Boxing gloves are sized in ounces and that number confuses most parents buying for the first time. It does not measure hand size. It measures padding. Get it wrong and your child trains with gloves that are too light for sparring or too bulky for bag work. This guide covers kids boxing gloves size by age and weight, the difference between bag and sparring gloves, and how a proper fit should feel. If you are new to getting your child into the sport, the getting kids into combat sports guide is a good starting point.
How kids boxing gloves are sized
The ounce number on a boxing glove tells you how much padding is in it, not how big the glove is. A 6oz glove has less cushioning than a 10oz glove. More padding protects your child's hands and, just as importantly, protects whoever they are hitting pads or sparring with. The common range for children runs from about 4oz for very young beginners up to 12oz for older teens training seriously. For a full breakdown of how ounce sizing works across the range, read the how to choose the right boxing gloves guide.
Boxing glove size by age
Age is the quickest starting point, but treat these as guides. A heavier or taller child may need to size up, and a lighter child may stay in a smaller glove longer. Weight and build matter as much as age, so use the table alongside the weight section below.
| Age | Typical glove size |
|---|---|
| 3 to 6 years | About 6oz |
| Under 10 years | 6 to 8oz |
| 10 to 12 years | 8 to 10oz |
| 12 years and up (training seriously) | 10 to 12oz |
Boxing glove size by weight
Weight is often a more reliable guide than age, especially for kids who are bigger or smaller than average for their year. Lighter children under about 45kg (100lbs) generally do well in 6 to 8oz for bag work and 8oz for light partner drills. Heavier teens approaching 60kg (132lbs) or above can handle 10 to 12oz, which gives more protection for both them and their training partner. Match the padding to their size and striking strength, not just their birthday. The 12oz vs 16oz boxing gloves guide covers how weight affects padding choice in more detail for older athletes.
Bag work vs light sparring
Start your child on 6 to 8oz for bag and pad work. At that stage they are learning technique, not generating serious power, and a lighter glove gives them better feel for the movement. Once light sparring begins, move up to 8 to 10oz. The extra padding protects both your child and their partner from the impact of repeated contact. Read when to start sparring for a clear guide on when that step is appropriate. Do not rush it. Sparring too early with too little padding is how small injuries become bigger ones.
How they should fit
The glove should cover the fist fully, feel snug without pinching, and allow your child to close their hand comfortably inside. If the fingers are cramped or the wrist strap gaps open, the size is wrong. A secure velcro wrist strap is important for younger children who cannot tie laces themselves. Wearing thin hand wraps and inner gloves underneath improves fit, protects small knuckles and wrists, and keeps the inside of the glove cleaner between sessions.
Which gloves to buy for your child
Start with a 6 to 8oz pair for bag and pad work. That covers most beginner training and junior class requirements without overspending on a glove they will grow out of quickly. As they progress to light sparring, add a slightly heavier pair in the 8 to 10oz range. You do not need to buy both at once. One good pair for the first six months is enough.
FitSet stocks boxing gloves sized for youth athletes, shipped direct from Australian stock with no overseas wait. The range covers the full kids size run from 6oz up, so you are not guessing on availability.
Check the fit every few months. Children's hands grow faster than most parents expect, and a glove that fitted well at the start of the year may be too tight by the end of it.
Small things that help (pro tip)
Kids benefit from hand wraps just as much as adults do. Thin wraps or inner gloves protect small knuckles and wrists and make the glove fit more securely. Air the gloves out after every session rather than sealing them in a bag. A velcro wrist strap helps younger children keep gloves on properly without needing help between rounds.
The bottom line
Start at 6 to 8oz for bag and pad work, size up to 8 to 10oz when sparring begins, and check the fit every few months as your child grows. Age and weight both matter, so use the chart as a guide rather than a rule. Browse the full range of boxing gloves at FitSet and pick the right pair for where your child is training now.
What size boxing gloves should I buy for my child?||| Most kids start with 6 to 8oz for bag and pad work. Size by age and weight using the chart above, and check that the fist fits comfortably inside the glove with the wrist strap sitting securely. @@@What oz gloves for a 10 year old?||| Usually 6 to 8oz for bag and pad work, moving to 8 to 10oz once light sparring begins. Weight and build matter as much as age, so use the size chart as a guide rather than a fixed rule. @@@Do kids need different gloves for bag and sparring?||| Yes, as they progress. Lighter gloves suit bag and pad work for beginners. Slightly heavier, more padded gloves are safer for sparring and protect both your child and their training partner. @@@Should kids wear hand wraps?||| Yes. Thin wraps or inner gloves protect small hands, improve glove fit, and keep the inside of the glove fresher between sessions. They are worth adding from the first session. @@@How should kids boxing gloves fit?||| Snug and secure, with the fist fully covered and the child able to close the glove comfortably. The wrist strap should sit flat with no gaps. If the fingers are cramped or the strap gaps open, try a different size. @@@