How to Choose the Perfect Size of Boxing Gloves (The Ultimate Guide)

This post shows you the steps to follow to know how to choose the perfect size of boxing gloves.

One of the first doubts that arise when starting to practice boxing (and even those of us who have been in the world for a while) is: how to know how to choose the perfect size of our boxing gloves. In this post I explain all the points to take into account so that you can choose the ones that best suit your needs at all times. Let us begin!

How to Choose the Perfect Size of Boxing Gloves

Choosing the perfect size of boxing gloves is essential to guarantee safety, comfort and performance during your training and of course, fights. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you choose the perfect boxing glove size.

1. Most Used Boxing Glove Sizes

The most common sizes of boxing gloves are expressed in ounces (oz), which is a unit of weight used in this context to indicate the level of protection, cushioning and fit that the gloves offer. Choosing the appropriate size in ounces is important to ensure safety and comfort during training and combat. Here are the most common sizes of boxing gloves and their explanation:

These gloves are lighter and are generally used in professional boxing matches. They are preferred by experienced boxers looking for greater speed and agility in their punches. However, due to their less padding, they offer less protection and are not recommended for intense training or sparring since both your hands and knuckles, as well as the opponent, will notice the blows more, and therefore, will inflict more damage.

10 oz

Also common in professional competition, these gloves provide a little more cushioning than the 8 oz. They are suitable for boxers who want a balance between speed and protection. However, like the 8oz ones, they are not ideal for intense workouts.

12 oz

This size is widely used in training and sparring. They offer an adequate level of protection to prevent injuries to boxers' hands and faces. They are a very useful option for those looking for a combination of protection and speed.

14 oz

The 14oz gloves are suitable for intense workouts, such as bag work and sparring. They offer more protection than lighter sizes, making them ideal for reducing the risk of injury during prolonged training sessions.

16 oz

These are the largest and heaviest gloves commonly used in training and sparring. They provide excellent hand and face protection, making them ideal for long workouts and minimizing the risk of injury. They are the safest choice for most boxers and are especially recommended for beginners.

Glove sizes in ounces are based on the amount of padding and padding in the gloves, which in turn affects protection and impact from impacts. Since boxing is a contact sport that involves striking hard, choosing the right size of gloves is crucial to minimize the risk of injury for both the boxer wearing them and his opponent.

2. Boxing Gloves Materials

Boxing gloves are made of various materials. The most common materials used in the manufacture of boxing gloves are:

Genuine leather is a premium material used in high-quality gloves. It offers durability, flexibility and a comfortable hand feel. Leather gloves tend to be more expensive but are also more durable and resistant. This option that we have designed since Gladiatrix It is a very good option for its price-quality.

Also known as faux leather, faux leather or vegan, it is a more affordable alternative to real leather. Synthetic leather gloves often offer a combination of durability and comfort, although they may have a shorter lifespan than real leather gloves.

Vinyl is an inexpensive synthetic material used in low-end gloves. Although it may lack the durability and quality of other materials, it is still a popular choice for beginners and those on a budget.

The internal padding of boxing gloves is usually made of high-density foam, which absorbs impacts and protects the hands and wrists. This foam can vary in density and distribution depending on the brand and model of gloves.

Glove closures can be made of Velcro or laces. Velcro is more common on most modern gloves as it allows for a secure and quick fit. More traditional laces provide a more personalized fit but require more time to put on and adjust.

The choice of material will depend on your personal preferences, budget and level of commitment to the sport. Better quality gloves are generally made from durable materials and offer better performance and protection over time.

3. Weight

As strange as it may seem at first, weight is one of the most important factors to take into account when choosing a glove size. This occurs because a boxer's weight is related to the force and impact of his punches. Heavier boxers generate more power in their punches, which means the glove must have adequate cushioning to absorb that impact. If a heavier boxer uses gloves that are too light, the risk of injury increases for both the puncher and the one being hit. Here is a general guide to help you choose the size of boxing gloves based on your weight:

8oz – 10oz:

These sizes are more common in professional boxing and are designed for boxers competing in lighter categories. If you weigh less than 120 pounds (54 kg), you might consider gloves in this size range if you are training for competition.

10oz – 12oz:

These sizes are suitable for people weighing between 54 kg (120 lbs) and 68 kg (150 lbs). If you are in this weight category, 10oz to 12oz gloves might be an appropriate choice. They are common for both training and competitions.

12oz – 14oz:

If you weigh between 150 lbs (68 kg) and 180 lbs (82 kg), these sizes are recommended. The 12oz to 14oz gloves offer a higher level of protection and are ideal for training, sparring, and intense bag sessions.

14oz – 16oz:

For those weighing over 180 pounds (82 kg), 14 oz to 16 oz gloves are appropriate. These provide a maximum level of protection and are ideal for intensive training, sparring and to minimize the risk of injury.

It is important to remember that weight is only one of the factors to consider when choosing boxing glove size. The circumference of your hand, the way you plan to use the gloves (training, sparring, competition), and your personal preferences should also be taken into account. Always check the manufacturer's size chart and, if possible, try on several pairs of gloves to ensure you get a comfortable, proper fit.

4. Objective

As I mentioned in the previous point, it is very important to know what you are going to use the gloves for. Here I present different scenarios to evaluate so that you can choose the most suitable one for you.

Bag training:

If you are going to use the gloves mainly for bag training, it is advisable to opt for gloves that provide good protection for your hands. Glove sizes 12 oz to 16 oz are appropriate for this purpose. Heavier gloves (16 oz) offer greater cushioning and protection, which is ideal for long, intense workouts.

Sparring:

When it comes to sparring, it is important to ensure safety for both you and your partner. Larger, heavier gloves are preferable in this situation. Sizes 14 oz to 16 oz are the most common for sparring as they provide additional protection to minimize the risk of injury. Be sure to wear gloves that allow you to maintain an adequate level of control and precision during sparring.

Competition:

In competitions, it is common for lighter gloves to be used to maximize punching speed and agility. However, the choice of size will depend on the specific rules and regulations of the competition. In general, sizes 8 oz to 10 oz are common in professional competitions, but you should check your organization's regulations.

General training:

If you plan to do a variety of boxing activities, such as bag training and sparring, you may want to have a versatile pair of gloves. Sizes 14 oz to 16 oz are usually a good choice as they provide adequate protection for training and can also be used for sparring.

Remember that these recommendations are general and may vary depending on your personal preferences, experience level, and the specific regulations of your gym or competition. It is always advisable to consult with boxing trainers or sports professionals to obtain specific guidance based on your needs and goals.