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How to Measure Glove Size in the Most Accurate Way?

Fact checked by Andrew Carnegie

how to measure glove size

Gloves are stable pieces of accessories for many people. It is because they are beyond just fashionable items. Work gloves play an immense role in eliminating hand injuries at workplaces, and any regular rider will find riding gloves indispensable.

Thanks to their important functions, it’s crucial to find the correct sizing to guarantee the maximum potential of your gloves. If you ever find your current gloves uncomfortable or not up to your expectations, they might simply be the wrong sizes of gloves for you. But don’t worry, we are here to fix that.

Making measures for glove size is not that difficult. You will need to use a measuring tape to measure your hand widthwise and lengthwise, compare the figures to your old pair of gloves for more accuracy, calculate your size, and convert it if needed. In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to measure glove size. We will also share some tips on choosing fitter gloves. Read below to learn more.

What You Will Need

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You won’t need any technical tool to know your glove size. All you need are your old gloves and a measuring tape.

1. A tape measure

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Tape measures are a standard measuring tool, so you may already have one at home. But avoid any sharp or metal measuring tape because you will be using it to measure the length and width of your hand, as tailor measuring tape is the most ideal due to its flexibility and accuracy.

If you don’t have a cloth measuring tape, then you can use a piece of string and a ruler instead. In the worst scenario when you don’t have a ruler, an online ruler might get the job done. But keep in mind that these replacements are not perfect in terms of accuracy.

We will measure glove size in inches. Therefore, you need to ensure the tape measure or ruler you are having; is marked with inches.

2. A pair of gloves you own

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If you haven’t owned a pair of gloves yet, you can skip this step. However, if you have gloves that fit you well and you feel comfortable wearing them, keep that pair nearby so you can make further comparisons to assure the most accurate measurements. Avoid bulky gloves though, a set of thin cloth or knitted gloves is most preferred.

How to Measure Glove Size

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Follow these steps carefully to get your glove size.

Step 1. Measure the width of your hand

Wrap the tape measure around the widest part of your dominant hand. Since the dominant hand is always larger than the other, it is preferred when measuring glove sizes. Go ahead; measure your right hand if you are right-handed and then left hand if you are left-handed. Make sure the tape measure is across your palm at its widest point, not including the thumb. Record this number on a piece of paper or your phone’s note.

Step 2. Measure the length of your hand

Once you’ve got the width, you will need to measure the length of your hand. Spread your fingers wide, and at the tip of your middle finger, place the starting point of the measuring tape, then stretch it down to the base of your hand, right where your wrist begins. Again, record this number.

Step 3. Compare to gloves you own

As mentioned above, if you already own a pair of gloves that you love, pull them out and make the same measurements as steps 1 and 2 on them.

If the figures are equivalent to your hand measurements, those are the right sizes of your perfect gloves, as you can jump right to the next step. However, if the figures have slight differences, you should repeat the steps. After that, if still, the figures are not equivalent, go with the larger ones.

Step 4. Choose the larger number and round up

Now that you have the two basic figures in length and width to determine glove size, despite them being the measurements of your hand or your favorite gloves. You will need to choose the higher number in the two and round up if necessary.

The number you now have is your glove size. For example, your widthwise measurement is 5 inches, which is smaller than the lengthwise one, 5.8 inches, then choose the lengthwise figure and round it up, as your glove size is 6.

Step 5. Convert your size if needed

Some brands don’t size gloves by numbers but by letters, such as XS (extra small), S (small), M (medium), and L (large). If the gloves you want to buy have sizes in letters, no worries, here’s the general glove size chart information.

  • 6-7 inches XS
  • 7-8 inches S
  • 8-9 inches M
  • 9-10 inches L
  • 10-11 inches XL
  • 11+ inches XXL

However, keep in mind that this information might vary with different brands. Some brands have various size charts depending on the wearer’s gender or age. The best option is to ask for a brand-specific sizing chart where you buy the gloves.

Step 6. Know your glove size better

Now that you find your glove size. But depending on different styles and materials of gloves, you might want them a bit tighter, looser, or well-fitted.

For example, leather is an inelastic fabric, so you need to make the measurements very cautiously and choose the accurate size of your hands. On the other hand, due to the stretchy nature of wool, a pair of woolen gloves that is a bit tighter can keep you warmer when it gets cold. In addition, if you have heavy muscular fingers, you should opt for gloves that are one size bigger.

Step 7. Buy your perfect pair of gloves

May it be riding gloves, leather work gloves, or even latex gloves that you want to buy. With the accurate size handy, you can now purchase your perfect pair of gloves. Also, keep in mind the tips in the previous step while choosing.

Step 8. Try them on

When you buy gloves, go ahead, put them on and off several times. Make sure they fit your fingers, palms, and wrists, cause no discomfort while wearing, and are easy to take off. A reliable pair of gloves shouldn’t be so tight that your fingers get numb or tingle.

Step 9. Make adjustments

Try wearing your new gloves while carrying out tasks that they’re supposed to support you with. If you buy a pair of riding gloves, try wearing them on a slow ride to see whether they fulfill their purposes of ensuring a firm grip on wheels or handlebars while keeping your hands cozy. Then, make adjustments if needed.

Step 10. Final assessments

Finally, I recommend you to take note of the instances where you feel uncomfortable with your gloves. Try to assess every time the gloves cause pain in parts of your hands. That way, you can make some further adjustments.

If you follow the steps above and are sure you’ve got the right size of gloves, but they keep bringing you discomfort, it might be the designs or materials that need to be changed. But don’t get flustered, as things like that rarely happen. As long as you follow all of the steps carefully, a decent pair of gloves is guaranteed.

Conclusion

You should not measure glove sizes carelessly at all. Always prioritize what’s crucial, like ensuring safety for our hands while we carry out manual tasks. So, pay close attention to gloves’ size anytime you purchase a new pair. Keep the tips and steps we have shared with you on how to measure glove size. Use them to assure yourself the best gloves next time you buy them.

It was such a pleasure to have you here. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to share them in the comment section. We will get to them as soon as we can. I look forward to hearing from you!

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