Football gloves are an important piece of equipment for football players, as they help to improve grip and provide protection for the hands. However, there is some debate over whether or not football gloves should be worn tightly or more loosely.
Some argue that tight football gloves are more effective at improving grip, as they allow for a more precise and secure hold on the ball. Tight gloves also provide a more snug and comfortable fit, which can be beneficial for players who are looking for a more secure and stable feel. Additionally, tight gloves may be less likely to shift or move around during play, which can be a distraction or hindrance to performance.
Others argue that looser fitting football gloves are more comfortable and allow for a better range of motion. Looser gloves may also be less restrictive, which can be beneficial for players who prefer to have more freedom of movement. Additionally, looser gloves may be more breathable, which can be helpful for players who tend to get hot or sweaty during games.
The decision of whether or not to wear tight or loose football gloves is a personal preference, and what works best for one player may not work for another. Some players may find that tight gloves are more effective for improving grip and feel, while others may prefer looser gloves for comfort and freedom of movement. It is important for players to try out different types of gloves and determine which fit and feel best for their needs.
How To Measure Your Hand For Football Gloves?
When measuring for football gloves, you will need to wrap your measuring tape snugly around your knuckles to determine the proper circumference required. You will also want to measure the length from the base of your palm to the tips of your fingers.
Different manufacturers and brands may have slightly different size guides, so measuring when purchasing new gloves is important. You should also consult the size charts for the brand you are considering to ensure there are no differences.
Also read:How do I choose football gloves?
Where to Start
A good place to start is with some measurements. To find the correct size for you, measure from the bottom of the palm to the tip of your middle finger. If your measurement is under 7 inches, you may want to go for the youth football gloves. The youth football gloves come in small, medium and large. They range from 6.25 to 7 inches.
The standard football gloves come in 6 different sizes–small, medium, large, x-large, xx-large and xxx-large. The adult sizes start at 7 inches and go up to 8.5 inches. Be sure to get an accurate measurement before making your purchase. If you have thinner fingers, you may want to go a size down for a snug fit. If your fingers are thicker, you may need to size up.
Make sure to try them on if you can. If you are on the borderline in between two different sizes, you may want to go for the larger glove. After throwing your gloves in the wash, they may shrink depending on the temperature of the wash and the materials they were designed with. The larger size may fit well after a few washes, while the smaller size may become unusable.
If you have the right fit but you cannot find the right design, you may want to consider custom football gloves. If you want to kick some butt out on the field and look good doing it, then custom football gloves are the way to go.
Also read:Do football gloves actually help?
Snug is Good, Tight is Bad
Tight football gloves can restrict blood flow and cause your hands to go numb. Try catching a pass or a pitch with numb hands. It won’t happen. Aside from the performance aspect, tight gloves can even cause permanent damage. Poor circulation leads to ischemia, which can cause tissue damage. If your hands feel numb, cold or you have trouble moving them after wearing your football gloves for an extended period of time, you may be experiencing acute limb ischemia. Avoid the trouble and potential damage to your hands by getting the right fit for you. If you cannot make a fist while wearing the glove, you most likely cannot grip the ball either and it is too small for you.
Loose Gloves Simply Don’t Help
As alluded to earlier, loose football gloves slide too much. A ball-handling player wants to aim for gloves that help him grip the ball. If the gloves are sliding back and forth on the player’s hand, they will never have a firm grasp on it. A wide receiver who depends on his gloves for grip-enhancement cannot risk wearing gloves that are too large. The gloves can slide around, causing a player to bobble the football and miss a pass. Don’t be the guy who loses the game for his team because of an equipment malfunction.
Defensive players have to consider the protective aspects of football gloves. A lineman who collides with the opposing side wants plenty of wrist support to help him brace for impact. If a glove slips and allows the wrist to hyperextend, the player is looking at a potential sprained wrist and weeks out of play. Wearing gloves that are too large is just as bad as wearing tight ones.
Once you find the right-fitting glove, the rest is history. The right pair gloves will give you the grip enhancement, protection or warmth you are looking for. Do your research, get the right gloves and the difference in your game will be night and day.
Also read:The 7 Best Football Gloves of 2023
Can You Stretch Football Gloves?
It depends on the materials the gloves are made with. Leather naturally stretches over time as it’s used, but materials like latex and silicone have an elasticity that will prevent the material from stretching permanently.
To help speed the process of stretching leather gloves, try soaking the gloves in warm water between 150-170 degrees. Remove the gloves from the water, equip them, and then ball your fists and loosen them. After you’ve worked the gloves, allow them to air dry slowly.
How Do You Break In New Football Gloves?
The best way to break in football gloves is to use them. Using the warm water method detailed above is excellent for leather gloves, but it is ineffective on other materials. You can wear them while doing everyday tasks to break them in if you want them to be ready for a game.
Can You Shrink Football Gloves?
Yes, football gloves are easier to shrink than to stretch. Leather gloves can be soaked in very hot or boiling water to encourage shrinkage. Most other glove materials will shrink when machine washed in hot water. Never put your football gloves in the dryer. It’s just too rough for these delicate pieces.
What Are The Benefits Of Football Gloves?
Football gloves have a sticky texture that allows players to more easily grasp the ball. They can also help protect players from hand injuries while playing. Football gloves are also valuable when playing in the cold or rain, keeping the player’s hands warmer.
How To Wash Football Gloves?
When it’s time to clean your football gloves, you should always check the care instructions that came with them before you wash them. Most football gloves are not machine washable, and placing them in the washing machine can ruin them by shrinking them or damaging the stitching.
Most football gloves recommend gentle handwashing in cool water. Use mild soap without any fabric softener and always hang dry the gloves to avoid heat damage and wear in the dryer.
How To Restore Glove Stickiness?
Football gloves will lose grip over time as they are exposed to dirt, dust, and grime. Cleaning your gloves will help restore the stickiness but washing them is not always an option. Always keep baby wipes with your sports equipment for a quick fix.
Wipe the grip off your gloves well with a baby wipe to remove any debris reducing the tackiness. Gel hand sanitizer is another quick and easy option for restoring stickiness on the go. Make sure you wash the gloves properly before the next game to ensure they’re ready for your next match.
How Long Do Football Gloves Last?
This will depend on how often you play and how well you take care of them. For frequent players, it’s not uncommon to replace your gloves every season. For those who play recreationally or just dabble in the sport, your gloves could easily last up to four years with proper care.
When To Replace Football Gloves?
If you notice the stickiness of the gloves diminishing, even after washing and applying sanitizer, your gloves are probably ready for replacement. If the gloves have any rips or tears, you need to replace them immediately for your safety and the safety of other players. If you lose or gain weight, you may need to consider replacing your gloves to ensure a proper fit.
Do Professionals Wear Football Gloves?
Yes, most modern professional football players use football gloves when playing. The football gloves of today have 20% more gripping ability than a bare human hand, making them an effective tool for the game. Gloves with added grip have notably changed the game since they’ve come about.