Boxing Starter Kit: What to Buy Before Your First Class

Your first boxing class is next week. You've signed up, you're nervous, and now you're wondering what gear you need. The internet has conflicting advice. Boxing shops want to sell you everything. And you don't want to show up looking clueless.

Here's the truth: you need very little to start. Most gyms provide the basics. But having your own kit is more hygienic, more comfortable, and shows you're serious about learning.

This guide breaks down exactly what to buy at three different budgets. Essential stuff only. No filler.

What the Gym Provides vs What You Bring

Before buying anything, check with your gym. Most boxing clubs have:

• Heavy bags and speed bags
• Focus mitts and Thai pads
• Communal gloves (often called "loan gloves")
• Basic headguards for sparring
• Skipping ropes

• Hand wraps (essential - hygiene)
• Your own gloves (recommended)
• Water bottle
• Towel
• Workout clothes

Some gyms are fully equipped and welcoming to beginners with nothing. Others expect you to have your own gear from day one. A quick email or call sorts this out.

The Essentials: What You Actually Need

Let's rank boxing equipment by how much you genuinely need it:

Tier 1 - Essential (Buy Before First Class)

Hand wraps - Your hands will hurt without these. Wraps protect your knuckles and wrists from impact. No exceptions. Every session.

Gumshield/Mouthguard - Even if you're not sparring yet, get one. Accidental contact happens during pad work. Protecting your teeth costs £5. Dental work costs thousands.

Water bottle - You'll be thirsty. Bring at least 500ml.

Workout clothes - Shorts and a t-shirt. Nothing loose that might catch. Remove all jewellery.

Tier 2 - Should Buy Soon (First Month)

Your own gloves - Gym gloves are sweaty, worn, and used by everyone. Your own pair is more hygienic and will fit better.

Groin guard - For men. Even in non-sparring classes, body shots during pad work can land low. Cheap insurance.

Tier 3 - Buy When Needed

Boxing boots - Not essential at first. Clean flat trainers work fine. Buy proper boots once you're committed.

Headguard - Only needed for sparring. Most gyms don't let complete beginners spar anyway. You have time.

Sparring gloves - Different from bag gloves. More padding. Only needed when you start sparring.

Skipping rope - Great for warmups and conditioning. Most gyms have communal ones.

Tier 4 - Nice to Have

Gym bag - Keeps your kit together. Any sports bag works.

Boxing shorts - Look the part. Purely aesthetic for training.

Hand sanitiser - For cleaning up gym gloves if you have to use communal ones.

Shopping List: £50 Budget

This is the bare minimum for someone testing the waters. It gets you through your first month comfortably.

| Item | Product | Price | Where |

|------|---------|-------|-------|

| Hand wraps (2 pairs) | RDX 4m Mexican Style | £16 | Amazon UK |

| Mouthguard | OPRO Bronze | £5 | Sports Direct |

| Bag gloves | RDX F7 Ego 16oz | £28 | Amazon UK |

| Water bottle | Any 750ml | £3 | Already own? |

Total: Around £52

This setup covers all non-sparring training. The RDX gloves are solid for the price and will last you at least a year of regular use. Two pairs of wraps means you always have dry ones ready.

What you're missing: Groin guard, boxing boots, sparring gear. All fine to add later.

Shopping List: £100 Budget

Doubling the budget gets you noticeably better quality and fills more gaps.

| Item | Product | Price | Where |

|------|---------|-------|-------|

| Hand wraps (2 pairs) | Venum Kontact 4m | £28 | Amazon UK |

| Mouthguard | OPRO Silver | £12 | Sports Direct |

| Training gloves | Venum Contender 2.0 16oz | £45 | Amazon UK |

| Groin guard | RDX Groin Protector | £15 | Amazon UK |

| Skipping rope | RDX Adjustable Speed Rope | £8 | Amazon UK |

Total: Around £108

The Venum gloves and wraps are a step up in comfort and durability. The better mouthguard offers improved protection and fit. And you've got your own skipping rope for warmups and home conditioning.

What you're missing: Boxing boots, headguard, sparring gloves. Still enough for everything except sparring.

Shopping List: £200 Budget

This is the "I'm serious about boxing" kit. Quality gear that will last years.

| Item | Product | Price | Where |

|------|---------|-------|-------|

| Hand wraps (3 pairs) | Venum Kontact 4m | £42 | Amazon UK |

| Mouthguard | OPRO Instant Custom Fit | £25 | OPRO website |

| Training gloves | Twins BGVL3 16oz | £90 | Made4Fighters |

| Groin guard | Rival RNFL100 | £25 | Fight Store Pro |

| Boxing boots | Adidas Box Hog 4 | £75 | JD Sports |

| Skipping rope | RDX Leather Speed Rope | £12 | Amazon UK |

Total: Around £269

Yes, that's over £200. The Twins gloves are worth stretching for. They're what most serious boxers train in and will last you 5+ years easily. The custom mouthguard fits perfectly and stays in place. And proper boxing boots transform how you move.

What you're missing: Headguard and sparring gloves. Add these when you start sparring (budget another £60-150 depending on quality).

Where to Buy Boxing Equipment in the UK

Online Retailers

Amazon UK - Biggest selection, fast delivery, easy returns. Prices vary wildly so compare before buying. Watch for fake products from third-party sellers.

Made4Fighters - Specialist boxing retailer. Good range of serious brands. Staff know their stuff. Prices are fair.

Fight Store Pro - Another good specialist option. Stocks brands like Rival and Winning that mainstream shops don't.

Decathlon - Budget options and basics. Good for wraps, mouthguards, and starter gear. Limited premium selection.

Physical Shops

Sports Direct - Cheap and everywhere. Good for RDX, Everlast, Lonsdale. Quality varies. Staff usually don't know much about boxing specifically.

JD Sports - Better for branded sportswear and Adidas boxing boots. Limited boxing-specific stock.

Geezers Boxing (London) - If you're in London, worth visiting. Proper boxing shop with knowledgeable staff.

Your gym - Many boxing gyms sell equipment or can order it for you. Often at decent prices and you can try before buying.

Sizing Guide Quick Reference

Gloves

| Body Weight | Training | Sparring |

|-------------|----------|----------|

| Under 65kg | 12-14oz | 16oz |

| 65-80kg | 14-16oz | 16oz |

| Over 80kg | 16oz | 16-18oz |

For beginners: just buy 16oz and use them for everything.

Mouthguards

Most mouthguards are one-size-fits-all and mould to your teeth. Custom options come in adult/junior sizes.

Hand Wraps

Buy 4m (180 inch) length. Gives enough material for proper protection regardless of hand size.

Boxing Boots

Use your normal UK shoe size. Nike runs small. Adidas true to size. Try before buying if possible.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Buying too much too soon - You don't need everything on day one. Start minimal and add as you understand what you actually use.

Choosing based on looks - That neon pink and black set might look cool but it's the padding quality that matters.

Buying the cheapest possible - Budget gear works but the absolute cheapest stuff falls apart fast. Mid-range lasts longer and costs less in the long run.

Forgetting hygiene basics - Wraps get washed. Gloves get aired out. Mouthguards get rinsed. Kit left in gym bags develops smells that will make you unpopular.

Buying sparring gear before you can spar - Most gyms require 3-6 months before allowing sparring. Don't buy headguards and 16oz sparring gloves until you need them.

A Note on Brands

You'll see a lot of brand names in boxing. Here's a quick hierarchy:

Budget but decent: RDX, Everlast (entry range), Lonsdale

Mid-range quality: Venum, Rival, Everlast (premium range), Adidas

Premium: Twins, Fairtex, Cleto Reyes, Winning

For beginners, mid-range is the sweet spot. You get noticeable quality improvements without premium prices. Budget gear works fine too - just expect to replace it sooner.

What Not to Buy

Some things aren't worth your money:

Weighted gloves - Gimmick. They won't make you faster or stronger. They might hurt your shoulders.

Cheap body protectors - Unless you're doing serious body sparring, you don't need one. And the cheap ones don't protect much anyway.

Speed bags for home - They're loud, need proper mounting, and most home setups are too flimsy. Use the gym's.

Expensive fight shorts - For training, any comfortable shorts work. Save the Muay Thai shorts for Instagram photos.

The One Thing That Matters Most

Gear helps. Good gear helps more. But the only thing that actually makes you better at boxing is showing up, paying attention, and putting in the work.

I've seen people with £500 worth of equipment who can't throw a proper jab. I've seen people in ratty gym clothes and borrowed gloves who move like they've been training for years.

Start with the basics. Learn the fundamentals. The gear upgrade path becomes obvious once you know what you're doing.

Book a free trial session and we'll show you exactly what you need for your first class. Come down, try boxing, and we'll point you toward the right gear based on what you actually end up enjoying.