What Boxing Gloves Should I Use? A Complete Beginner’s Guide (UK)
Choosing your first pair of boxing gloves can feel confusing.
With different sizes, weights and styles available, it’s not always clear which gloves are right, 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 explains exactly what beginners should use so you can train safely and confidently from day one.
Browse our full range of Boxing Gloves to compare sizes and styles.
Quick Answer: What Gloves Should a Beginner Use?
If you’re starting boxing in the UK:
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Most beginners should choose 12oz or 14oz Velcro boxing gloves
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If you plan to spar, you will usually need 14oz or 16oz sparring gloves
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Heavier boxers typically require 16oz for partner work
The right size depends on your weight and whether you’ll be sparring.
Why Choosing the Right Gloves Matters
Boxing gloves don’t just protect your hands.
They:
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Support your wrists
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Protect your knuckles
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Protect your training partner
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Help you develop correct technique
Wearing gloves that are too small, too light or poorly structured can lead to wrist pain, knuckle soreness and unsafe sparring.
Choosing correctly from the start makes training safer and more enjoyable.
Boxing Glove Weights Explained
Boxing gloves are measured in ounces (oz), which refers to padding weight.
10oz Gloves
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Suitable for lighter boxers
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Common for competition
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Not suitable for sparring
12oz Gloves
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Ideal for beginners
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Good for bag and pad work
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Lighter feel
14oz Gloves
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Excellent all-round training glove
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Often suitable for lighter boxers sparring
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Good balance of protection and mobility
16oz Gloves
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Standard for sparring
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Maximum protection
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Often required by UK gyms
UK Beginner Size Guide (General Rule)
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Under 70kg: 12oz–14oz
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70kg–85kg: 14oz–16oz
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85kg+: 16oz
If you plan to spar regularly, most gyms require 16oz regardless of weight.
If you need more detail, read our guide on What Size Boxing Gloves Should You Use?
Bag Gloves vs Sparring Gloves
Not all gloves are designed for the same training.
Bag & Training Gloves
Designed for:
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Heavy bag work
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Pad sessions
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General training
These gloves are slightly firmer and built for repeated impact.
Explore our full Boxing Gloves collection for training options.
Sparring Gloves
Designed for:
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Partner drills
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Supervised sparring
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Reducing impact force
Sparring gloves use softer padding and are usually 14oz or 16oz.
View our Sparring Gloves collection for safe partner training.
Never use professional fight gloves for sparring.
Velcro vs Lace-Up Gloves
Velcro Gloves
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Easy to put on and remove
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Ideal for solo training
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Perfect for beginners
Browse our Velcro Boxing Gloves if you train alone.
Lace-Up Gloves
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More secure fit
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Preferred by experienced boxers
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Require help to lace
See our Lace-Up Boxing Gloves for a competition-style feel.
For most beginners, Velcro is the smarter choice.
Don’t Forget Hand Wraps
Hand wraps are essential underneath your gloves.
They:
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Protect your knuckles
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Stabilise your wrists
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Extend glove lifespan
Shop Boxing Hand Wraps to complete your setup.
Kids Boxing Gloves
Children should use gloves designed specifically for junior training.
Kids gloves are:
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Lightweight (usually 6oz–8oz)
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Sized for smaller hands
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Easy to secure
Browse our Kids Boxing Gloves for proper junior fit.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Avoid:
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Choosing gloves that are too light
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Sparring in bag gloves
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Ignoring wrist support
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Buying cheap, poorly padded gloves
Investing in proper gloves protects your hands long-term.
Where to Buy Boxing Gloves in the UK
Buying from a specialist boxing retailer ensures:
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Genuine equipment
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Proper glove construction
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Reliable padding
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Real boxing suitability
At Fight Gear, we stock gloves from trusted brands including Cleto Reyes, Rival, Sting, Hit N Move and Adidas.
Explore our full Boxing Gloves range to find the right pair for your training.
Final Thoughts
Most beginners should start with 12oz or 14oz Velcro training gloves, and move to 16oz if sparring becomes part of their routine.
Choose comfort, wrist support and proper padding over style.
The right gloves make training safer, more comfortable and more effective from day one.
If you’re unsure which gloves suit your training, contact our team and we’ll help you choose properly.
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