Are Fairtex gloves true to size?

The oz weights are standard, but the hand compartment runs snug and compact. Wide palms often prefer Twins; narrow-to-average hands love Fairtex.

BGV1 vs BGV14 — what's the difference?

BGV1 is the classic three-layer construction with a boxier fist. BGV14 is the 'Microfiber' update: lighter shell, slightly slimmer profile, similar padding. Functionally close — pick by price and colorway.

Where are Fairtex gloves made?

Thailand. Fairtex has been manufacturing there since 1971 and runs its own camp and stadium program — the gear brand and the fight brand are the same company.

Gear · Review

Fairtex gloves review

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Fairtex is the closest thing Muay Thai has to a default. The brand runs its own camp, sponsors stadium fighters, and has made gear in Thailand since 1971 — and the BGV1 is the single most common glove you'll see on a Thai gym rack. A review of Fairtex is mostly a review of that glove, so let's start there.

BGV1: the default, deserved

The BGV1's reputation comes from three things. The fist shape is compact — your hand closes into a tight, natural ball, which makes punching feel precise rather than pillow-handed. The break-in is short: a week of pads and it molds to you. And the three-layer foam holds its density for years instead of packing out in months.

The honest downsides: the snug cut punishes wide palms, the wrist strap is shortish, and colorways sell out constantly. None of these are deal-breakers; all of them are reasons people end up with Twins instead and are equally happy.

Check BGV1 price ↗

The rest of the lineup, fast

BGV14 "Microfiber" — the modern BGV1: lighter shell, slimmer look, vegan-friendly microfiber. Same role.
BGV16 — softer, wider "compact" sparring glove; the Twins-like option inside Fairtex.
BGL6 lace-ups — competition gloves. Buy only if a promoter tells you to.

Verdict

If your hands are average or narrow and you want one glove that does everything and outlives your motivation dips: BGV1, 14 or 16oz. If your palms are wide or you spar heavy, read the Twins Special review before deciding. Both roads are correct — see how they compare in the full gloves guide.

Frequently asked

Are Fairtex gloves true to size?: The oz weights are standard, but the hand compartment runs snug and compact. Wide palms often prefer Twins; narrow-to-average hands love Fairtex.
BGV1 vs BGV14 — what's the difference?: BGV1 is the classic three-layer construction with a boxier fist. BGV14 is the 'Microfiber' update: lighter shell, slightly slimmer profile, similar padding. Functionally close — pick by price and colorway.
Where are Fairtex gloves made?: Thailand. Fairtex has been manufacturing there since 1971 and runs its own camp and stadium program — the gear brand and the fight brand are the same company.

Written by Gonçalo Traça — founder of MuayThang, where he maps the world's Muay Thai gyms and trains in the gear he writes about.

Buying gear for a trip? Compare Muay Thai camps in Thailand or find a gym near you on the map.