I went to the gym today and noticed that everyone was wearing boxing gloves, but they all looked different. Some were big and puffy, some were small and sleek. It got me thinking, how heavy are boxing gloves anyway?
So, I decided to do some digging when I got home. Turns out, there’s a whole science to it!

Figuring Out My Glove Size
First, I learned that the weight of the gloves depends on a few things, like your weight and what you’re using them for. I’m just a beginner, so I figured I’d need something with more padding to protect my hands.
- Checking My Weight: I hopped on the scale and saw I’m around 160 lbs. Not too shabby!
- Measuring My Hands: I grabbed a measuring tape and wrapped it around my knuckles. It came out to about 8 inches.
- What I want to do with the gloves: Just starting off, hitting the heavy bag. Nothing serious.
Picking the Right Weight
Based on my weight, the internet told me I should be looking at 14 oz gloves for bag work. Makes sense, they offer a good balance of protection and speed. Since I am just starting, it is recommended to get some good protection for myself. I do not want to get hurt before I get good at it.
The Experiment
Armed with this newfound knowledge, I went to a sports store and tried on a few different pairs. The 14 oz gloves felt pretty good, not too heavy but still substantial enough to cushion my punches. I also tried on some 12 oz gloves, but they felt a bit too light for my liking.
I ended up buying a pair of 14 oz gloves, and I’m pretty happy with my choice. They feel great on the heavy bag, and my hands don’t hurt after a workout. I even feel like I can punch a bit harder now, although I know it’s not really about the weight of the gloves, it might also be the protection that gives me more confidence. Plus, they just make me feel like a real boxer, even though I’m just starting out!