When I bought my first pair of boxing gloves, I had no clue how to find the right boxing glove weight or how to measure my hand correctly.
Like most, I combed through videos and articles to help me understand which ounce, style and fit type I would need for a boxing glove. There was a lot of information to go through and this is how I came to find the right boxing glove weight for me.
When choosing which boxing glove that is a good fit. First you would want to make sure your hand fits snug in the glove with your fingertips almost reaching the end, but not touching. To get the right measurement, you would need to first measure your hand size, your weight and then your height. Here is what i found worked best for me when finding the perfect fitting boxing glove.
How To Measure Your Hands For Boxing Gloves
There’s nothing better than trying on a pair of gloves to see if they fit. But it doesn’t hurt to take it a step further and be more precise. Measuring your hands for boxing gloves is a great way to reference what weight and size of boxing glove would be ideal for you.
However, even after the process of measuring and finding your glove size, you should always try them on with hand wraps on to make sure that they fit exactly how you want.
To measure your hands for boxing gloves, follow these simple steps:
- Get a measuring tape: You will need a flexible measuring tape to accurately measure the size of your hands.
- Measure your hand circumference: Place the measuring tape around your hand at the widest part, just below the knuckles. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight, and take note of the measurement in inches.
- Measure your hand length: Measure the length of your hand from the base of your palm to the tip of your middle finger. Again, make sure the tape is snug but not too tight, and take note of the measurement in inches.
- Determine your glove size: Use the measurements you just took to find your glove size on a size chart provided by the glove manufacturer or the one below. Sizes can vary between brands, so make sure to check the specific size chart for the gloves you are interested in.
- Try on the gloves: Once you have determined your glove size, try on a few different pairs of gloves to find the perfect fit. Make sure the gloves feel comfortable and snug, without being too tight or too loose.
It’s important to choose the right size boxing gloves to prevent injury and maximize performance. Gloves that are too small can cause discomfort and restrict movement, while gloves that are too large can slip off during training and sparring. By following these steps, you can ensure that you find the right size gloves for your hands.
BONUS TIP: If you don’t have soft measuring tape, take a piece of string or shoelace and wrap it around your hand as described. Make a mark of where the two ends meet. Use a ruler and measure the length and bingo! You have the circumference.
How To Find Your Boxing Glove Size
Most boxing glove manufacturers show a recommended size based on your weight and height respectively. Following these recommendations should be a good way to get a decent fitting pair of boxing gloves.
After you have made all the measurements needed you simply refer to the boxing glove weight chart provided to find the right fit for you.
However, because we all come in different shapes and sizes, height and weight wouldn’t necessarily be enough to tell the whole story, and get you exactly what you need.
For example, if my hand measures 8.5″ and I weigh in the range of 110 – 120 pounds. Following the manufacturer guidelines would be a bit confusing. In theory I would have a choice of 8oz to 14 oz gloves.
So how do we determine which glove is what I need?
Well, first lets decide what you’re using them for. Because this site is focused on Home Gyms and Fitness at home. We will assume that sparring or an actual boxing match is out of the question.
A lot of boxers train in higher ounce gloves for conditioning, and come fight night they would drop to a lower ounce for more speed and higher chance of a knockout.
But like we already mentioned, this is home gym focused. We want a proper work out, something that pushes the limit a bit.
What Size Boxing Glove Should You Get
First off, when finding what fits you best and part of how you would measure your hand for boxing, make sure to have your hand wraps on and try on the glove. This would give you a more accurate sizing and feel of what it would be like during your work out routine.
Boxing gloves shouldn’t fit too small or too big. Both would increase your chances of injury like boxer’s knuckle.
If the fit isn’t an issue for you, and you’re deciding between which weight glove you need. It might help if you make a decision on preference of speed or weight.
Going with a lighter boxing glove can help improve speed with your punches and less resistance (your arms wouldn’t get tired as easy). And in contrast with the heavier glove, what you may lose in speed you get a bit more of a work out in strength and resistance.
Both type of boxing gloves would have sufficient padding for home work outs on a standard bag.
Should You Go For a Lighter Or Heavier Boxing Glove
For home workouts that you create on your own or if you’re following a Youtube channel or membership site like FightCamp.
Take the measurements of your hand like discussed previously in this article and find your suggest size gloves.
You could use this as your base size. The glove you choose here is perfectly fine.
From here you can go up or down in glove weight (ounce) pending on what you would want to do for your home excercise.
For reference you can check with this chart again.
If you’re a beginner try to stay in the recommended area. And if you’re in between glove sizes, for example a 10 ounce glove and a 12 ounce glove.
Make your choice based on the preference of speed or weight.
For example, my hand is 7.8 inches, which sits me in between the 12 oz glove and 14 oz glove. Although I’m totally fine going down to a 10 ounce glove or up to 16 ounce glove. My purpose of this is to get a work out in, so I opted for the 14 ounce gloves. Speed was not a priority for me.
Here’s a few more examples to help you make a decision.
If you’re main goal is to have a more cardio burn, trying lighter gloves could help you get more reps in before getting tired.
In contrast, if you’re toning muscle and want a heavier punch. Going with a higher weight glove would give your arms a better work out.
Now that we have the sizing down, what types of boxing glove are there?
Types of Boxing Gloves
Sparring Gloves – are boxing gloves that are meant absorb more impact. They are build for the design of protecting the user as well as the person they are sparring with. Sparring Gloves are generally heavier in weight and have thicker padding around the fingers and thumb for added protection.
Training Gloves – one of the more “well rounded” type of boxing gloves. They have enough padding for if you want to spar with a partner. Also they are light enough to use on bag work excercises.
Bag Gloves – optimized for heavy bag use, Bag gloves generally come lighter in weight and less padding in at the top of the glove. These gloves are best in keeping your speed and working on form in your home gym.
Competition Gloves – super light weight with least amount of padding. Competition gloves are generally considered within the 6oz – 10oz range. With lighter weight and less padding, these gloves are meant to inflict as much damage possible during a bout.
Conclusion
It may take some trial and error in finding a glove that you will truly enjoy. But I hope I was able to help you take a couple of steps in the right direction.
Whichever glove you decide to go with, make sure you create a set routine in maintaining and caring for your boxing gloves. It will repay you overtime.
And if you haven’t already remember grab a quality pair of hand wraps as well.
