What Do Wrestlers Wear Under Their Singlet?

A Look at Different Attires that Wrestlers Wear Under Their Singlet and Their Importance

10 min readJun 17, 2022

Alt: Wrestling singlets

If you’ve ever watched professional wrestling, you must have wondered what they wear underneath a singlet. Wait! Isn’t that counterintuitive? You’re watching guys in skin-tight singlets, and you still aren’t sure what they wear under them?

Or are you a wrestler seeking more comfort in the ring? We have special news for you.

Wrestling is a demanding activity, especially if you are new to wrestling because you must wear singlets to get all the support you need.

This article covers the attires and gear you need to wear under your singlets for safety and comfort. Additionally, we’ll be discussing what professional wrestlers do or don’t wear under their singlet!

What do Wrestlers Wear Under Their Singlets?

A wrestling singlet is a one-piece tight-fitting wrestling uniform that both male and female wrestlers wear during wrestling matches. It is made of spandex or lycra to allow freedom of movement.

Wrestling singlet tight-fitting allows the referees to see what is happening during the wrestling match, enabling them to award the points accordingly. They also have a slippery nature that hinders the wrestlers from grabbing their opponents, which is an illegal move in amateur wrestling.

Wrestlers wear different kinds of clothing under their singlets depending on the type of competition they participate in and the country. Countries have different rules about what is allowed during competition time. Below are some of the clothes wrestlers wear under singlets.

Wrestlers Wear Compression Shorts Under Singlets

Manufactures make compression shorts using spandex or lycra materials, which allows them to stretch easily over the wrestler’s body. The elasticity in these materials helps provide a snug fit against the skin while still allowing the wearer ample room for movement.

Most wrestlers like to wear compression shorts under their singlets. In some competitions, compression shorts can be a requirement for safety to cover wrestlers’ private parts if the wrestling singlet gets torn by their opponents.

Other purposes of compression shorts are to prevent injury, increase performance, prevent the chafing of thighs, and help keep the groin area dry and cool. They also help with mobility and flexibility during practice and wrestling competitions. The best compression shorts include:

Wrestlers Wear Jockstraps

Alt: male wrestlers jocksrap

It is common for wrestlers to wear jockstraps under their singlets to support the groin and protect the male genitals from injury and chafing during wrestling activities.

The excellent part is that wrestlers can fit a hard cup in a jockstrap to protect the testicle from injury. For instance, when the rival strikes with a knee or elbow.

It also helps prevent groin injuries when straining to lift a rival off the ground or performing other strenuous moves that put pressure on this sensitive area. You can find them in most sports stores or online shops like Amazon.

They Wear Cups Under Singlets

A cup is one of the most critical pieces of wrestling equipment, but it’s also uncomfortable and can cause severe discomfort if worn improperly. Wrestlers wear them to protect their reproductive organs from injuries caused by kicks and blows during wrestling. They wear the cups by placing them inside the jockstrap, compression shorts, or alone in a wrestling singlet.

There are two types of cups: soft and hard. Soft cups are usually rubber and gel, while hard cups are metal or plastic. The soft ones feel more comfortable, but you need to replace them frequently because they break easily under pressure.

Hard cups don’t break as quickly, but they don’t offer much protection against injury either because they don’t absorb much impact.

Besides, cups can easily be dislodged from their original placement. Additionally, it can cause more harm to the wrestler’s groin if the rival grab them between the thighs or throws them in an unfortunate manner.

Wrestlers should buy a cup with adjustable straps at the sides so that it doesn’t move around while they wrestle. Also, they should ensure it doesn’t ride up when they crouch down or make any sudden movements while wearing it, which often causes rashes or bumps on the body.

Regular Briefs

Briefs are a type of men’s undergarment covering the male genital area, and usually, many wrestlers wear briefs as boxer briefs or shorts. Sometimes, they wear them with a thong or G-string (a narrow strip of fabric that passes between the buttocks).

Briefs are from cotton or synthetic materials such as nylon or spandex (Lycra). These materials provide optimal comfort and durability while remaining breathable, so wrestlers do not overheat during competition.

Briefs keep everything in place( private parts), so they don’t have to worry about their junk flopping around while pinning their competitor down. It also helps them stay dry (especially if you wrestle in hot weather) and keeps singlet from riding upon them.

They can be worn by men and women and come in many different colors and designs.

Female Wrestlers Wear Sports Bra

Alt: Female wrestler’s bra

Female wrestlers wear sports bras under their wrestling singlets to prevent them from developing breast pain or discomfort during a match or wrestling training. The sports bra also helps reduce any chafing due to sweat and friction.

The best sports bra for wrestlers is a thick, padded one with an underwire. This bra provides the most support while still being comfortable and flexible enough not to limit movement.

A good-quality sports bra for a female wrestler should also have an elastic band at the bottom, protecting your chest area by providing extra support during matches. The elastic band keeps the breast firmly in place.

Regular or Compressed T-shirts

Wrestlers may wear a t-shirt under their wrestling singlets in exceptional circumstances. For instance, if the wrestler has a dermatological condition that requires extra skin protection. Also, wrestling is a very physical sport, and wrestlers sweat a lot during matches.

A T-shirt helps absorb the body’s moisture and protects the singlet from becoming dirty from sweat. The T-shirt also protects the wrestler from getting bruises from their opponents. Wrestlers may also wear compression shirts under their singlet to control body temperature, keep their muscles warm, and prevent muscle cramps.

The compression shirt also helps increase blood and air circulation to the muscles in the chest and arms, which helps remove lactic acid from the body faster than it would otherwise. This helps prevent injuries and fatigue so that wrestlers can perform at their best for extended periods.

They Wear Absolutely Nothing Under Singlets

Some wrestlers wear nothing under their singlet to allow them to move freely without being limited by anything. It’s a tradition that has been around since the beginning of the sport.

Amateur wrestlers wear nothing under their singlets because it helps them stay focused and keeps them from getting distracted by anything besides wrestling.

What Other Wrestling Equipment Do Wrestlers Wear?

Here’s a list of essential safety equipment and clothing for wrestlers:

Headgear

Alt: Wrestler’s headgear

The headgear is a fundamental piece of wrestling equipment that amateur and professional wrestlers wear. Wrestlers use it in mixed martial arts (MMA) and other combat sports.

The headgear protects the head, ears, face, and neck from impacts caused by punches or kicks. It also prevents the wrestlers from developing cauliflower ears.

Some headgears have padding around the ears or sides for extra protection, while others have straps behind the neck to keep it from moving during competition.

There are different types of headgear available for wrestlers today. Each class offers various benefits and features, so it’s crucial to know which one to buy. The best common headgears for wrestlers are:

Mouth Protector /Guard

Alt: A blue mouthguard for Wrestlers

A mouthguard is a device worn in the mouth to protect the teeth and surrounding tissues from injury.

Wrestlers put on a mouth guard during wrestling as a preventative measure against oral lacerations, dental fractures, and other injuries related to contact with another wrestler.

It is important to wear properly fitted mouthguards to maximize protection during wrestling. Some studies have shown that not wearing a mouth guard during competition increases the risk of dental injury by up to ten times over those who do.

Shoulder Pads

Wrestlers use shoulder pads to protect their shoulders from injury during matches. They keep wrestlers’ shoulders safe by absorbing some of the impacts when falling on the ground. They also protect shoulders from direct blows such as tackles or blocks;

Elbow Pads

Wrestlers wear elbow pads to protect themselves when performing moves like dropkicks or elbow drops that involve landing hard on their forearms or elbows.

The elbow pad is designed to absorb some of this impact so that it doesn’t hurt as much when it hits your arm bone or elbow joint. Best elbow pads include:

Knee Pads

Knee pads protect the knees from rough landings or getting hit by an opponent’s knee. Some wrestlers also wear knee pads to give them added leverage for moves such as body slams.

Knee pads come in different colors and styles, so you can find ones that fit your taste and needs. Some best types of knee pads include:

They Wear Wrestling Shoes

Alt: Blue wrestling shoes

Wrestlers wear wrestling shoes that are special and different from other sports wares. Unlike other sportswear shoes, boxing shoe material is leather or canvas with a low heel and a sole that grips the mat. This allows wrestlers to maintain their balance on the mat, which is essential when attempting holds or throws.

Wrestling shoes are also light and flexible with thick, extra-wide soles for better movement and strong ankle support.

The design of wrestling shoes is based on the needs of each wrestler. Some wrestlers prefer lightweight shoes with a low profile for quickness and agility in their moves across the mat. Others choose heavier, durable wrestling shoes with high tops for added ankle support and extra protection against injury. Below is a list of the best wrestler’s shoes:

Why Do Wrestlers Wear Minimal or No Clothing Under Singlets?

Wearing a singlet without any clothes underneath it is called going “raw” and is generally only done by experienced wrestlers who have mastered their technique enough to be comfortable exposing themselves in front of an audience.

Wrestlers wear minimal or no clothing under their singlet because it allows them a lot of freedom of movement.

The singlet also prevents the wrestler from grabbing onto each other’s uniforms. If a wrestler wore more clothes under their singlets, their opponent would have the opportunity to hold onto them and pull them down. However, there are no loose ends for an opponent to grab onto without minimal or nothing under their singlets.

Another reason is that it helps wrestlers keep cool during the match. Since they constantly move, they tend to sweat a lot, and having more clothing on would only worsen matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most commonly asked questions by people.

What is A Wrestling Singlet?

A wrestling singlet is a form of garment worn by wrestlers during wrestling matches. It is made from spandex or Lycra fabric and designed for maximum wrestling comfort. It is also called a Wrestling Unitard, Spandex Suit, or Singlet.

Is It a Must to Wear A Singlet in Wrestling?

Wearing a singlet in wrestling is a must and has become an integral part of wrestling. It helps increase the grip between the players during their bout. It also helps them avoid injuries and bruises by giving them extra support on their body parts.

Why are Singlets Worn in Wrestling?

The purpose of wearing these garments is to ensure that nobody gets hurt during training sessions or matches.

Do wrestlers Wear Cups Under Singlets?

Some people prefer wearing cups while others prefer not using them at all. That’s because the cup can be an uncomfortable and high injury risk. It also restricts mobility and flexibility.

What is Wrestling Singlet, and What Do Wrestlers Wear Under Them?

A wrestling singlet is a one-piece uniform worn by the wrestlers during a wrestling competition. And wrestlers wear jockstraps, briefs, cups, compressed t-shirts, and nothing under their wrestling singlets during wrestling competitions. However, the cups can cause bruising and cuts on the skin if you don’t fit them correctly on your body, get dislodged, or they are too tight.

If you were wondering what to wear under your singlet, we hope we have answered your questions. Visit any Under Armour, Nike, or Reebok outlet to see their selection and your attire today.