How to Measure Hands for Boxing Gloves

Boxing gloves are an essential piece of equipment for any aspiring boxer. They not only protect your hands from injury but also provide better grip and control during punching. However, to get the best out of your boxing gloves, you need to measure your hands accurately. In this article, we will discuss how to measure hands for boxing gloves, the different types of gloves available, and some essential factors to consider before purchasing a pair.

Understanding the Importance of Properly Fitting Boxing Gloves

Boxing is a sport that requires a great deal of physical fitness, skill, and preparation. One of the most important aspects of boxing is ensuring that you have the right equipment, including boxing gloves. Boxing gloves are not only necessary for protection but also to enhance your punching ability. However, finding the right boxing gloves can be challenging, especially if you do not know how to measure your hands for boxing gloves properly. In this article, we will explore the importance of correctly fitting boxing gloves and provide a guide on how to measure your hands for boxing gloves.

The Consequences of Incorrectly Fitted Boxing Gloves

Wearing incorrectly fitted boxing gloves can lead to serious consequences, not only for your performance in the ring but also for your health. When boxing gloves do not fit correctly, it can cause your hands to move around inside the gloves, making it difficult to punch accurately and with power. Additionally, the extra space inside the gloves can cause your hands to sweat excessively, leading to discomfort and even skin irritation. Worse still, if your boxing gloves are too tight, this can lead to cuts and bruises on your hands and wrists, which can take a long time to heal and even cause long-term damage.

Properly fitting boxing gloves are crucial for both performance and protection in boxing. Wearing gloves that are too tight or too loose can cause serious consequences such as cuts, bruises, discomfort, and even long-term damage. Hand circumference and length measurements should be taken accurately using a fabric measuring tape and used to determine the appropriate glove size from a sizing chart. It’s also important to try on different brands and styles of gloves before purchasing to ensure the perfect fit. The right boxing gloves will enhance your punching ability and protect your hands while you focus on your training and performance.

Common Misconceptions About Boxing Glove Sizes

Before we dive into how to measure your hands for boxing gloves, it is essential to clarify some common misconceptions about boxing glove sizes. Many people believe that they should choose boxing gloves based on their body weight. However, this is not the case. Boxing glove size should be determined based on the size of your hand, as this will ensure the best possible fit and protection.

How to Measure Your Hands for Boxing Gloves

Now that we understand the importance of correctly fitting boxing gloves let us explore how to measure your hands for boxing gloves.

It is crucial to measure your hands correctly to find the appropriate size of boxing gloves. Wearing gloves that are too tight can cause cuts and bruises, while gloves that are too loose can lead to sweating and discomfort. To find the perfect fit, use a fabric measuring tape, measure your hand circumference and length accurately, and try on different brands and styles of gloves. Remember to measure your hands later in the day, and choose gloves based on hand size, not body weight. Different types of gloves, such as training, sparring, and competition gloves, also have different weights and padding, so choose based on your specific needs.

Step One: Measure Your Hand Circumference

To measure your hand for boxing gloves, you will need a tape measure. Begin by measuring the circumference of your hand, just below your knuckles. Ensure that the tape measure is snug but not too tight. Write down the measurement in inches.

Step Two: Measure Your Hand Length

Next, measure the length of your hand from the tip of your middle finger to the base of your wrist. Again, write down the measurement in inches.

Step Three: Determine Your Boxing Glove Size

Once you have your hand circumference and length measurements, you can determine the appropriate boxing glove size for you. Use the following chart as a guide:

• Hand Circumference: 6-7.5 inches – Glove Size: 8-ounce gloves
• Hand Circumference: 7.5-8.5 inches – Glove Size: 10-ounce gloves
• Hand Circumference: 8.5-9.5 inches – Glove Size: 12-ounce gloves
• Hand Circumference: 9.5-10.5 inches – Glove Size: 14-ounce gloves
• Hand Circumference: 10.5-11.5 inches – Glove Size: 16-ounce gloves
• Hand Circumference: 11.5-12.5 inches – Glove Size: 18-ounce gloves
• Hand Circumference: 12.5 inches and above – Glove Size: 20-ounce gloves

Step Four: Try on Different Brands and Styles

Keep in mind that not all boxing gloves are created equal, and you may need to try on different brands and styles to find the perfect fit. It is essential to try on boxing gloves before purchasing them to ensure that they are the right fit for you. Consider factors such as the glove’s weight, padding, and closure system when selecting your boxing gloves.

Training Gloves

Training gloves are the most commonly used gloves in boxing. They are used for general training and bag work and come in a variety of sizes and weights. They usually have more padding than other types of gloves, making them ideal for beginners or those who need extra protection.

Sparring Gloves

Sparring gloves are designed specifically for sparring sessions. They have less padding than training gloves, allowing boxers to practice their technique and improve their accuracy. Sparring gloves are typically heavier than training gloves, with weights ranging from 14 to 18 ounces.

Competition Gloves

Competition gloves are the smallest and lightest gloves used in boxing. They are designed to provide minimal padding and maximum impact for professional fights. They are available in weights ranging from 8 to 10 ounces, depending on the weight class of the boxer.

Tips for Measuring Your Hands for Boxing Gloves

Now that we have covered the different types of boxing gloves let us provide some tips for measuring your hands for boxing gloves.

Properly fitting boxing gloves are crucial for both performance and protection in boxing. Wearing incorrectly fitted gloves can lead to serious consequences such as difficulty in punching accurately and skin irritation. It is a common misconception that boxing glove size should be determined based on body weight. The size of the hand should be measured accurately to determine the appropriate glove size. Using a fabric measuring tape, taking accurate measurements, and trying on different brands and styles are essential for finding the perfect fit. Different types of gloves such as training gloves, sparring gloves, and competition gloves have different weights and padding suitable for specific boxing purposes.

Tip One: Measure Your Hands Later in the Day

When measuring your hands for boxing gloves, it is essential to measure them later in the day. This is because our hands tend to swell slightly throughout the day, so measuring them later in the day will ensure that you get an accurate measurement.

Tip Two: Use a Fabric Measuring Tape

Using a fabric measuring tape is crucial when measuring your hands for boxing gloves. This is because fabric measuring tapes are more flexible than other types of tape measures, allowing for a more accurate measurement.

Tip Three: Take Accurate Measurements

Ensure that you take accurate measurements when measuring your hands for boxing gloves. This means measuring both your hand circumference and hand length and writing down the measurements in inches. Use the sizing chart as a guide to determine the appropriate glove size for you.

Tip Four: Try on Different Brands and Styles

As mentioned earlier, it is crucial to try on different brands and styles of boxing gloves to find the perfect fit. Keep in mind that different brands and styles of gloves may have different sizing charts, so be sure to try on gloves from different manufacturers to find the perfect fit.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to boxing, finding the right gloves is crucial for both your performance and protection. Ensuring that your gloves fit correctly is the first step in finding the perfect gloves for you. By following the tips in this article, you can measure your hands for boxing gloves accurately and find the perfect fit. Remember to measure your hands later in the day, use a fabric measuring tape, take accurate measurements, and try on different brands and styles to find the perfect fit. With the right boxing gloves, you can focus on your training and performance, knowing that you are fully protected.

FAQs: How to Measure Hands for Boxing Gloves

How do I measure my hand for boxing gloves?

First, wrap a measuring tape around your dominant hand just below the knuckles, excluding the thumb. It’s important to make sure the measuring tape is snug and not too tight or loose. Take note of the measurement in inches or centimeters.

What if my hand measurement falls between two sizes on the boxing glove size chart?

In this case, it’s usually best to choose the larger size to ensure a comfortable fit. However, be sure to consult the specific brand’s sizing chart as there may be slight variations in measurements.

What about hand wraps? Do they affect the sizing of boxing gloves?

Yes, it’s important to take into account the measurement of your hand with hand wraps on as well. Measure your hand with the hand wraps on, as this will provide a more accurate measurement for choosing the correctly sized gloves.

Can I just guess my size or use a general size chart?

While you could guess your size or use a general boxing glove size chart, this is not recommended. Boxing gloves that are too small can cause discomfort, and gloves that are too large may slip off during training or competition. Take the time to accurately measure your hand for the best fit and protection.

What if I’m buying boxing gloves online and can’t try them on?

When buying boxing gloves online, it’s important to refer to the brand’s sizing chart and measure your hand accurately to ensure the best fit. Read reviews from other customers to see if they mention anything about the fit or sizing of the gloves. Some retailers also offer return policies for gloves that don’t fit properly.