Updated 6 April 2020: Time for an update! Check out the latest recommendations of Muay Thai Boxing gloves for small hands.
You know what they say about men with small hands? That’s right, they need small gloves.
If you have small hands and skinny wrists, many ready-made gloves can be loose-fitting and may not offer sufficient protection when you train. Training with ill-fitting boxing gloves can cause harm to your wrists and hands. As someone with thin wrists, I can attest to that.
It is of great importance to wear well-fitted gloves for Muay Thai or boxing training that can provide sufficient padding and wrist support. If you are a kid, woman, or man blessed with small hands, this is the article for you.
In a hurry? Check my top 3 picks of the best Muay Thai gloves for small hands: (Scroll down to read my detailed reviews as well as tips on choosing the RIGHT gloves for you)
How to Choose Muay Thai Gloves for Small Hands
In order for you to choose the best possible gloves for training, there are a few things to take note of. The factors to consider include size, wrist support and fit.
What does it mean to “Fit like a glove”?
As the idiom goes, you need your gloves to fit like they rightly should. What does that mean?
1) They shouldn’t fit so tightly that blood flow is restricted and your hands feel numb after a rounds on the bag.
2) They shouldn’t fit so loosely that they move all over or that you need to readjust your velcros or laces after every few minutes during pad work.
Number (2) is especially applicable for people with small hands. As for the degree of snugness, it’s more a matter of preference. Some like it a little more snug, and less so for others. You should try a few pairs to decide what type of fit you prefer.
As they say, comfort is key.
Size Matters
Boxing gloves sizing are typically measured in terms of weight and run from 8oz to 20oz. There are also smaller sizes, like 4oz and 6oz, catering to kids; and bigger sizes above 20oz for specialized training purposes.
8-14oz gloves are generally used for training while 14-18oz gloves are used for sparring. The heavier the gloves, the more padded they are.
Generally speaking, the choice of the weight of gloves depends on the weight of the boxer. This correlation is based on general science: the heavier the boxer, the heavier the punching impact. Hence more protection is needed as you go up in weight.
Sparring gloves are also heavier so that they are not as devastating for training partners.
Here’s a general (not definitive) sizing chart based on body weight for reference:
| Body Weight | Recommended Gloves Size |
| 100lbs & below | 8oz – 10oz |
| 100lbs – 125lbs | 8oz – 12oz |
| 125lbs – 150lbs | 10oz – 14oz |
| 150lbs – 180lbs | 10oz – 14oz |
| 180lbs & above | 12oz – 16oz |
Wrist Support
Some people overlook wrist support when choosing Muay Thai gloves. Wrist injuries are not uncommon for beginners due to poor form and weakness.
Muay Thai gloves are typically more flexible to allow clinching. There is less wrist support compared to boxing gloves which is a purely punching-based sport.
However, there are some models of Muay Thai gloves that provide better wrist support than others. If you choose the right ones, they can help to help maintain a stiff wrist and provide stability while striking.
Lace up vs Velcro (Hook n Loop)
Lace-ups will definitely fit more securely whether you have big or small hands and wrists. When tightly laced up, they won’t shift and will feel extremely secured. But the one downside to using lace-ups is that you will need someone to help you put them on.
This is impractical for a normal training session where you will be doing a myriad of exercises and you may need to take your gloves on and off multiple times.
In sparring and especially competition for boxing, the lace ups are favored. Hook-and-loops are certainly more popular for most training circumstances since they can be taken on/off so easily.
Additional Tips on choosing Muay Thai gloves
Now that you have identified the type of gloves best suited for your usage, here are some tips on how you can increase the odds of picking the best pair with your next purchase:
Tip 1 – Ask your gym mates if you can try out their gloves to check the fitting. There will be a myriad of brands and models being worn at your gym so you can try them all out. It’s also a good way to make friends if you are new to the gym.
Tip 2 – If your gym is of a decent quality, it is likely that they carry their own line of fight gear and apparel. The best thing about buying from your gym is that you get to try them on first and you will often get a discount as a member.
Tip 3 – There’s a good chance that you can find at least one fight store in your town or city. If you don’t feel shy about it, you should head down to check the selection and try them on for size before committing to a purchase online.
Tip 4 – You may want to consider having your hand wraps on when trying out gloves. Having your hand wraps on makes a whole lot of difference. That said, do note that some gloves will feel stiff brand-new and will require a few training sessions for them to feel comfortable
Muay Thai Boxing Gloves For Small Hands
So you have digested all the information above, and still not quite sure where/how to proceed? Well, generally speaking, you won’t go wrong with most Thai brands as the Asian gloves sizes are nominally smaller than the American/European counterparts. Most, but not all.
There are literally thousands of gloves models out in the market and it can certainly get a bit intimidating. No worries. I have ploughed and searched the fields and shops to bring you a list of gloves best suited for small hands. So here’s a list of our recommendations to get you started:
Top King
Based on my experience, reviews and recommendations, Top King gloves have one of the smallest hand compartments among all the Thai brands. That’s good news for you as they fit really well for the small hands. Aesthetics-wise, the tribal style could be your thing.
You will find Top King to be one of the most common gear being used at your gym. The padding is ample all round for a good protection of your hands and wrists but the all-round padding also makes them look huge and bulky. Something to take note of.
The elongated cuffs extend almost halfway up your forearms, keep your punches straight and minimizing injuries. Last but not least, the velcro straps will fasten securely even if you have skinny wrists like me.
There is practically nothing to complain about these for most training needs. Top King gloves are our top recommendations for small hands.
| User Feedback |
| – “Been using these for a year. No signs of damage. Great gloves.“ – “I have smaller hands for my size, and with wraps on my 16 oz are snug.” |
>> Click here to purchase Top King gloves at Amazon now<<
Twins Special Lace Closure BGLL-1
Twins Special is quite possibly the most popular Muay Thai brand right now and you will see a lot of them in your gym. Twins gloves are the official gloves used in many competitions in Thailand including the famed Lumpinee Stadium.
The standard velcro gloves fit the average-sized hands so if you are tempted to try them out, the lace up is a better choice. Featuring the good quality leather and padding expected of the brand, these lace-ups will serve you well either as training or sparring gloves.
They are certainly more practical as sparring gloves since you won’t need really need to take them off during sparring session. As training gloves, the lace ups will provide a really tight wrist support for those with small wrists but can be troublesome to take them on/off.
| User Feedback |
| – ““ – ““ |
>> Click here to purchase Twins BGLL-1 at Amazon now<<
Yokkao Matrix
YOKKAO Matrix Breathable Muay Thai Boxing Glove - Hot Pink - 14oz
- YOKKAO Boxing Gloves are made of premium leather, providing excellent durability and protection for all your training needs, including pro boxing gloves and youth boxing gloves.
- Whether you're a beginner or an experienced fighter, Our Premium Muay Thai gloves offer the perfect balance of comfort and performance for all your training and sparring sessions, making them ideal...
- These gloves offer superior wrist support, with an extra-long cuff and secure Velcro closure that keeps your hands safe and stable during even the most intense workouts, making them great fighting...
- YOKKAO Boxing Gloves are made of premium leather, providing excellent durability and protection for all your training needs, including pro boxing gloves and youth boxing gloves.
- Whether you're a beginner or an experienced fighter, Our Premium Muay Thai gloves offer the perfect balance of comfort and performance for all your training and sparring sessions, making them ideal...
- These gloves offer superior wrist support, with an extra-long cuff and secure Velcro closure that keeps your hands safe and stable during even the most intense workouts, making them great fighting...
The Matrix is Yokkao’s basic Muay Thai gloves range that comes in solid colors instead of their usual eye-catching designs. These have a pretty snug hand compartment and will fit accordingly after breaking in.
I have a pair in 12oz and another in 14oz, both fit perfectly. Great for pad work, and sparring being light and yet highly protective.
The leather they used feels quite premium and I like the embroidered stitch on the cuff logo patches.
Yokkao have made improvements over the years and both of my loves have held up really well since I bought them. The Matrix range is produced in so many colors, designs and limited editions, you will surely find a pair that catches your eyes.
| User Feedback |
| – “The fit of the glove is amazing. They feel almost completely broken in. I could open my hand easily to parry shots and catch kicks.“ – “ This glove has been really amazing it is realy firm in the wrist and the fit is tight, which is very comfortable.” |
>> Click here to purchase Yokkao Matrix at Amazon Now <<
Hayabusa T3
Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves for Men and Women Wrist and Knuckle Protection, Dual-X Hook and Loop Closure, Splinted Wrist Support, 5 Layer Foam Knuckle Padding - Black, 12 oz
- A Revolutionized Training Glove: You need a glove that checks all of the boxes, from protection and comfort to durability and fit. T3 Boxing Gloves do just that, with a decade of sports science &...
- Built For Comfort With A Tailored Fit: Interior fabric feels smooth and cool on your hands and helps to regulate your hand temperature. Two interlocking velcro wrist straps adjust to fit your hands...
- World Renowned Wrist Support: The dual wrist straps and splinting system work together to keep your wrists aligned with each punch. It locks your wrists in place when you strap up, preventing risky...
- A Revolutionized Training Glove: You need a glove that checks all of the boxes, from protection and comfort to durability and fit. T3 Boxing Gloves do just that, with a decade of sports science &...
- Built For Comfort With A Tailored Fit: Interior fabric feels smooth and cool on your hands and helps to regulate your hand temperature. Two interlocking velcro wrist straps adjust to fit your hands...
- World Renowned Wrist Support: The dual wrist straps and splinting system work together to keep your wrists aligned with each punch. It locks your wrists in place when you strap up, preventing risky...
Hayabusa is known for extensive research and innovation in the design of their products. The T3 is an update of one of the more popular gloves model (Tokushu Regenesis) from the MMA brand.
It uses a engineered (synthetic) leather which has been test-proven to outlast most regular leather. The really outstanding feature of these gloves is the dual wrist wrap, which firmly secures them on your wrist and provides ample padding for protection.
All these wonderful features on top of a nice snug fit for smaller hands. The 10oz or 12oz will fit well on smaller hands. Hayabusa gloves are less bulky-looking than Twins and Top King so they will look good even on smaller frames. They tend to be pricier than the Thai brands but you get what you pay for.
| User Feedback |
| – “The gloves run significantly smaller than the average.” – “I have small hands and the fit perfect.” |
>> Click here to purchase Hayabusa T3 at Amazon now<<
Best Muay Thai Gloves for Women
Both Muay Thai and Boxing have been traditionally a male sport. Even as the scale is tipped over the years, majority of the gloves are still designed & manufactured with the male buyers in mind.
Thankfully, now there are gloves being designed by different brands for the growing number of female fighters.
There are some so-called women’s gloves that are targeted at the fitness aerobics crowd but you want to avoid them. Such gloves usually offer the weight but not the best protection for hitting bags.
Here are some gloves that are made for women but if you don’t mind the designs, the gloves recommended in the previous section, in sizes 8oz to 12oz will suit women just fine.
Ringside IMF Women’s Tech Sparring Gloves
Sale
Ringside Women's IMF Tech Boxing Training Sparring Gloves, 12-Ounce, White/Blue
- A leather/textured vinyl combo shell provides durability and good looks
- Complete with an attached thumb
- The exclusive vinyl overlay webbing on the underside of the gloves provides additional reinforcement during impact
- A leather/textured vinyl combo shell provides durability and good looks
- Complete with an attached thumb
- The exclusive vinyl overlay webbing on the underside of the gloves provides additional reinforcement during impact
The Ringside IMF (Injected Molded Foam) is the brand’s flagship line of gloves made with their proprietary technology. Basically, the gloves are made using a molded foam system that contours the shape of the fist.
These are very snug gloves so they are one of your best bets. The long cuffs and extra wide velcro straps offer incredible wrist support, and the padding is springy enough for extra protection of your knuckles.
Sounds perfect? Well, they are not as well ventilated as many other brands so the heat might bother you a bit. They are also a little stiff and won’t make the best gloves for clinching or sparring.
Other than that, these are excellent training gloves that will serve most women well in both boxing and Muay Thai training.
| User Feedback |
| – “The gloves are AMAZING!!! great support on the wrist and knuckles.” – “They are sturdy, give excellent support and comfort, and they look great! I always get complimented on them!” – “Great fit for small women’s hands. I have super tiny hands and these are the only gloves I have found that fit well. Worth the price for the secure fit.” |
>> Click here to Women's IMF Tech at Amazon now<<
Everlast Women’s Pro Style Training Gloves
Everlast Women's Pro Style Training Gloves (Pink, 12 oz.)
- Patented Thumb-Lok feature, Premium synthetic leather along with superior construction increases durability, Natural shape conforms to hand
- Everfresh treatment helps prevent offensive odors, keeping your products smelling fresh, Full mesh palm ensures breathability and comfort
- Improved curved anatomical grip and fit. Ideal for sparring, heavy bag workouts, and mitt work
- Patented Thumb-Lok feature, Premium synthetic leather along with superior construction increases durability, Natural shape conforms to hand
- Everfresh treatment helps prevent offensive odors, keeping your products smelling fresh, Full mesh palm ensures breathability and comfort
- Improved curved anatomical grip and fit. Ideal for sparring, heavy bag workouts, and mitt work
I have added this as an anti-example. These are what I meant by boxing fitness gloves. More suitable for boxing aerobics/cardio type of class, NOT real boxing or Muay Thai.
While Everlast offers a wide range of boxing gloves, these particular gloves offer inadequate padding and won’t last very long at the heavy bags. A decent Muay Thai class requires you to be punching tough pads and bags A LOT so these are obviously not the right options.
At this price, you also don’t expect them to last very long, do you? Your hands deserve better gloves, if not the best, when it comes to Muay Thai.
>> Click here to shop Everlast Pro Style at Amazon now<<
Best Muay Thai Gloves for Youths and Kids
More and more youths and even younger kids are taking up Muay Thai and boxing as a recreation these days. However, children are susceptible to related injuries such as knuckle bruises and wrist sprain, maybe more so than adults.
Their bones are still growing (peak bone mass is acquired around age 18) and so it is important to ensure that their hands are well protected during training.
A well-curated children martial arts program will be designed with such physical and physiological considerations and a good gym (instructor) will always ensure that the kids are wearing properly fitted gloves before training.
You will probably find brandless boxing gloves under $10 at the supermarket or a general sporting goods store. But it’s better steer clear of these since the quality is crap -unless you plan to use them as oven gloves.
We found some reputable gloves specially designed for kids and they offer better protection for your children’s hands. And they are reasonably priced too!
You can head over to “Kids Muay Thai Gloves” for a more comprehensive guide and recommendations. Here are some popular Muay Thai gloves for kids:
Yokkao Kids Gloves
No products found.
Yokkao is one of the most prominent Thai-based Muay Thai brands today.
These designed-for-kids gloves are made using microfiber leather, a high-quality synthetic leather with qualities such as higher resistance to tear, better breathability and more lightweight. It is also antibacterial, odourless and very easy to clean.
These gloves are designed for kids in sizes ranging from 4 to 10-ounce.
Yokkao gloves are reliable and are popular among kids. Your young ones will love them.
No products found.
RDX Kids Boxing Gloves
RDX Kids Boxing Gloves, 6oz 4oz Junior Training Mitts, Maya Hide Leather Ventilated Palm, Muay Thai Sparring MMA Kickboxing Fighting, Punch Bag Speed Ball Focus Pads Punching Workout
- ✅ MAYA HIDE LEATHER construction in these kids boxing sparring gloves resist cracks, tear and splits. Practice jabs, hooks and cross knowing the hands are well protected. Go for Muay Thai,...
- ✅ COMBINATION OF FOAM PADDING include Calibrated impact diffusion sheet, DenZo-Tron foam, Sponge X Padding, Spongy Black top fabric, Infused Shock dispersion sheet to keep the impact away from young...
- ✅ QUICK EZ HOOK-AND-LOOP strap is child-friendly. The strap allows for easy on and off application. It offers secure and protected fit around the wrists without any concern of slipping and sliding.
- ✅ MAYA HIDE LEATHER construction in these kids boxing sparring gloves resist cracks, tear and splits. Practice jabs, hooks and cross knowing the hands are well protected. Go for Muay Thai,...
- ✅ COMBINATION OF FOAM PADDING include Calibrated impact diffusion sheet, DenZo-Tron foam, Sponge X Padding, Spongy Black top fabric, Infused Shock dispersion sheet to keep the impact away from young...
- ✅ QUICK EZ HOOK-AND-LOOP strap is child-friendly. The strap allows for easy on and off application. It offers secure and protected fit around the wrists without any concern of slipping and sliding.
RDX is a renowned fight gear company from the UK. They are used by both professionals and amateurs, and in boxing, muay thai to MMA arenas. With such accolades, you should rest assure of the quality and protection offered by their junior gloves.
In case you were wondering, Maya hide leather is a fully synthetic leather with reasonable durability and resilience. It’s more breathable compared to vinyl and are softer too. These gloves come in 4oz and 6oz so they will fit well on your little ones.
| User Feedback |
| – “Perfect for my boys to beat on the heavy bag with.” – “even though they are kids gloves, RDX did not skimp on the quality.“ |
>> Click here to shop RDX Kids at Amazon now<<
Conclusion
The fit of your personal punching gloves is ultimately a personal choice: Some people like it slightly roomy, while some like it snug. But it needs to be able to provide appropriate support and protection for your hands. You may have to buy and try out a few pairs before you eventually find a pair that you love.
My advice: Wrap your hands properly. Go for a reputable brand of gloves. Train hard. If you don’t protect your hands, a visit to the chiropractor or specialist is going to cost a lot more than the very best boxing gloves.
I have personally tried on several of the gloves that I have recommended here in the article but if I had to pick one, I would go with the Top King. With the information and recommendations that is presented here, hope you can soon find your own beloved pair of gloves. Keep fighting and as always,
Chok Dee!
Top article. I’ve been getting massive wrist pain from my loose fitting gloves
Hi James, glad the article came in handy for you. 😀
Hi. I’m women with 60 kg weight. I just purchased a 10oz gloves because that fits my weight recommendation. However, only after I bought the gloves then I realized 10oz is actually for competition rather than for training. I dont do sparring. I only attend a routine muaythai exercise and always have a trainer with me (so basically I punch and she receives – I dont use the bag when exercising). Should I stick to my 10oz size or should I buy a 12 or 14oz instead? I read that the heavier the gloves then the more padding it has hence the more safety you get. But whatabout a women’s hand if it use a bigger size gloves? It will be too loose isnt it? Any help on this will very much appreciated
Hi April, for your weight, and regular exercise, 12-14oz is recommended.
It will not get too loose.
Happy training!