Before every session—whether it’s at the gym or outside—there’s one thing I do first:
Fill my water bottle.

Kickboxing takes it out of you, and staying hydrated is non-negotiable. You’re gonna sweat. A lot. So trust me—water first, punches later.

But besides hydration, what you wear while training matters more than most people think.
Here’s what I personally use, what works for me, and why certain gear levels up the whole experience—without overcomplicating it.

Shorts: Movement First, Style Second

Let’s start with the legs.
I always go for black running shorts that sit above the knee. Not touching the knee, definitely not below it.

Why? Because long shorts mess with your kicks. You need room to pivot, snap, and extend without fabric dragging or clinging.

My go-to brands are Under Armour and Nike—lightweight, breathable, and they just move well. They’ve held up through bag work, pad drills, and outdoor training in the heat.

Tops: Flexible & Functional

When it comes to tops, I keep it simple:

• Plain white t-shirts (usually H&M or Uniqlo)

• Sleeveless hoodies (Decathlon all day)

The tees are light, comfy, and loose enough to let me throw punches without restriction. If a shirt’s too tight? Good luck with your hooks and uppercuts. You’ll feel that resistance every time.

But honestly? I love training in my sleeveless hoodies—especially grey or black ones. They’ve got a certain look. Throw one on, put the hood up, and boom—I feel like Smoke or Scorpion walking into a dojo. They might look heavy, but the fabric breathes surprisingly well.

And if the training is intense enough?
Shirt off. No drama.

Hand Wraps: Traditional Wins

I switch between Everlast and Venum wraps, but for full-on sessions, Everlast is my go-to.
It’s traditional, durable, and wraps clean. You feel locked in, protected.

Venum makes this half-glove, half-wrap hybrid, which looks cool—but it’s better without full gloves. I treat them like my 4 oz minimalist setup, more for light pad work or shadowboxing.

Gloves: Find Your Flow

I’ve tried a few gloves, but right now, I alternate between:
Top King 12 oz gloves – super comfy, great padding, and excellent for long rounds or heavy bag work. These protect your knuckles like armor.
UFC 8 oz gloves – when I want to go harder. They feel more raw, more exposed, and the black and red design looks clean.

If you’re training often, the right gloves make a huge difference. I’m curious to try Everlast gloves next—heard good things.

The Home Setup: My Everlast Punching Bag

This bag has taken beatings like a champ.
I’ve got an Everlast free-standing punching bag, and once you fill the base with earth or sand, it doesn’t move. Like hitting a mountain.

I’ve had moments where I’m going at it, imagining I’m sparring Blanka from Street Fighter.
No lie—it’s satisfying. And the material’s held up better than expected. Quality stuff.

Bonus: Kickboxing Socks (Optional But Clean Look)

Not necessary, but I use Decathlon kickboxing socks sometimes.
They help with grip and give the fit a finished look.
If you go without, you’ll feel it a bit more on the pads or mats—but it’s nothing crazy. Just depends on your preference.

Final Thoughts: Gear That Works for You

You don’t need flashy equipment to start kickboxing. But wearing the right stuff makes a big difference in movement, comfort, and confidence.

Start simple. Hydrate. Get gear that lets you move freely.
And if it makes you feel like Smoke, Scorpion, or a boss character on a loading screen—even better.