Hockey gloves are one of the items of your hockey gear you can customize the most. There are many colors and sizes, and, fortunately, measuring for a pair of gloves is very easy. But gloves aren’t only for looks; they protect your hands, so proper sizing is essential.
A hockey glove should be big enough to fully cover the player’s wrist with the cuff. The glove’s fingertips should extend past the player’s fingertips to provide protection. When a glove fits properly, there shouldn’t be a gap, nor an overlap, between the glove and elbow pad.
When you choose a glove that fits just right, you will have adequate protection plus the ideal feel with your stick. There are a lot of gloves out there, so you might feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry, read to find out how to choose the right one.
How to properly size a hockey glove?
The easiest way to find the correct hockey glove size is by measuring your hand. According to the website Ice Warehouse, you must measure the distance between the base of your palm and the tip of the middle finger in inches, then double the measurement. This means that if the number is 7″, then your glove should be a size 14″.
There are also some general guidelines when it comes to glove sizing. These measurements aren’t brand specific but help choose an approximate size, especially with younger players who will overgrow them in no time.
| Glove Size | Age | Height | Weight (lbs) |
| 8″ | 4 to 7 | 3’3″ – 4’1″ | 40 – 60 |
| 9″ | 6 to 9 | 3’9″ – 4’7″ | 50 – 70 |
| 10″ | 8 to 11 | 4’3″ – 4’8″ | 60 – 90 |
| 11″ | 9 to 12 | 4’5″ – 5′ | 70 – 100 |
| 12″ | 11 to 14 | 4’11” – 5’4″ | 80 – 110 |
| 13″ | 14+ | 5’5″ – 5’9″ | 120 – 160 |
| 14″ | 14+ | 5’7″ – 5’11” | 140 – 180 |
| 15″ | 15+ | 5’9″+ | 160+ |
Here is another tip for measuring your gloves.
If you are still unsure after measuring your hand, there is another method to help you choose. You can measure the length between your inner elbow base and the base of your middle finger. With this measurement, you should be able to find a better fit.
But the best way to find the right glove is by trying it on. Here are some tips you can use.
First of all, be sure to have a stick with you when you are trying on gloves. If you can, handle the puck and shoot, as this will be the best way to test the fit.
With your palm extended, there should be space between your fingertips and the glove. But, when you curl your fist, your fingertips should stretch out the material. The breaks in the glove’s upper protection should flex comfortably, and they should align with your knuckles.
Finally, the wrist break (where the glove ends on your palm) should align with your wrist to provide maximum mobility.
How tight should hockey gloves be?
A skater should have the size enough so that your fingers do not touch the glove’s fingertips. However, some gloves come with narrower cuffs, which give a tighter fit because some skaters prefer to use a narrower glove.
If you are one of those who prefer a tighter fit, you can opt for a narrower cuff, sometimes called tapered, or even go for a smaller size than your measurement. A smaller glove allows for more wrist mobility, which can influence puck control.
But when choosing a smaller glove, keep in mind that it is also designed to protect your hand and forearm. If there is a gap between your glove and your elbow pad, you can consider using wrist guards or added protection.
To better fit various hands, some manufacturers include a Velcro enclosure to help in a better fit.
What if I like to wear loose gloves?
Some skaters prefer a looser glove, and if you like this, manufacturers usually offer two options for fitting: tapered and loose (or classic). While tapered gloves give a tighter feel, classic gloves are the opposite.
If you still prefer a looser fit, you can always opt for a glove one size up. Keep in mind that this alternative could hinder your ability to handle the puck because the glove might dance around your hand, causing less of a feel for the stick.
Do cheap and expensive gloves feel alike?
As with other pieces of hockey equipment, gloves come in a variety of sizes and prices. Cheaper gloves have fewer features but differ in materials as well, and all these factors can affect how a glove feels. These are some of the factors that change as price goes up, according to the site Discount Hockey
Hockey gloves have padding to protect your hand from slashes, rampant pucks, and hits, affecting the feel. Cheaper gloves usually have just single, medium density foam, while mid-range gloves will offer high-density foam. Top-of-the-line gloves offer plastic inserts to increase protection but can sometimes feel stiffer.
Given the friction between the glove and the stick, the glove’s palm will wear out the fastest. Expensive gloves have more durable leather, and it may be even reinforced in high-wear areas while also offering a snugger fit.
Do hockey gloves stretch out or shrink?
Because hockey gloves are usually made from leather, dense foam, and plastic, they will not stretch too much beyond their original size. So, if the glove’s fingers feel too short, you won’t be able to stretch them out.
The same can be said about shrinking. Given the gloves’ materials, it is unlikely that they will shrink for a better fit. But hockey gloves might shrink, especially if they are cheaper models when subjected to heat.
This might also cause some of the material inside, like plastic, to deform. If you feel that your glove is too big for you, you can try using cotton gloves, but very little can be done when having a glove that’s too small.
Why are hockey gloves so big?
The simple answer is protection. A hockey glove is designed to protect the hand from slashes, pucks, and hits. But, in fact, gloves are smaller than before.
In the past, it was common to see gloves reach the middle of a player’s forearm. These gloves were made from leather and some cushioning material, but little thought was put into the design. Now, players are looking for smaller, better fitting gloves to better stickhandle at the cost of more protection.
As technology advances, lighter and softer materials come into play. Players prefer a smoother feel from the start, so some gloves now include a nylon palm instead of a leather version. Nylon breaths more, but the palms can wear out faster. Leather is more durable, but it does take longer to soften to a comfortable fit.
According to equipment management Pete Rogers, when choosing a glove, a player should always go for safety first, even as competitive players are going for smaller, lighter gloves.
Gloves are a vital part of any hockey player’s gear. They protect the hands while also helping in handling, and there is also an aesthetic aspect to them. With such a varied offer in the market, there is a right glove for you out there.
While gloves are up to a player’s preference, choosing the right glove is easy when you consider all the variables at play. Be sure to shop around and always focus on both safety and comfort.