How to measure knuckles size for grappling/MMA gloves?
I was looking at mma/grappling gloves online and I realized I've never needed to know what my glove size was because I always borrowed my friend's, and they fit my hands just fine (obviously I don't know what size they were).
When I look at gloves they usually go from S-XL, and they are sized with measurements next to them from between 7"-7.5" (small) up to 8+".
Where are those measurements coming from and how can I find my own size?
How do
Well the easy thing is to try on a few.
Keep in mind, the ideal MMA glove should be fairly loose if you are trying it on with a bare hand, but not falling off. The idea is that it should be pretty snug when you are wrapped or taped up. But also that you can roll with it unwrapped and it won't slip around and fall off too much.
The measurements are knuckle circumference, based on measuring the circumference of your hand at the first knuckle. This is the knuckle at the end of your hand where your fingers begin. You can take a piece of string, a flexible measuring tape (like tailors use) paper to measure the distance all the way around at the first knuckle.
Again, you don't want these to fit snug on bare hands, then you can never get them on when you are wrapped or taped up. Which is how you should be training regardless, providing your are looking to compete or fight. Ideally you want to be use to how your grip is affected in the glove while taped, or heavily wrapped.
The crappy thing is that like anything it varies from company to company. I might wear a Large in Fairtex gloves, and try on Century's and have to wear an XL, or a Medium. The variance isn't usually too bad, but it can be.
The best way to go is to head to a local sports shop, try on a few different pairs and find what works best for you. Then get on the internet and find the best price, ensure you get it from a place with a return policy in case you need to go up or down a size, because even if you follow the knuckle circumference measurement to the T, there is a good chance the glove might not be right.
Good luck!
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