Boxing Glove Size | Weight | Types | Perfect Guide

Want to start boxing but want to select the right glove sizes? In this post, I’ll provide a complete guide regarding choosing the right boxing glove sizes. Boxing gloves are the most essential thing that determines the success of boxers in the boxing ring. So protective and safe gloves ensure your success. 

The boxers use various gloves, ranging from 4oz to 16oz. Remember, there is one general rule: you can choose the right gloves by analyzing your body weight.

In this post, we’ll discuss everything that you need to know while choosing the right size boxing gloves.

Boxing Glove Size
Boxing Glove Size

Does boxing glove size matter?

The glove size matters for your safety, performance, and success. Wearing the right size of gloves ensures proper hand protection and comfort. Tight gloves can harm your hands, while loose ones affect accuracy and strain your wrists. Fit size matters for safety and success in the ring.

Boxing Glove Sizes

Whatever your experience level, finding the right boxing glove size is essential.

Typically, boxing glove size depends on your height and weight. When you select the glove size, you must consider that it should cover your entire hands. You can measure your gloves by using plastic tape.

Boxing Gloves Size Guide

Weight ClassRecommended Glove Sizes
Under 100 lbs6-8 oz gloves
100 lbs to 126 lbs12-14 oz gloves
127 lbs to 160 lbs14-16 oz gloves
161 lbs to 180 lbs16-18 oz gloves
181 lbs and above18 oz gloves
Boxing Glove Size
Boxing Glove Size

How to Measure Boxing Gloves?

To measure the circumference of your hand at the knuckles using a measuring tape, follow these steps:

  • You’ll need a flexible measuring tape.
  • Ensure your hand is relaxed and not clenched tightly.
  • Begin by identifying the knuckles of your hand. These are the bony protrusions on the back of your hand where your fingers meet your hand.
  • Hold one end of the measuring tape against your hand’s knuckles.
  • Gently wrap the tape around your hand, ensuring it stays at knuckle level.
  • Once you’ve made a full loop around your hand, take note of the measurement in inches or centimeters. 

How Heavy Are Boxing Gloves?

Usually, the weight of gloves is measured in ounces. The regulation boxing gloves weight measures 8, 12, 14, and 16 ounces.

The weight of gloves influences the padding between your hand and your target, be it an opponent or a punching bag. Lighter boxing gloves are preferred for training, whereas heavier gloves are ideal for actual fights or sparring sessions. 

Types of Boxing Gloves

Bag Mitts

These mitts are like mini-gloves, typically used for hitting punching bags. They protect your hands and help you practice punching correctly with a closed fist. They’re lightweight and usually measure 2 oz.

Sparring Gloves

During practice fights, these gloves keep both boxers safe. They’re usually a bit heavier, about 2 to 4 oz more than competition gloves, to prevent unnecessary injuries. Sometimes, powerful punchers might even use 20 oz gloves. Sonny Liston had custom-made 22 oz Everlast gloves, but they could barely protect his sparring partners from his knockout punches. Even Mike Tyson, back when he was an amateur, used 18 oz sparring gloves, and they still didn’t completely shield his sparring buddies from his powerful hits. Sparring gloves come in different weights, like 4 oz, 6 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, 16 oz, 18 oz, and 20 oz.

Competition Gloves

These gloves are made specifically for boxing matches, following all the official rules. They have less padding compared to other types of gloves. You’ll notice a white-painted area on the knuckles used for scoring. These gloves come in different weights, including 8 oz, 10 oz, and 12 oz.

Boxing Glove Size
Boxing Glove Size

Lace-Up Gloves

Professional boxers often use these gloves in training and actual matches. They come in various weights, such as 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, and 16 oz.

Boxing glove sizes for women

Gloves’ WeightSize for WomensPurposes
8 OzWomen (45 kg to 50 kg)General training
10 OzWomen (50 kg to 60 kg) Sparring sessions
12 OzWomen (60 kg to 70 kg)Sparring 
14 OzWomen (70 kg to 90 kg) Versatile training
16 OzMen and Women (over 90 kg)Sparring and heavy bags

FAQs

For regular training, like hitting bags or pads, 12 oz to 16 oz gloves are common. For sparring sessions with a partner, 16 oz gloves are typically recommended for safety. In official matches, the weight class determines the glove size, usually 8 oz, 10 oz, or 12 oz.

The size of boxing gloves depends on your weight. You can know your glove size by measuring your hand circumference, providing a more precise fit. This is especially important if you have larger hands relative to your size or weight.

Boxing glove weight doesn’t determine how hard they hit. It’s about the padding. That’s why sparring gloves are heavy, while professional competition gloves are light.

Conclusion

Selecting the right boxing glove sizes is crucial for a boxer’s safety, performance, and success in the ring. The article provides a comprehensive guide on choosing the appropriate glove size based on weight, with general recommendations ranging from 6 oz for children up to 18 oz for heavier individuals. It emphasizes the importance of proper hand protection and comfort.

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