Boxing gloves are a unique kind of glove in that they have been designed for a specific purpose. This is a little different from most other types of gloves in that their design and function are determined by the activity they will be used for. The weight, size, padding, support and protection have all been engineered to ensure maximum safety during boxing training and matches. For this reason, it is important to note that boxing gloves are not the same as every other type of glove. They do not simply have an open palm with a thumb sewn on for added support.
This is why it is essential to make sure you use the correct size and weight boxing gloves while training or competing in matches. The wrong gloves may lead to injury, due to the extra strain on your hands, wrists and elbows which can lead to chronic problems in later life.
The size of boxing gloves is measured in ounces (as you may have guessed). There are 4 sizes for children 8 years old and up, 6 sizes for adults under 140 lbs, 10 sizes for adult over 140 lbs and 12 sizes for super heavyweight adults. The weight is measured in ounces, with 10 oz gloves being the standard for kids/teens over 8 years old, 12 oz gloves are considered standard for men (though you can get them up to 20oz) and 6 oz gloves are typically used by women.
The size of the glove is directly related to the weight, in that the larger the glove (in general) the heavier it will be. The size of your boxing gloves also depends on many other factors such as your height, weight and training level. A good guide for selecting a proper glove is for you to hold out your hand flat with your thumb down and see if you can cover your thumb with your fist. If you cannot, a smaller size may be more appropriate for you.
The weight of boxing gloves is also determined by the training level and experience of the person using them. Beginners who are just getting into boxing will typically use lighter gloves that allow them to build up their endurance over time as they adjust to the rigours of boxing training. If you are planning to compete in matches, it may be more appropriate for you to use heavy gloves (in the 8-16 oz range) to reduce damage taken during matches, but this is a matter of preference and personal style.
Each type of glove has a different purpose and weight can be used to maximize your training or match performance. The weight that is right for you will actually depend on the activity you're performing. For instance, increased weight in boxing gloves has been shown to improve punching power (yielding up to 5% more force behind your punches), reduce hand and wrist injuries during competition and can help develop arm muscles faster.
Padding is another factor in the weight of boxing gloves. It is important to note that there are two types of padding, open-cell and closed-cell. Open-cell consists of tiny air bubbles within the foam while closed-cell uses a solid piece for each section. This can be used to your advantage in determining the amount of protection you need for your boxing training and matches. Lighter gloves (typically around 8 oz) typically have open-cell foam while heavier gloves (above 12 oz) usually have closed-cell foam due to the extra protection it provides.
The weight and type of padding in a glove is also related to the support that it provides for your hands, wrists, and elbows during boxing training or a match. You can compare the weight of gloves to their toughness (ability to absorb force) like comparing a plastic water bottle and a glass cup. The heavier it is, the more damage it can take, but if it breaks you're going to have bigger problems on your hands than just a cut from broken glass.
Expert Tip 1: Gloves are often sold in 12 oz weights, but you can find them up to 16 oz. Some people prefer using 16 oz gloves instead of the standard 12 oz gloves because it takes the weight off their hands and lessens the impact on their wrists.
Expert Tip 2: If you have small hands, you should use 10 oz or 8 oz boxing gloves if you are over 10 years old or have been boxing for a long time. The 4 oz gloves are great for lightweight sparring with people the same size as you. If your partner is bigger than you, it can be dangerous to use 4 oz gloves so avoid them altogether if this is the case.
Expert Tip 3: It takes approximately 3 months to get used to your boxing gloves and you should always train with the same pair.
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