Getting gloves that actually fit right isn’t rocket science, but it’s something a lot of people mess up. You grab a pair off the shelf, hope they work, and end up with fingers poking out the ends or fabric bunching up around your knuckles. Sound familiar?
The truth is, poor fitting gloves don’t just feel uncomfortable, gloves with the wrong fit can cause blisters, reduce grip strength, and even create safety hazards on the job. When you see someone struggling with loose gloves that slip around their hands, or tight ones that cut off circulation, you could assume that they skipped measuring their hands properly. Let’s take a closer look at how to know what glove size you are and why it’s important.
How to Determine Glove Size: Why the Right Size Matters
Glove size fitting is important because when gloves fit correctly, you barely notice them. Wearers can pick up small screws (depending on the glove type), operate tools with precision, and work for hours without their hands cramping up.
Wearing the wrong size gloves can cause problems fast. Loose gloves can catch on machinery or slip off when you need protection most. Tight gloves restrict blood flow and can make your hands go numb over prolonged use. Either way, you’re looking at reduced productivity and increased risk of injury with poorly fit gloves.
Different jobs need different approaches to fit. Construction workers might want slightly looser gloves to account for hand swelling during long shifts. Mechanics working on detailed engine components need a snugger fit for better control. But regardless of your work, the basic principle stays the same: how to determine glove size starts with accurate measurements.
How to Know Your Glove Size: Getting Measurements Right
Get a flexible tape measure (the fabric kind works best) and wrap it around your dominant hand. If you’re right-handed, measure your right hand (left-handed people should measure their left hand); the dominant hand is typically slightly larger. Position the tape measure around the widest part of your palm, just below your knuckles.
Don’t include your thumb in this measurement. The tape should be snug but not tight enough to indent your skin. If you’re between measurements, round up to the next quarter inch.
How to Know Your Glove Size: Size Charts
Most glove companies use similar sizing systems, but there can be some slight differences between brands. With Wells Lamont gloves, we follow industry standards, so finding your size is straightforward; here’s a typical translation of how to determine glove size:
- 7 inches and under: Extra Small
- 7 – 8 inches: Small
- 8 – 9 inches: Medium
- 9 – 10 inches: Large
- 10 – 11 inches: Extra Large
- 11 – 12 inches: Double Extra Large
Sometimes manufacturers will use numbered sizing where the number matches the hand measurement in inches; for example, if your hand measures 8.5 inches, you’d wear a size 8.5 or 9 glove. When you’re trying to figure out how to know your glove size, remember that these measurements are your starting point. Different materials and styles can fit differently, so checking specific brand guidelines helps.
What Works and What Doesn’t
When you’re determining how to know what glove size you are, don’t forget that the material also makes a difference in how gloves fit. Leather gloves often need time to break in and mold to the contours of your hands. Cotton or synthetic materials have different fit profiles depending on whether they are woven or knit fabrics. Consider the work environment, too; tasks requiring fine motor skills might benefit from a slightly snugger fit.
If you’re between sizes, think about when and where you’ll wear the gloves. Cold weather can make your hands slightly smaller, while heat and humidity cause them to swell. For year-round use, sizing up slightly often works better than sizing down. Some people have hands that don’t fit standard proportions. Long fingers with narrow palms, or wide hands with shorter fingers.
Mistakes People Make When Sizing Gloves
Measuring the wrong hand is probably the most common error. As we mentioned earlier, its better to measure your dominant hand since it’s typically slightly larger. This small difference affects comfort and performance more than you might think. Another mistake is measuring your hands when you have injuries or if your hands aren’t warmed up. Take measurements when your hands are at their normal size, and try different sizes if you’re in a store.
Different Gloves, Different Fits
Work gloves come in many varieties, each with specific fit requirements. Heavy-duty leather gloves need more room for the material to flex. Lightweight synthetic gloves can fit more closely. Disposable gloves should fit snugly without being restrictive, since they need to move with your hands without tearing.
For specialized tasks like welding or handling chemicals, proper fit becomes critical for safety. These gloves often include safety features that only work correctly when the glove fits properly. A loose chemical-resistant glove might allow substances to seep in. A tight welding glove could reduce the protection offered by its heat-resistant materials. If you’re shopping for gloves in bulk, remember that hand sizes vary significantly even among people of similar height and build. Taking individual measurements for each person gives you the best results.
How to Determine Glove Size with Wells Lamont
Once you know how to know what glove size you are, shopping becomes much easier. Look for gloves that match your measurements while considering your specific work requirements. Quality gloves in the right size last longer, perform better and keep your hands comfortable throughout your workday.
Different brands may fit slightly differently, so don’t be surprised if you wear a medium in one brand and a large in another. The measurement process gives you a reliable starting point, but personal preference and intended use should guide your final decision. Check out our complete Resource Guide for detailed measurements and browse our full selection of work gloves designed for comfort, durability, and protection.
