Field note
Glove Sizing Guide: How to Measure Hands and Plan a Size Mix
Most glove returns come down to fit. A simple measurement and a sensible size mix prevent most of them, whether you are choosing gloves for yourself or planning an order for a store.
How to measure a hand
Use a soft tape measure on the dominant hand, which is usually slightly larger.
- Circumference: wrap the tape around the palm at its widest point, just below the knuckles, excluding the thumb. This is the main sizing number.
- Length: measure from the crease at the base of the palm to the tip of the middle finger. Use it when someone is between sizes or has long fingers.
Size chart
| Size | Palm circumference | Hand length |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 15–17 cm (6–6.7 in) | 16–17 cm |
| S | 17–19 cm (6.7–7.5 in) | 17–18 cm |
| M | 19–21 cm (7.5–8.3 in) | 18–19 cm |
| L | 21–23 cm (8.3–9 in) | 19–20 cm |
| XL | 23–25 cm (9–9.8 in) | 20–21 cm |
| XXL | 25–27 cm (9.8–10.6 in) | 21–22 cm |
Measurements are a guide: stretch fabrics forgive more than leather-like palms, and children's sizes follow a separate chart.
How fit differs by glove type
- Everyday winter gloves are usually sold as one women's and one men's size, because brushed linings and knit cuffs stretch. Women's one-size fits roughly S–M, men's roughly L–XL.
- Ski gloves and mittens should leave a little room at the fingertips: trapped air is part of the insulation, and tight ski gloves feel colder.
- Cycling gloves should fit snugly with no loose fabric in the palm, which can cause blisters on long rides.
- Tactical gloves need a close fit at the fingertips for handling small items. The knuckle shell should sit over the knuckles when the hand is closed, not on the fingers.
Planning a size mix
For adult gloves sold in M, L and XL, a mix of about 30% M, 45% L and 25% XL suits most general markets. Women-focused styles in S, M and L usually sell around 30% S, 45% M and 25% L. Online sellers should keep a little extra of the middle size, because exchanges usually move one size up or down.
Our MOQ applies per style with colours and sizes mixed, so you can follow this mix from the first order.
Planning an order?
Send us your styles and quantities and we will suggest a size and colour mix.