Boxing gloves are not sized small, medium and large. They are sized by weight in ounces, and that one number decides the amount of padding between your hand and whatever you are hitting. A boxing gloves size chart helps you match that weight to your body and your training, which is one of the first decisions any new boxer has to get right.

Need kit for your team or have a question? Call Ronex on +27 11 830 1072.

This guide explains what the ounce number means, gives a size chart by body weight, covers bag work versus sparring, and shows you how to wrap your hands and look after your gloves.

Boxing Gloves Size Chart

Everlast, one of the best-known boxing brands, publishes a sizing chart that links glove weight to body weight and training type. Converted to approximate kilograms, it looks like this:

•      Under about 45 kg (100 lb): 6 to 10 oz for bag and mitt work, 12 to 14 oz for sparring.

•      About 45 to 68 kg (100 to 150 lb): 10 to 12 oz for bag and mitt work, 14 to 16 oz for sparring.

•      About 68 to 79 kg (150 to 175 lb): 12 to 14 oz for bag and mitt work, 16 oz for sparring.

•      Over about 79 kg (175 lb): 14 to 16 oz for bag and mitt work, 16 to 18 oz for sparring.

These are guidelines, not rules. Different gyms and coaches have their own preferences, especially for sparring, so ask before you buy.

What the Ounce Number Means

The ounce number is the weight of each glove. A heavier glove usually carries more padding, which protects your hands and your training partner, but it also slows your punches down.

That is the trade-off. Lighter gloves feel quicker and suit speed work, while heavier gloves offer more protection and are the usual choice for sparring. Some boxers also train with heavier gloves to build endurance, since holding up extra weight for a full round is harder than it sounds.

This is not a question of better and worse gloves. It is a question of the right glove for the job, and many regular boxers own more than one pair.

Bag Work, Pad Work and Sparring

Everlast's guide sums it up neatly: go lighter for speed on the heavy bag, and go heavier when sparring to protect you and your partner.

Bag and pad work. A lighter glove within your weight range lets you work on speed and combinations. Extra knuckle padding helps if you hit the heavy bag hard.

Sparring. Heavier gloves, often 16 oz for adults, soften the impact for both boxers. Many gyms set a minimum glove weight for sparring, so check the rules at yours.

Here's the thing: if you can only buy one pair to start, ask your coach. They will usually recommend a weight that works for the training you will actually do.

How to Wrap Your Hands

Hand wraps go on before your gloves, every time. They support your wrist and knuckles and help keep the small bones in your hand in place when you punch.

Everlast notes that wraps add roughly an inch around your hand, so always try gloves on with wraps already on. A glove that fits a bare hand may feel tight once you wrap.

Wrapping styles vary, but a basic method looks like this:

•      Start at the wrist. Put the loop over your thumb and wrap around the wrist a few times.

•      Cover the knuckles. Wrap across the back of the hand and around the knuckles several times.

•      Support between the fingers. Many coaches teach wrapping between the fingers for extra support.

•      Finish at the wrist. End with a few more turns around the wrist and fasten the wrap.

Your coach is the best person to show you, since they can check the wrap is firm without cutting off circulation.

Cleaning and Caring for Your Gloves

Sweaty gloves left in a bag start to smell quickly, and moisture shortens their life.

•      Air them out after every session. Open the cuffs and let them dry naturally.

•      Wipe them down. Clean the outside and inside with a damp cloth after training.

•      Avoid direct heat. Drying gloves on a heater can crack the material.

•      Do not seal them in a bag. Store them somewhere with airflow between sessions.

Wearing hand wraps also helps, because the wraps absorb much of the sweat before it reaches the glove. Wash your wraps regularly, too, since a clean wrap keeps the inside of the glove fresher for longer.

Ronex Boxing Gloves

Ronex stocks the Boxing Gloves Synthetic Leather series, which the product page says are made from prime quality DX synthetic leather. The gloves are listed in a range of ounce weights starting from 8 oz, in several colour combinations, so check the product page for the weights available.

For a complete training set-up, Ronex also sells boxing focus mitts, a boxing and combat headguard, and kickboxing shin guards. Our guide to boxing headgear covers when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size boxing gloves for a beginner?

It depends on your body weight and training. Many adult beginners start around 12 to 14 oz for general training, but check Everlast's chart above and ask your coach.

What size gloves for kids' boxing?

Children usually use lighter gloves. Everlast's chart suggests 6 to 10 oz for bag work for boxers under about 45 kg, but follow your coach's guidance.

Do I need hand wraps under boxing gloves?

Yes. Hand wraps support your wrist and knuckles and are recommended for every session.

How often should you replace boxing gloves?

When the padding feels thin, the lining tears or your knuckles start to hurt, it is usually time for a new pair.

Protection First, Speed Second

The right glove is the one that lets you train hard without hurting yourself or your partner. When you choose weight for protection first and speed second, you usually train longer, recover faster and enjoy the sport more.