Above all, a child's boxing glove has to fit: snug, light and fitted with a hook-and-loop strap that supports the wrist. For most children, a 4 oz or 6 oz glove is right. Buying a glove that is too big “so it lasts longer” is a false economy: the hand moves inside the glove, technique suffers and the risk of injury goes up.
In short
- Children's gloves are sized in ounces: 1 oz is roughly 28 g.
- 4 oz for the youngest, 6 oz for older children; teenagers later move on to heavier gloves depending on their build.
- Fit matters more than looks: the glove should feel firm without pinching.
- A hook-and-loop strap lets your child put gloves on and take them off unaided.
- Junior hand wraps under the gloves protect small joints.
What makes a glove right for children
A children's glove is not simply a smaller adult glove. It is designed for a shorter hand and wrists that are still developing: the hand compartment is smaller, the padding is distributed to cushion punches without weighing the arm down, and the strap is easy for small hands to manage.
Before buying, check which sport your child does. Boxing and kickboxing use closed, padded gloves. In MMA or grappling, children often wear open-finger gloves with less padding so they can grip. This guide covers closed boxing gloves, the usual choice for getting started on the bag, on pads or in group classes.
Which weight to choose?
Glove weight is given in ounces (oz). A 4 oz glove weighs about 113 g and a 6 oz glove about 170 g. For a child, lightness matters: a glove that is too heavy quickly tires the shoulders and encourages the guard to drop.
| Weight | Who it suits (as a guide) | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 4 oz (approx. 113 g) | Younger children, small hands | Taster sessions, light bag work, supervised partner games |
| 6 oz (approx. 170 g) | Older children | Regular classes, bag and pad work |
| 8 oz and above | Teenagers, depending on build | Transition to adult gloves |
Age alone is not enough: hand size and build matter more. For competitions, glove weight is set by the rules, so ask your child's coach before you buy.
The features of a good children's glove
Fit
The glove should wrap the hand without squeezing it. Once fastened, it should neither twist nor slip. Too tight and it becomes a struggle to put on, which saps enthusiasm for training; too loose and it no longer protects properly.
Wrist support
Children who are just starting out cannot yet line up the fist with the forearm. A wide hook-and-loop wrist strap limits awkward bending. It also lets your child get ready without help, which keeps classes running smoothly.
Padding
Foam or gel absorbs the impact on the bag, on pads and during partner drills. There needs to be enough to protect the joints without turning the glove into a heavy cushion.
Materials and stitching
Children's gloves lead a hard life: thrown into kit bags, left on benches and used several times a week. A durable synthetic leather outer and strong stitching offer a good balance between price, durability and easy care.
Ventilation
A moisture-wicking lining keeps hands drier and reduces odours. It is a small detail, but it helps a child want to put the gloves back on the following week.
Trying on and adjusting the gloves
- Have your child try the gloves on with the wraps they will actually wear.
- Ask them to make a fist: the fingers should reach the end of the glove without being squashed.
- Fasten the strap and check that the wrist stays straight when they tap gently into your hand.
- Let them put the gloves on and take them off by themselves: if they can, the strap is suitable.
- If you are torn between two weights, choose the one that fits today's hand, not the hand of two years from now.
Care and hygiene
After every session, take the gloves out of the kit bag and let them air-dry, open, away from direct heat. Wash the junior wraps regularly. These simple habits make the gloves last longer and keep odours at bay.
Our RDX picks
RDX F6 KARA 6 oz kids' boxing gloves – CHF 49.00Max-Shock Equilibrium foam, a QD 1 sweat-wicking lining and a Quick-EZ strap for wrist alignment.
RDX 4B Robo kids' boxing gloves – CHF 49.00Available in 4 oz or 6 oz, with Shell Shock gel, a moisture-wicking lining and an easy-on strap for children.
RDX Robo 61 cm kids' punch bag set – CHF 99.00Filled 61 cm bag (approx. 10 to 12 kg), supplied with 6 oz gloves, a hanging strap and a swivel hook.
RDX kids' hand wraps – CHF 12.00Junior wraps in a cotton and nylon blend, with a thumb loop and hook-and-loop closure, in six colours.
All our models for young athletes are in the kids' boxing gloves collection.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can a child box?
Many clubs take children from school age, with playful, non-contact sessions to begin with. Ask a club in your area.
4 oz or 6 oz: how do I decide?
Go by hand size rather than age: 4 oz for small hands, 6 oz once the hand fills the glove well. Your child's coach can advise you.
Does a child need wraps under the gloves?
Yes, junior wraps support the wrist and protect the joints. They also absorb sweat and keep the gloves cleaner.
Can a child use adult gloves?
No. They are too big and too heavy, do not support the wrist and quickly tire the shoulders.
How long do children's gloves last?
Usually, children outgrow their gloves before they wear them out. Move up a size as soon as the hand feels cramped.
Kit your child out from our kids' boxing equipment range. 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.
