Buying the wrong boxing gloves wastes money and can leave you with a pair that does not suit the way you actually train. Glove weight affects padding, hand speed, training workload and whether a particular pair is suitable for pads, bags, sparring or competition.
This guide explains the ounce system, bodyweight guidance, hand fit, junior gloves, sparring choices and the difference between training and competition gloves. The most important point is that there is no single glove weight that is right for every boxer or every session.
Quick answer: what size boxing gloves do I need?
For adults, glove choice depends mainly on your bodyweight, training type and your gym's rules. Gloves from 10oz to 14oz are commonly used for pads, bags and technical training, while 14oz and 16oz are both commonly seen in sparring.
Many gyms accept 14oz for sparring, particularly depending on the athlete and type of session. 16oz gives you a heavier glove with more padding and is commonly recommended for regular adult sparring.
For children and juniors, smaller gloves such as 4oz and 6oz are primarily training gloves for smaller hands and bodies. Junior sparring and competition glove requirements should always be confirmed with the coach or event rules.
If you want one adult pair and expect to spar regularly, 16oz is a strong starting point. If most of your training is pads, bags and technical work, 12oz or 14oz may feel more suitable.
How Boxing Glove Sizes Work: 4oz to 16oz Explained
Boxing gloves are measured in ounces (oz). The ounce number refers to the weight of the glove rather than being a direct measurement of your hand size.
Generally, a heavier glove contains more material and padding and feels heavier during a round. A lighter glove feels quicker on the hands. However, construction varies between different glove models, so ounce weight should not be treated as the only measure of protection or fit.
The common glove weights you will encounter include:
- 4oz and 6oz: Primarily lightweight junior training gloves for younger children and smaller hands.
- 8oz: A lightweight glove most commonly associated with certain professional competition weight classes rather than normal adult sparring.
- 10oz: Used in competition under various rulesets and also used by some athletes for pads, bag work and competition-specific preparation.
- 12oz: A useful training weight for pads and bags and can also be used for some sparring situations depending on the athlete and coach.
- 14oz: A versatile adult training glove for pads, bags, technical sessions and sparring where the gym or coach permits it.
- 16oz: A heavier training and sparring glove commonly recommended when more padding is wanted for regular adult sparring.
- 18oz and 20oz: Heavier training and sparring gloves sometimes used by larger fighters or athletes deliberately training with additional glove weight.
The relationship between glove ounces and hand size is indirect. Your bodyweight and training purpose help determine the glove weight, while the internal shape of the glove determines how well it actually fits your hand.
Boxing Glove Size Chart by Body Weight
Use this table as a general training starting point rather than a competition rule. Your coach, experience level, hand size and gym requirements should always take priority.
| Body Weight | Pad / Bag Work | Sparring Starting Point |
|---|---|---|
| Under 30kg (children) | 4–6oz | Coach-set junior glove |
| 30–40kg (children/juniors) | 6–8oz | Coach-set junior glove |
| 40–50kg | 8–10oz | 12–14oz depending on athlete and coach |
| 50–60kg | 10–12oz | 12–14oz depending on gym rules |
| 60–70kg | 10–14oz | 14–16oz |
| 70–80kg | 12–14oz | 14–16oz |
| 80–90kg | 12–14oz | 14–16oz, with 16oz commonly preferred |
| 90–100kg | 14–16oz | 16oz or heavier depending on coach |
| 100kg+ | 14–16oz+ | 16oz+ depending on athlete and gym |
This chart is for choosing everyday training gloves. It is not a competition glove chart. Competition glove weights are determined by the governing body or event rules rather than by the glove you normally wear in the gym.
Know what you need already?
For pads, bags, technical training and sparring where permitted, view our 14oz Boxing Gloves.
For a heavier glove with more padding for regular sparring, view our 16oz Sparring Gloves.
Buying for a young fighter? View Kids 4oz Boxing Gloves →
Glove Size by Training Type
Your bodyweight gives you a starting point. What you are actually doing in the gym determines which glove makes the most sense.
Bag and Pad Work
For pads and bag work, fighters commonly use gloves from around 10oz to 14oz, although heavier gloves can also be used.
Lighter gloves feel quicker on the hands and are popular for technical sessions where speed, combinations and punch feedback matter.
Some competitive athletes deliberately use 10oz or another lighter glove on pads and bags so that training occasionally feels closer to the glove weight used in competition.
Other athletes deliberately train in 14oz or 16oz because they want the additional workload created by moving a heavier glove.
Sparring
There is no single glove weight used by every UK gym for sparring.
14oz can be acceptable for sparring in many gyms, especially depending on the athlete's bodyweight, experience and the intensity of the session.
16oz is commonly recommended for regular adult sparring because the heavier glove generally provides more padding. Some gyms or coaches may specifically require 16oz, while others accept 14oz.
Younger or lighter athletes may also spar in other suitable glove weights such as 12oz or 14oz under coach supervision. The correct choice should be made by the coach rather than applying one adult rule to every boxer.
Browse the Sparring Gloves collection if sparring is your main use case.
Why Train in Heavier Gloves?
Training in a heavier glove such as 16oz increases the amount of weight your shoulders and arms have to move during every round.
Over time, this can make heavier-glove sessions useful for conditioning. When a boxer later competes in a lighter competition glove, their hands may feel quicker because they are moving less glove weight.
This is why some athletes use heavier gloves for a large part of their normal training but also include occasional pad or bag sessions in lighter gloves to maintain familiarity with competition speed and feel.
Competition Gloves
Competition glove weights should be kept separate from normal gym glove sizing.
Under the current England Boxing 2026 rules, boxers weighing 65kg and under use 10oz gloves in club tournaments and championships, while boxers weighing over 65kg use 12oz gloves. If one boxer is over 65kg and the other is 65kg or below, both wear 12oz.
You can check the current rules directly through England Boxing.
Professional boxing uses a different system. Under current British Boxing Board of Control rules, male professional contests from Flyweight through Welterweight use 8oz, while Super-Welterweight and above use 10oz. Female professional contests use 10oz.
See the official British Boxing Board of Control boxing rules for current professional requirements.
Other competitions, interclubs and combat-sport events can have different rules. Always follow the specific event requirements rather than assuming your normal training glove will also be your competition glove.
The One Versatile Pair
If you are buying only one pair, think first about the sessions you will actually be doing.
If you expect regular sparring and want more padding, 16oz is a strong starting point.
If most of your training is pads and bags, or your gym is happy for you to spar in 14oz, 14oz can be a very versatile first pair.
Many regular fighters eventually own both: a lighter pair for pads and bags and a heavier pair for regular sparring or conditioning.
Browse the Boxing Gloves UK collection for available options. Free UK shipping is included on orders over the qualifying amount.
How to Measure Your Hand for Boxing Gloves
The ounce number tells you glove weight, not your exact hand dimensions. Hand measurement is therefore mainly useful for checking whether the internal fit of a particular glove model will suit you.
What you need: a fabric tape measure or a piece of string and a ruler.
Step 1: Measure your hand circumference. Make a loose fist and measure around the widest part of your dominant hand across the knuckles, excluding the thumb.
Step 2: Measure your hand length. Open your hand flat and measure from the base of the palm to the tip of your middle finger.
Use these measurements alongside the manufacturer's fit information rather than using hand circumference alone to choose an ounce weight.
A 14oz and 16oz glove from the same range may have a similar internal hand compartment while carrying different amounts of overall glove weight and padding.
One important point: always account for hand wraps. Wraps add material around your hands and wrists, so gloves should still feel secure and comfortable once your hands are properly wrapped.
See our How to Wrap Hands guide for wrapping technique.
10oz vs 12oz vs 14oz vs 16oz: Direct Comparison
These four weights cover a large amount of adult boxing training and competition use, but they are not interchangeable.
10oz Boxing Gloves
Best for: competition under relevant rulesets, pad work, bag work and competition-specific preparation.
10oz gloves feel noticeably lighter and quicker than 14oz or 16oz gloves. Some athletes train on pads and bags in 10oz because they want a feel closer to competition.
For routine adult sparring, most coaches will normally move athletes into a heavier glove such as 14oz or 16oz rather than use a competition-weight glove.
12oz Boxing Gloves
Best for: pad work, bag work, lighter athletes and some supervised sparring situations.
12oz sits between lightweight competition-style gloves and heavier adult training gloves. It can be a practical everyday training weight for lighter athletes.
Younger or lighter athletes may also use 12oz for sparring where their coach considers it appropriate.
14oz Boxing Gloves
Best for: adult pad work, bag work, technical training and sparring where permitted.
Browse the 14oz Boxing Gloves page for current options.
14oz is one of the most versatile training weights for adult fighters. It is lighter than a 16oz pair but still carries enough overall glove weight to be accepted for sparring in many gyms.
If you intend to spar in 14oz, confirm your gym's rules first. Some coaches are happy with 14oz while others prefer 16oz for regular adult sparring.
16oz Boxing Gloves
Best for: regular adult sparring, heavier training, conditioning and fighters who want additional padding.
Browse the 16oz Boxing Gloves page.
16oz gives you a heavier glove and is commonly recommended for regular adult sparring. The additional glove weight also makes it useful when you deliberately want more workload on the shoulders and arms during training.
For a detailed sparring-focused breakdown, read our 14oz vs 16oz Boxing Gloves guide.
What Size Boxing Gloves for Kids?
Children's boxing gloves need to suit smaller hands and lighter bodies. The chart below is a general junior training guide only. It is not a competition or universal sparring rule.
Junior Training Size Guide:
| Age | Body Weight | Typical Training Starting Point |
|---|---|---|
| 4–7 years | Under 25kg | 4oz |
| 6–9 years | 25–30kg | 4–6oz |
| 8–12 years | 30–40kg | 6–8oz |
| 11–14 years | 40–50kg | 8–10oz |
| 14–16 years | 50–60kg | 10–12oz |
Quick answers for ages 8 to 11
What size boxing gloves for an 8-year-old?
For general training, many 8-year-olds fall around the 6–8oz range depending on bodyweight and hand size. Ask the coach before buying for sparring.
What size boxing gloves for a 9-year-old?
6–8oz can be a useful training starting point depending on the child's weight and hand size. Sparring gloves may be heavier and should be selected by the coach.
What size boxing gloves for a 10-year-old?
For general pad and bag training, 6–8oz is a common starting range. Competition and sparring requirements are separate and should be confirmed with the club.
What size boxing gloves for an 11-year-old?
Depending on bodyweight, 8oz or a heavier junior glove may be appropriate for normal training. The coach should decide what is suitable for partner work.
4oz gloves are primarily a lightweight training option for young children with smaller hands. They should not be presented as the default competition glove for junior boxing.
See the Kids 4oz Boxing Gloves page for current options.
View Warriors Mindset Kids 4oz Boxing Gloves →
Junior sparring glove weight should be chosen with the coach. Younger athletes may use different glove weights from adults because their size, strength and stage of development are different.
Competition requirements are also separate from everyday junior training sizes. Always follow the rules of the specific event.
For beginners starting their child in the sport, the Boxing Starter Kits & Training Sets collection bundles useful training equipment together.
What Size Boxing Gloves Do UK Gyms Require?
There is no universal glove-weight rule shared by every UK boxing and Muay Thai gym.
Many gyms accept 14oz for sparring, particularly depending on the athlete's size and the type of session. Other gyms prefer or require 16oz for regular adult sparring because of the additional glove weight and padding.
You may also see 12oz used by lighter or younger athletes under coach supervision.
The safest approach is simple:
- Ask your coach before buying sparring gloves.
- Do not assume your competition glove weight is also your sparring glove weight.
- Choose enough padding for the athlete and intensity of the session.
- Follow your gym's rules even if another gym uses a different system.
If you are choosing between the two most common adult options, read our 14oz vs 16oz Boxing Gloves guide.
Common Sizing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Assuming Lighter Is Always Better
Competition gloves are lighter because competition and everyday gym training are different situations. Do not automatically copy a professional fighter's competition glove weight for every training session.
Assuming Heavier Is Always Better
More glove weight is not automatically better for every type of training. Heavier gloves can increase workload, but lighter gloves may be more useful for speed-focused pads, bags and competition-specific preparation.
Using One Glove Weight for Every Session
Many serious fighters eventually use different gloves for different sessions: lighter gloves for pads and bags and a heavier pair for regular sparring.
There is nothing wrong with using one versatile pair when you are starting, but understand the trade-offs.
Ignoring Your Coach's Rules
A chart online cannot know the intensity of your sparring, your experience or how your gym runs its sessions. If your coach requires a particular glove weight for sparring, follow that instruction.
Not Accounting for Hand Wraps
Hand wraps add material around your hand and wrist. Make sure your gloves remain comfortable and secure once your hands are properly wrapped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size boxing gloves do I need for an 80kg man?
For pads and bags, 12oz or 14oz may be suitable depending on the type of session. For sparring, 14oz or 16oz may be used depending on the gym, although 16oz is commonly preferred when more padding is wanted. Check with your coach before buying specifically for sparring.
Q: Do women need different size boxing gloves?
The same basic principles apply regardless of gender: bodyweight, training purpose, hand fit and gym rules matter more than gender alone. Lighter athletes may prefer lighter gloves for pads and bags, while 14oz or 16oz may be used for sparring depending on the boxer and coach.
Q: Should I size up or down if I am between glove weights?
Choose based on the session rather than treating ounces like shoe sizes. For pads and bags, a lighter option may feel better. For sparring, your coach may prefer a heavier glove with more padding.
Q: Do hand wraps affect boxing glove fit?
Yes. Hand wraps add material around the hand and wrist, so always consider how the glove fits when your hands are wrapped. See our How to Wrap Hands guide.
Q: What size gloves do professional boxers use in the UK?
Under current British Boxing Board of Control professional rules, male contests from Flyweight to Welterweight use 8oz gloves and Super-Welterweight upwards use 10oz. Female professional contests use 10oz. These are competition gloves and should not be confused with normal sparring glove choices.
Find Your Size and Get Training
Choose your gloves around the work you are actually doing.
For pads and bags: 10oz, 12oz or 14oz can all have a place depending on the athlete and training goal.
For sparring: 14oz and 16oz are common adult options, with 16oz providing a heavier, more padded choice. Lighter and younger athletes may use other suitable weights under coach supervision.
For competition: follow the exact rules of the governing body or event rather than your normal gym glove size.
Browse the full Boxing Gloves UK collection for available sizes and styles. Free UK shipping is available, and the range includes options for junior training through to adult sparring.
If you are still not certain, our Best Boxing Gloves UK guide compares options by training use.
