Best Boxing Gloves for Women (2026 Guide)

Once you've caught the boxing bug, you'll want your own gloves. Borrowing gym gloves works for a session or two, but there's something about having your own pair - plus the hygiene benefits are real.

Here's everything you need to know about choosing boxing gloves as a woman, including specific recommendations at different price points.

Do Women Need "Women's" Boxing Gloves?

Some brands market gloves specifically for women. Are they actually different?

The honest answer: Sometimes slightly, often not really.

What "women's" gloves typically offer:

• Smaller compartment size for smaller hands
• Narrower fit overall
• Lighter weight options
• Pink and purple colour options

Women's hands are generally smaller than men's, so a tighter fit can help. But plenty of women fit standard "unisex" gloves fine, and plenty of men's small sizes work great for women.

The key factors - weight, quality, protection - matter more than gender labelling. Buy gloves that fit your hands properly, regardless of how they're marketed.

Glove Weight: What Size Do You Need?

Boxing gloves are measured in ounces (oz). The weight affects protection and training purpose.

• 8-10oz gloves. Lighter, used for competition. Less padding. Not recommended for regular bag work. Generally not needed for recreational boxing.
• 12oz gloves. Good for lighter people (under 55kg). Works for pad work and light bag work. Less tiring than heavier options. Minimal protection for heavy sparring.
• 14oz gloves. The sweet spot for most women. Enough padding for bag work and sparring. Not too heavy for extended sessions. Suits weights from roughly 55-70kg.
• 16oz gloves. Standard for sparring. Maximum protection for both parties. Heavier workout. Recommended for larger women or dedicated sparring.

Our recommendation for most women: Start with 14oz. They're versatile enough for bag work, pad work, and eventually sparring if you go that direction.

What to Look for in Quality Gloves

• Wrist support. Good gloves have firm wrist closure - either velcro straps or laces. This prevents wrist injuries and keeps the glove secure. Cheap gloves often have flimsy closures that don't hold properly.
• Padding distribution. Quality gloves have padding across the whole striking surface - knuckles, fingers, and top of hand. Cheap gloves concentrate padding in one area. Feel the gloves and press on different parts - the padding should be consistent and substantial.
• Thumb attachment. The thumb should be attached to the main body of the glove, not free-floating. This prevents thumb injuries from awkward punches.
• Material. Genuine leather is most durable with the best feel but highest price. Synthetic leather can be excellent - more affordable, still durable. Vinyl is budget but wears quickly and doesn't breathe well.
• Lining. The interior lining affects comfort and hygiene. Breathable mesh linings help reduce sweat buildup. Gloves that don't breathe become swampy and eventually stink.

Our Picks: Best Boxing Gloves for Women in 2025

Best Budget Option: Venum Contender 2.0

• Price. Around £35-45

These punch well above their price. Good padding, decent wrist support, and they last longer than you'd expect for the cost. Available in sizes that suit smaller hands.

The Contender 2.0 is what we recommend to beginners who want their own gloves without significant investment. They'll last through your first year easily.

Best Mid-Range: RDX F7

• Price. Around £50-65

Excellent value. Maya hide leather outer, gel-integrated padding, and solid wrist support. RDX consistently delivers quality at reasonable prices.

These feel noticeably better than budget options and should last 2-3 years of regular training. A smart investment once you know you're committed.

Best Premium: Winning Training Gloves

• Price. Around £200-300

Winning gloves are the standard in professional boxing. The padding protection is unmatched - your hands and training partners will thank you.

These are serious investments but last 5-10+ years with care. If boxing becomes a significant part of your life, Winning gloves are worth saving for.

Best for Small Hands: Fairtex BGV1

• Price. Around £80-100

Originally designed for Muay Thai, these fit smaller hands exceptionally well. The compartment is tighter without being cramped.

Fairtex quality is excellent, and the BGV1 is a favourite among women boxers who struggle with gloves that feel too roomy.

Best Looking: Hayabusa T3

• Price. Around £120-150

If aesthetics matter to you, Hayabusa makes beautiful gloves. But they're not just pretty - the T3 has excellent wrist support, good padding, and a pre-curved design that's comfortable immediately.

Splint technology in the wrist prevents bending under impact. These are serious gloves that happen to look great.

Most Customisable: Fly

• Price. Around £150-200

Fly allows significant customisation - colours, materials, even hand sizing within the same weight. If you have specific preferences or want something unique, Fly delivers.

Used by many professional boxers, the quality matches the price.

What About Bag Gloves vs All-Purpose Gloves?

You'll see gloves marketed specifically for bag work. These are typically lighter with less padding.

For most women training recreationally: All-purpose gloves (12-16oz depending on your size) work for everything - bags, pads, and sparring.

Separate bag gloves make sense if: You train very frequently and want to save your nicer gloves for sparring, or you prefer the feel of lighter gloves on the bag.

When starting out, one good pair of versatile gloves is enough.

How Should Gloves Fit?

• Put them on properly. Always wear hand wraps when trying gloves. The fit is completely different without wraps, and you'll always train with wraps anyway.
• Check the compartment. Your fingers should reach the end of the glove but not feel crammed. Too much space means the glove will shift during punches.
• Make a fist. With the glove on, make a fist. It should feel natural. Your fingers should close comfortably without strain.
• Check the wrist. Fasten the closure and move your wrist around. There should be support without cutting circulation. You shouldn't be able to bend your wrist excessively.
• Throw some punches. If the shop allows, throw a few shadow punches. The glove should feel like an extension of your hand, not a foreign object attached to it.

Caring for Your Gloves

Boxing gloves collect sweat. Without care, they develop smells that could knock out an opponent.

After every session:

• Open them up to air dry
• Use glove deodorisers or newspaper to absorb moisture
• Never leave them zipped in your gym bag

Weekly:

• Wipe the interior with antibacterial spray
• Clean the exterior with leather conditioner (for leather gloves)

Periodically:

• Replace deodorisers
• Check for wear and tear
• Ensure straps still close properly

Well-maintained gloves last years longer than neglected ones.

How Much Should You Spend?

Just starting out (first 0-6 months): £30-50 budget options work fine. You're learning if you enjoy boxing. No need for major investment yet.

Committed recreational boxer: £60-100 mid-range gloves are smart. Better protection, more durable, nicer to use.

Serious training or competing: £150+ premium gloves justify their cost. You'll use them enough to benefit from quality.

There's no shame in budget gloves while you figure out if boxing is for you. Upgrade when you're sure you're staying.

Where to Buy

In person is ideal - you can try before buying. Sports Direct carries basic options. Specialist boxing shops have better selection.

Online works if you know your size. Amazon has everything but varies in authenticity. Brand websites guarantee genuine products. Sites like Boxing Store and Made4Fighters specialise in combat sports gear.

If ordering online, check return policies in case the fit isn't right.

Our Advice

Start simple. Get a decent pair of 14oz gloves from a reputable brand. Learn what you like and don't like. Upgrade with knowledge once you've trained for a few months.

The best gloves are ones that fit well, protect your hands, and get you excited to train. That might be £40 Venums or £300 Winnings - what matters is that they work for you.