Choosing the right pair of boxing gloves is important for comfort, safety and training effectiveness. You want the gloves to fit snugly around your hand and wrist without being too tight or restricting movement.
Begin by measuring the circumference of your dominant hand at the widest part, excluding the thumb. Compare your measurement to the glove size chart above to find the best fit.
Measure Your Hands
Whether you’re an experienced boxer or just getting started, proper equipment can make the difference between winning and losing. Finding the right size gloves is crucial for safety, comfort and power in each punch. Using a boxing glove size chart and understanding how to properly measure your hand can help you find the perfect pair for your training needs.
Before buying a pair of gloves, you should measure the circumference of your palm and wrist to determine the right size. You can use a piece of fabric tape or a strip of string to take your measurements. Wrap the tape or string around your palm just below your knuckles, and note the measurement in inches. Be sure to include your fingernails, as the length of your nails will also affect glove fit.
It’s important to measure your dominant hand, as this is the one that will be doing most of the heavy lifting when you hit the bag or fight a pro match. Your dominant hand tends to be slightly larger than your non-dominant hand, so you’ll want the gloves to fit it well.
When choosing a pair of gloves, you’ll also need to consider the type of training that you’ll be doing and your weight division. Lighter gloves are ideal for speed bag training, while heavier gloves are necessary for sparring to protect your hands and your opponent’s.
Once you’ve determined the correct glove size, it’s time to choose a weight. Heavyweight boxers typically prefer 16-ounce gloves for maximum protection and power in each punch. However, some amateur boxers may want lighter gloves to enhance their speed and precision while hitting the bag.
Modern boxing gloves are available in a variety of materials, including leather and synthetic options. You can also find gloves with advanced features that improve fit, reduce hand fatigue and prevent odor buildup. For example, some gloves have pre-curved designs that match the natural resting position of the hand to reduce strain on your wrist tendons and ligaments. Other gloves feature breathable padding to keep your hands cool and dry, while some have gel inserts in high-impact areas for additional shock absorption.
Try on the Gloves
Boxing gloves are designed to protect your hands from the force of punches and absorb impact, reducing injuries in training. But if your gloves are too large or too small, they can’t perform their primary function and may actually cause injury to your hands while you train. Properly fitted gloves also help you develop proper technique and enhance your performance.
Before purchasing any gloves, try them on for a comfortable fit. Wear the tape that you will use to secure them (women often prefer to wrap their hands when they train). Be sure that the gloves are snug but not tight or restrictive, and that they allow a full range of motion for your fingers. You should also test out the wrist strap, which should provide support without cutting off circulation or pinching your fingers.
The size of your hand and the type of training you’ll be doing will determine the best boxing glove weight. Women’s boxing gloves typically range from 10 oz to 14 oz, with lighter gloves being ideal for beginners and lightweight sparring. Heavier gloves, which have thicker padding, are generally reserved for professional and match training and offer more protection from the blows that you’ll be delivering to your sparring partner or the heavy bag.
You’ll also want to decide whether you want front-weighted or rear-weighted boxing gloves. The former are lighter, with thinner fronts that temper the force of the blows delivered by your fists. The latter are heavier, with thicker padding and a more pronounced shape that’s better suited for striking the heavy bag or delivering harder blows in sparring.
Women’s boxing gloves are available from many sporting goods stores and online retailers. Most are unisex, but some brands have a dedicated range of women’s gloves with a narrower hand design that fits most women. In addition, most companies that sell boxing gloves will have a return policy in case you’re not satisfied with the fit.
Choose the Right Weight
Choosing the right weight for boxing gloves is essential to minimize hand injuries during training. Ideally, gloves should fit snugly to protect the fingers and hands, while allowing them to move freely and with control. Boxing gloves are typically available in a variety of weights from 8 to 20 oz, with the lighter generally used by professionals and during matches and the heavier having thicker padding and being preferred for novice training and sparring. Heavier gloves also provide greater protection for the wrists.
To determine the proper glove weight, measure the circumference of your dominant hand knuckles (excluding the thumb). You can use a tape measure or simply wrap your hand around itself and record the measurement in inches or centimeters. Alternatively, consult the manufacturer’s glove size chart for recommendations. Remember that the glove size can vary between brands, so it is important to try on each pair before making a purchase.
Women’s boxing gloves are designed to fit smaller hands, providing optimal comfort and minimizing the risk of injury during training. The Hit N Move women’s boxing gloves, for example, feature patented compact padding and a narrower hand compartment that minimizes the “floating in the glove” syndrome often experienced by small-handed individuals. The gloves also have exceptional wrist stability that minimizes the impact on the knuckles and wrists, so you can focus on improving your technique without worrying about the impact of your hits.
The choice of laces versus Velcro will also impact how the gloves fit on your hands. Lace-up gloves provide a more customized, secure fit and are preferred by professional fighters, but they require assistance to put on and take off. On the other hand, Velcro gloves are easy to put on and can be secured tightly for a firm, comfortable fit.
In addition to the glove size and weight, consider the type of training you will be doing and whether you will need to carry a heavy bag or train with a partner. Speed bag training, for instance, requires lighter gloves to enhance your hand movement and improve precision, while sparring requires a heavier glove that prioritizes the safety of both partners. A quality pair of women’s boxing gloves should be suitable for all types of training and will last longer with regular care and maintenance.
Choose the Right Fit
Gloves are designed to protect your hands, but they can only do so when properly sized. Wearing oversized gloves can lead to hand fatigue and even injury. Incorrectly sized gloves can also inhibit your ability to punch effectively. It is important to try on the gloves before purchasing to ensure they fit correctly. The glove should be snug and comfortable, with a small gap between your fingers and the end of the glove. The wrist strap should secure the glove firmly without cutting off circulation. If you are unable to find a pair of boxing gloves in your size at a local sports store, try to purchase from an online retailer with a manageable return policy.
Once you have found a pair of gloves that comfortably fit, choose the right weight for your training needs. Heavy bag work requires thicker padding to absorb the impact of repeated strikes on a heavy bag. Sparring with a partner or mitt work with a trainer require lighter gloves that allow for quicker hand movement and more precision but still provide adequate protection.
Some gloves feature specialized foams that mold to the shape of your hand for a custom fit. This can help to minimize “floating in the glove syndrome” that affects both men and women with smaller hands.
You should also consider the type of closure system. Velcro-closure gloves offer convenience and a customizable fit, making them the preferred choice for most beginners. Lace-up gloves offer more wrist support and a customized fit, and are often preferred by professional fighters. Lace-up gloves require assistance to put on, and can be difficult to tighten evenly. Some models combine both lace-up and velcro closures for versatility.
Finally, you should always wear hand wraps when training to prevent injuries. Hand wraps are a good idea for any type of athletic activity that involves repetitive contact with your hands. The wraps prevent your knuckles from hitting each other and reducing the risk of bruises. They also make it easier to slip on the boxing gloves, ensuring that you don’t lose them while training.
