It Should Fit Like a Glove
Boxing gloves come in all different shapes and sizes, and although personal preference always plays a role, there are some general rules you should follow to help you determine the right size and fit, and ultimately, how to pick the right pair of gloves.
Let's start with the obvious and that is, gloves should be sized to your corresponding weight class. Amateur and professional competition gloves are dictated by weight, so your training gloves should be too. If you weigh 126 lbs. and are hitting the bag with 18 oz bag gloves, you are going to feel like you are punching in quicksand. On the other hand, if you’re a heavyweight who’s whaling on the bag with tiny 12 oz gloves on, you may feel like a killer, but you’ll also likely develop some serious hand problems. There is no one rule that all gyms, coaches, or fighters adhere to when it comes to fitting gloves, but a good standard to follow is based on your fighting weight.
So...what size boxing gloves do I need?
Use this chart as a starting point to find your own boxing glove measurements and remember — the idea is to use gloves that are large enough (padding and weight) to protect your hands without being too heavy and cumbersome that they throw your timing off! This goes for both men and women’s boxing glove size.
What about sparring gloves?
In a sparring situation, you need to take added measures to ensure the safety and protection of you and your sparring partner, so it's better to use heavier gloves. 16 oz boxing gloves are fairly customary and common in most gyms, although once you get below 126 lbs., 14 oz gloves are acceptable, and if you're a light heavyweight or above, 18 oz gloves are preferred. The added weight may seem cumbersome, but it is absolutely imperative to reduce injuries and the type of damage you can get from numerous rounds of sparring. Several studies have shown, and most experts have concluded that, in the majority of circumstances, fighters who suffer injuries acquire them through poor training and/or careless, excessive, or considerably too intense sparring. Obviously, professionals fight with much smaller gloves and, although you want to simulate that same experience, safety still comes first, so it's best to err on the side caution by using heavier gloves in almost every situation.
Finding your perfect fit
All hands vary in size, shape, and the way they move. The same is true for gloves. They all have slight variations in design, curvature, hand compartment size, length of the wrist, and a variety of other features. Regardless of what others say is best or what you think you should use, wear what feels right and fits your hand best (while still keeping your boxing glove measurements in mind). If you let comfort be your guide, you'll inherently get better hand protection and be able to throw punches with more confidence.
In addition to your boxing glove measurements and comfort level with the gloves, it’s also important to consider your boxing style. If you are a natural boxer and your game is dependent on speed, don't buy boxy bag gloves or ones that carry all of their padding in the knuckle area. You likely focus more on speed and don't need wide or overly padded gloves to slow you down, plus your style doesn't lend itself to power punching, so the extra foam and padding isn't really as necessary for you. On the other hand, if you are a heavy-handed KO artist, look for gloves that are thickly padded across the knuckles and the back of the hand. Plus, pay special attention to lacing-up or putting your gloves on. A more custom, snug fit will help prevent the gloves from slipping or hitting incorrectly and will prove to be a more secure “weapon” in the ring!
Consider the materials
All gloves have a variety of inner foam construction that give each a different feel and experience. Closed cell foam is firmer, while open cell foam is spongier. If you have hand problems, open cell foam provides a more forgiving impact, while the firmness of a closed cell construction is more solid. Again, it ties back to personal preference. Some fighters prefer the firmness of closed cell foam so they can really feel it when they connect, while others want a little give when they land a punch. Some gloves even use a combination of the two types of foam, so you can get the best of both worlds.
Caring for your boxing gloves
Regardless of what type of glove you end up choosing in the end, one of the most important aspects to remember is that you’ll need to properly care for them. In order for your gloves to perform as well and as long as you want them to, you’ll need to spend some time maintaining them.
When you're done using your gloves, wipe off any excess sweat, oils, and dirt, otherwise these contaminants can break down the leather and foam over time. Store them in a cool, dry place. Don't leave them in a closed, humid gym bag, where bacteria and mildew can form. Hockey great Wayne Gretzky was once quoted as saying, "I don't like my hockey sticks touching other sticks, and I don't like them crossing one another, and I kind of have them hidden in the corner. I put baby powder on the ends. I think it's essentially a matter of taking care of what takes care of you." It doesn't even hurt to periodically use a mild lubricant or leather cleaner on them to keep them supple. Leather can dry out and crack and shortens the life of your gloves.
Life is full of choices and the gloves you pick are one of your most important decisions you'll make in training. Your hands are your life blood in the ring, so don't cut corners on the type and quality of boxing gloves you buy. Put your money where your hands are and they'll likely to pay off as one of the best investments you ever banked on.
TITLE Boxing carries a wide range of boxing gloves for all uses, including bag gloves, training/sparring gloves, competition gloves, and more, in all sizes, including youth, men, and women’s boxing glove sizes.
Get the right gloves here.
Need help? Email us at info@titleboxing.com.