Boxing Glove Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Size

Updated March 2026 | By UNDRGROUND ATHLETICS Buying the wrong size boxing gloves is one of the most common mistakes new fighters make. Gloves that are too small don't protect your hands properly. Gloves that are too big shift on impact and can cause wrist injuries. This guide covers everything you need to know about boxing glove sizing in Canada, including how ounces work, what size you need for your weight class, and how to measure your hand for the perfect fit. How Boxing Glove Ounces Work Boxing gloves are measured in ounces (oz), which refers to the weight of the glove — not the size of the hand compartment. More ounces means more padding. SizeWeightPrimary UseWho It's For8oz~227gProfessional competitionPro fighters under 147 lbs10oz~283gCompetition, light bag workAmateur/pro fighters, smaller adults12oz~340gBag work, pad workWomen, lighter men (under 150 lbs)14oz~397gTraining, light sparringMen 130-170 lbs, women 150+ lbs16oz~454gSparring, heavy bagMost adult men, standard gym size18oz~510gHeavy sparringHeavyweights, extra protection Size Chart by Body Weight Your body weight is the most reliable starting point for choosing glove size: Your WeightBag/Pad WorkSparringCompetitionUnder 100 lbs (45 kg)8oz-10oz12oz-14oz8oz100-120 lbs (45-54 kg)10oz-12oz14oz10oz120-150 lbs (54-68 kg)12oz-14oz14oz-16oz10oz150-180 lbs (68-82 kg)14oz-16oz16oz10ozOver 180 lbs (82+ kg)16oz16oz-18oz10oz Size by Use: Training vs. Sparring vs. Competition Bag Work and Pad Work (12oz-16oz) For hitting the heavy bag and focus mitts, most fighters use 12oz-16oz gloves. The padding protects your hands during repetitive impact. Sparring (14oz-18oz) Sparring gloves should be heavier than your training gloves. Most Canadian gyms require 16oz minimum for sparring. The extra padding protects your training partner. Competition (8oz-10oz) Competition glove sizes are set by sanctioning bodies. Professional boxing typically uses 8oz for fighters under 147 lbs and 10oz for fighters above. How to Measure Your Hand If you're between sizes or want to ensure the best fit, measure your hand circumference: Wrap a measuring tape around your dominant hand at the widest point (across the knuckles) Don't include your thumb Note the measurement in inches Hand CircumferenceGlove SizeUnder 6"8oz-10oz (or youth sizes)6"-7"12oz7"-8"14oz8"-9"16ozOver 9"16oz-18oz Do Hand Wraps Affect Sizing? Yes, absolutely. Always try on boxing gloves with your hand wraps. Most Canadian boxing gyms require 180" (4.5m) hand wraps, which add significant bulk to your hand. Sizing Differences Between Brands Not all boxing glove brands fit the same. Here's what we've found from testing the major brands we carry at UNDRGROUND ATHLETICS: Hayabusa — Runs slightly tight. Size up if between sizes. Rival — True to size. Consistent fit across their range. YOKKAO — Runs small. Definitely size up. Fly Sports UK — Generous fit. True to size or slightly roomy. Kids Boxing Glove Sizing AgeWeightRecommended Size4-6 yearsUnder 50 lbs4oz-6oz7-9 years50-70 lbs6oz-8oz10-13 years70-100 lbs8oz-10oz14+ years100+ lbs10oz-12oz Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid Buying gloves without trying them with wraps Using the same gloves for everything Choosing based on brand loyalty alone Going too small for "speed" Frequently Asked Questions What size boxing gloves should a beginner get? Most beginners should start with 14oz or 16oz gloves. These provide enough padding to protect your hands while you're learning proper technique. The Hayabusa S4 in 16oz is our top recommendation for beginners. What size boxing gloves for a 170 lb man? A 170 lb man should use 14oz-16oz for bag work and 16oz for sparring. What size boxing gloves for a woman? Most women use 10oz-12oz for bag work and 14oz for sparring. Women with smaller hands should consider the Rival RS80V. Shop Boxing Gloves at UNDRGROUND ATHLETICS Browse our complete boxing gloves collection — we carry every size from 8oz to 18oz across Hayabusa, Rival, Fly Sports UK, YOKKAO, and more. Free shipping across Canada on orders over $199. UNDRGROUND ATHLETICS — Gear Up. Step In. Stand Out.