A Snug Fit for Every Hand!
Whether for warmth, protection, fashion, or sport, gloves are an essential accessory. But just like with shoes or clothes, getting the right glove size is crucial for comfort, dexterity, and optimal performance. A glove that's too tight restricts movement and can tear, while one that's too loose compromises grip and insulation. This guide will help you accurately measure your hand and navigate the common sizing systems for gloves.
How to Measure Your Hand for Gloves:
The two most important measurements for glove sizing are **hand circumference** and sometimes **hand length**. You'll need a flexible tape measure for this.
1. Hand Circumference (Most Common):
- **Position:** Wrap a flexible tape measure around your dominant hand (if you're right-handed, measure your right hand) at the **widest part**, just below your knuckles, excluding your thumb.
- **Measure:** Keep the tape snug but not tight. Note the measurement in both **inches** and **centimeters**.
- This measurement typically corresponds to your glove size.
2. Hand Length (Less Common, but useful):
- **Position:** Measure from the tip of your longest finger down to the base of your palm where your hand meets your wrist.
- **Measure:** Note this measurement in both **inches** and **centimeters**.
- For some specialized gloves (e.g., long riding gloves), hand length might be a secondary factor.
Keep these measurements handy and ideally, save them in your My Fit Profile on our home page!
Common Glove Sizing Systems:
Glove sizing can vary, but generally, it's based on either hand circumference in inches (especially in US/UK), or sometimes letter sizes (S, M, L) that correspond to these measurements. Some European systems may use numerical sizes that roughly correspond to the measurement.
| Hand Circumference (Inches) | Hand Circumference (CM) | US/UK Glove Size | Letter Size | EU Size (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 - 6.5 | 15 - 16.5 | 6 - 6.5 | XS | 6 - 6.5 |
| 6.5 - 7 | 16.5 - 17.5 | 6.5 - 7 | S | 6.5 - 7 |
| 7 - 7.5 | 17.5 - 19 | 7 - 7.5 | M | 7 - 7.5 |
| 7.5 - 8 | 19 - 20.5 | 7.5 - 8 | L | 7.5 - 8 |
| 8 - 8.5 | 20.5 - 21.5 | 8 - 8.5 | XL | 8 - 8.5 |
| 8.5 - 9 | 21.5 - 23 | 8.5 - 9 | XXL | 8.5 - 9 |
| 9 - 9.5 | 23 - 24 | 9 - 9.5 | 3XL | 9 - 9.5 |
Important Considerations for Glove Fit:
- Material: Leather gloves will stretch and mold to your hand over time, so a snug fit initially is often preferred. Synthetic or knitted gloves may have varying degrees of stretch.
- Intended Use:
- **Dress/Fashion Gloves:** Often a very snug, second-skin fit is desired.
- **Winter/Ski Gloves:** You might prefer a slightly looser fit to accommodate liners and allow for air circulation (for insulation), but not so loose that you lose dexterity.
- **Work/Sport Gloves:** A secure, yet flexible fit is critical for grip and protection.
- Brand Variation: Just like with other apparel, glove sizing can vary slightly between brands. Always check the brand's specific size chart if available.
- Gender Differences: While the chart above is unisex, some brands will offer specific men's and women's glove sizing, which may account for differences in hand shape (e.g., women often have longer fingers relative to their palm width).
By taking accurate hand measurements and considering the type of glove and brand, you can confidently choose the perfect pair that keeps your hands comfortable and protected!