How to Choose the Right Boxing Gloves: Size, Type & Material Explained

When stepping into the world of boxing, choosing the right pair of boxing gloves is crucial. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, the right gloves can make a significant difference in your training and performance. With a variety of sizes, weights, and styles available, it can be overwhelming to decide which pair is right for you. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed choice.

Why Boxing Gloves Matter

Boxing gloves are not just about style or brand; they are essential for protecting your hands and wrists during training and sparring. The right pair can prevent injuries, enhance your performance, and improve your comfort as you train.

Protection and Injury Prevention

Gloves cushion the impact when you strike, reducing the risk of fractures or sprains. They also help protect your opponent during sparring sessions, distributing the force of your punches more evenly.

Enhancing Performance

The right gloves can enhance your training by providing the right amount of padding and support for your hands. This allows you to focus on your technique and power without worrying about injuries.

Different Types of Boxing Gloves

Understanding the different types of boxing gloves will help you choose the right pair for your needs.

Training Gloves

Training gloves are versatile and suitable for various activities like bag work, pad work, and sparring. They typically range from 12 oz to 16 oz. If you're looking for where to buy boxing gloves, most sporting goods stores offer a wide selection of training gloves.

Sparring Gloves

Sparring gloves are designed specifically for sparring sessions and generally weigh more to provide extra padding. Common weights for sparring gloves are 16 oz and 18 oz. The extra padding helps protect both you and your sparring partner.

Bag Gloves

Bag gloves are lighter and less padded, intended for use with punching bags. They are not recommended for sparring due to their minimal padding. Bag gloves usually range from 8 oz to 12 oz.

Competition Gloves

For those competing in boxing matches, competition gloves are required. These gloves are lighter, usually around 8 oz to 10 oz, and offer less padding to allow for quicker punches and more power.

Understanding Boxing Glove Sizes

Boxing gloves are measured in ounces (oz), and each size offers a different level of padding, protection, and speed. The right glove depends on your body weight, training style, and use case (training vs. competition).

8 oz Gloves – Competition and Light Training (Up to 65 kg / 143 lbs)

8 oz gloves are most commonly used in professional boxing and Muay Thai bouts, offering minimal padding for maximum speed and impact. While not suitable for sparring, they can be used in light training sessions by smaller athletes.

• Use: Competition and light pad/bag training
• Style: Typically lace-up gloves for official bouts (weight category up to 65 kg)
• Recommended for training between 36–50 kg (80–110 lbs)
• Prioritizes speed and precision
• Not suitable for sparring due to limited protection

10 oz Gloves – Training & Competition Use

10 oz gloves are used both for fight preparation and official competition. With slightly more padding than 8 oz, they are great for pad and bag work but still too light for sparring.

• Training use: Ideal for fighters between 50–65 kg (110–143 lbs)
• Competition use: Lace-up gloves standard for weight category over 65 kg (143+ lbs)
• Helps simulate fight conditions during training
• Not recommended for sparring due to limited protection

12 oz Gloves – All-Purpose Training

12 oz gloves offer a solid balance between protection and speed. They're suitable for bag work, mitt drills, and light partner work. If you're looking for one glove to cover your daily training needs, this is it.

• Use: General training
• Recommended for fighters between 60–75 kg (132–165 lbs)
• A solid "first glove" for all-around use
• Not designed for sparring, but ideal for beginners and intermediate users

14 oz Gloves – Sparring and Mixed Training

With more padding and coverage, 14 oz gloves are widely used for sparring and heavy bag training. They strike a balance between safety and mobility, making them ideal for well-rounded sessions.

• Use: Sparring, pad work, and bag training
• Recommended for fighters over 70 kg (154+ lbs)
• Provides enough protection for partner safety
• Ideal for those wanting one glove for both striking and sparring

16 oz Gloves – Maximum Protection for Sparring

16 oz gloves are the standard in most gyms for full-contact sparring. They offer maximum padding to protect both the user and their partner, and are often required for heavier or more powerful athletes.

• Use: Full-contact sparring and endurance training
• Recommended for fighters between 65–80+ kg (143–176+ lbs)
• Maximum shock absorption and safety
• Ideal for conditioning and building strength during training

Material and Construction

The material and construction of boxing gloves affect their durability and comfort.

Not all gloves are created equal. At YOKKAO, we go beyond simply choosing “leather” or “synthetic” — we focus on premium-grade materials and construction that deliver real performance and durability for fighters at every level.

Premium Leather gloves

At YOKKAO, we don’t use just any leather. We carefully select high-quality, premium cowhide leather — known for its superior durability, breathability, and ability to mold to the fighter’s hand over time. This results in a glove that offers not only long-term performance but also exceptional comfort and a professional feel.

• Superior longevity and structure
• Breathable and naturally flexible
• Forms to your hand with continued use
• Trusted by elite athletes for training and competition

Just because a glove is made from leather doesn't mean it's built to perform. At YOKKAO, our cowhide leather is specifically chosen to meet the demands of serious athletes.

Microfiber Leather Gloves

Our microfiber leather gloves are engineered to deliver outstanding performance at a more accessible price point. Unlike typical synthetics, YOKKAO microfiber gloves maintain their shape, structure, and protective performance through intense daily use.

• Lightweight, easy to maintain
• Exceptional resistance
• Water-repellent and fast-drying
• Ideal for beginners, gyms, and everyday training

Our microfiber gloves are in a league of their own, built to outperform most mid-range leather gloves.

Style and Color Options

While style and color might seem secondary, they can be important for motivation and personal preference. Whether you prefer classic black boxing gloves, striking red boxing gloves, or vibrant blue boxing gloves, there are plenty of options available.

Where to Buy Boxing Gloves

There are many ways to buy boxing gloves, but not all are equal in terms of quality and expertise.

• Sporting Goods Stores: Good for trying on gloves in person, but often limited in variety.
• Online Retailers: Convenient but harder to verify quality—make sure to buy from trusted brands.
• Specialty Shops:Best for curated selections and expert guidance.
• YOKKAO has physical stores in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai where you can test gloves at the gym and get personalized recommendations.
• YOKKAO Online Store: Explore the full range of premium gloves trusted by fighters worldwide. Shop Gloves
• Boxing Gyms Some boxing gyms sell gloves and can provide expert advice on what type of glove is best for your needs.

How Much Are Boxing Gloves?

When considering boxing gloves, prices can range from $20 to over $200. AtYOKKAO, we don’t compromise on quality. Instead, we offer:

• Essential Gloves: Affordable entry-level option with full attention to safety and design
• Microfiber Gloves: Mid-tier with excellent durability and performance
• Premium Leather Gloves: Top-of-the-line gloves crafted for professionals and serious athletes

Whether you're a beginner or training for a title, we have a glove built to match your goals and protect your hands.

Investing in a quality pair of gloves is worthwhile, as they will last longer and offer better protection.

YOKKAO gloves have been the choice of elite Muay Thai and MMA fighters such as Superlek, Liam Harrison, Johnny Eblen, and Sean Brady, trusted by world‑renowned gyms like American Top Team, and even favored by celebrities like Wiz Khalifa.

Conclusion

Choosing the right boxing gloves is essential for safety, comfort, and performance. By understanding the different types, sizes, and materials, you can make an informed decision that suits your training needs. Remember to try on different gloves and consult with professionals if you're unsure. With the right gloves, you'll be well‑equipped to take your boxing skills to the next level.