What Should My Child Wear to Wrestling Practice?

A Simple Guide for New Wrestling Families

If your child is just getting started in wrestling, you might be wondering: What exactly should they wear to practice? This is one of the most common questions we get from parents new to the sport, and it’s a great one. Wrestling isn’t like football or soccer where the gear is obvious. The right clothing can help your child stay safe, comfortable, and focused while they train.

Here’s a breakdown of what your child should wear, and why it matters.

The Basics: What Every Wrestler Needs for Practice

1. A Fitted Athletic Shirt or Singlet

Your child should wear a tight-fitting shirt, like a compression shirt or dry-fit athletic tee. Loose clothing can get caught during drills or matches and may even be unsafe during live wrestling. Some kids wear a wrestling singlet to practice, especially if they’re getting ready for a tournament. Singlets are optional for practice, but compression-style shirts are a must.

2. Compression Shorts or Wrestling Shorts

On the bottom, compression shorts or athletic shorts with no pockets are ideal. Pockets, buttons, or zippers can scratch or snag, so it’s best to avoid regular gym shorts. Some wrestlers even wear spandex or wrestling-specific shorts designed for grappling.

3. Wrestling Shoes

Wrestling shoes are a must. Regular sneakers are not allowed on wrestling mats because they can bring in dirt and bacteria, and they don’t give the grip needed for wrestling. Wrestling shoes are lightweight, flexible, and designed to give your child better traction on the mat. If you're new, check with your club, many teams have loaner shoes or gently used pairs to help get you started.

4. Headgear (Optional, but Recommended)

While not always required at youth practices, headgear is highly recommended. It protects the ears from repeated rubbing and helps prevent conditions like cauliflower ear. If your child plans to compete, they’ll likely be required to wear headgear during matches anyway, so getting used to it in practice is helpful.

Additional Tips for Practice Gear

Hygiene Comes First: Make sure everything your child wears to practice is clean. Wrestling is a close-contact sport, and keeping gear clean helps prevent skin infections.

Bring a Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is essential. A labeled, refillable water bottle is the best option.

Pack a Change of Clothes: If practice is intense or your child is heading home sweaty, it’s good to have clean clothes and a towel ready.

Avoid Jewelry and Accessories: No watches, earrings, necklaces, or bracelets should be worn during practice. These can be dangerous for both your child and their practice partners.

What to Avoid

Baggy Clothing: Loose clothes can get tangled or stepped on.

Street Shoes on the Mat: Only wrestling shoes should be worn on the mat.

Denim or Everyday Clothes: Jeans, khakis, or casual clothes don’t stretch and can be uncomfortable or unsafe.

Your First Wrestling Practcie

Getting your child dressed right for wrestling practice is simple once you know the basics. The goal is to keep them safe, allow for movement, and help them build good habits from the start. As your child grows in the sport, they may develop preferences about what gear feels best, but starting with clean, fitted athletic wear and proper shoes is the best foundation.

For more tips, gear recommendations, and support for wrestling parents, visit KeepKidsWrestling.com. We’re here to help you and your athlete every step of the way.