Finding the best Muay Thai gloves means prioritizing wrist stability, balanced padding, and a fit that handles clinch, kicks, and punches—Fairtex's handcrafted lineup excels with models like the BGV1 Tight-Fit...
You can feel it the first time you clinch with proper Muay Thai gloves: the way the wrist stays stacked on teeps, how the padding eats a hard kick without folding your knuckles, and how the glove shape lets you catch and parry, not just punch. That is what you should expect from real Thai boxing gloves, whether you are buying your first pair or replacing tired gym workhorses.
This selection features handcrafted equipment from Fairtex's collection, evaluated on protection, build quality, and performance. Every model here is purpose-built for gloves for Muay Thai, not generic boxing. As you read, you can browse the full Muay Thai gloves collection for more colors and limited editions.
| Product | Material | Best For | Sizes (oz) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairtex Universal BGV1 Gloves "Tight-Fit" Design (Editor’s Choice) | Genuine leather | All-purpose Muay Thai (bag, pads, sparring) | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | 9.6/10 |
| Universal Gloves - BGV1 Breathable | Genuine leather | Hot gyms, beginners, general training | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | 9.2/10 |
| Fairtex BGV18 Super Sparring Gloves - Microfiber | Microfiber | Technical and heavy sparring | 14, 16, 18, 20 | 9.4/10 |
| Heavy Hitter BGV9 Gloves - Mexican Style | Genuine leather | Bag work & pad smashing | 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 | 9.1/10 |
| Fairtex Microfiber Gloves BGV14 – Art Collection: Black/Painter | Microfiber | Competition-style training, stylish all-round use | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | 9.3/10 |
| Fairtex BGV20 Genuine Leather Boxing Gloves | Genuine leather | Women wanting a specific ergonomic fit | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | 8.9/10 |
| Microfiber Gloves BGV14 – Art Collection: Red Wave | Microfiber | Fight-simulation pad & bag work | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | 9.0/10 |
Best for: All-round Muay Thai: bag, pads, partner drills, light-to-medium sparring
Price: $90
Material: Genuine Leather
Sizes: Kids, 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, 16 oz
Category: Muay Thai Gloves
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This is the classic Fairtex Thai boxing glove shape most coaches mean when they say “BGV1.” The tight-fit, contoured hand compartment keeps your fist centered behind the padding, which is critical for safe long-term bag work and crisp punching in sparring. Fairtex’s three-layer foam system gives you a dense core for knuckle protection with a slightly softer outer feel so your partners are not eating bricks. Genuine leather construction and consistent quality control make these a glove you can trust for years of daily rounds. You can run one pair of BGV1 as your main 14 or 16 oz Muay Thai gloves and be covered for almost everything.
You want one primary pair of Muay Thai gloves 12–16 oz that can do almost everything: bags, pads, partner drills, and light sparring. You appreciate a snug traditional Thai fit and are willing to wrap your hands properly. If you are still asking “what size Muay Thai gloves should I get,” and you weigh 60–85 kg, a 14 or 16 oz BGV1 is a very safe starting point.
Rating: 9.6/10
Bottom Line: The BGV1 is the benchmark Fairtex Muay Thai glove. If you are unsure where to start, start here.
Best for: Beginners and hot-weather training who want a forgiving, cool glove
Price: $90
Material: Genuine Leather with ventilation panels
Sizes: 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, 16 oz
Category: Muay Thai Gloves
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The BGV1 Breathable keeps the same core structure as the standard BGV1 but adds ventilation on the palm and fingers. That makes it an easy recommendation if you are new to Muay Thai and still figuring out how to care for equipment or if your gym runs hot and humid. Protection is classic Fairtex: three-layer foam and a secure wrist, so you can work bag rounds, Thai pads, and moderate sparring safely. For many new students asking what oz gloves for Muay Thai, this is the glove that will do everything while helping you avoid swampy, smelly hands.
You are buying your first Muay Thai boxing gloves and want something that feels comfortable from day one, dries faster, and is easy to live with. If your main sessions are mixed pad and bag work plus occasional sparring, 14 or 16 oz BGV1 Breathable will cover you without overthinking. It is also a solid choice if you already own a sparring-only glove and just want a dedicated training glove.
Rating: 9.2/10
Bottom Line: A great first or “gym workhorse” glove when comfort and ventilation matter as much as protection.
Best for: Dedicated sparring in busy gyms, especially for heavier or hard-hitting fighters
Price: $90
Material: Microfiber
Sizes: 14 oz, 16 oz, 18 oz, 20 oz
Category: Muay Thai Gloves
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If your priority is protecting training partners and your own hands during hard technical sparring, the BGV18 is the specialist in this lineup. The three-layer foam is thicker and softer, creating a “pillow” feel that soaks up impact instead of bouncing it back. The long padded wrist and tight fit stabilize the glove during clinch exchanges, where smaller gloves tend to twist. Microfiber construction keeps the glove lighter and more resistant to sweat damage than many leather options, which matters when you spar several days a week.
You spar regularly, hit hard, or coach lighter fighters and want a “be nice to your teammates” glove. If you are over ~80 kg and wondering what weight gloves for Muay Thai sparring, a 16 or 18 oz BGV18 is often a safer option than a thinner 14 oz model. Pair these with a separate bag glove, and your hands and partners will thank you.
Rating: 9.4/10
Bottom Line: One of the best Muay Thai gloves 16oz and above for serious sparring, with padding that lets everyone go home unmarked.
Best for: Heavy bag work, pad smashing, and punch-focused fighters
Price: $111.75
Material: Genuine Leather
Sizes: 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, 16 oz, 18 oz
Category: Muay Thai Gloves
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Mexican-style gloves like the BGV9 use a more compact, puncher-oriented profile with dense latex padding. For Muay Thai, that makes this an outstanding bag and pad glove when you want feedback and power transfer. The double-layered high-density foam and weighted system protect your hands even when you sit down on crosses and body shots. Compared with softer sparring models, the BGV9 feels more “direct,” which helps refine technique and timing on the heavy bag.
You prioritize bag and pad performance and love the feeling of a crisp, compact punch. If you are building a two-glove setup, BGV9 in 10–14 oz for bag work plus a 16 oz sparring glove is a very strong combination. It suits boxers crossing into Muay Thai, or Thai fighters who use hands heavily and want confidence when drilling power.
Rating: 9.1/10
Bottom Line: A purpose-built heavy hitter’s glove: excellent for power development on bags and pads, a bit too sharp for regular sparring.
Best for: Fight-focused training, stylish all-round use with long cuff support
Price: $101.25
Material: Microfiber
Sizes: 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, 16 oz
Category: Muay Thai Gloves
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The BGV14 platform shifts from traditional short-cuff Thai gloves to a longer cuff that gives more wrist containment, closer to modern boxing competition gloves. The Black/Painter Art Collection version layers on a bold paint-splashed design without sacrificing function. Microfiber keeps weight down and resists odor, while extra palm padding and the long cuff stabilize the glove for pad, bag, and partner work. If you want Muay Thai gloves 10oz or 12oz that feel close to fight gloves, this is a very solid option.
You want a glove that looks sharp on pads and in content, yet still meets serious training demands. Smaller glove sizes like 8–12 oz make sense for pad and bag work where you want a competition-like feel, while 14–16 oz can double for moderate sparring. Good fit for fighters who value wrist support and style equally.
Rating: 9.3/10
Bottom Line: A competition-style Muay Thai glove with long cuff support and standout art, ready for regular training.
Best for: Women wanting a glove shaped specifically around smaller hands and wrists
Price: $90
Material: Genuine Leather
Sizes: 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, 16 oz
Category: Muay Thai Gloves
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Most “unisex” gloves are built around a male hand template, which can leave smaller hands swimming inside the compartment. The BGV20 is designed specifically around women’s hands and wrists, with a more compact shape, thumb lock, and matte-textured leather. Ventilation ports in the palm help keep sessions comfortable, and the adjustable Velcro strap lets you dial in a secure feeling without over-tightening.
You are a woman who wants Muay Thai glove sizes that actually match your anatomy, not just scaled-down generic gloves. If you are under about 65 kg, 12 oz Muay Thai gloves like the BGV20 work well for mixed training; above that, 14–16 oz is safer for partner work. Good choice if you value a refined, understated look over flashy graphics.
Rating: 8.9/10
Bottom Line: A thoughtful women’s-specific glove that gives you control and comfort instead of forcing your hand into a unisex template.
Best for: Fighters who want a compact, fight-feel glove for pads and bag with extra wrist support
Price: $101.25
Material: Microfiber
Sizes: 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, 16 oz
Category: Muay Thai Gloves
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Functionally close to the Black/Painter, the Red Wave BGV14 brings an iconic Japanese-inspired design plus the same long cuff and microfiber shell. It pairs especially well with focused pad and bag work where you want a compact glove to mimic 10 oz Muay Thai boxing gloves used in fights. The microfiber stays lighter when soaked with sweat, and the ergonomic shape encourages clean fist formation.
You are driven by both performance and aesthetics, and you want a glove that makes you want to train. Use 10–12 oz for sharper pad and bag work when you are dialing in hand speed and accuracy, and 14–16 oz if you want one glove that can do moderate sparring as well. Excellent choice if you combine Muay Thai with content creation and want your gear to pop on camera.
Rating: 9.0/10
Bottom Line: A compact, wrist-supportive glove that looks as sharp as it performs, ideal for fight-style training blocks.
Start by being honest about how you will actually use your Muay Thai glove. If most of your rounds are bag and pad work, you can favor a denser, more compact glove like BGV9 or a 10–12 oz BGV1/BGV14, which gives you better feedback and speed. If you spar hard and often, protection and padding for both you and your partner matter more, so 14–16 oz Muay Thai gloves such as BGV18 or a well-padded BGV1 are safer. Many fighters eventually keep two pairs: a lighter set for bag/pads and a heavier set purely for sparring. If you are unsure, lean toward a versatile 14 or 16 oz model from the Muay Thai gloves or broader Muay Thai equipment collections.
Genuine leather and microfiber are the main options. Leather (BGV1, BGV5, BGV9, BGV20) offers a traditional feel, molds to your hand over time, and can last for years with conditioning. The trade-off is more maintenance and sensitivity to sweat and heat. Microfiber (BGV14, BGV18, many limited editions) is lighter, more resistant to moisture, and easier to wipe clean; it is ideal if you train frequently or live in a humid climate. Both can be high quality when they come from a dedicated Muay Thai brand. Decide whether you prefer the classic aging of leather or the low-maintenance convenience of microfiber when browsing Thai boxing gloves.
“Size” in Muay Thai glove conversations usually means weight in ounces. As a general guide: 8–10 oz is common for competition and sharp pad work, 12 oz for technical bag/pad work for lighter bodies, 14 oz for all-round training for mid-weight fighters, and 16 oz+ for sparring, especially if you are over 70–75 kg. A practical rule: if you are under 60 kg, 12–14 oz is a good training range; 60–80 kg, use 14–16 oz; over 80 kg, 16–18 oz for sparring is responsible. Also consider your hand size: tight-fit designs like BGV1 and BGV19 hug the hand more than roomy models, which affects your ideal Muay Thai glove size even at the same weight.
Within Fairtex, you are paying for material, padding design, and special editions. Core training gloves like BGV1 or BGV18 give you pro-level performance at a sensible price and can easily serve as your sole pair for years. Microfiber Art or collaboration models cost more, but add collectible designs, special packaging, or upgraded ergonomics. Decide if you would rather invest in one high-end glove that you use for everything, or a two-glove setup (lighter bag glove plus 16 oz sparring glove) at similar total cost. Since well-made Muay Thai gloves last, spending slightly more upfront can be better value than replacing cheaper gloves frequently.
Good care extends the life of any Muay Thai glove, whether leather or microfiber. Always wear hand wraps; they absorb sweat and protect your knuckles and wrists. After training, open the gloves fully, air-dry them in a shaded, ventilated spot, and avoid leaving them zipped in your gym bag. Use a dedicated glove deodorizer like the Fairtex insert from the Accessories collection if your gym is humid. Leather gloves benefit from occasional leather conditioner to prevent cracking; microfiber usually just needs wiping with a damp cloth. Never use a dryer or direct sunlight to speed-dry; it damages foam and outer materials.
For beginners, the Universal BGV1 or BGV1 Breathable in 14 or 16 oz are very safe choices. They offer balanced padding, strong wrist support, and a secure fit that works for pads, bag work, and early sparring. If you are lighter than 60 kg, 12–14 oz will often feel less bulky while still protective.
Think in terms of body weight and purpose. Under 60 kg: 12–14 oz for training. Around 60–80 kg: 14 oz for pads/bag, 16 oz for sparring. Over 80 kg: 16–18 oz for sparring, 14–16 oz for bag/pads. Gym rules sometimes require 16 oz for sparring regardless of weight, so always check with your coach.
Leather gives a traditional feel, molds to your hand, and ages with a nice patina. It is excellent if you are ready to clean and condition it. Microfiber is lighter, more moisture-resistant, and easier to maintain, which suits busy fighters or very humid climates. Protection and padding design matter more than the outer material alone.
With proper care, quality Fairtex gloves can last several years. Signs it is time to replace them include: padding that feels flat or uneven, visible cracking or peeling inside the glove, or the wrist strap losing its bite. If you are training 4–6 days per week, many fighters rotate two pairs to extend lifespan.
Always use hand wraps, open the gloves fully after training, and let them air-dry in a cool, shaded place. Avoid leaving them zipped inside a damp gym bag. Use glove deodorizers or lightly spray the interior with a gear-safe disinfectant when needed. Leather models benefit from occasional conditioning to keep them supple.
Functionally, models like BGV1, BGV18, and BGV14 Art share the same protective engineering. You are paying extra for artwork, packaging, and sometimes upgraded ergonomics. If Muay Thai is your main sport and you enjoy training more with gear you love, a premium pair can be worthwhile. For a first glove on a tight budget, core models are usually enough.
Selection focused only on Fairtex Muay Thai gloves, comparing padding profiles, wrist structures, and ergonomics for real Muay Thai usage: bag work, pad work, clinch, and sparring. We looked at how well each glove handles repeated impact, how it fits different hand shapes, and how intuitive it feels when catching kicks or framing in the clinch.
All products are from Fairtex, Thailand's original combat sports brand since 1971. Founded by Philip Wong, each product is handcrafted in Thailand and tested by professional fighters at the Fairtex Training Center.
Evaluation Criteria:
If you want one reliable pair of Muay Thai gloves, the genuine-leather BGV1 tight-fit design in 14 or 16 oz covers almost every scenario, from bag work to controlled sparring. If your rounds are sparring-heavy, pairing a BGV18 “pillow” glove with a lighter bag glove gives you better protection and feel. Those who care about style as much as performance will be happy with any of the BGV14 Art Collection models. Explore Fairtex's complete collection of combat sports equipment, handcrafted in Thailand for fighters who demand professional quality, starting with the dedicated Muay Thai gloves range.
Last updated: January 2026
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