Beginner boxing equipment: the complete list
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The list in 30 seconds: to start boxing at home or at a club you need four essentials — boxing gloves in 12 to 14 oz, 4 m hand wraps, a punching bag, and protective gear if you plan to spar.
You want to start boxing but you are not sure where to begin with equipment. This guide gives you exactly what you need according to your goal and your situation — home, flat or club.
Not sure which discipline yet? Our guide on boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing or MMA: which discipline to choose helps you decide before investing in kit.
The 4 essential items to get started
What to buy first, and in what order
| Stage | What it includes | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Start | PU gloves 12 oz, 4 m wraps, skipping rope | Cardio boxing and fitness at home |
| Standard ★ | 14 oz gloves, wraps, 30 kg free standing bag, rope | Most beginners |
| Serious | All of the above, plus headgear, mouthguard and a hanging kit | Regular practice, sparring planned |
| Complete | Premium kit, focus mitts and boxing shoes | Competition or committed practice |
Prices for each item are shown on its product page, in your local currency.
Advice: start with gloves, wraps and a skipping rope, and add the bag afterwards. The thing that really makes a difference from day one is the quality of the gloves — not their price.
Starting out in a flat: what are the options?
In a flat, a hanging bag is usually impossible. Two alternatives:
- Free standing bag: a base filled with water at around 120 kg (265 lb), no fixing, movable. Our bag collection includes several free standing models.
- Cardio boxing without a bag: shadow boxing, skipping and focus mitts with a partner. Very low outlay, high effectiveness.
Starting at a club: what to bring
At a club the equipment — bags, mitts — is provided. What you need to bring yourself:
- Boxing gloves (required; clubs do not generally lend them)
- Hand wraps (required, for hygiene)
- A mouthguard if you spar (required)
- Headgear if you spar (sometimes provided by the club for beginners)
Esprit Boxe beginner equipment
Frequently asked questions — beginner boxing equipment
What do you need to start boxing at home?
Three items cover it: gloves, wraps and a skipping rope. Add a free standing bag and you have a complete home set-up. Headgear and a mouthguard only become necessary once you start sparring.
Can you box at home without a punching bag?
Yes. Shadow boxing and skipping are very effective on their own. Focus mitts with a partner partly replace the bag. Without a bag you will build speed and technique, but less power.
What glove size should a beginner choose?
12 oz under 70 kg (155 lb), 14 oz for 70 to 85 kg (155-187 lb), 16 oz above 85 kg or for sparring. If you are between two sizes, take the larger.
Do you have to wear wraps under gloves?
Yes. Wraps hold the carpal bones and the wrist through impact. Without them, even in good gloves, you risk sprains and micro-fractures in the medium term.
For kit, see our boxing, MMA and Muay Thai shorts: the cut is European, from XS to 4XL, and each product page states which discipline the model suits.
