What Boxing Gloves Should I Use? A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Choosing your first pair of boxing gloves can feel confusing. With different sizes, styles and uses, it’s not always obvious which gloves are right for you — especially if you’re new to boxing.

The good news is that once you understand the basics, choosing the right gloves becomes simple. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, so you can train safely, comfortably and confidently from day one.

Why Choosing the Right Boxing Gloves Matters

Boxing gloves do more than protect your hands — they also protect your training partners and help you develop proper technique. Wearing the wrong gloves can lead to sore wrists, damaged knuckles or unsafe sparring.

The right gloves will:

Support your wrists
Protect your knuckles
Match your training style
Help you progress safely

If you’re just starting out, choosing the correct gloves is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

Boxing Glove Weights Explained (10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz)

Boxing gloves are measured in ounces (oz), which refers to the glove’s weight and padding level.

10oz Gloves

Best for pad work and bag training
Common for lighter boxers
Not suitable for sparring

12oz Gloves

Ideal for beginners
Great for general training
Suitable for pad work and bag work

14oz Gloves

Excellent all-round training gloves
Often used for sparring by lighter boxers
Good balance of protection and mobility

16oz Gloves

Standard for sparring
Maximum hand and partner protection
Commonly used by heavier boxers

Rule of thumb:
If you plan to spar, you’ll usually need 14oz or 16oz gloves.

Gloves for Bag Work vs Sparring

Not all gloves are designed for the same type of training.

Bag Gloves

Bag gloves are firmer and more compact. They’re designed to:

Absorb repeated impact
Protect your knuckles
Develop power and technique

They are ideal for punching bags and pads but should not be used for sparring.

👉 Explore our Boxing Gloves collection to find bag and training gloves suitable for beginners.

Sparring Gloves

Sparring gloves use softer padding to protect both boxers. They:

Reduce impact force
Protect faces and heads
Are usually 14oz or 16oz

Most gyms require dedicated sparring gloves.

👉 View our Sparring Gloves collection for safe partner training.

Lace-Up vs Velcro Boxing Gloves

Velcro Gloves

Easy to put on and remove
Ideal for solo training
Great for beginners
Convenient for bag and pad work

👉 Browse Velcro Boxing Gloves if you train alone or want convenience.

Lace-Up Gloves

More secure fit
Preferred by experienced boxers
Often used for sparring and competition
Require assistance to lace properly

👉 See our Lace-Up Boxing Gloves for a professional feel and secure support.

Gloves for Beginners vs Experienced Boxers

Beginners

If you’re new to boxing:

Choose 12oz–14oz gloves
Prioritise comfort and wrist support
Start with Velcro closure
Avoid overly firm or puncher-style gloves

Experienced Boxers

More experienced boxers may:

Own multiple pairs
Use specific gloves for bag work and sparring
Prefer lace-up gloves
Choose gloves based on training goals

Kids Boxing Gloves – What to Look For

Children need gloves designed specifically for them.

Kids boxing gloves should:

Be lightweight (6oz or 8oz)
Fit smaller hands properly
Offer good wrist support
Be comfortable and easy to put on

👉 Shop Kids Boxing Gloves for junior-friendly designs.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Many beginners make the same mistakes when choosing gloves:

Buying gloves that are too small
Using bag gloves for sparring
Choosing style over protection
Ignoring wrist support
Buying cheap, poorly padded gloves

Investing in the right gloves early will save you money — and your hands — in the long run.

Where to Buy Boxing Gloves in the UK

Buying from a specialist boxing retailer ensures you get genuine equipment, proper advice and gloves designed for real boxing use — not fitness gimmicks.

At Fight Gear, we stock boxing gloves from trusted brands including Cleto Reyes, Rival, Sting, Hit N Move, Adidas and more. Every glove we sell is chosen with real training and competition in mind.

👉 Explore our full Boxing Gloves range to find the right pair for your training.

Final Thoughts

Choosing boxing gloves doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you understand glove weights, training types and closure styles, you can confidently select gloves that suit your needs.

Whether you’re hitting the bag, sparring at your gym or just starting your boxing journey, the right gloves will help you train safely and enjoy the sport from day one.

If you’re ever unsure, visit our high-street store or contact our team — we’re always happy to help you find the perfect fit.

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