Hands are the main working tool in many industrial sectors. However, they are the most exposed to risks. Choosing the right pair of protective gloves ensures optimum safety, as long as you know your glove size. If the glove is too large or too small, it will not do its job to protect you and wearing the wrong gloves can hinder your movements, leading to additional risks. For perfect optimization and comfortable gloves, it is important to choose the right glove size.
Why is it important to choose the right glove size?
Choosing the right glove size is essential for maximum efficiency and hand protection. Indeed, if the size is too big, the glove risks slipping; the user will then lose his grip capacity (grasping an object between his fingers) and dexterity (flexibility and precision of manipulation). On the other hand, a glove that is too small is very uncomfortable; it limits the user’s movements and does not make him want to wear it. Therefore, to ensure the best possible protection and good dexterity, for fine handling work for example, we will choose a glove of the right size (identifiable by a marking on the glove), which protects against the risks incurred and complies with the European standard EN ISO 21420. Safety has to come before aesthetics. The glove will be above all of good resistance.
A wide range of sizes, from 6 to 12, is now offered (some models even exist in half sizes) to ensure a perfect fit to the shape of the hand, with a second skin effect, right down to the fingertips. Men or women, can find personal protective equipment (PPE) that will fit them like a glove!
Know your glove size by measuring the circumference of your hand
Choosing the right protective glove means first of all knowing your exact size. To do so, there are several simple methods of calculation. One of them is to measure your hand circumference by following 4 quick steps:
- Choose your dominant hand (right if you are right-handed and vice versa) ;
- Wrap a tape measure (used for sewing) around the palm of your hand (between the thumb and index finger, at the level of the joint, without including the thumb) and without tightening ;
- Close your hand over the tape measure;
- Take the measurement and review it in the correspondence table below.
Calculate your glove size with the width of your hand and the length of your fingers
Another method to calculate your glove size can be easily implemented. Here is an easy 4-step method to measure your glove size, with a simple calculation:
- Choose your most used hand on a daily basis (right or left hand);
- Measure the size of the width of your palm, inside your hand;
- Then measure the length of the middle finger (usually the longest finger);
- Sum up the two measurements and then divide the total by two: this will give you the right glove size for your hand!
The glove size chart
The chart below makes it easy to find the right glove size according to the circumference of your hand. Some people will prefer to have tight fitting gloves, others will be more comfortable with slightly larger gloves. If there is a doubt about the glove size, it is better to choose the next size up (see size guide below). However, be aware that some materials, such as leather, will stretch with use. Keep in mind that the primary mission of a work glove is to protect the hands (from cold, heat, shocks, cuts, etc.).
| Circumference of your hand | Glove size equivalent | US size |
| Between 17 & 19 cm | Size 6 | XS |
| Between 19 & 20 cm | Size 7 | S |
| Between 20 & 22 cm | Size 8 | M |
| Between 22 & 24 cm | Size 9 | L |
| Between 24 & 26 cm | Size 10 | XL |
| Between 26 & 28 cm | Size 11 | XXL |
| Between 28 & 30 cm | Size12 | XXXL |