What Size Gloves Should You Use in Sparring?
Choosing the right glove size for sparring isn’t just about comfort—it affects protection, speed, and your overall performance. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you pick the perfect gloves for your sparring sessions.
Why Glove Size Matters
Different glove sizes provide different levels of padding and protection. Bigger gloves protect both you and your sparring partner, while slightly smaller gloves can help improve speed and technique during pad work.
Remember don’t be that guy in sparring pulling out 10oz gloves and swinging for the fences. Sparring is about learning and improving not knocking your partner out.
That said, in controlled technical sparring, using smaller gloves can be useful. It allows you to mix in clinching, practice techniques, and work on accuracy without relying on the extra bulk and protection of big gloves.
General Glove Size Guide
| Weight | Use | Who |
|---|---|---|
| 12oz | Pad Work / Bag | Lightweights / Smaller Hands |
| 14oz | Sparring / General Training | Medium Build |
| 16oz | Sparring / Heavy Bag | Heavier Builds / More Protection |
| 18oz+ | Extra Padding for Sparring | Big Fighters / Extra Safety |
Tip: Bigger fighters sometimes use slightly smaller gloves for pad work or bag sessions to improve hand speed and precision.
Advantages of Different Gloves
- 12oz–14oz: Faster, more precision for pad work, less bulky. Can be used in light technical sparring if controlled.
- 16oz: Balanced padding and protection for sparring and heavy bag.
- 18oz+: Extra safety, slower, best for heavy sparring.
Popular Brands
See below for some of the most trusted gloves in Muay Thai and boxing. Each brand has unique advantages.
We’ll also be publishing another blog soon breaking down which gloves are best for sparring, so keep an eye out for that if you want more specific recommendations.
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