The Ultimate Guide To Boxing Gloves Size For All Factors

The key to finding the perfect boxing gloves size is to consider various factors like  your body weight, hand size, and their purpose.

Boxing gloves come in various sizes and colors, and finding the perfect ones is a difficult task for most people. 

However, there are some factors to consider before using your credit card at the fightwear shop – your body weight, hand size, and the activity you need them for. 

Having perfect-size gloves makes your punches more precise, and you’ll feel more comfortable and safe during training or fights. 

Once, I bought gloves that were too small. My blood flow was so restricted that my hands were so cold after sparring. My fist hurt so much, and my sparring partner was pretty scared of getting some invisible injuries right before his match.

This article will give you some tips on how you can find yourself a perfect pair of gloves. But to be upfront, In the following table, you’ll find everything summarized – save it for your next shopping at the fightwear shop! 

 

Body Weight (lb)	Dominant-hand circumference	Glove Size (General)	Glove Size (Oz) Bag Work      Sparring        Fights
90-107	6” – 71⁄2”	S	10-12	14	8
108-130	7 1⁄4” – 81⁄2”	M	10-12	14-16	8
131-159	81⁄4” – 93⁄4”	L	14-16	16	8 up to 147lb 147lb and above – 10
160-209	93⁄4” – 11”	XL	16, over 178lb 18	16, over 178lb 18	10

Sizes of boxing gloves can be displayed in ounces, for example, 8oz, 14oz, and 16oz, or standard clothing sizes, such as S, M, or XL.

Before the gloves were made a requirement, boxing was more dangerous and therefore a less appreciated sport. Fights were unsavory, and people didn’t find boxing being a sport but a brutal game. 

Gloves put boxing on a higher level and made it one of the most popular sports worldwide. There are various glove types, and all of them share a purpose – making the sport safer. 

But, gloves can do their best and save both you and your opponent only if you choose the right size. They have to fit around the hand perfectly, and they shouldn’t be too big or small.

Boxing gloves are usually labeled with a certain weight displayed in ounces (oz).  Most manufacturers make them between 10oz and 16oz, but it is possible to buy 8oz or 18oz or above, too. 

On the other side, a boxing glove size can be displayed in standard clothing sizes, such as S, M, XL, XXL, and so on. 

It is important to mention that sizes vary from brand to brand. For example, S-size Rival RB1 Ultra Bag Gloves are smaller than S-size Rival RB5 Bag Mitts.

Boxing glove size is one of the important things boxers should consider when buying a new pair because gloves perform the best when they’re properly sized. 

Boxing gloves should be a snug fit but shouldn’t be restricting your blood flow. Your fingertips shouldn’t be cramped against the top, and everything needs to be comfy, and neither too tight or loose. If it’s not easy for you to make a fist with the gloves on, then it’s not your size. 

Some boxers start to feel dizzy when buying a new pair of gloves – a lot of different types, sizes, colors, price tags… Such a nightmare, isn’t it? 

But remember that adequate boxing gloves are going to give their best, and don’t be lazy to try various pairs on before using your credit card to pay. 

A properly-sized boxing glove is going to save you from serious injuries, and also save your sparring partner from invisible injuries during your training. 

Also, being comfortable with boxing gloves on is a key to precise punch. Imagine you need to win someone with something on your hands you’re incompatible with. 

Once you measure your dominant-hand size and body weight, and what the gloves will be used for, you’ll know what your boxing glove size is. 

Boxing gloves come in a variety of types and sizes, and you need to find the best for you to feel comfortable and safe during training and fights. 

Some factors need to be considered when choosing the right glove size, such as the hand size, body weight, punching power, boxing level, and usage. 

 

1. Hand Size

You want your hands to be comfy because they are the most important thing for you as a boxer. 

To measure your dominant-hand circumference, use a measuring tape or a piece of string around your open hand just below the knuckles, excluding your thumb. The tape should meet the palm center to get a clear number. 

Here are some recommendations for your perfect gloves size, considering your hand size, but keep in mind that different manufacturers’ gloves may not conform to the same sizing standard.

Glove Size (clothing size)	Dominant-hand circumference	Glove Size (in ounces)
S	6” – 71⁄2”	8-14
M	7 1⁄4” – 81⁄2”	8-16
L	81⁄4” – 93⁄4”	8-16
XL	93⁄4” – 11”	10-18

 

S-Glove Size: Dominant-Hand Circumference, Glove Size (in ounces)

If you find out your hand circumference is about  6” to 71⁄2” (max. 19 cm), then the small glove size fits you the best. Choose the gloves labeled with 8oz up to 14oz, depending on what they’re for.

 

M-Glove Size: Dominant-Hand Circumference, Glove Size(in ounces)

If you see your hand circumference is from 71⁄4” to  81⁄2” (max. 21 cm), then buy medium, 8oz-16oz size of your boxing gloves.

 

L-Glove Size: Dominant-Hand Circumference, Glove Size(in ounces)

Large glove size is the best choice for you if your dominant-hand circumference doesn’t exceed 9.75” (25 cm). Pay attention to the ounces written on the label – 8oz up to 16oz is perfect for you. 

 

XL-Glove Size: Dominant-Hand Circumference, Glove Size(in ounces)

If your hand circumference goes up to 11” (28 cm), then buy extra-large gloves that weigh from 10oz up to 18oz.

Of course, these glove sizes are not the only ones that are made – you can find smaller than S-size or larger than XL-size if you need. 

I want to remind you that measuring the hand circumference is a perfect method of  determining the right boxing gloves size only if other factors are considered, too. 

It’s important to consult with a boxing trainer or coach before making your purchase so they can help guide you in the right direction.

There are many different brands and styles of boxing gloves on the market, so be sure to test out different sizes before making a purchase. 

And don’t forget about sparring partners! Find someone who is similar in size and weight to you so that you can get an accurate idea of what size boxer glove works best for you.

 

2. Body Weight

It is important to consider a boxer’s weight when selecting gloves size. Heavyweights tend to require larger gloves than lighter fighters because their muscles are more pronounced and their hands are larger in diameter. 

Here are guidelines for selecting the proper boxing gloves size due to your body weight:

• For fighters who weigh between 90 and 108 pounds: Size S
• For fighters who weigh between 108 and 130 pounds: Size M
• For fighters who weigh between 131 and 159 pounds: Size L
• For fighters who weigh between 160 and 209 pounds: Size XL
• For fighters who weigh over 210 pounds: Size XXL

Also, body weight is a parameter connected with the boxing gloves sizing in ounces. The label in ounces refers to the weight of each glove, not the pair. On a 14oz pair of gloves, each hand will weigh close to 14oz. 

Boxing glove weight depends on the padding amount. A heavier glove means an increased padding amount, making your punches slower and you and your opponent more protected. 

Different padding amounts are required for different activities. For example, 10oz gloves are good for speed and cardio if your activity is bag work. Whereas this pair is not recommended for sparring because it doesn’t include the required padding amount to protect you and your sparring partner. 

Ask yourself first if you are going to use your new gloves in sparring, bag work, or competition, and then I can help you to find your perfect gloves in ounces. 

 

3. Usage

After knowing your hand circumference and your body weight, it’s time to ask yourself what the gloves will be used for. 

As I said, different activities require different padding amounts. If you’re boxing with no gloves on, your punching speed is much faster, and no padding creates a much more condensed impact, making a tearing risk higher. 

Gloves padding makes your punches slower and increases the safety of both you and your opponent. 

If you train, then more padding is better for you and your partner. You want to protect yourself and your partner from injuries right before the fight, right?

Therefore, the minimal size required for bag work/pads is 10oz, and for sparring is about 14oz. 

Fights are a bit different. They need much finer padding which makes the gloves smaller and more compact, so fighters can deliver a sharp blow. 

Here is a table with gloves size recommendations due to the activity you’re planning to work on. 

Boxing Gloves Size (oz)	Bag Work/Pads	Sparring	Fights
8	not recommended	not recommended	pro-boxing
10	good for speed and cardio	not recommended	pro-boxing
12	good for speed and cardio	not recommended	in some amateur competitions
14	good all-round glove	fine for lightweight fighter sparring	in some amateur competitions
16	good for power and strength	suggested	in some amateur competitions
18	good for power, strength, used by heavier fighters	good for heavier-weight fighters sparring	not suitable

 

8oz Boxing Glove Size: Bag Work/Pads, Sparring, Fights

An 8oz glove is not recommended while doing bag work or sparring. It is required in fights for pro fighters who weigh up to 147lb. 

 

10oz Boxing Glove Size: Bag Work/Pads, Sparring, Fights

If you want to do a little bit of bag work, choose 10 oz gloves – they’re good for speed and cardio.

Don’t put them on when sparring – you may hurt both yourself and your sparring partner. 

This glove size is used in fights – pro boxers just love it. If your body weight is below 147lb, better choose 8oz gloves.

 

12oz Boxing Glove Size: Bag Work/Pads, Sparring, Fights

12 oz gloves are great for bag work and are not recommended when sparring. They are used in some amateur competitions, too. 

 

14oz Boxing Glove Size: Bag Work/Pads, Sparring, Fights

Such a great glove for bag work, fine for lighter weight fighter sparring, and used in some amateur competitions. Don’t use it when sparring if you’re in a heavier class. 

 

16oz Boxing Glove Size: Bag Work/Pads, Sparring, Fights

This glove size is good for strength and power while doing some bag work, and it’s suggested in sparring. Not suitable for pro-fighters during fights, but it’s often used in some amateur competitions.

18oz Boxing Glove Size: Bag Work/Pads, Sparring, Fights

An 18oz glove is used by heavier fighters when doing bag work or sparring. However, it is not suitable for any kind of competition.

You’ll know what size gloves you need to buy if you consider your hand size, body weight, and usage altogether, not isolated. 

Every previously-mentioned factor to consider when buying new boxing gloves is important, but one without another causes the situation where you can make a bad decision.

A beginner should use heavier gloves to prevent bones and skin injuries. 

Finding the perfect gloves is essential, especially if you’re a beginner. Gloves protect from injury and play a key role in the quality of your training. 

First of all, choose gloves with more padding because they will protect your fists and skin from injuries. 

Therefore, you need as heavier gloves as possible, considering your body weight and hand size. 

As your skill level increases, you will feel much more comfortable in lighter-weight gloves. 

Pro-boxers use 8oz to 10oz gloves for fights, 10oz-18+oz for bag work, and 14oz-18+oz for sparring.

In some amateur competitions, fighters use 12oz up to 16oz size gloves, but pro-fighters use only 8oz and 10oz size boxing gloves. 

Whereas in other activities, pro fighters are not as much different from other fighters with different skill levels.

It is not recommended to use 12oz gloves because you may hurt yourself and your sparring partner with less-padded gloves.

A heavier glove means an increased padding amount, making your punches slower and you more protected. 

It is recommended to use 14oz gloves or more, depending on your and your sparring partner’s weight. 

If you choose boxing gloves with less padding in them when sparring, you may hurt yourself and your sparring partner, and that is an unwanted scenario for sure.

If you choose the right gloves, you’ll feel comfortable and self-confident. Also, you’ll protect your hands from injuries. 

When purchasing boxing gloves, the size you choose is important for a few reasons. First, the size can accommodate different hand sizes. Second, the size can help ensure a good fit and allow for proper punching technique.  Also, right gloves play a key role in the quality of your training. 

Finally, the right size boxing gloves can help protect your hands from injuries during both training and fights.

When buying your new boxing gloves, you should consider your body weight, hand size, and what you’re going to do with them.

With the right gloves, only the sky’s the limit for you – you will feel comfortable when training or fighting, and you can address some nice punches to the opponent with no problems. 

Choosing the right boxing gloves can be a difficult task. However, with the right information, it can be easy to find the perfect gloves for you. Thanks for reading!