First "real" wraps.

[CrapKnee]

I'm planning on taking up boxing this fall (there's a free boxing gym in Albany run by the city itself, hell yes), and am told that all I need to start is my own wraps (I obviously have a mouthguard and cup). Now, what am I looking for, exactly? I've had wraps from sports shops, and they're always too damned short (100"). Besides a decent length, is there anything I should know?

[Andrew Green]

longer is better.

Don't put them in the washing machine or you'll be untangling for a while.

Colors bleed, hand wash separately from anything you don't want to dye.

You got two basic options, regular and Mexican style. The Mexican style ones have a little bit of stretch to them giving a snugger fit. It is just a matter of preference, but I prefer the Mexican style ones.

Learn how to wrap, which they will likely show you when you get there. However there are all sorts of tutorials online. (Here's one: http://innovativema.ca/forum/view.php?pg=wraphands) But wrapping does take practice to get right, like tieing your shoes did when you where little. Doesn't do anyone any good if you are constantly trying to get wrapped or fixed them. So spend some time practicing ;)

[SpringHeeledJack]

Don't put them in the washing machine or you'll be untangling for a while.

Not true if you wash them in a mesh bag of some sort. I put mine in a laundry bag.

As far as the lengths go, I don't have much to add. I use 180" mexican style.