Boxing Gloves Buying Guide — How to Choose the Right Boxing Gloves

What Size Boxing Gloves Do I Need?

Boxing gloves are sized in ounces (oz), which refers to the weight of the glove rather than the size of your hand. Heavier gloves offer more padding and protection — for both you and your training partner.

• 8oz — Competition gloves for amateur and professional boxing. Lighter and faster, but less padding. Not recommended for general training.
• 10oz — Suitable for lighter fighters (under 55kg) for bag work and pad work. Also used in some amateur competitions.
• 12oz — A good all-round size for bag work and pad work for most adults. Popular with women and lighter male fighters.
• 14oz — Ideal for sparring for lighter fighters, or bag/pad work for heavier fighters.
• 16oz — The standard sparring glove for most adults. Provides maximum protection for both fighters during contact training.
• 18oz / 20oz — Used by heavier fighters (90kg+) for sparring, or by anyone wanting extra protection.

General rule: Use lighter gloves (10–12oz) for bag and pad work, and heavier gloves (14–16oz) for sparring.

Types of Boxing Gloves

Bag Gloves

Designed for hitting the heavy bag, focus mitts and pads. They tend to be lighter with less wrist support than sparring gloves. Not suitable for sparring as they offer less protection to your partner.

Sparring Gloves

Built with extra padding to protect both fighters during contact training. Always use dedicated sparring gloves when working with a partner — never bag gloves. Typically 14oz–16oz.

All-Round / Training Gloves

The most versatile option — suitable for bag work, pad work and light sparring. A good choice if you only want one pair of gloves. Most training gloves in the 12–16oz range fall into this category.

Competition Gloves

Lighter gloves (8–10oz) used in amateur and professional bouts. Usually lace-up for a secure fit. Not suitable for training use.

Muay Thai Gloves

Similar to boxing gloves but with a slightly different shape — more rounded and with a flexible thumb to allow for clinch work and grabbing. Suitable for Muay Thai, kickboxing and general boxing training.

Velcro vs Lace-Up Gloves

• Velcro (hook and loop) — Easy to put on and take off without assistance. The standard choice for training. Most gloves you’ll find are Velcro fastening.
• Lace-up — Provides a tighter, more secure fit. Used almost exclusively for competition. Requires someone to help you lace them up.

Leather vs Synthetic Boxing Gloves

• Genuine leather — More durable, moulds to your hand over time, and generally more comfortable for long-term use. Higher price point but better value over time. Recommended for regular training.
• Synthetic / PU leather — More affordable and easier to maintain. A good choice for beginners or occasional use. Quality has improved significantly in recent years.

Which Boxing Gloves Brand Should I Choose?

Adidas

Adidas produce a wide range of boxing gloves from entry-level synthetic options through to premium leather competition gloves. Their Combat, Speed and Hybrid ranges cover all training needs and are WBC and AIBA approved at competition level.

Fairtex

Handmade in Thailand, Fairtex gloves are trusted by professional Muay Thai and boxing fighters worldwide. Their BGV series covers training, sparring and competition — built from premium leather with excellent wrist support. A top choice for serious practitioners.

Twins Special

Another Thai-made premium brand, Twins Special gloves are renowned for their durability and comfort. Particularly popular for Muay Thai training, their gloves are handcrafted in Thailand and used by fighters at all levels.

Cimac

Cimac offer excellent value for beginners and club-level training. Their synthetic gloves are durable, well-padded and available in a range of sizes — a solid choice for those starting out or training on a budget.

How Should Boxing Gloves Fit?

Your gloves should feel snug but not tight. When you make a fist inside the glove, your fingers should comfortably curl without feeling cramped. Most people wear hand wraps underneath their gloves — always try gloves on with wraps if possible, or size up slightly if you plan to wrap.

If you’re between sizes, go larger for sparring (more protection) and smaller for bag work (better feel and speed).

Do I Need Hand Wraps?

Yes — hand wraps are essential. They protect the small bones in your hand and wrist, and help keep your gloves hygienic by absorbing sweat. Always wrap your hands before putting on your gloves. We stock hand wraps from Adidas, Fairtex, Twins and more.

Summary — Choosing the Right Boxing Gloves

• Bag & pad work only: 10–12oz synthetic or leather training gloves
• Sparring: 14–16oz leather sparring gloves
• All-round training: 12–14oz leather training gloves
• Competition: 8–10oz lace-up competition gloves
• Muay Thai / kickboxing: Muay Thai-specific gloves in your training weight

Browse our full range of boxing gloves at Budo Online — with free UK delivery on orders over £70.