Choosing The Right Boxing Gloves

1. Choosing The Right Boxing Glove Weight And Size 

First things first, before you step into the ring and start landing punches, you’ll need boxing gloves that form an ideal fit for maximum power. Now, people also use boxing gloves while working out. Understandably, the size varies depending on the purpose. Having said that, whether it be for sparring or exercise, you’ll need to throw accurate and powerful jabs. 

We’ve found that boxing gloves are most commonly available in four variants – 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, and 16 oz. The 10 oz gloves are more suited for heavy-bag workouts, while larger sizes like 18 oz or 20 oz prove useful while sparring. 

But how does weight affect the performance of a glove? You need to know that a heavier boxing glove has more padding, meaning you’re well protected. On the flip side, it reduces punching speed. So we suggest choosing gloves based on how you come along during training – whether you’re an attacker or a defensive player. 

If you are looking for boxing gloves for beginners, you can use heavier gloves to stay safe and prevent injuries in your fledgling boxing career. You may shift to lighter gloves to earn a knockout as you get accustomed to the training and exercise. But that’s not the only essential aspect of finding the right-weight gloves. 

Weight also plays a crucial role in determining the type of glove a person should use. It would be best to remember that a boxing glove should form a snug fit, ensuring that the fingertips slightly touch the tip of the gloves. We must also mention that hand wraps are a must so that the gloves are tight when you make a fist. 

2. Getting The Measurement Right

Are you confused about what size boxing gloves you need? We’ll let you in on a bit of a secret about finding the correct boxing glove size. Measuring the circumference of your hand provides an accurate idea of what size boxing gloves you need. 

All you need to do is use a tape measure and wrap it around your hand, excluding the thumb. Also, as mentioned, your body weight plays an important part. Therefore, you can refer to the following facts where we’ve tried to determine the size of gloves based on weight and hand circumference. 

Firstly, people weighing 40-54kg have a hand circumference of 5.5 to 6.5 inches, meaning 8 oz gloves are ideal. As the weight increases to 54-68 kg, the hand measures between 6.5 and 7.5 inches, for which 10 oz gloves are perfect. 

Other than that, 68-84 kg people have even larger hands and need 12 oz gloves. Finally, if you weigh more than 84kg, you can opt for 14 oz gloves, one of the largest available sizes. 

3. Types Of Boxing Gloves 

When kick-starting your boxing career, the numerous options among gloves could present a daunting proposition. A professional may have more than one pair of boxing gloves for different training sessions, but taking your time as a beginner is essential. You can easily choose suitable gloves with our guide, meaning only a single pair is enough. 

While learning the nuances of boxing, your main goal should be to protect yourself; training or bag gloves are ideal. Although most brands refer to both as boxing gloves, we’re here to highlight the differences.

First and foremost, most people prefer using training gloves for their multifunctional properties. They help partake in several activities, making them the go-to choice for beginners. Even people interested in “Thai boxing” will enjoy practising with these gloves, allowing you to mix it up between sparring and bag work.

Coming to bag gloves, you’ll see that they are specifically suited for bag-related workouts. Hence the pair helps improve specific aspects of your game. People can also train at home, further adding to their convenience.

Now we understand if you’re feeling confused about which boxing glove to choose. Training gloves seem slightly better, but bag gloves offer more padding to keep you well-protected. You can strike a heavy bag without the fear of injury, which forms the building blocks of your boxing game.

That said, you must narrow down what you wish to work on and achieve to decide on the right pair of gloves.

4. Sparring Gloves 

Some boxers also like using sparring gloves; as the name suggests, they come in handy for sparring with your trainer. The main advantage is their wrap-around design which allows you to contact other boxers or fighters in areas of martial arts.

The innovative design prevents cuts or abrasions from the designed hook and loop fastening system. You’ll notice they deliver better shock absorption and keep you safe even after a round of intense sparring.

5. Other Aspects Of Boxing Gloves

We’ve discussed the size, weight, and measurement of boxing gloves. Now it’s time to consider some other aspects. An often overlooked attribute amidst all the further details is the quality of the material.

It would help if you remembered that the magic lies within you and basic boxing skills have nothing to do with your gloves. Therefore, refrain from burning a hole in your pocket and don’t spend all your savings purchasing a high-end option. Our experience tells us that people find it difficult to adjust to expensive gloves, ultimately affecting their training.

Start nice and easy, and gradually work your way up as you get better. Gloves won’t help you win bouts, but if you keep improving, having the correct variant is undoubtedly an advantage. Other than that, if you’re going to try your luck with martial arts, choosing flexible gloves is essential.

Heavier boxing gloves help you train for entering the ring, while lighter gloves are ideal for fights within the ring. These are subtle differences that aspiring boxers should understand, so consult your coach to conclude.

Remember that your gloves should feel comfortable for the best results, whatever decision you make. After all, a pair of boxing gloves is a part of you entering the ring. They are among the only gear standing between you and your opponent.

Note that they must adjust according to the shape of your fingers, wrists, and hands. If you feel pain or discomfort after a punch, take them off and try a different model. And keeping your gloves in good condition is always recommended.

It takes time to break in new gloves. So don’t be hasty; give it a few bouts before deciding.

6. Laces Or Velcro?

In boxing, things aren’t always smooth as a zipper; you’ll either have to tighten your laces or reattach the velcro. While laces offer a tighter fit and improve wrist support, they aren’t as practical. This is because boxers can’t tighten laces alone; your coach, trainer, or sparring partner has to do it for you.

On the other hand, velcro gloves are much easier to handle and involve less maintenance, so most boxers prefer using these. However, generally, a professional boxer will use both sets. So having laces or velcro isn’t going to impact performance, provided the gloves are comfortable.

7. Leather Or Vinyl?

We’ve briefly spoken about the choice of materials before, but let’s dive into the details. There are predominantly two types of materials – vinyl and leather – and we’ll discuss the benefits of both.

Firstly, vinyl is cheap and ideal for fledgling boxers finding their feet. However, it’s not the best material if you plan to get regular hitting practice. Vinyl isn’t very breathable and can cause hot and sweaty palms. Therefore, we suggest using vinyl gloves for fitness classes or light-scale activities that don’t involve much hitting.

On the contrary, leather gloves are costlier, but there’s a reason. The comfort and durability of leather make it a worthy investment, so it wouldn’t be the worst idea to have a flexible budget. With this, leather will adjust according to your hand shape, and once you get accustomed, the fitting will improve over time. 

There are also hand wraps that you can use under your gloves to protect against sweat. Whichever material boxing glove you choose, ensure you clean them correctly. 

8. Qualities Of Branded Boxing Gloves 

As with most things, people often choose branded boxing gloves, but there’s a reason for that. Brands know what customers need, as observed in their relentless drive towards achieving those requirements. These boxing gloves are better equipped than other models, but what makes them different? 

Branded gloves undergo extensive research, and not surprisingly, they are lightweight without compromising durability. There’s power in every punch because of the foam padding. As a result, you remain well-protected while still being able to knock out your opponent. 

The material is more breathable due to the interior mesh fabric, making it worth your spending.