What Size Boxing Gloves Should You Use?

A Complete Guide for Training, Sparring, Amateur, and Pro Boxing

Welcome to Fight Gear, your go to UK online boxing shop for premium boxing gloves and equipment from top brands like Adidas, Cleto Reyes, Rival, Sting, Pro Box, and Hit N Move. Choosing the right size boxing gloves isn't just about comfort, it's crucially needed for protecting your hands, wrists, knuckles and sparring partners, while still making sure to optimise your performance in the ring or during training. The wrong size can lead to injuries, reduced power, or even just discomfort that distracts you from your training.

Boxing glove sizes are measured in ounces (oz) which normally refers to the weight and amount of padding in the glove. The Lighter size of gloves (8-10oz) offer less padding and making them ideal for preparing for pro fights or sharpening up speed in pad work, while on the other hand the heavier ones, 14-18oz provide more cushioning for yours and your partners safety during sparring. In this guide, we will break down the best glove sizes for different scenarios that you could face on your boxing journey. We will base this on your body weight, hand size and goals in boxing and if you're just a beginner hitting the heavy bag for the first time or a pro preparing for a title fight, we have got you covered in this guide with fight gears recommendations.

Understanding The Boxing Glove Sizes: The Basics

Before diving into specifics, let us explain how sizes work and cover the basics. The weight of the glove in ounces normally link with padding thickness meaning higher ounces offer more protection and padding but added weight, which could tire you out faster. Most common sizes range from 8oz to 18oz with 12oz, 14oz and 16oz being the most popular for general use.

To find your ideal size you need to consider:

* Your Body Weight: The heavier boxers usually need more padding to absorb impact.

* Hand Circumference: Measure around your knuckles of your dominant hand with a tape measure, you could add hand wraps for accuracy. For example:

* 5-6 inches: Smaller gloves (8-12oz)

* 7-8 inches: Medium (12-16oz)

* 8+ inches: Larger (16-18oz+)

* Purpose For The Glove: Training vs Competition affects the choice.


 

Boxing Glove Size Guide for General Training


 

•    Body Weight: Under 100 lbs (45kg)

  * Recommended Training Glove Size: 8-14oz

  * Hand Circumference: 5-6 inches

  * Body Weight: 100-150 lbs (45-67kg)

  * Recommended Training Glove Size: 14oz

  * Hand Circumference: 6-7.5 inches

  * Body Weight: 150-180 lbs (68-82kg)

  * Recommended Training Glove Size: 14-16oz

  * Hand Circumference: 7.5-8.5 inches

  * Body Weight: Over 180 lbs (82kg+)

  * Recommended Training Glove Size: 16-18oz

  * Hand Circumference: 8.5+ inches

• 
  Note: Measure the hand circumference around the knuckles of your dominant hand (with hand wraps on for better accuracy) using a tape measure and make sure to always try gloves on if possible, as fit varies by brand.
  
  

Glove Sizes for Training (Bag Work and Pads)


 

Training sessions that include hitting the heavy bag, pads or doing drills will need gloves with enough padding to protect your hands from repetitive impacts without being too bulky or heavy to impact your technique drilling work. Usually for most adults the 12-16oz gloves strike the perfect balance with shock absorption for safety and still allowing speed and power.

* Beginners or Lighter Weights (under 150lbs, 67kg ): You should start with 12-14oz. These are lighter and ideal for more fitness focused sessions. The Adidas Tilt 200 in 12oz is a great entry-level choice with a multi-layer foam for knuckle protection.

* Average to Heavier Boxers (150lbs+ 67+kg ): You should opt for 14-16oz for better wrist support during bag work.

* Why this size? Heavier padding on the glove reduces injury risk from high volume, repetitive punching, but avoid going over 16oz unless you're focusing on strength and edurance training as it can slow you down.


Pro tip: If you're training multiple times a week, you should consider separate gloves for bag work (slightly lighter) and pads (heavier for safety).


Glove Sizes for Sparring


 

Sparring is where safety comes first, for you but just as importantly your partner. Boxing Gyms in the UK often force minimum sizes to minimise injury, with 16oz being the gold standard for most adults. The extra padding on the glove cushions blows while reducing the chance of cuts or concussions.

* General Recommendation: 16oz for anyone over 120lbs (54kg) . It's the all-rounder for free sparring and pad hitting

* Lighter Boxers (under 120lbs): 14oz is good but check your gym's rules lots require 16oz regardless.

* Heavier or Advanced Boxers: 16-18oz for maximum safety during hard sessions. Try the Rival RS11V Evolution Sparring Gloves in 16oz.

* Why 16oz? It provides better shock absorption than lighter gloves, protecting against repetitive strain. Never spar in competition gloves (8-12oz), as they are too thin and risky.



Glove Sizes for Amateur Boxing


 

Amateur competitions make sure to follow strict regulations from bodies like World Boxing emphasising safety with more padding shifted to the knuckles. Gloves are provided at events, but owning a pair for practice helps you adapt to their unique feel giving you an edge for your fight.

* Weight Class Breakdown:

* Under 67kg : 10oz gloves.

* 67kg and above: 12oz gloves.

* Why these sizes? They balance power and protection and give bulkier padding to focus on skill over knockout force. The Sting Amateur Competition Gloves in 10oz or 12oz are World Boxing approved and commonly used for UK box cups or national events.

* Training Tip: Use your amateur gloves for warm-ups or light pads to mimic bout conditions, but stick to heavier sparring gloves for sparring.
Amateur gloves feel more padded than pro ones, so practicing in them builds confidence for tournaments.

Glove Sizes for Pro Boxing

Professional boxing prioritises speed and power, so gloves are lighter and more compact, while still making sure to adhere to commission rules like those from the BBBofC in the UK. Organizers will usually supply gloves, but very often pros use similar sizes for prep.
* Weight Class Breakdown:

* Under 67kg: 8oz gloves.

* Over 67kg: 10oz gloves.

* Why these sizes? Thinner padding allows for harder, faster punches, but they are definitely not for sparring reserve them for competition or simulation drills. The Cleto Reyes Traditional Professional Fight Gloves in 8oz or 10oz are iconic, with horsehair padding for that raw power feel.


Note: Never spar in pro fight gloves, there is a risk of injury; use 16oz or higher.

If you're going pro, invest in high-quality options like the Rival RFX-Guerrero Pro Fight Gloves to fine-tune your edge.


Final Thoughts: Find Your Perfect Fit at Fight Gear


The right boxing glove size depends on your weight, hand size, and activity. You should opt for heavier ounces (14-18oz) for training and sparring to prioritise your and your partners safety, and lighter (8-12oz) for amateur or pro competition to enhance performance.

Make sure to always consult your coach or gym rules before buying and remember: a well-fitted glove can make all the difference in your boxing journey.

Ready to gear up? Browse our collection of boxing gloves at Fight Gear UK. We stock sizes from 8oz to 18oz across elite brands. Get fast delivery and expert advice. Follow us on social for more tips and deals.