Boxing gloves work best when sized correctly to minimize the risk of injury. Measure the circumference of your dominant hand below your knuckles with fabric tape for an accurate measurement.
Look for lace-up or velcro closure. Velcro offers added convenience, as you can put on and adjust them yourself without relying on another person’s help with the laces.
1. They’re Made for Women’s Hands
A boxing glove should be a comfortable extension of your hand, creating a snug fit that transfers power efficiently and protects delicate bones in the hands and wrists. A study by the UK’s Mike Loosemoore found that women have a narrower palm and shorter fingers, making it important to choose a glove specifically designed for female boxers. Fortunately, major manufacturers have caught on to the demand and now offer a wide range of women’s boxing gloves.
The best way to choose the right boxing glove is to try on several options, including ones sized for men and those made just for women. A glove that’s too small restricts your hand and limits the force of your punches, while one that’s too large can cause twisting or bending in unnatural ways that result in sprains, strains or other hand and wrist injuries. If possible, opt for a pair of boxing gloves that are just a bit tight, as they will stretch out a little once broken in.
Another thing to consider when choosing a pair of boxing gloves is their closure system, which can make a big difference in your training experience. Velcro (hook and loop) closure gloves are easy to put on and take off, and they can be adjusted by hand; however, they may not provide as secure a fit or as much wrist support as lace-up boxing gloves.
Lace-up boxing gloves are more difficult to put on, but they offer a more customized fit and superior wrist support. Many professional boxers prefer lace-up gloves for their comfort and stability during intensive training or competitions. Some manufacturers also offer a hybrid design that combines the convenience of a Velcro closure with the security of lace-up boxing gloves.
2. They’re Made to Fit
Getting boxing gloves that fit well is important for safety and performance. A glove that is too loose can easily slip off during punching, causing injuries to the hands and fingers. On the other hand, a glove that is too tight can feel restrictive and restrict your mobility. To find a good fit, measure the distance between the lowest knuckles of your four uppermost fingers to determine your glove size. Then, consult a sizing chart for that make and model of glove to find the perfect fit.
When choosing boxing gloves for women, it’s important to consider their internal components as well. Women’s gloves are typically designed with a narrower wrist compartment and support to better accommodate smaller hands. This makes them less bulky on the inside than other types of boxing gloves, while still providing the necessary padding and wrist support.
Aside from the size, other things to consider are the type of foam, the glove’s weight, and the shape. Foam can be firm or soft, and the stiffer it is, the more it will help maintain the glove shape and absorb impact. Weight can also be a factor, with lighter boxing gloves being used for sparring and novices, while heavier gloves are more suited to professional and match use.
Another consideration is the type of cuff, which can be closed with Velcro or a strap. Closing the cuff with Velcro allows for a more customized and secure fit, and it’s easier to adjust as needed during training sessions. Finally, some brands offer gloves with added features such as cooling pads and antimicrobial solutions that prevent the growth of bacteria inside the cuffs.
3. They’re Made to Last
Depending on how frequently you use them and the material, boxing gloves can last one to two years, or even longer. Over time, however, the material wears down and it is necessary to purchase a new pair of gloves. Purchasing quality gloves can reduce this expense and increase durability and safety.
Generally leather is preferred for boxing as it lasts longer due to its strength and thickness and quickly ‘breaks-in’ with usage, allowing you to develop more certain, quicker. Those who can afford it should always opt for genuine leather gloves.
When making a glove, padding material is first cut to the desired size and then stitched together inside out. This is often done on an industrial sewing machine, although many of the smaller pieces and finish work are completed by hand. Once the glove shell is assembled, a knuckle piece and palm piece are sewn together. The seam between these two pieces is then gathered, giving the finished glove its characteristic clenched fist shape.
Glove makers have also incorporated features designed to increase fit and comfort, as well as extend their longevity. These include pre-curved designs that match the natural resting position of the hand for reduced strain, padded wrist straps to provide extra support, and thumb locks that help keep the thumb in its correct alignment. Many manufacturers also add gel inserts to high impact areas of the gloves for added shock absorption.
The closure system of the glove is another important factor to consider, with options ranging from Velcro straps to lace-up systems. The former is a convenient option that provides quick on and off, and can be adjusted easily during training sessions. The latter offer superior wrist support and a more customized, snug fit. Some manufacturers have even introduced hybrid closure systems that incorporate both Velcro and laces, offering a balance between convenience and support.
4. They’re Made to Look Good
Whether they’re made for men, women, kids or professionals, boxing gloves look much the same. They have a ballooned curled portion to protect hands and fingers, a wrist strap that secures the glove firmly without cutting off circulation, and a stuffed interior with padding. Boxing gloves are available in a wide range of colors, but the most important thing is that they fit and feel right.
When choosing a pair of boxing gloves, measure the circumference of your dominant hand (excluding the thumb) with fabric tape. Then compare that measurement to the size chart provided by the glove manufacturer. A glove that’s too tight will restrict movement and cause wrist injury, while one that’s too loose may not provide enough cushioning.
The most common material for boxing gloves is leather, which is made by tanning or chemically curing animal hides and skins. Leather is durable and resistant to damage, and it offers a great grip. It’s also breathable, which allows your hands to breathe through the glove and prevents unpleasant smells from building up inside.
Other materials used to make boxing gloves include vinyl, PU, and mesh. All of these materials offer unique advantages, but if you’re serious about training and want the best gloves for your money, stick with leather.
Boxing gloves are available in a range of weights, from 8 to 20 oz. Lighter gloves are usually used by beginners and for sparring, while heavier ones have thicker padding and are more suited to professional and match use. Gloves are also sometimes weighted in the front or at the wrist. Front-weighted gloves have more padding around the fingers to temper the force of blows, while rear-weighted gloves are designed to deliver harder punches.
5. They’re Made to Fit Your Budget
Choosing the right pair of boxing gloves can be overwhelming as there are so many options to choose from. To make your decision, consider your training goals and level of experience. Then select a style, weight and size that is comfortable for you. Look for a leather construction that offers durability, while also being soft and flexible to protect your hands. Also, choose a breathable interior lining to keep your hands cool and dry. This prevents chafing and reduces odor buildup.
Gloves are made in a variety of styles and ounces, with the lighter ones having thinner padding for novices and sparring and the heavier, more padded gloves being used by professionals and those who plan to fight. You’ll also find options with front-weighted gloves that are thicker around the fingers to temper the force of blows and rear-weighted gloves that allow you to punch harder with greater control.
Other innovations are improving comfort and performance, including pre-curved designs that match the natural resting position of your hand to reduce strain during long training sessions. Padded wrist straps provide extra support and stability. Gel inserts absorb impact and reduce injury. Thumb locks ensure the thumb is properly aligned for less risk of injury, and grip bars help you maintain a firm fist.
It’s important to select a pair of boxing gloves that are sized correctly, as incorrectly-sized gloves can affect your athletic ability and even cause damage to your hands. You’ll want to measure your dominant hand circumference with fabric tape and select a pair that are snug but not tight. Having too loose gloves can lead to hand fatigue, while too tight ones may cause blisters and other painful injuries. It’s a good idea to invest in lace-up or velcro gloves that can be worn with wraps to protect your hands and minimize the need for taping.