How do I know my glove size? Guide to measuring your hands correctly

And when you have ever purchased gloves that were either too tight or too loose, you are not alone. The right fit of a glove may be more difficult than it seems to find: because gloves do not have a universal size, the same material or even style can have a different size. It is possible that you can purchase gloves to go to work, sport, driving, fashion or warm up in the winter and knowing your right glove size can make the difference.

The question that many people tend to ask is the same, how do I know my glove size? The solution is not as difficult as it may sound. All it takes is a couple of simple measurements and you will know the right fit of your hands and will finally be able to wear gloves that seem to be the natural extension of your skin, comfortable, flexible and reliable.

This full-body guide will take you through the entire process: the measurement of your hand, the interpretation of glove size charts, and the selection of the appropriate size of gloves of various types.

Why glove size matters

How do I know my glove size? It is necessary to know why size is such a big issue before you can understand how to measure your hand size. However, gloves are not only about covering your hands, but they are also a comfort, protection and performance tool.

• Comfort: When you ask yourself “How do I know my glove size?” Gloves also pinch your fingers when they are too small, and this limits the blood flow and makes even simple tasks uncomfortable. Conversely, oversized gloves will end up bunching or falling off leaving one with little time to hold on to objects. The glove fits the right hand loosely and easily, without achy joints.
• Performance: Fit has a direct impact on your performance if you work with gloves or play sports or go outdoors. For example, athletics such as baseball, golf or bicycling, you have the right kind of gloves that fit your hands and offer better grip and accuracy. With work gloves, they permit greater control of the tools and materials. Even winter gloves work better when they fit in the correct way, warm inside and keep the cold out.
• Durability: When you ask yourself “How do I know my glove size?” A pair of properly fitting gloves does not only feel better, but it also has a longer life. A tight glove is more stressful; hence, the seams and materials wear or tear very fast. Large gloves in the meantime may stretch or deform during the course of time. Even the right fit makes the material spread stress evenly and maintains the shape of the glove and increases its longevity.
• Safety: When you ask yourself “How do I know my glove size?” The size of gloves may also be a safety issue in some instances. Loose gloves may get hooked on machinery or slip out at some point whereas tight gloves may force one to be less deft at the point of need. The right fit will allow you to have control and protection particularly in work or industrial environments.

In simple terms - knowing glove size guarantees maximum utilization of gloves. The perfect fit makes you comfortable, increases performance, makes your gloves safer, and makes them last longer.

Step-by-step: How do I know my glove size?

When you ask yourself “How do I know my glove size?” It does not necessarily require a complex process when it comes to finding your ideal glove size. All you need to measure your hands are a few simple things, such as a soft measuring tape (or even a piece of string and a ruler) and you are good to go. Go through these steps and then you are bound to have a glove fit that comes naturally, comfortable and fits well.

Step 1: Measure your hand circumference

Measure it around the widest point of your hand, that is usually just under your knucks, except your thumb.

• You ought to have a flexible measuring tape where you wrap it round your hand and here too it should not be tight.
• Remember not to clench your fist when measuring; when doing this, your hand was relaxed and this can provide a smaller figure than your figure.
• Record the reading in centimeters or inches -in either case.

Tip: In case you do not have a measuring tape, it is all right. Use a piece of string instead. Take the string and loop it around your hand at the same point and also label the point where the two strings meet and then place it flat beside a ruler and get the measurement.

Step 2: Measure your hand length

When you ask yourself “How do I know my glove size?” Then, you are going to measure your hand to have the length of your hand so that gloves can fit your fingers appropriately.

• Get on a table or any other surface with a palm facing up.
• Measuring with the help of the tape measure, ensure that you measure the length of your middle finger to the bottom of your palm (where the wrist starts).
• Record that number as your hand length.
  

Tip: When one of your hands is a little bigger (and it is easy), always measure your dominant hand - it is usually a little bigger and gives the best point of reference.

Step 3: Compare both measurements

When you ask yourself “How do I know my glove size?” You now have both numbers, your circumference and length of hands, which do you compare?

The bigger of the two measurements is the one you will use to measure your glove size.

This assists to make it fit quite well in the palm without being tight to the touch and too short in the fingers.

Step 4: Match your measurement to a glove size chart

When you ask yourself “How do I know my glove size?” After figuring out your measurement, go on the standard glove size chart below to determine your size. Remember that the size of gloves may vary across regions (or brands, such as U.S. versus European) so it is always a good idea to follow the specific guidance provided by the manufacturer, where possible.

 

Important notes:

• Depending on the material (leather, cotton, latex, synthetic, etc.) and use (dress gloves, work gloves, or sports gloves) the size of gloves could vary insignificance.
• When in between sizes, it is usually a better idea to wear a larger size in leather gloves (they can slightly shrink over time) and wear a smaller one in stretchy or elastic ones (they can fit your hand naturally).
• In the case of unisex / female vs. male styles of gloves, consult the conversion guide of that brand - the female sizes are often a size smaller than the male sizes.

How do I know my glove size for different uses?

When you ask yourself “How do I know my glove size?” All gloves are not created alike and your perfect glove size may differ depending on your intended use and location of use. Fit and comfort differ greatly based on materials, design and purpose, and it is best to consider these variations before selecting your size.

Work or safety gloves

When you ask yourself “How do I know my glove size?” In the case of work or safety gloves, make them not too tight or too tight. Make sure that the fit is as tight as possible so as to be able to have the greatest amount of grip, dexterity, and control over any tools or materials. When the gloves are too slack, then you fail to achieve accuracy or end up being bunched up resulting in pain or mishaps. 

Motorcycle gloves

When you ask yourself “How do I know my glove size?” The most important thing is that when choosing motorcycle gloves, both hands should be measured as the dominant hand is usually a bit larger. Select one that is tight and yet does not bind. Motorcycle gloves made of leather, especially, it is necessary that they fit tightly initially since they do stretch and adjust to the shape of your hands with time. 

Winter or fashion gloves

When you ask yourself “How do I know my glove size?” In the case of winter or fashion gloves, then a bit loose fit will fit, to allow a lining, insulation, or heavier materials that will keep your hands warm. Some additional room also prevents the limitation in circulation which may cause cold fingers. They must not, however, be so loose as to make work cumbersome and difficult when one is going about his daily routine. 

Sports gloves (Baseball, Golf, etc.)

When you ask yourself “How do I know my glove size?” The subject of sporting gloves tends to be of different sizes according to the kind of sport. Others, such as baseball gloves are more hand-length oriented than circumference-oriented, whilst others, such as golf gloves are hand-knuckle oriented where the length and pinches that fit the palm and knuckles are taken into account when making a tailored fit. 

To the point, gloves sizing does not exist as a one-size-fits-all. Think about how the gloves will be put to use, the materials used to make gloves and the level of flexibility, warmth or protection required. By taking an extra couple of minutes to measure things out and figure out how he or she is going to use it, one would be sure to discover the most comfortable and functional pair to fit their needs.

Tips for accurate measurement

When you ask yourself “How do I know my glove size?” The trick of determining the correct size of a glove is the clue to a perfect fit of gloves, be it working gloves, fashion gloves or athletic gloves. Being able to take a few more minutes and measure properly can be very useful in comfort and performance and longevity.

Always use your dominant hand as it is usually bigger and stronger as it is used a lot. This will guarantee that the glove will be comfortable when performing the duties that need accuracy or power. Whatever is your hand, right, or left, measure the right or the left.

When you ask yourself “How do I know my glove size?” Measure at room temperature, because cold hands are likely to shrink, and warm or swollen hands may increase in size. Evaluating under neutral conditions gives a better reading and one that depicts your normal hand size.

When you are in the range between two glove sizes, then go with the larger one. A glove with a loose fit is better, as it is less restrictive when it comes to movement and circulation, particularly when it is worn over an extended period of time. 

Note too that various materials act in different ways. Leather gloves are able to stretch and shape to your hand shape, fabric gloves are also able to loosen after being washed several times and also the latex or nitrile gloves can shrink a little after use. 

Common mistakes people make

When individuals ask themselves the question, How do I know my glove size, they usually perform the fundamental though essential errors until measurement that can lead to either wearing gloves that are too tight, loose or with an uneven fit. These are some of the mistakes that should be avoided.

When you ask yourself “How do I know my glove size?” The most common error that occurs is the overrings or jewelry measurement that will introduce additional millimeters to distort your reading. It is recommended to take off rings, watches or bracelets before measuring in order to have a clean and accurate circumference.

The other frequent problem is to count the thumb in your palm. The glove sizing charts are invented by the size around your knucks, without including the part of your thumb. By adding it to your measurement, it may seem bigger than you thought and create oversized gloves.

There are also those who round their measurements prematurely such as rounding off 7.6 inches to 7 inches. Before making any decision, the correct number should be used and consulted to the chart. Most manufacturers can deviate enough in defining their sizes, therefore accurate measurements are important.

Read more: “What glove size am I?” Guide to measuring your hands 

Final thoughts

At EvridWear, we believe that, when you ask yourself “How do I know my glove size?” Your glove size does not necessarily need to be a complex subject. Even basic gloves can be fitted to you with the help of a measuring rod and several minutes of concentrated attention. After measuring your circumference and length on a hand, take the bigger of the two values and find your glove size by way of a standard chart or a brand-specific one.

When you ask yourself “How do I know my glove size?” The reason is that you should know how you will use your glove, whether at work, fashion, sports or protection, and by doing that, you will know what material and fit you will use. By simply measuring properly and steering clear of frequent errors, you will have been ensured of gloves that fit excellently and work better and longer.