How To Choose Your Boxing Glove Sizing
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Glove sizing is critical when starting your boxing journey. We'll take you through the details of ounce sizing and how to find the right gloves tailored to your size and training preference. Choosing the correct glove size ensures your comfort, protection, and maximizes your performance.
IT'S ABOUT OUNCES, NOT INCHES
What is boxing glove size? Boxing gloves are sold by weight in ounces (oz), not glove size. More ounces = more padding (less speed), fewer ounces = less padding (more speed).
Heavy bag work? Go lighter for speed. Sparring? Go heavier to protect you and your partner.
What glove weight is best for beginners?
10 oz gloves are lightweight and good for competition or speed work.
12–14 oz gloves are ideal for general training—pads, bags, drills.
16 oz gloves are the standard for sparring to protect both you and your partner.
BEGINNER GLOVE BUYING CHECKLIST:
Purpose: Bag, pads, sparring, or fitness?
Body weight & hand size: Align with our sizing table.
Wraps on: Always test gloves with wraps.
Material: Choose leather if you plan to train long-term; else PU is fine.
Multiple gloves: Keep one pair for speed work, another for sparring.
Pick the Right Weight by Body & Purpose
| Your Weight | Bag/Mitt Use | Sparring |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100 lb (45 kg) | 6–10 oz | 12–14 oz |
| 100–150 lb (45–68 kg) | 10–12 oz | 14–16 oz |
| 150–175 lb (68–80 kg) | 12–14 oz | 16 oz |
| Over 175 lb (80+ kg) | 14–16 oz | 16–18 oz |
CHECK THE FIT - NOT TOO TIGHT, NOT TOO LOOSE
Hand wraps add ~1 inch around your hands—wrap before sizing.
Fingers should reach the glove top, but not be squashed.
Wrist strap must be snug—no slipping, no pinching.
If the 10 oz gloves feel comfortable but your palms are visible, they might be too small. The 12 oz gloves covering your hands fully is a good sign.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BAG GLOVES, TRAINING GLOVES AND SPARRING GLOVES?
Bag gloves (10–12 oz): extra knuckle padding for heavy bag damage
Training gloves (12–14 oz): versatile for mitts, pads & bags—ideal for beginners
Sparring gloves (16 oz+): soften impact on both fighters
SHOULD I SIZE GLOVES BASED ON HAND CIRCUMFERENCE TOO?
Absolutely. Measure your knuckle circumference (without thumb/wraps).
Find your correct size in the size chart below. To measure the circumference of your hand, measure your hand around the palm, across the knuckles.
| Size | 8–12 oz (S) | 12–14 oz (S/M) | 14–16 oz (M/L) | 16–18 oz (L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (lbs) | up to 100 | 101–150 | 151–175 | over 175 |
| Hand Circumference (in) | 5–6 | 6–7.5 | 7.5–8.5 | 8.5–9.75 |
| Weight (kg) | up to 45.5 | 46–68 | 68.5–79.5 | over 79.5 |
| Hand Circumference (cm) | 12.75–15.25 | 15.25–19 | 19–21.5 | 21.5–24.75 |
FINAL KNOCKOUT SUMMARAY
Choose weight based on your body weight and whether you’re hitting bags or sparring.
Wrap your hands, try gloves on, and make a real fist inside.
Lead with comfort & protection—pick leather if your budget allows.
Start gloves 12–14 oz for general training, 16 oz for sparring.
Take care of them and they’ll take care of you.
