which is attached to the wall. Since it is very light, the bag moves around fast when the boxer punches it. The movement is limited by the short anchor. Using the speed bag improves the boxer's hand-eye coordination, punching speed, and hand position, as well as their defensive posture. Speed bags are sold for around $30.

Speed ladders are a piece of equipment used to condition athletes in many different sports, with each sport having its own specific drills. It is no different with boxing, where footwork is really important. Speed ladders improve coordination, quickness, and agility. There are many boxing-specific drills that can be done with a speed ladder. It is not hard to find a speed ladder; there are many options with prices ranging from $20 to $40.

Sparring is a unique time in a boxer’s training. Boxers live by the old saying, “practice makes perfect,” and sparring is, in essence, a practice fight. Like any athlete, boxers don’t want to be injured during practice, so they use extra protective equipment when sparring. Here is a list of equipment that boxers use while sparring:

16 Oz gloves are the best and most common size used in sparring. They are a little heavier than gloves used in real boxing matches. Since the goal in sparring is not to hurt your partner, extra padding is needed. When switching to lighter gloves for a real match, a boxer’s punches will feel quicker and more powerful in comparison. If you plan to do some sparring, 16 Oz gloves are a must-have. These look just like any other pair of boxing gloves and are made from the same material. A good pair of gloves costs between $30 and $80.

A body protector is a padded vest used by the boxer's partner during sparring or during a drill. It covers the stomach area, the low chest area, and the sides of the upper body, the main target points in the body during a match. By training with someone wearing a body protector, the boxer is able to practice and improve body shots while not hurting their partner. The equipment has soft padding and a lot of it. Body protectors are relatively expensive, and you can expect to pay more than $100 for one.

A groin protector, or groin guard, is a padded piece of equipment that protects the groin area of boxers, coaches, or sparring partners. This equipment typically includes a jockstrap and a cup. While the groin area cannot be legally hit in a boxing match, accidents do happen, so protecting an area as sensitive as the groin is important when sparring. A good groin guard costs around $20.

Hand wraps are very necessary during sparring or training that involves punching. They prevent hand and wrist injuries. While boxers may choose to use gauze and tape to wrap their hands in matches, it would require a lot of it to do so at every practice, so buying cloth wraps may be the cheapest and most efficient way to wrap your hands for training. There are many options to choose from when buying wraps, most of them costing less than $15.

A head protector is a padded helmet that protects the head of whoever wears it during sparring. The head is the main punching area in boxing, so it is important to have something to minimize the impact in that area when sparring. Most head protectors will cover the forehead, temples, ears, sides, and back of the head, leaving the face open for visibility and breathability. Some head protectors will feature a cage to protect the face as well. Costs for a head protector can vary, ranging from as low as $20 to upwards of $100.

Boxing has some unique accessories used in the sport. Though the standard boxing outfit doesn’t change much, a boxer will stylize colors and outfits to reflect things they enjoy or statements they want to make. For example, a boxer from Mexico may wear an outfit with the colors of the Mexican flag. In much more extreme examples, some professional boxers have been known to wear spartan helmets, executioner masks, and even lion’s heads for their walkout.

Surprisingly, grease or petroleum jelly can make a big difference in a boxing match. Jelly, grease, or ointment are applied on the boxer's face before the boxing match begins and in between rounds as well. The jelly or grease makes the boxer's skin very slippery, and thus the impact of punches is minimized. In a match, the cutman will be responsible for spreading the substance when needed. It is quite easy and cheap to purchase either grease or petroleum jelly for as little as $2 a container.

A tassel is another piece of equipment added by boxers to let their personalities out during a fight while also making their gear fashionable. Colorful tassels are attached to the boxing shoes, and as the boxer moves during the fight, the tassels jump up and down. The idea of adding tassels to boxing shoes came from Muhammad Ali, who, 24 hours before a fight, told the company that made his shoes that he wanted "something extra and special" for the next day's match.

Important basic equipment includes boxing gloves, hand wraps or gauze, a mouth guard, headgear, boxing shoes, and clothes you’re comfortable boxing in. If you’re new to boxing and looking to get in the ring, you won’t need all possible equipment right off the bat. Most boxing gyms have training equipment available for their members. By training at one of these gyms, you can get into the sport at a lower cost.

Major brands that sell quality boxing equipment include Cleto Reyes Boxing, Everlast, Hayabusa, Winning Boxing, and Title Boxing Club. These companies are all industry leaders and will sell a good majority of the basic equipment you’ll need to get in the ring. The best brands that make boxing equipment vary depending on the type of equipment you’re looking for.

The easiest way to get started in boxing is to join a boxing gym or martial arts studio. Most boxing gyms are accessible for both beginners and experienced boxers. Joining a gym gives you coaches to teach proper techniques and training partners to spar with. Boxing gyms can also provide extra equipment to help you train that may not have been affordable on your own. The prices for joining a boxing gym can vary depending on your location and the size of the gym, although they typically charge a monthly fee between $50 and $120.