How to Size CrossFit Gloves: A Complete Guide

Getting the right fit for CrossFit gloves comes down to one measurement: the circumference of your hand at the knuckles. Wrap a measuring tape snugly around the widest part of your palm, just below the fingers, and keep the thumb out of the measurement. That number, compared against a manufacturer’s chart, tells you your size. Most training gloves are built for a snug fit, and if you land between sizes, sizing up is the safer call—a glove that’s slightly loose beats one that cuts off circulation mid-workout.

How To Measure Your Hand For CrossFit Gloves

Grab a flexible measuring tape and follow these steps for a reliable number:

• Measure at the knuckles: wrap the tape around the widest part of your hand, across the knuckles, keeping it level.
• Exclude the thumb: let the tape sit below the thumb joint, not over it—including it adds a false inch or more.
• Keep it snug but not tight: the tape should touch the skin without digging in.
• Check both hands: your dominant hand is often slightly larger, so size for the bigger one.

The result is your hand circumference in inches or centimeters. Write it down and keep it handy—you’ll compare it against the specific size chart for the gloves you’re eyeing, because no universal standard exists across brands.

Nike Training Glove Size Charts

Nike, a common choice for CrossFit training, publishes size charts on its official fit pages, but the numbers vary by region. Because these ranges differ, you must check the specific chart for your region before ordering.

Whichever unit you use, the process is identical—measure at the knuckles and match against the chart.

Common Sizing Mistakes To Avoid

Three errors trip up most people. First, measuring over the thumb instead of below the knuckles adds bulk and pushes you into a size too large. Second, treating “glove size” as a universal standard—it is not; every manufacturer cuts differently, and a medium in one brand won’t match a medium in another. Third, forgetting that some gloves stretch with use; a glove that feels perfect in the store may loosen after a few weeks of workouts.

Fit matters for function. A glove that’s too small restricts movement and can feel painful during gripping exercises, while one that’s too large shifts and bunches, reducing your grip on the bar. When you’re between sizes, sizing up is the recommended route, since you can often compensate for a little extra room, but you can’t stretch a glove that’s already tight.

Getting The Right Fit For Your Workouts

Here’s the practical takeaway: measure at the knuckles, exclude the thumb, and compare that number to the exact chart on the product page before you buy. If your measurement sits right on the edge of two sizes, go up. For gloves designed to stretch, consider how much give the material has—leather loosens more than synthetic fabrics.

For a reliable starting point, our tested picks for the best CrossFit gloves break down top models and their fit quirks, helping you narrow the options before you measure. Once you’ve got your hand circumference and a shortlist of gloves, the chart comparison takes seconds.

A poorly fitted glove undermines the work you’re doing. A snug, secure fit keeps the padding where it belongs and lets you focus on the lift, not on adjusting your gear between reps.