Buying your first pair of boxing gloves can feel overwhelming with so many sizes, materials, and styles on offer. This beginner's guide covers everything you need to know to make a confident choice, whether you're starting boxing training in the UK for fitness, technique, or competition.
What Type of Training Are You Doing?
The right gloves depend on what you'll actually be using them for. Bag and pad work calls for lighter gloves around 12oz to 14oz that let you move quickly. Sparring needs more protection, so most UK gyms require at least 16oz. If you're not sure yet what training you'll settle into, a mid-range 14oz pair is a sensible starting point that covers most beginner sessions.
Choosing the Right Size and Weight
Glove size is measured in ounces (oz), referring to the total weight of the glove rather than your hand size. As a rough guide: under 9 stone, look at 10oz to 12oz; 9 to 12 stone, 12oz to 14oz; 12 to 14 stone, 14oz to 16oz; and over 14 stone, 16oz or heavier. If you're between sizes, sizing up is usually the safer choice for extra hand protection.
Leather vs Synthetic Gloves
Genuine leather gloves are more durable, mould to your hand over time, and tend to last far longer under regular training, which makes them better value in the long run despite a higher upfront cost. Synthetic gloves are lighter on the wallet initially but wear out faster with frequent use. For anyone planning to train consistently, handmade leather gloves are usually the better long-term investment.
Wrist Support and Closure Type
Beginners often overlook wrist support, but it matters as much as padding. Hook-and-loop (velcro) closures are quick to put on and take off, making them convenient for solo training. Lace-up gloves give a more secure, custom fit but need a training partner to tie them properly, so they're more common at club level once you're training with others regularly.
Do You Need Hand Wraps Too?
Yes. Hand wraps sit underneath your gloves to support your wrists and knuckles and to absorb sweat, which also helps keep the inside of your gloves fresher for longer. Most UK boxing gyms will expect you to wrap your hands before any bag work or sparring, so it's worth picking up a pair of wraps at the same time as your first gloves from our coaching and training equipment range.
Ready to get started? Browse our full range of handmade leather boxing gloves, available in a range of oz weights with free shipping to the UK and Europe.