To protect your hands and wrists when hitting a heavy bag or during any other type of boxing session, a pair of well-fitted gloves are essential. In most ways, the best boxing gloves for women are the best boxing gloves in general. However, since women tend to have smaller hands, it's important to consider sizing when making your purchase. "Boxing gloves are made with an internal component called the hand cage. This is the portion of the glove that directly cradles your palm. Because woman tend to have slimmer hands, these cages are often smaller when made for women," explained Rubie Canton, Shadowbox Chicago founding instructor and instructor development officer, in an interview with Bustle.
"I actually wear 'men’s' gloves and I do not have an issue with the fit, even though I do have smaller hands! The weight of the gloves (i.e. 12 ounce, 14 ounce, 16 ounce, etc.) will always remain the same regardless of whether the gloves are made for men or women," wrote Casey Barnett, a USA Boxing amateur fighter, trainer at EverybodyFights in Philadelphia, and a doctor of physical therapy, in an email to Bustle. When it comes to picking a pair, though, make sure to look at the sizing chart to get the best size for you.
So what qualities should you look for in a glove? When it comes to the closure, while many experienced fighters opt for a lace-up glove, a Velcro closure is the most convenient and the best choice for beginners, according to both Canton and Barnett. You'll also want all-around wrist support and strong padding on the knuckles to absorb shock. It's also important to look for an interior to the glove that's flexible. "You want to be able to make a fist when you punch, so if the glove is too stiff, it makes it difficult to punch with a closed fist," Barnett explained.
One thing to avoid though? MMA-style gloves for boxing, since they might not provide enough protection, according to Barnett.
When it comes to hand protection, it's also important to wrap the hands and wrists properly to avoid strain. Below, find the best boxing gloves on Amazon, as well as a quality pair of wraps.