The Five Most Common Uses of Underwrap

Underwrap might not be the flashiest bit of kit, but it’s easily one of the most versatile. 

While it’s mainly known for going under strapping tapes, it’s used in loads of creative ways by athletes across a wide range of different sports. We’re going to be breaking down five of the most common (and clever) ways Underwrap is used. From classic strapping jobs to pitch-side hair hacks.

Underwrap is one of those kit bag essentials that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. It’s a thin, foam-based tape that’s designed to be worn underneath other strapping tapes like, Zinc Oxide or EAB, to help protect the skin.

It’s super lightweight, slightly stretchy, and clings to itself without being sticky, which means it won’t leave any residue behind. That makes it a great option for athletes who tape regularly or have sensitive skin that reacts to adhesive.

Underwrap creates a soft barrier between your skin and the stronger tape going on top. This helps reduce irritation, makes tape jobs more comfortable, and also makes removal a lot easier, especially after a tough session or match.

But the best thing about Underwrap? It’s surprisingly versatile. While it’s made for strapping, we’ve seen it used in all sorts of creative ways, which we’ll get into next.

Probably the most common use for Underwrap is as a base layer for ankle strapping. If you’ve ever had your ankle taped with Zinc Oxide or EAB, chances are Underwrap went on first.

It acts like a cushion between your skin and the tougher tape, helping to reduce friction and irritation, especially in areas where the tape might rub or pull around your foot. That’s a lifesaver during long training sessions or match days when the last thing you want is tape burn.

Unsurprisingly, all you need to do is just do a few laps of your ankle. Start from the top and make your way down. Once you feel that it's properly covered, you can move on to your strapping tapes.

Plus, it makes removal way less painful. If you’ve ever had Zinc Oxide ripped off bare skin… you’ll know exactly why Underwrap is such a win.

One of the more creative (and surprisingly effective) uses for Underwrap is keeping football shin pads in place. A quick wrap around the leg before the socks go on, and you've got a simple, non-slip base to stop them sliding around mid-match.

It works especially well because it’s so lightweight and stretchy. You can tear off just what you need and mould it to your leg without any bulk. And since it’s non-adhesive, it doesn’t damage your socks or pull on the skin.

There are a few players that prefer it over traditional Sock Wrap because it’s a little more comfortable and doesn’t restrict movement at all. It also avoids that tight, tourniquet feeling you sometimes get with stickier tapes/wraps.

So, if you're fed up with adjusting your shin pads every five minutes, Underwrap might just be your new best mate.

Just like with ankles, the elbow is another spot that gets taped up regularly, especially in contact sports or for athletes dealing with overuse injuries. And Underwrap plays a key role in making that tape job more effective and more comfortable.

The elbow’s a tricky area because it’s constantly bending and moving, which means tape can easily dig in or restrict motion if it’s applied directly to the skin. That’s where Underwrap comes in. It gives you a smooth, flexible base that moves with the joint and stops the strapping from pinching.

You’ll often see it used before applying Zinc Oxide or EAB around the elbow to manage hyperextension, support the joint, or help offload tendons during rehab. It creates a solid foundation without compromising range of motion.

Plus, with the awkward shape of the elbow, Underwrap makes the whole strapping process easier. It grips just enough to stay in place, but still allows for easy re-adjustments as needed.

This one might not be what Underwrap was originally made for, but it’s easily one of the most popular uses we see, especially among female footballers. It turns out Underwrap makes a brilliant DIY hairband.

Athletes will usually roll it up tightly, often by wrapping it around their thigh a few times, until it forms a thin, rope-like strip. Then, they simply tie it around their head at the hairline to keep stray hairs in place during games or training.

It’s lightweight, non-slip, and surprisingly durable. Once it’s on, it stays put for the full 90 minutes (and then some), without digging in or causing any discomfort.

Maybe we're bias, but we actually think it looks pretty stylish too...

In sports like BJJ, wrestling, and gymnastics, mat burn is a real issue, particularly around the feet where skin is constantly dragging or catching on the surface. That’s where our Underwrap comes in as a handy (and comfortable) barrier.

Athletes will often use it underneath Zinc Oxide Tape, especially around the balls of the feet, toes, or heels. It helps protect the skin from friction while still allowing enough grip to stay mobile on the mat.

It’s ideal because, like we've discussed, it’s soft, lightweight, and won’t bulk up or shift during training. And since it’s not adhesive, it’s gentle on sore or sensitive skin. Perfect if you’re already nursing a few scrapes.

Whether you're rolling in the gym or training barefoot, a quick layer of Underwrap can make all the difference in keeping your feet protected and training uninterrupted.

And that's it! Underwrap is a simple but essential tool that does way more than just protect skin during taping. Whether you’re strapping up, securing gear, or keeping your hair in place, it’s a game-changer for athletes everywhere.

If you want to learn more about Underwrap or how they're used underneath strapping applications, head to our learn page now!