Wrestling Singlet - Other Clothing

Other Clothing

The singlet didn't become common in college wrestling until the late 1960s and early 1970s, in fact, it had been banned by the NCAA for years. Shirtless uniforms, including trunks and tights were common until the NCAA banned shirtless wrestling in the mid-1960s.

A new style of singlet, known as a double or doublet, has recently emerged in college wrestling that covers more of the upper body. Made of the same Lycra material, this singlet has more of a t-shirt covering than the traditional thin-strap singlet more commonly worn. This type of singlet is usually worn with accompanying tight-fitting shorts. This style of singlet is currently only allowed on the college level, although there is report that some high school wrestlers use this singlet style in practice sessions.

There is also now a movement to get shirtless uniforms approved again. Advocates are even being encouraged to petition governing bodies to approve alternative uniforms consisting of trunks or shorts, with an optional rash guard.

Only with special permission are wrestlers allowed to wear a t-shirt under their singlet, most commonly for sanitary reasons involving excessive acne on the chest or back.