What to Wear to Your First Boxing Class: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Starting your first boxing class is exciting, but if you’re new, one of the most common questions we hear is:

“What should I wear to boxing training?”

Whether you’re joining boxing for fitness, weight loss, self-confidence, or competition, wearing the right gear can make a huge difference to your comfort, performance, and confidence on the mats.

At Pretty Top Team in Cairns, we welcome everyone: absolute beginners, busy professionals, parents, teens, and competitive fighters. This guide will walk you through exactly what to wear to your first boxing class, what to bring, and what you can skip, so you can show up prepared and focused on training.

Why What You Wear to Boxing Matters

Boxing is a high-intensity sport that involves:

• Cardio-based movement

• Footwork and agility

• Punching drills

• Pad work and conditioning

The wrong clothing or gear can restrict movement, cause discomfort, or even increase your risk of injury. The right gear helps you:

• Move freely and safely

• Stay cool in Cairns’ tropical climate

• Train confidently from day one

• Focus on learning, not adjusting your clothes

What to Wear to Your First Boxing Class (The Essentials)

1. Boxing Shorts or Athletic Shorts

Your shorts should allow full leg movement without riding up or restricting your hips.

Best options:

• Boxing shorts

• Training shorts

• Lightweight gym shorts

Avoid:

• Jeans

• Tight fashion shorts

• Anything with zips, buttons, or hard materials

💡 Tip for Cairns locals: Lightweight, breathable fabric is key. Boxing training builds heat fast in tropical conditions.

2. T-Shirt or Training Top

Choose a comfortable, breathable top that allows arm movement.

Recommended:

• Moisture-wicking gym shirts

• Fitted or semi-fitted tops

• Sleeveless or short-sleeve training tops

Avoid:

• Heavy cotton shirts

• Loose tops that flap or twist

• Crop tops that ride up during drills

The goal is comfort and practicality, not fashion.

3. Boxing Shoes or Training Shoes

Footwear is extremely important in boxing.

Ideal footwear:

• Boxing shoes

• Lightweight cross-training shoes

• Indoor trainers with good grip

Avoid:

• Running shoes with thick soles

• Outdoor shoes with dirt or rocks

• Casual sneakers

Proper shoes help with:

• Balance

• Footwork

• Pivoting safely

• Reducing ankle strain

4. Hand Wraps (Highly Recommended)

Hand wraps protect your:

• Knuckles

• Wrists

• Small bones in the hands

Even in beginner boxing classes, wraps are strongly encouraged.

If you don’t own any yet, Pretty Top Team can help you get fitted or guide you on your first visit.

5. Gloves (Don’t Stress if You Don’t Have Them)

For your first boxing class, you usually don’t need to own gloves yet.

At Pretty Top Team Cairns:

• Beginners can use gym gloves

• Coaches will help you choose the right size when you’re ready

Once you commit, owning your own gloves is recommended for hygiene and comfort.

What Not to Wear to Boxing Training

Avoid these common beginner mistakes:

• ❌ Jewellery (rings, necklaces, earrings)

• ❌ Watches or fitness trackers

• ❌ Baggy pants or leggings that slide

• ❌ Fashion gym wear not designed for movement

Safety always comes first. Anything that can catch, scratch, or restrict movement should be left at home.

What to Bring to Your First Boxing Class

Besides what you wear, bring:

• A water bottle

• A small towel

• Hand wraps (if you have them)

• A positive attitude

You don’t need to bring:

• Pads

• Heavy bags

• Extra gear

Everything else is provided.

Boxing for Beginners in Cairns: What to Expect

If you’re new to boxing, don’t worry. Your first class will focus on:

• Proper stance

• Basic punches

• Footwork fundamentals

• Light conditioning

• Technique over power

At Pretty Top Team, our coaches are experienced in working with:

• First-timers

• Fitness-focused members

• Kids and teens

• Adults returning to training

• Competitive athletes

Everyone trains together at their own level.

What Parents Should Know (Kids & Teens Boxing)

If you’re a parent enrolling your child or teen in boxing, proper clothing matters even more.

Kids & teens should wear:

• Comfortable shorts

• A breathable shirt

• Enclosed training shoes

• No jewellery

Boxing builds:

• Discipline

• Confidence

• Fitness

• Focus

Training safely always starts with the right gear.

Boxing for Weight Loss & Fitness: Clothing Tips

If your goal is fat loss, fitness, or stress relief, comfort is key.

Choose clothing that:

• Doesn’t trap heat

• Wicks sweat

• Allows full movement

You’ll be moving, punching, and sweating. That’s exactly what makes boxing one of the most effective workouts in Cairns.

Advanced Fighters & Competitors: Keep It Simple

Even experienced boxers keep it basic:

• Lightweight shorts

• Breathable top

• Proper footwear

• Hand wraps

There’s no need to overthink it. Performance always beats appearance.

Boxing in Cairns : Train with Confidence

Starting boxing can feel intimidating, but preparation makes all the difference.

When you show up wearing the right gear, you:

• Feel more confident

• Learn faster

• Reduce injury risk

• Enjoy training more

At Pretty Top Team, our goal is to make boxing welcoming, safe, and effective for everyone, from beginners to fighters.

Ready to Try Your First Boxing Class?

If you’re in Cairns, and thinking about starting boxing, there’s no better time.

You don’t need to be fit. You don’t need experience. You just need to show up.

Wear comfortable training gear, bring a bottle of water, and let our coaching team guide you from there.

👉 Book your trial boxing class today  and experience the difference at Pretty Top Team.