Getting the size right makes gloves warmer, more comfortable and longer lasting. Too tight and they restrict circulation, which makes hands colder. Too loose and you lose warmth and dexterity. This guide shows you how to measure your hand and how gloves should fit. If you are still choosing a style, start with our gloves guide.
How to Measure Your Hand for Gloves
- Use a soft tape measure, or a strip of paper you can measure afterwards with a ruler.
- Hold your dominant hand flat with your fingers together and your thumb relaxed.
- Wrap the tape around your palm, just below the knuckles at the widest part, not including your thumb.
- Note the measurement in inches or centimetres.
- Optionally, measure from the tip of your middle finger to the base of your palm to check your finger length.
Glove sizes are commonly based on the palm measurement in inches, so a hand of about 8 inches suits a size 8 glove. Sizes are then often grouped into small, medium, large and extra large. Brands differ, so always check the size chart on the product page before you buy.
Glove Size Chart: How It Works
As a rough guide, women's gloves commonly run from about 6 to 8 and men's gloves from about 7.5 to 11, with half sizes in between. Small sizes sit at the lower end of each range and extra large at the top. Because every brand cuts gloves slightly differently, treat this as a starting point and use the brand's own chart.
How Should Gloves Fit?
- Fingers: fingertips should reach the end of the glove without being squashed. A little spare room is fine for warm gloves, as trapped air insulates.
- Palm: snug but not tight, with no wrinkles that restrict movement.
- Thumb: you should be able to bend it fully without pulling the glove.
- Cuff: it should cover your wrist so cold air cannot get in.
Fit for Different Types of Glove
Leather gloves: leather gives slightly with wear, so start snug. A fit that feels a touch firm at first usually relaxes after a few wears.
Lined and thermal gloves: the lining takes up space, so the fit can feel closer. If you plan to wear a liner underneath, such as the Icebreaker Oasis liners, consider the next size up.
Driving gloves: these should fit closely so they do not slip on the wheel. See the Dents Delta driving gloves.
Shooting gloves: they should leave enough feel to use the trigger. Try on the glove with the gun if you can. See our shooting glove options.
Waterproof gloves: membranes can feel stiffer, so make sure you can close your hand fully. Our waterproof gloves guide covers what to look for.
What If I Am Between Sizes?
If you are between sizes, choose the larger size for lined or waterproof gloves and for use with a liner, and the smaller size for unlined leather or driving gloves, which stretch slightly. Check the returns policy if you are unsure.
Glove Sizing FAQs
How do I measure my hand for gloves? Wrap a tape measure around the widest part of your palm, below the knuckles and excluding your thumb.
What size glove do I need? Your palm measurement in inches is a good starting size, but check each brand's size chart.
Do leather gloves stretch? Yes, slightly, as they are worn in. They should start snug.
Should gloves be tight or loose? Snug but not tight. Tight gloves restrict circulation and make hands colder.
Shop Gloves at 4 Elements Clothing
Shop all gloves, or browse Dents gloves and SealSkinz.
