Are Boxing Gloves Supposed to Be Tight?
In this blog, discover characteristics of new boxing gloves and what their initial tightness indicates.
New boxing gloves usually arrive featuring a tight fit for most people. But is this how they are supposed to be? And if so, why is that the case? What purpose do tight boxing gloves serve?
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What determines the size of boxing glove I should get?
Your body weight, hand size and what you intend to do (sparring or bag/pad work) determines the size of boxing glove you should get.
Boxing glove sizes are measured in ounces (oz), indicating the padding weight, not physical dimensions. So. for heavy bag and pad work, lighter gloves (10-14 oz) are often preferred for speed and technique development.
However, you should ensure adequate hand protection via hand wraps
For sparring, heavier gloves (14-16 oz or more) are essential to protect both you and your partner. The extra padding cushions blows.
Consider your body weight and hand size. Generally, heavier individuals may prefer larger gloves.
What’s the best way to find my boxing glove size?
Measure your hand circumference around the knuckles (without wraps) and consult a sizing chart, as brands vary.
Always try gloves with hand wraps to ensure a snug but not restrictive fit, allowing a full fist clench without discomfort or circulation issues.
For best results, consulting with a professional boxing gym, or a boxing glove provider you can visit in person, will provide the best results in finding the appropriate gloves for you.
How do I know if my boxing gloves are too tight for me?
You can tell if your new boxing gloves are too tight by paying attention to certain sensations and visual cues:
Discomfort and restricted movement:
If you struggle to make a complete fist without significant squeezing or pain, they are likely too tight. You should be able to move your fingers slightly within the glove while still having a snug fit.
Tingling or numbness:
Overly tight gloves can impede blood circulation in your hands and wrists. If you experience tingling or numbness in your fingers shortly after putting them on (especially with hand wraps), the gloves are likely too restrictive.
Visible marks or discolouration:
After removing your gloves (especially after a workout), check your hands. If you have deep red marks, indentations, or discolouration, it indicates the gloves were putting excessive pressure on your skin and restricting blood flow.
Pain or pressure points:
You shouldn’t feel specific points of intense pressure or pain around your knuckles, the back of your hand, or your wrists when wearing the gloves with wraps. If you do, they are likely too tight.
Difficulty putting on or removing:
While new gloves can be a little stiff, you shouldn’t have to struggle excessively to put them on or take them off, especially when wearing hand wraps.
Compromised hand wraps:
If your hand wraps feel excessively compressed or uncomfortable once you put the gloves on, it could mean the gloves are too tight and not allowing enough space.
Remember, new gloves should feel snug and secure with hand wraps, but not constricting or painful. They will break in slightly over time, but if they are significantly too tight from the start, they won’t become comfortably fitting.
Always prioritise proper circulation and hand comfort to prevent injury and allow for effective training.
Should new boxing gloves be loose?
No. New boxing gloves should be tight. This is to allow for a ‘break-in’ period, allowing for the glove to eventually mould to the shape of your hands. There are more reasons why new boxing gloves are intentionally designed to be tight. Here’s why:
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- A secure fit: A tight fit ensures the gloves stay firmly in place during training and sparring. This prevents unwanted shifting, which can lead to discomfort, blisters, and even injuries to your hands and wrists.
- Optimal wrist support: The snugness around the wrist area provides crucial support and stability. This helps to prevent the wrist from bending or twisting awkwardly upon impact, significantly reducing the risk of sprains or fractures.
- Enhanced knuckle protection: A tight fit helps keep the padding directly over your knuckles. This concentrated padding is essential for absorbing the shock of punches and protecting your knuckles from impact against a heavy bag, pads, or an opponent.
- Improved feel and feedback: While seemingly counterintuitive, a snug glove can actually improve your feel for your punches. It allows for a more direct connection between your hand and what you’re hitting, providing better feedback and control.
- Allowance for hand wraps: Boxing gloves are designed to be worn with hand wraps. The initial tightness accommodates the extra bulk of the wraps, ensuring a secure fit once your hands are properly protected.
- Prevents internal accidents: A loose boxing glove has the potential for things to enter the glove whilst using, this can cause damage depending on what falls within the glove.
Why are my new boxing gloves loose?
If your new boxing gloves are loose, it generally indicates a problem and can compromise your safety and performance. Here’s what it likely means:
- Incorrect sizing: The most probable reason is that the gloves are simply the wrong size for your hands. They might be too large overall, or the hand compartment could be too wide or deep.
Consider speaking to boxing glove sellers directly to establish the right size for you before purchase.
- Not designed for use without wraps : Boxing gloves are designed to be worn with hand wraps (unless otherwise specified). If new gloves feel loose even with wraps, they are definitely too big.
- Potential manufacturing defect: In rare cases, the looseness could be due to a manufacturing error in the glove’s construction.
Can I wear old boxing gloves?
In some cases, yes. However, this is not recommended at all, and should only be considered if you have no access to new gloves of your own.
Using old boxing gloves are not ideal for the following reasons:
- The gloves are not moulded to your hands, so they may be too loose, or have inadequate cushioning.
- If unclean, there is a chance you can take on bacteria that has been left within the gloves, causing skin irritation, infections, or other issues.
- Padding may be extremely worn, which in turn offers even poorer protection.
- Using old gloves, especially if not cleaned internally, can likely leave an unpleasant smell on your hand after usage.
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In this blog, we hope to answered the question ‘Are boxing gloves supposed to be tight?’
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