What Size Golf Glove Do I Need? A Step-by-Step Measuring Guide

Essential Measurements for Golf Gloves

1. Hand Circumference (Critical)
   • How: Measure around your dominant hand’s palm just below the knuckles (excluding the thumb).
   • Why: Determines base size (S/M/L/XL). Approximately 90% of sizing errors stem from incorrect circumference measurements.
   • Standard Sizing:
     • Men’s S: 7-7.5”
     • Men’s M: 8-8.5”
     • Men’s L: 9-9.5”
     • Men’s XL: 10-10.5”
2. Middle Finger Length
   • How: Base of palm (where wrist creases) to tip of the middle finger.
   • Why: Prevents “excess fingertip material” (causes slipping). Cabretta leather stretches 5-8% – shorter fingers need snug fits.
3. Knuckle Width
   • How: Width across the widest part of knuckles (index to pinky).
   • Why: Impacts closure tension. Wide knuckles require “contoured” cuts (e.g., FootJoy HyperFlex).
4. Thumb Web Space
   • How: Distance between thumb/index finger base when spread.
   • Why: Avoids pull points. Gaps in this area cause premature wear in synthetic gloves.
5. Palm Width-to-Length Ratio
   • How: (Palm width at knuckles) ÷ (Palm length from wrist to middle finger base).
   • Why:
     • Ratio > 0.8 = Square palm → Choose “Traditional” fit (e.g., Titleist Players).
     • Ratio < 0.7 = Narrow palm → Choose “Slim” fit (e.g., FootJoy PureTouch).

Critical Fit Checks After Sizing

• Fingertips: Should sit flush – no loose material or pressure.
• Closure Tab: Must fasten without overlapping leather or gaping.
• Palm Creases: Leather should not bunch when making a fist.
• Wrist Bone: The glove must cover the pisiform bone (prevents rubbing).

Material-Specific Considerations

Pro Tips from Club Fitters

1. Measure After Play: Hands swell 3-5% during 18 holes.

1. Dominant hand Only: Gloves are worn only on the lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers).
2. Climate Adjustments:
   • Humid climates: Size up 0.25” to account for sweat expansion.
   • Dry climates: Size down if between sizes (leather shrinks 2% when dehydrated).
3. Wear Patterns Indicate Poor Fit:
   • Wrinkled fingertips? → Too long.
     

• • Stretched palm? → Too narrow.
• • Ripping near thumb stitch/web? → Incorrect web space measurement.

Brand-Size Variability (Actual Data)

When to Re-Measure Your Palm

• Weight Changes: ±10 lbs = resize.
• Arthritis/Injury: Swelling reduces hand mobility – opt for stretchy synthetics.
• Seasonal Shifts: Cold weather = thicker gloves (add 0.25” to circumference).

Bottom Line: 70% of golfers wear ill-fitting gloves (MyGolfSpy). Measure circumference + finger length + knuckle width and check them against  brand size charts.

A perfect fit should feel like a “second skin” – no pinching or slippage.

Alex Smith is the Head PGA Pro at Online Golf Shop. With over 20 years of experience in the golf industry, Alex has a passion for helping golfers improve their game. He shares trusted and authentic advice through tips, tricks, and thorough product reviews—always based on his own experiences and insights. Alex also helps shape our product selection, making sure it’s tailored to every golfer’s needs, helping you find the right equipment and strategies to play your best golf!