Gear
What size Muay Thai gloves should you buy?
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Glove "size" in Muay Thai means padding weight in ounces, not hand size. The rule almost every gym runs on: 16oz to spar, 12–14oz for pads and bag, 8–10oz only under the lights. Everything else is detail.
| Use | Size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sparring (any body weight) | 16oz | Most gyms require it; some allow 14oz under ~60kg |
| Pad work / bag work | 12–14oz | Enough padding for daily volume without deadening feedback |
| Clinch-heavy sessions | 14oz | Lighter glove keeps grips workable |
| Competition (amateur) | 10oz | Set by the promotion, not by you |
| Competition (pro, stadium) | 8oz | Set by the promotion |
| One glove for everything | 14–16oz | The honest beginner answer |
Brand fit differences
Oz is standardized; hand compartments aren't. Fairtex runs compact and snug — great for narrow hands, tight for wide palms. Twins Special runs roomy — comfortable for big hands, slightly loose for small ones even with wraps. Yokkao and Top King sit between. If you're between brands, this fit difference matters more than any spec sheet.
Ready to pick a pair? Start with the best Muay Thai gloves guide or the beginner picks.
Frequently asked
- Does glove weight depend on my body weight?
- Partly — but training type matters more. A 60kg and a 95kg person both spar in 16oz at most gyms. Body weight mostly decides whether you can drop to 14oz for sparring at small sizes, with your gym's permission.
- What does the oz number actually mean?
- The glove's padding weight in ounces. More ounces = more padding = softer impact for your partner (and slower hands for you). It is not a hand-size measurement — hand fit varies by brand, not by oz.
- My hands feel loose inside the gloves — wrong size?
- Wrong expectation, usually: gloves are worn over wraps. Wrap your hands, then judge fit. Fairtex runs snug, Twins runs roomy.
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.