What Size Boxing Gloves Should I Get?

In case you are a beginner in the field of boxing, one of the crucial queries you’ll be wrestling with is determining the correct size of boxing gloves to purchase. The fitting perfection of your gloves is vital to avoid any sort of injuries and to boost your performance. So, how can you ascertain which size would fit you flawlessly?

There are many different types, sizes, and styles of boxing gloves to choose from so it can be easy to get confused as a beginner. However, it is important that your boxing gloves fit well otherwise you could be facing serious injuries to your hands.

Along with your gloves, you need to think about what boxing hand wraps you are going to use, as these need to fit comfortably as well. The two items together, work for the protection and safety of your hands so it’s vital to get them right.

How Do I Know Which Size Boxing Glove is Right for Me?

Boxing gloves are actually measured by weight and they can start at around eight ounces and go up to as heavy as twenty ounces. Which glove is right for you depends on your weight and the size of your dominant hand.

So, if you are looking to choose your first set of gloves or a new set, then you need to know how much you weigh at the moment and you need to measure around your dominant hand to work out the circumference.

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How Do I Measure My Hand?

The easiest way to measure your hand is to use a piece of string or a piece of ribbon and wrap it around your dominant hand. You need to be measuring the widest part of your hand, just below your knuckle line.

Wrap the string or ribbon around your hand, so the two ends meet in the middle of your palm and then measure the length of that string or ribbon using a tape measure or ruler to get an accurate reading.

Once you have your hand circumference and your weight, you then need to decide which type of boxing glove you prefer. There are then tables available to calculate the size you need, based on your weight and hand circumference.

Should My Boxing Gloves Be Tight?

No, your gloves shouldn’t be so tight that they are uncomfortable or stop the blood flowing to your hands. They need to be snug rather than tight. When you are trying on gloves you should always try them on with your hands already wrapped, as otherwise, they might well end up being too tight once you add the wraps in as well.

Make sure your fingers reach the top but are not cramped and uncomfortable. You need the gloves to be snug, not too loose but not too tight. You don’t want your hands in pain before you have even thrown a punch.

Are there Different Types of Boxing Gloves?

There are many different types of boxing gloves, as well as different sizes, so you will need to decide which type of glove you need first, before looking for one in the right size for your hands and weight. The different types are used for different purposes.

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Bag Boxing Gloves

Bag boxing gloves come with less padding than others because they are only used when training with a boxing bag and other devices used when you are training. They have less padding so that you are more able to feel your punch style and notice problems.

Boxing Training Gloves

These have more padding than bag gloves, making them suitable for both sparring and bag workouts. They are the most commonly used first gloves for new boxers as they allow flexibility without the expense of buying lots of different pairs of gloves.

Sparring Boxing Gloves

Sparring boxing gloves are designed for you to spar safely with a partner so they have more padding than the first two, in order to protect your partner from injury. They are the next step up for when you are ready to enter the ring.

Professional Boxing Gloves

Do I Need to Buy Male or Female Gloves?

Most gloves sold are actually unisex rather than being designed for either men or women. They are designed according to hand size and weight, so make sure you choose ones that fit your measurements and are comfortable.

How Do I Look After My Gloves?

Once you have found and chosen your particular gloves you need to take care of them. It’s important never to put them in the washing machine as this will damage them, however, you should air them after every match, and you can use wipes to clean them down.

If the insides of the gloves start to smell, make sure you are washing your hand wraps effectively as these should be protecting the inside of your gloves from your sweat. You can try deodorizing your gloves but don’t use anything that will irritate your hands.

Boxing gloves are generally made of leather, although some might be vinyl, which is why you should never put them in the washing machine as they will get ruined. You can buy wipes for boxing gloves and other specialist products to keep them clean and smelling fresh.

Conclusion

Getting your first pair of boxing gloves is a very exciting time for any new boxer so it’s worth taking the time to do some research into which type of gloves you are going to need, which brands you prefer, and getting your measurements right.

That way, when you first try on your gloves over your hand wraps, you will be able to rest assured that you have the perfect fit and best support possible for your hands going forward.