How are Golf Gloves Supposed to Fit?

Golf Hardware Team Editorial Staff Golf Coach and Golf Instructor

Golf Hardware Editorial Staff


As a golf instructor, I have been playing golf and using golf gloves for over 50 years and I recently found out that I am wearing the wrong size glove!

I looked at the glove fitter and said, “What?” as if I knew size information better the her! 

She politely had me wear my usual large size glove and immediately pointed out 5 areas of the glove that were problematic

Turns out that a medium large is my actual size. 

Who knew?

The Correct Fit

Golf gloves are supposed to fit snugly without any excess material at the fingertips, ensuring a secure grip and effective swing control.

A tight-fitting golf glove is crucial because it serves as the primary point of contact between the golfer and the club. An ill-fitting glove can lead to the club slipping during the swing, potentially ruining the shot. The glove should fit tightly across the palm and fingers, with zero loose material at the fingertips. This tight fit prevents any movement of the glove during the swing, allowing for optimal performance. Golf gloves are supposed to be tight fitting in order to increase the contact surface between you and your club.


How Tight Should a Golf Glove Be

Zero excess material at your fingertips, so no bunching of the glove should be visible whatsoever. There should be zero bunching of the glove on the palms as well.

The velcro on the back of the hand should even show a little bit; allowing for the tab to adjust as you start playing.

An almost-uncomfortable (very tight) sensation should be present when trying on a fresh pair of cabretta leather golf gloves.

Your golf glove should feel like a second-skin.

As you start playing, the leather will quickly conform to your fingers and hands. This will give you a better area of contact from your hands to your club, giving you the ability to feel the club better during swings.

Measuring for the Right Fit

To ensure you get the right size, measure from the tip of your middle finger to the first crease of your wrist. This measurement will guide you in selecting the appropriate glove size from any men's, women's, or kids' size charts.

Benefits of a Correctly Sized Golf Glove

Beyond improving grip and control, a properly fitted glove offers additional benefits such as comfort, protection, and aid in maintaining consistency in swings.

It minimizes the risk of blisters and callouses from repeated swings and helps in applying the right amount of pressure during swings. For adverse weather conditions, specially designed gloves provide warmth and dryness, further enhancing grip and comfort.

Proper sizing of a golf glove is vital to ensure optimal performance and comfort on the course, as well as durability.

Golfers need to measure their hands accurately to determine the correct size of the golf glove. 

This measurement typically involves the circumference of the palm, excluding the thumb, which can be done using a measuring tape. 

The dimension should then be matched with the size chart provided by the manufacturer to select the most appropriate size golf glove for a snug fit and maximum durability. In the realm of golf gloves, the rule of thumb is to go for a snug fit without extra fabric, especially for leather gloves.

Choosing the right size golf glove is important for all golfers, but especially female players or those with wider palms or shorter fingers according to Golf Hardware. Women may find that they have to opt for smaller sizes or cadet gloves specifically designed for individuals with shorter fingers. On the other hand, male golfers with wider palms also might prefer cadet sizes which offer extra width in the palm area for extra comfort.

The Material

One of the most crucial aspects of selecting the right golf glove is considering the material according to Golf Hardware. Golf gloves are commonly made from either synthetic or leather materials. 

When choosing between synthetic gloves and leather gloves, it's essential to handle them with care as both materials have distinct characteristics. Synthetic gloves are known for their durability and ability to perform well under adverse conditions.

On the other hand, leather gloves are preferred by many golfers for their comfort and classic look. You don’t have to choose just one material or glove, as each has its pros and cons and can be changed anytime on the golf course with changing weather conditions.