Proper clothing plays a very important role in all types of martial arts, whether it is judo, mixed martial arts or wrestling.
And in each case, it serves a different purpose. For instance, in martial arts like judo, a common judo uniform helps instil a sense of pride while making the participants and the combat environment easily visible. In the case of wrestling, wrestlers generally wear tight-fitting singlets that cannot be grabbed by the opponent easily and also allow the referee to see the wrestlers clearly.
However, wrestling uniforms have transformed over the years, and nowadays, there are more options than ever before if you’re planning to upgrade your uniform. But before the perfect wrestling uniform can be designed, certain things must be kept in mind.
This guide explains some factors that can help you design a comfortable yet functional uniform that conforms to regulatory standards. So, let’s dive in!
The Fabric Of The Uniform
Manufacturers generally use several types of fabrics to make wrestling uniforms instead of relying on one. The most common are spandex and polyester, which offer a compression fit and are great at wicking away moisture. Fabrics that can be manufactured using these materials include:
1. Stretch Tec
This highly flexible fabric is neither too heavy nor too light and possesses immense durability. It contains 9% spandex and 91% polyester, providing excellent compression.
2. Flex Dry
A breathable and lightweight material, flex dry is most suitable for eliminating moisture and can be easily stretched. It is made up of 10% spandex and 90% polyester.
3. Contact Shell
This material is solely designed for controlling moisture, allowing you to remain dry and cool, but it is not very stretchable. The reason for that is that it only contains 100% polyester, which is also why it is so lightweight.
4. Force Fibre
Force Fibre is designed to provide compression and has a smooth feel and matte finish. It also has a cooling effect and is the perfect alternative for those who do not find the Stretch Tec suitable. The Force Fibre fabric contains 10% spandex and 90% polyester.
Since each of these materials offer different advantages, it is important to consider your particular requirements before picking one. Some people prefer better moisture control, while others want greater stretching capability. Still, there may be others who would like a shiny material rather than a matte one.
Cut Of The Uniform
Shirts, shorts, and singlets are available in a wide range of cuts to cater to different requirements. For instance, traditional singlets lack a racerback cut, which is present in modern variants. Their straps are also wider, and their bottoms have straight hems. Also, singlets designed for women are similar to the traditional men’s version.
Even regarding cuts, there are lots of options to choose from and some things to consider. The first is that the uniform should meet regulation standards, and the second is that the uniform should be suitable for that particular type of wrestling.
In the case of the shirt and short combinations, shirts must have drop tails, while the shorts should have v-notch hems for maximum freedom of movement. Traditional uniforms may be the best choice for classic wrestling, while you can opt for the shirt and short combination in other situations.
Some common uniform cuts include:
1. Men’s Wrestling Shirt
This compression shirt features a scoop-back tail, crew neck, and a flatlock seam design.
2. Men’s Champion Fit Singlet
Coming with a racerback cut, this modern singlet also has leg bands made from an elastic material, a flatlock seam build and armhole and neck bindings.
3. Men’s Traditional Fit Singlet
This singlet has traditional bottoms with straight hems, elastic leg bands, flatlock seam design and armhole and neck bindings.
4. Women’s Traditional Fit Singlet
The women’s traditional singlet has a similar design to the men’s traditional singlet but tends to be smaller in size.
5. Men’s Fight Short
These shorts have a front pocket in the centre and an elastic waistband, and the hems have a serged seam construction and side slits. This design provides adequate space for the team name or school logo.
The Uniform Design
The fabric and the cut affect the uniform's functionality and form an integral part of its design. And the design is a significant factor to consider when looking to replace your old uniform. Fortunately, wrestling uniforms are available in several colours and designs, catering to people with different tastes and preferences.
Manufacturers also use other graphical elements, such as fonts, further enhancing the overall design. Selecting a uniform with the right design can help you and your team stand out while ensuring maximum comfort, thereby helping improve performance.
Modern Wrestling Uniforms
The latest wrestling uniforms come with moisture-wicking technologies and use antibacterial materials in their construction. Additionally, the graphics are printed using sublimation technologies, which means they are printed directly onto the material. This implies that the designs, fonts and other graphical elements won’t fade any time soon.
Choose a Wresting Uniform That Fits You
It may be seen as an advantage that wrestling uniforms are now available in a greater variety of styles. But selecting among them requires significant time and effort, and the above factors must also be considered.
Since different team members may have varying requirements, it is important to find an option that is comfortable for everyone. This means it should offer a reasonable balance of moisture control, appealing design, and freedom of movement.
Apart from pre-manufactured uniforms, you can even get custom uniforms nowadays. This can make finding the perfect option that provides the best experience without costing as much.
So, go out there and get started on your search for the best wrestling uniform now!