Boxing Glove Size: Picking the Right Weight and Fit

Choosing a boxing glove size is a two-step job: first the weight in ounces (oz), which depends on the kind of training you do, then the fit, which depends on your hand. Sparring calls for more padding than bag work, and two boxers of the same body weight will not necessarily wear the same glove.

In short

• The oz figure is the weight of one glove, so it tells you how much foam there is, not how big your hand is (1 oz ≈ 28 g).
• Bag and pad work: usually 10 to 12 oz. Sparring: 14 to 16 oz, sometimes more.
• In competition, the organiser or federation sets the weight.
• Measure your hand and always try gloves on with your wraps.

Ounces and hand size are two separate things

“12 oz” means that each glove weighs roughly 340 g. The higher the number, the more foam sits between your knuckles and the target. A 16 oz glove (about 450 g) offers more protection but feels bulkier and tires the shoulders a little sooner.

The number says nothing about the room inside. Someone with slim hands may still need 16 oz for sparring, while someone with large hands might do pad work in 10 oz. So decide on the use first, then check the fit of the model you have in mind.

Which weight for which session

Bag, pads, shadow boxing. 10 to 12 oz is enough in most cases. You feel the contact more clearly, which helps when you are working on technique, and your shoulders last longer over a long session.

Mixed training. If one class moves from the bag to pads to light partner work, a 12 or 14 oz glove saves you swapping pairs halfway through.

Sparring. Here the padding mainly protects your partner. Most clubs ask for at least 14 oz, and often 16 oz for heavier boxers. Check your gym’s rule before you buy.

Competition. The weight is not your call: it is written into the event rules. Whether you box as an amateur or kickbox, ask your club or the relevant federation before the bout.

Treat the table as a starting point. Padding shape and inner volume differ from one model to the next, even at the same weight, and sizes are not standardised between brands.

Measuring your hand in two minutes

1. Take a soft tape measure.
2. Wrap it around your dominant hand just below the knuckles, leaving the thumb out, with the hand open and relaxed.
3. Note the figure in centimetres.
4. Compare it with the size chart of the model you are considering. Some charts ask for a wrapped measurement, because wraps add bulk.

If you land exactly between two sizes, read the next section before you decide.

Trying gloves on with your wraps

Wrap your hands the way you would for a normal session, then put the glove on. Check five things:

• your fingers have a little room without sliding around;
• your thumb sits in its natural position and is not forced;
• with a closed fist, the padding covers your knuckles and does not shift to one side;
• the closure keeps your wrist straight and the glove does not twist on impact;
• no pain, no tingling, no numbness.

If any of these fails, the glove is not right for you, whatever the chart says. Bear in mind too that leather moulds to the hand over time, while synthetic materials change very little.

Between two sizes? Mistakes to avoid

Dropping a weight to get more room. Weight controls protection, not finger space. If your club requires 16 oz for sparring, a snugger 14 oz glove is not the answer. Try another 16 oz model with a different inner shape instead.

Going by body weight alone. The table helps, but how you train and your club’s rules matter more.

Buying a scaled-down adult glove for a child. Children’s gloves have their own sizes, often 4 to 6 oz. Ask the coach to check the fit.

Forgetting the material. Leather or synthetic, hook-and-loop or laces: these affect comfort and lifespan more than size.

Our RDX picks

RDX F6 Kara Training Gloves – CHF 59.00 RDX F4 Sparring Gloves – CHF 59.00 RDX T1 WAKO Gloves – CHF 99.00

• RDX F6 Kara Training Gloves (CHF 59.00) – an all-round glove for bag work, pads and your first months of training, offered from 8 to 18 oz depending on the colour, with a Quick-EZ hook-and-loop strap.
• RDX F4 Sparring Gloves (CHF 59.00) – designed for sparring and training, with multi-layer padding and a breathable satin lining, from 8 to 16 oz.
• RDX T1 WAKO Gloves (CHF 99.00) – a WAKO-approved cowhide leather glove, a sensible choice if you kickbox at a club or in competition, from 8 to 18 oz.

You will find every model from 8 to 18 oz in our boxing gloves collection.

Frequently asked questions

What does “oz” mean on a boxing glove?

It is the weight of a single glove in ounces. One ounce is about 28 g, so a 12 oz glove weighs roughly 340 g.

Which glove weight should a beginner buy?

For an adult starting out, 12 or 14 oz covers bag work, pads and light partner drills. For sparring, follow your club’s rule.

Should I choose the same size with and without wraps?

Always try gloves on with wraps, as they add volume. A glove that fits perfectly on a bare hand can feel tight once you are wrapped.

Is 16 oz too heavy for a lighter person?

Not necessarily. Many clubs require 16 oz for sparring to protect partners. It feels heavy at first, then you get used to it.

Can I exchange gloves if the size is wrong?

Yes, you can return an item within 14 days, with return postage at your expense. Try the gloves on indoors without training in them.

Ready to choose? Compare the models in our boxing gloves collection. Free delivery in Switzerland from CHF 100 – order before 12:00 and it ships the same day from Meyrin.

Adapted from a guide by the RDX Sports team.