Boxing Glove Sizes Explained: Which Ounces Do You Need?

Boxing glove sizes are measured in ounces, and the number tells you how much padding sits over your knuckles, not how big the glove is. That one fact explains most of the confusion. A 16oz glove is not a "large", it is a glove with more padding than a 12oz, and the right weight depends on what you are using it for, not on the size of your hand.

Boxfit UK has fitted gloves for clubs and boxers since 2006. This is the guide we give people who ring us on 01708 320320 asking which pair to buy.

What the ounces actually mean

The ounce figure is the weight of the glove, and nearly all of that weight is padding. More ounces means a thicker layer of foam between your fist and whatever you are hitting. That protects two things: your own hands and wrists, and your training partner's head.

Most gloves on our shelves run from 8oz to 18oz:

• 8oz and 10oz: professional fight gloves and amateur competition gloves in the lighter weight classes. Minimal padding, maximum feel. Not for sparring.
• 12oz: amateur competition for heavier weight classes, and pad and bag work for lighter boxers who want a faster glove.
• 14oz: the all-round training weight for most adults. Bag work, pads, and light sparring if your gym allows it.
• 16oz: the standard sparring glove. Most clubs in the UK will not let you spar in anything lighter, and many insist on 16oz for everyone over about 70kg.
• 18oz and 20oz: sparring gloves for heavyweights and for coaches who want extra protection.

Which weight for which job

Bag and pad work

Pick 12oz or 14oz. You want to feel the shot land and keep your hands fast. A lighter glove also tires your shoulders less over a long session. If you have had hand injuries or you hit hard, 14oz gives you more cushion. Our bag gloves and mitts are built for this and nothing else, with denser foam and a shorter cuff.

Sparring

Buy 16oz unless your coach tells you otherwise. Sparring gloves are about protecting the person opposite you, so the padding is softer and thicker. Ask your gym before you order, because some clubs set their own rule by bodyweight. Our sparring and training gloves range covers 14oz to 20oz from Rival, Adidas, Cleto Reyes, Pro Box and Sting.

Amateur competition

England Boxing bouts use approved competition gloves in 10oz or 12oz, decided by the weight category, and they must be red or blue to match your corner. The approval mark matters: officials check gloves before you step through the ropes. Our amateur competition gloves are the Sting and Adidas models that carry it.

Kids

Children's gloves start at 4oz and 6oz for the youngest and go up to 8oz and 10oz for older juniors. The weight should suit the child's size and what they are doing, and for club sparring the coach will tell you what is allowed. See kids boxing gloves.

Getting the fit right

Once you know the weight, the fit is about your hand, and here brands differ. A few rules of thumb:

• Try gloves on with hand wraps, because that is how you will wear them. Wraps add a few millimetres all round.
• Your fingertips should reach the end of the glove without your hand being forced open. If your fist cannot close comfortably, the glove is too small.
• The cuff should sit snug over the wrist. Hook and loop closures are quicker for training. Lace-ups give a tighter, more secure wrist for sparring and competition, but you need someone to tie them.
• Some ranges come in S, M and L within the same ounce weight, particularly the Mexican-style makers. If you are between sizes, go smaller. Leather gloves give a little with use.

Leather or synthetic?

Leather lasts longer, moulds to your hand, and breathes better. Synthetic gloves are cheaper and easier to wipe down, which is why many gyms buy them as club stock. For a glove you will use three or four times a week, leather is worth the extra money. For a first pair while you find out whether boxing is for you, synthetic is fine.

How long should a pair last?

A good leather training glove used three times a week should last a year or two. Signs it is time to replace: the padding feels flat over the knuckles, the wrist no longer holds firm, or the lining has split. Sparring gloves with dead padding are dangerous for your partner, not just uncomfortable for you. Air your gloves after every session and never leave them in the bag.

Quick answer

• Bag and pads: 12oz or 14oz
• Sparring: 16oz
• Amateur competition: 10oz or 12oz, approved, in your corner colour
• Kids: 4oz to 10oz by age and size

Still not sure? Call 01708 320320 (option 3) or email sales@boxfituk.com and describe your weight, your experience and what you will use the gloves for. We will point you at the right pair. Browse the full range of boxing gloves.