The wrestlers of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations had it easy when it came to clothing: they didn’t wear any. Of course, I would also guess that such a practice resulted in a fair number of painful experiences that modern wrestlers are more likely to avoid. In modern times, practitioners of Greco-Roman wrestling no longer operate in the nude, but rather are outfitted with a number of items specifically designed to protect the wearer and better his chances of winning.
As far as safety goes, the headgear worn by a wrestler is probably the most important piece of equipment. This headgear is fairly unique in the sports world, as it is designed to cover and protect the ears, but not the head. Some other sports, such as martial arts and boxing, also use headgear that protects the ears. However, the headgear of those sports usually covers the head as well, while wrestling headgear covers only the ears. It is secured with two straps that go behind the head, two that go over the top and one that goes under the chin. Wrestling headgear is usually made from durable, lightweight plastic, Velcro and snaps.
Wearing headgear helps the wrestler avoid the long-term injuries that can be associated with this sport. Historically, wrestlers have often suffered from a problem called cauliflower ear. In a wrestling bout, the sides of an athlete’s head often come into repeated, violent contact with the mat. This constant beating can cause blood vessels in the ears to burst, and blood and other fluids can collect in the fleshy outer portion of the ear. When this occurs, the cartilage of the ear can become separated from the connective tissue, causing the cartilage to die. As a result, the outer ear becomes deformed and often painful. Wrestling headgear is designed to prevent precisely this condition.
Wrestlers also sport a garment called a singlet, a one-piece item of clothing made mostly or completely from spandex, Lycra or nylon. The garment is always very form fitting so that it cannot be grasped accidentally by the opponent. In the sport of wrestling, it is illegal to grab an opponent’s clothes. Also, the tight fit of the singlet allows the referee to see both wrestlers’ bodies, enabling him to determine exactly what is going on and when to award points. In high school and college competitions, the singlet color represents the school the athlete comes from. In non-school competitions, the singlets used are reversible, blue on one side and red on the other. This approach ensures that opponents always wear opposing colors.
Wrestlers also use shoes specially designed for their sport. Mobility and flexibility are key assets in wrestling, and wrestling shoes should in no way constrict the wearer. In fact, good wrestling shoes are designed to mimic the bare foot as closely as possible, while still providing the advantages of foot coverings. The shoes are light and flexible, the better to provide both comfort and movement. They usually have rubber soles, which help the wearer to grip the mat with his feet, and they cover the ankle in order to provide ankle support.
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