Guide to Boxing Gloves: Everything You Need to Know about Size, Weight and Use

Our latest Guide to Boxing Gloves:
Everything You Need to Know about Weight, Size and Use!

Boxing gloves, one of the most iconic symbols of the sport of boxing, come in different weight classes to accommodate the different needs and styles of boxers of all levels. Whether you are a beginner just starting to explore the sport or an experienced athlete looking for the perfect pair, it is important to understand the difference between the different weight classes of boxing gloves, as well as their uses.

Weight and Size:

Boxing gloves are not classified by size as small, medium and large, but by weight in ounces (oz). An ounce is a unit of weight that is approximately 28 grams. Common weight classes for boxing gloves include 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, 16 oz and 18 oz. When choosing boxing gloves, it is important to remember that weight affects the level of protection and your freedom of movement during training or fighting.

Weight classes and areas of use:

1. 8 oz: These are typically used in professional boxing for lightweight and underweight competitions. They offer less protection but allow for faster punches. 8 oz is also used by children under 10 years of age.

2. 10 oz: Also common in professional boxing, especially for lighter weight classes. They provide a little more padding than 8 oz, but still give a feeling of lightness. Also recommended for bag and pad training. 10 oz is also the standard size for competition in WAKO kickboxing and IBA boxing.

3. 12 oz: A versatile size used for training and competition for lighter and middleweight boxers. They offer a good balance of protection and mobility. Also suitable for bag and pad training.

4. 14 oz: The most common size for training and sparring for heavier boxers. Ideal for heavier boxers during training and sparring, these provide extra protection and are more durable. 14 oz is the best-selling size from 12-99 years.

5. 16 oz: Also one of the most common sizes for training and sparring for heavier boxers. They provide good protection for both you and your training partner.

6. 18 oz: These are the heaviest and provide the most protection, typically used in heavy workouts and for boxers who need extra padding.

Important to Remember: Boxing Bandage

Regardless of the weight class you choose, it's important to remember to wear boxing wraps every time you train or compete. Boxing wraps help protect your wrists, knuckles, and joints from injury by providing extra support and cushioning. They also help absorb sweat and keep your hands dry, which can help prevent discomfort and odor in your gloves over time.

Take Care of Your Boxing Gloves:

To extend the life of your boxing gloves and keep them fresh and functional, it is important to care for them properly. After each training session or match, you should wipe the inside of the gloves with a clean cloth to remove sweat and moisture. Allow them to air dry completely, preferably in a well-ventilated area.

Another good practice is to use disinfectant products like No Stink after each use. No Stink absorbs moisture and fights bacteria, helping to eliminate bad odors and keep your boxing gloves fresh and odor-free for longer.

Now that you have a better understanding of the different weight classes and uses for boxing gloves, as well as how to properly care for them, you can make a more informed choice the next time you shop. Remember to always choose gloves that fit properly and provide adequate protection for your boxing experience! Athletes who train 2-4 times per week often have 2 to 3 pairs of boxing gloves lying around.