The Definitive Sizing Guide for Fairtex Muay Thai Glove : What Oz Should You Get?
Buying your first pair of Fairtex Muay Thai gloves — or upgrading from a worn-out gym pair — usually comes down to one question: what size should I get? Unlike shoes or shirts, Muay Thai glove "size" is measured in ounces (oz), which refers to the weight of the glove, not the size of your hand. Get it right and you'll protect your hands, your wrists, and your training partners. Get it wrong and you'll either be lugging around pillows on bag day or hurting sparring partners with gloves that are too light.
This guide breaks down exactly how to choose the right Fairtex glove size based on your body weight, your training style, and the specific Fairtex model you're looking at.
How Muay Thai Glove Sizing Works
Glove weight in ounces tells you how much padding sits between your knuckles and whatever you're hitting. Fairtex gloves typically run from 8 oz up to 20 oz. Heavier gloves have more padding, which means more protection for you and your partner — but also more bulk and slower hands. Lighter gloves feel faster and give sharper feedback on pads and bags, but offer less shock absorption.
The two factors that determine your ideal size are simple: your body weight and what you'll use the gloves for.
Fairtex Glove Size Chart by Body Weight
| Your Body Weight | Bag & Pad Work | All-Round Training | Sparring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 60 kg (132 lbs) | 10–12 oz | 12–14 oz | 14–16 oz |
| 60–80 kg (132–176 lbs) | 12–14 oz | 14 oz | 16 oz |
| Over 80 kg (176 lbs) | 14–16 oz | 16 oz | 16–18 oz |
Note: many gyms require 16 oz gloves for sparring regardless of body weight. Check with your coach before buying a dedicated sparring pair.
Choosing by Training Purpose
Bag and Pad Work: 10–14 oz
For heavy bag rounds and Thai pads, a lighter, denser glove gives you better speed and cleaner feedback on your technique. A 10 or 12 oz glove like the Fairtex BGV1 or the Mexican-style BGV9 "Heavy Hitter" lets you sit down on your punches and feel exactly where your knuckles land. Lighter fighters can go as low as 10 oz; heavier punchers should stay at 14 oz to protect their hands during hard power rounds.
All-Round Training: 14–16 oz
If you want one pair of gloves that does everything — bag, pads, partner drills, and light sparring — 14 or 16 oz is the sweet spot. This is where the classic Fairtex BGV1 shines. If you weigh between 60 and 85 kg, a 14 or 16 oz BGV1 is the single safest choice you can make, and it's the size most coaches will recommend to new students.
Sparring: 16 oz and Up
Sparring gloves protect two people: you and your partner. That's why the minimum for most adults is 16 oz. Fighters over 80 kg — or anyone who hits hard — should consider the Fairtex BGV18 Super Sparring glove, which runs from 14 oz up to 20 oz with extra-soft "pillow" padding designed specifically to keep training partners healthy.
Competition: 8–10 oz
Fight gloves are 8 or 10 oz depending on the promotion and weight class. Many fighters train pad rounds in 8–10 oz gloves during fight camp to replicate the feel of competition — but these are too light for everyday bag work or any sparring.
Don't Forget Hand Fit
Two gloves of the same ounce weight can fit very differently. Fairtex's signature "tight-fit" hand compartment (found on the BGV1) hugs the hand and keeps your fist centred behind the padding — excellent for alignment, but snug if you have wide hands or use thick hand wraps. If you prefer more room, look at the BGV14, which uses a longer cuff and roomier compartment, or the BGV20, which is shaped specifically for smaller hands and wrists. Always factor in hand wraps: you should size for a wrapped hand, not a bare one.
Quick Model Guide
| Model | Best For | Available Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| BGV1 Universal | All-round training | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 oz |
| BGV9 Heavy Hitter | Bag & pad power work | 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 oz |
| BGV14 Microfiber | Fight-style training, wrist support | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 oz |
| BGV18 Super Sparring | Dedicated sparring | 14, 16, 18, 20 oz |
| BGV20 | Smaller hands / women's fit | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 oz |
Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
Buying light gloves to "punch faster." Training in gloves that are too light for your weight leads to bruised knuckles and unhappy sparring partners. Speed comes from technique, not glove weight.
Buying one pair for everything when you spar regularly. If you spar more than once a week, a two-glove setup — a 12–14 oz pair for bags and pads, plus a 16 oz+ pair for sparring — will make both your hands and your gloves last longer.
Ignoring gym rules. Plenty of gyms mandate 16 oz for all sparring. Ask before you order.
The Bottom Line
If you're still unsure, here's the short version: most adults between 60 and 85 kg should start with a 14 or 16 oz Fairtex BGV1. It covers bag work, pads, drills, and light sparring, and it's the glove Fairtex themselves point beginners toward. Lighter than 60 kg? Go 12–14 oz. Heavier than 80 kg, or a dedicated sparrer? Go 16–18 oz.
Ready to pick your pair? Browse our full range of Fairtex Muay Thai gloves — and if you're between sizes or unsure about fit, get in touch and we'll help you choose.