Muay Thai & Boxing Gloves Size Guide
Glove sizing is measured in ounces, and the number refers to how much padding is inside rather than how big the glove is. Here is how to pick the right weight, plus brand-by-brand charts for everything we stock.
Buying one pair? Buy 16oz. Most gyms require 16oz for sparring, and a 16oz glove works fine on the bag and pads too. Add a lighter pair later once you know what you actually train.
Ounces, not size
The oz number is padding. Heavier means more protection for your hands and your partner's head, but slower hands and more shoulder fatigue.
Body weight
Your starting point. A heavier fighter hits harder, so needs more padding to protect both their own hands and whoever they are sparring.
Hand width
Measure around your knuckles with your hand open, thumb excluded. Thai gloves run narrow, so wide hands or thick wraps often mean going up.
| Body weight | Bag & pad work | Sparring |
|---|---|---|
| Under 55kg | 8oz to 10oz | 12oz to 14oz |
| 55kg to 65kg | 10oz to 12oz | 14oz to 16oz |
| 65kg to 80kg | 12oz to 14oz | 16oz |
| 80kg to 95kg | 14oz to 16oz | 16oz |
| Over 95kg | 16oz | 16oz to 18oz |
Fairtex Gloves
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Shop TuffTop King Gloves
Shop Top KingTwins Special Gloves
Shop Twins SpecialWindy Gloves
Shop WindyChoosing your glove weight
Glove weight is the only real decision here. Everything else follows from it. A 16oz glove and a 10oz glove from the same brand are similar in physical size, but the 16oz has considerably more foam across the knuckles.
Sparring
16oz is the standard for a reason, and most gyms enforce it. The extra padding protects your training partner's head as much as your hands. If you are heavier than 95kg or spar hard regularly, 18oz is worth considering.
Bags and pads
Lighter gloves let you work faster and feel your technique better. Somewhere between 12oz and 14oz suits most people. Going much lighter than that on a heavy bag increases the risk to your knuckles and wrists over time.
Wraps change the fit
Always wrap. Wraps support your wrist and knuckles and soak up the sweat that would otherwise rot the inside of your gloves. They also add real bulk, so if you wrap thickly, size up rather than squeezing into a tighter glove. Browse hand wraps.
Leather versus synthetic
Leather costs more up front and lasts years longer. It also moulds to your hand over time and breathes better, which matters when you train in heat. If you train more than twice a week, leather works out cheaper.
Once you know your weight, browse all Muay Thai gloves.
Common questions
What size gloves should a beginner buy?
16oz. Most gyms require it for sparring, and a 16oz glove is perfectly usable on the bag and pads even if it feels heavy for the first few sessions. Buy a lighter pair later once you know what you actually train.
What's the difference between 12oz, 14oz and 16oz?
Padding. The physical size is similar between weights within a brand, but a 16oz has noticeably more foam across the knuckles. More padding means more protection and slower hands. Less means better feel and faster work.
Do Muay Thai gloves run small?
Thai gloves tend to be narrower in the hand compartment than Western brands. If you have wide hands or wrap thickly, go up a weight rather than trying to force a tighter fit.
Can I use one pair for everything?
Yes, and most people start that way. Buy 16oz and use them for everything. The reason to own two pairs is that lighter gloves feel better on pads and the second pair gets to dry out between sessions.
Do I need hand wraps as well?
Yes, every session. Wraps support your wrist and knuckles, and they absorb sweat that would otherwise destroy the lining of your gloves. Browse hand wraps.
Read more about gloves
The ultimate guide to Muay Thai gloves
Construction, materials and what actually separates a good glove from a cheap one.
Training vs sparring gloves
Why the two jobs need different gloves, and when it's worth owning both.
How to clean Muay Thai gear
Keeping gloves from turning rank, and making them last a lot longer.
Other size guides
Not sure? Just ask.
Tell us your weight and what you train, and we will tell you exactly which gloves to order. Two minutes now beats shipping a return back to Thailand.
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