"What size boxing gloves do I need?" This is one of the most frequently asked questions we get from people just starting out in boxing or kickboxing.
It is also a valid question, because boxing gloves have a very different sizing than we are used to.
What is Oz?
Before we discuss what size you need, it's important to understand sizing. Boxing glove sizes are generally measured in ounces (OZ). Ounces are a British-American unit of measurement for weight.
To give you an idea: One ounce is approximately 28.35 grams.
The heavier the glove, the larger the size. This is mainly because the weight of the glove is in line with the amount of padding in the gloves.
Children typically have gloves in 4 oz, 6 oz, 8 oz, or 10 oz sizes. Adults generally have 12 oz, 14 oz, or 16 oz sizes.
There are also heavier boxing gloves than 16 oz, but 95% of society has enough of 16 oz or less.
What size boxing gloves do I need?
Now that we know how sizing works, the question remains: which boxing gloves do you need? Nine times out of ten, we choose boxing glove size based on our body weight. Although the fit varies greatly between brands, you can often rely on the sizing based on body weight.
If you have smaller or larger hands on average, we also look at the hand size.
If you have average sized hands, use the table below to determine the correct size.
| Body weight | Boxing gloves size |
| 40-50 kg | 8 oz |
| 50-60 kg | 10 oz |
| 60-75 kg | 12 oz |
| 75-85 kg | 14 oz |
| 85+ kg | 16 & 18 oz |
Determine your boxing glove size based on your hand size
Sometimes, your body weight isn't the right indicator for determining your boxing glove size. If your hands are smaller or larger than average, you might be wearing the wrong size boxing gloves.
A reliable way to determine your size in this case is to measure your hand circumference. It may sound complicated, but it really isn't.
To measure your hand circumference, use a simple measuring tape. Place the tape measure at the widest point of your hands, just below your knuckles, and wrap it around your palm.
Note: Do not include your thumb.
If you don't have a measuring tape, you can also measure it with a piece of string and a ruler.
After measuring your hand circumference, you can use the table below to determine the correct size boxing gloves.
| Hand circumference (in cm) | Size boxing gloves |
|
14-16.5 cm |
8 oz |
|
16.5-19 cm |
10 oz |
|
19-21.5 cm |
12 oz |
|
21.5-24 cm |
14 oz |
|
24-26.5 cm |
16 oz |
|
26.5+ cm |
16 & 18 oz |
What size boxing gloves for men?
Men generally weigh a bit more than women. Most adult men therefore wear 14 oz or 16 oz. Aside from size, it's also nice to have a little more padding around your knuckles when punching. So even if you weigh just under 75 kg, it's recommended that men buy 14 oz instead of 12 oz.
What size boxing gloves for women?
Most women wear boxing gloves ranging from 10 oz to 14 oz. The average woman is generally somewhat lighter than the average man and can therefore easily wear slightly lighter gloves. The lighter you are, the less weight there is behind your punches. Therefore, a little less padding isn't a bad thing.
Need new boxing gloves?
Now that you know how to determine the right size boxing gloves for you, it's time to choose your new set.
Already know roughly what you're looking for, or would you like to browse around? View our complete collection of boxing gloves .
Would you rather speak to an advisor? Call +31 85 06 06 340