Find the Perfect Fit Lacrosse Glove Size Chart and Buying Guide

Find the Perfect Fit Lacrosse Glove Size Chart and Buying Guide

Measuring Your Hand Size is Key for Finding Lacrosse Glove Fit

When shopping for new lacrosse gloves, one of the most important steps is properly measuring the size of your hands. Having an accurate hand measurement will ensure you get a glove with the right fit and feel on the field. The glove should be snug but not painfully tight, with no excessive room in the fingers or palm area.

To find your glove size, first measure the circumference of your dominant hand right above the knuckles using a soft measuring tape. Round up to the nearest half or whole inch. Then measure from the tip of your longest finger to the base of your palm – this is the hand length. Compare these measurements to sizing charts from lacrosse glove brands to find your approximate size.

Keep in mind that hand size can fluctuate during the season, so it’s ideal to get fitted at the peak of training when your hands are at their largest. Don’t rely on general glove sizing numbers alone, as the ideal fit varies based on your exact hand dimensions and the brand/model you choose. The safest bet is to try on different gloves in person if possible. This lets you get a feel for the glove’s contoured shape, flexibility, and overall comfort.

While getting professionally fitted at a lacrosse specialty store is ideal, you can also fine-tune glove sizing on your own. Try gloves on both hands to account for any subtle differences in size or shape. Move all your fingers and rotate your wrists – the glove should move with your hand without pinching or sliding around. Lastly, holding a stick while wearing the glove mimics on-field use. If it feels awkward or limiting, try a different size. With the right measurements and some trial and error, you’ll find lacrosse gloves with an ideal customized fit.

Position, Age, and Gender All Factor into Lacrosse Glove Sizing

Finding the right lacrosse glove size depends on several key factors. While hand measurements provide a starting point, elements like your position, age, and gender also impact optimal fit and comfort on the field. Understanding how these variables affect glove sizing will help you choose the perfect pair.

For position-specific gloves, attack players often prefer a tighter fit for maximum control, while defenders need a bit more room in the fingers to grab and intercept passes. Midfielders are best served by an in-between glove that balances flexibility with protection. Goalies require oversized gloves with maximum padding to cover more surface area. Within each position, gloves are sized to account for the average hand size of players at different ages and stages of physical maturity. Youth and women’s gloves run smaller, while senior men’s gloves size up. Venturing outside suggested age ranges can result in less than ideal glove performance.

Gender is also a major sizing factor, as biological differences in hand size and shape between males and females necessitate position-specific gloves sized for each gender. Within the same position and age group, female players usually wear gloves 1 to 2 sizes smaller than their male counterparts. The wrong gender glove can impede movement and response time on the field. An ill-fitting glove designed for the opposite sex provides less protection and reduced ball control.

While standard sizing charts provide a useful starting point, evaluating multiple factors provides a more customized lacrosse glove fit. Try on a variety of sizes and styles while holding your stick to determine the optimal glove for your hand size, playing position, age, and gender. Finding the right combination leads to enhanced performance and a competitive edge on the field.

Properly Measuring Hand Size for Lacrosse Gloves

Getting accurate hand measurements is a crucial first step in finding well-fitted lacrosse gloves. The measurement process is straightforward, but proper technique ensures precision.

Start by having the athlete stand with their dominant hand relaxed and fingers together. Use a soft measuring tape wrapped gently but snugly around the hand just above the knuckles. Avoid pulling too tight or indenting the skin, as this can skew the measurement smaller. Note the tape’s measurement at the point it meets when encircling the hand perimeter.

For hand length, have the athlete place their hand on a flat surface with fingers extended. Measure from the tip of the longest finger to the crease at the base of the palm where the wrist begins. For goalies who need oversized gloves, consider wrapping the tape measure around the hand vertically from the fingertips to the wrist crease as well.

Take measurements a few times and average the results for the most accurate hand size analysis. Round up fractional measurements to the nearest half or whole inch when comparing to glove sizing charts. Measure the dominant hand first, then repeat the process on the non-dominant hand. While subtle differences are common, extreme variances may indicate an existing injury or impairment needing medical evaluation before play.

Conduct hand measurements at the end of pre-season training when swelling has stabilized, as in-season hand size can fluctuate. Avoid sizing gloves more than a month before games start. For growing youth players, check hand measurements at least twice per season as needed. Updated sizing ensures proper glove fit as players physically mature.

With the right technique and timing, hand measurements provide the data needed to select optimally fitted lacrosse gloves. Accurately measuring hands is the critical first step for both performance and safety on the field.

Finding the Right Youth Lacrosse Glove Size

Lacrosse continues growing in popularity as a youth sport, with more young athletes taking up the game each year. Properly fitted gloves are essential for skill development and safety, but finding the right youth glove size can be tricky.

Younger players have smaller hands that are still growing, so youth gloves sizes run smaller than senior gloves. Typical youth gloves range from 8″ to 11″ in circumference, measured around the palm just above the knuckles. Hand length, measured from the tip of the longest finger to the wrist crease, normally varies between 7″ to 9″ for most youth players.

Since hand size varies significantly during the pre-teen and early teen years, the player’s age is not always an accurate indicator of glove sizing. A skilled 12-year old with larger hands may need a junior glove, while a 14-year old late bloomer’s hands may still fit a youth large glove. Consider current hand measurements along with age guidelines and position played when selecting gloves.

Trying gloves on in person is ideal to get the right fit. Youth gloves should fit snugly without restricting finger and wrist mobility. Goalie gloves may run a size larger to protect more hand and arm surface area. Allow a little extra room at the fingertips and palm for growing room over a season of play. Oversized gloves hinder ball control, while undersized gloves restrict movement and won’t properly protect growing hands.

Replace gloves over the course of a season as needed as young player’s hands grow. Seek guidance from coaches and sporting goods retailers familiar with lacrosse glove sizing when outfitting youth athletes. With age-appropriate gloves sized for current hand measurements, young players can hone their skills safely and comfortably.

Finding the Right Fit with Men’s Lacrosse Glove Sizes

With so many sizes and styles of lacrosse gloves on the market, men need to take some key factors into account to find the ideal fit. While standard sizing charts provide a useful starting point, considering playing position, fit preferences, and hand measurements leads to optimal glove performance.

For adult male players, lacrosse glove sizes generally range from 11 inches to 13 inches in circumference. Measure hand size just above the knuckles with a soft tape to determine general sizing. Attack players tend to prefer a snugger fit for maximum control, while defenders need more finger room to intercept passes. Midfield gloves balance dexterity and protection.

Beyond basic sizing, men’s lacrosse gloves are tailored for each position. An attack glove has pre-arched fingers for quicker shooting, while a defender’s glove prioritizes shielding the hand from checks. Trying on different glove styles provides a sense of fit based on your position’s unique demands.

Consider your glove’s width in addition to length when optimizing fit. Narrow and wide glove options accommodate differences in hand shape beyond simple size. Wider gloves help fill out fingers for a more secure fit if you have narrow hand proportions.

When possible, try gloves on in person while holding your stick to mimic on-field use. The gloves should move fluidly with your hands without limiting motion. With some trial and error testing different sizes and brands, you can find high-performing lacrosse gloves with an ideal personalized fit.

Finding the Right Lacrosse Glove Size and Fit for Female Players

Women’s lacrosse has grown exponentially, with more female athletes taking up the fast-paced sport. With women’s hands smaller on average than men’s, finding well-fitted gloves designed specifically for female players is key.

Women’s gloves sizes typically range from 8 inches to 10.5 inches in circumference, measured around the palm above the knuckles. Goalie gloves may go up to 11 inches. Hand length for female gloves normally varies between 7 to 8.5 inches from the longest fingertip to the wrist crease.

General sizing charts provide a starting point, but trying gloves on is ideal. Female gloves are contoured for narrower hands with longer, more dexterous fingers optimized for stick handling. Wearing men’s gloves hinders manipulation of the stick head and provides less protection.

Beyond basic sizes, women’s gloves are tailored for position-specific needs. Goalie gloves are oversized to protect more arm area. Defender’s gloves allow flexibility for checking while maintaining protection. Gloves for attackers prioritize ball control with tight, pre-curved fingers.

For the best fit, try gloves on with your stick to replicate on-field feel. Gloves shouldn’t pinch or restrict motion. Width is also a consideration – narrower gloves suit slim hands while wider gloves fill out fingers. With the right women’s lacrosse gloves, female athletes can elevate skills and safety.

Lacrosse Glove Sizing Varies By Player Position

In the fast-paced sport of lacrosse, gloves are a key piece of protective gear. But beyond basic sizing, lacrosse gloves are specifically engineered for optimal performance based on player position.

For attackers, gloves promote dexterity and ball control with pre-curved fingers in a tighter fit. Midfielder gloves balance protection with flexibility for all-around play. Defender gloves allow for hand checks while shielding from impacts. Goalie gloves are oversized with extra padding on the thumb, wrist, and forearm.

Attack gloves have the snuggest fit in the fingers and palm, maximizing feel on the stick. Padding zones are minimized for lightning quick releases when shooting on goal. Pre-curved fingers conform to the stick pocket for accurate passing and catching. Abrasion-resistant materials stand up to scooping ground balls.

Midfielder gloves provide an intermediate level of snugness balanced with enough room for flexibility. Padding across the fingers and back of hand distributes impact. Ventilation zones reduce heat buildup during intense middie shifts covering the entire field.

Defender gloves have more finger room and expanded palm padding to grab checks. They also shield the hand from the slashing and jostling involved with defending. Added wrist rolls protect against potential injuries.

Considering position while glove shopping ensures an optimized fit. The right gloves improve performance and safety specific to your on-field lacrosse role.

Finding the Right Lacrosse Glove Width for Comfort and Control

Beyond basic glove sizing based on hand measurements, considering glove width is key for optimized lacrosse performance. The right width enhances comfort, dexterity, and ball control.

Glove width corresponds to the circumference around the palm area below the fingers. Narrower gloves suit athletes with slimmer hand proportions, while wider gloves accommodate broad palm and finger shapes. The wrong glove width can impede stick handling, passing, and shooting.

Trying on different glove widths is the best way to find the right fit, even if the length size seems correct. Sliding a finger into the pinky area checks width – in a properly sized glove, the fabric should fit snugly around the finger with minimal excess material. Rotating the wrist tests mobility.

Players with narrow palm and finger proportions should choose lacrosse gloves labeled “narrow” or “elite” fit. These contour to slender hands for better control. Wider gloves can hinder grip and feel with excessive palm room.

For broader hand shapes, gloves marked “wide” or “regular” fit fill out the palm and fingers correctly. Snugger gloves can pinch and restrict motion for these players. Goalies tend to benefit from wider gloves to protect more hand area.

Dialing in both the length and width of lacrosse gloves enhances performance. The right glove proportions help the glove function like a second skin for confidence on the field.

Trying on Different Lacrosse Glove Brands and Models for Fit

With many lacrosse glove brands and styles on the market, trying on different options is the best way to optimize fit and performance. Even gloves sized the same may have slight variations in shape and contours.

Popular lacrosse glove manufacturers include STX, Maverik, Warrior, Brine, and Nike. While sizing charts provide a useful baseline, subjective elements like palm contouring, finger box shape, and padding placement vary across brands.

Within a given brand’s lineup, glove models are tailored for different positions like attack, midfield, and defense. Trying on each style provides a feel for fit. Attack gloves have pre-curved fingers in a snugger fit, while defender gloves have more finger room for protection. Goalie gloves are oversized throughout.

Consider fabric choices as well. Synthetic leather or mesh gloves offer breathability, while premium leather affords more durable protection. Newer textured glove surfaces enhance ball control and checking ability.

When possible, try gloves on in person while holding your stick to get a true feel for fit and performance. Shop at lacrosse specialty stores where knowledgeable staff can assist with sizing for an optimized on-field glove experience.

Adjusting Lacrosse Gloves for Optimized Comfort and Flexibility

Getting the right lacrosse glove size involves fine tuning the fit for comfort and flexibility. Properly breaking in and adjusting your gloves enhances mobility and control.

New gloves may feel stiff before conforming to your hand. Wearing gloves while doing stick drills helps gradually shape to your movements. Bending fingers forcefully loosens up synthetic leather or textured palms. Consider applying leather conditioner to soften material.

Adjustable wrist cuffs, palm laces, and Velcro straps allow tweaking gloves for a custom fit. Tighten laces or straps in the palm for a more secure grip on your stick. Loosen wrist closures if too tight.goalies may benefit from aftermarket added palm padding for impact protection.

Trim any excess glove material if uncomfortably bunching in the fingers. Avoid cutting too deep into padding. Swap gloves mid-season or reevaluate sizing if hands grow. Letting young players periodically try on new gloves accommodates growth.

Proper glove care preserves fit. Keep gloves dry and store in a breathable bag. Frequently clean off dirt and sweat. Reapply leather conditioner as needed over time. With the right adjustments, your gloves become a personalized second skin.

Allowing Room to Grow When Buying Lacrosse Gloves

Finding lacrosse gloves with enough room to accommodate growth extends the useful life of gloves, especially for youth players.

Younger athletes in their pre-teen and early teen years can experience rapid hand size changes over one sports season. Buying lacrosse gloves at the very top end of a child’s current measurements allows for a little expansion.

Consider sizing up to the next half or whole glove size if a young player is nearing a growth spurt. Snug gloves still provide enough control, while excess finger and palm room accommodate increasing hand size.

Trying youth gloves on frequently as the season progresses checks current fit. Rotate two pairs of different sized gloves to alternate as needed when hands grow. Replace ill-fitting gloves promptly to avoid injury risk.

Allowing fingertip and palm room in gloves also suits players who experience hand swelling during intense play or cold weather. A slightly looser glove still protects without pinching or restricting blood flow.

Getting the most value from lacrosse gloves means selecting a pair strategically sized up for growth potential. Factor in some extra room to keep gloves fitting comfortably season after season.

Proper Lacrosse Glove Care Maximizes Gear Lifespan

Taking care of lacrosse gloves helps maintain optimal fit, function, and safety over years of use. Using proper glove care techniques maximizes the lifespan of this vital protective gear.

Frequently clean gloves to prevent salt, dirt, and grime buildup which can degrade materials prematurely. Use a gentle leather cleaner and cloth to wipe down exterior surfaces. Wash textile glove liners regularly in cold water. Air dry fully before next use.

Store gloves properly between games. Avoid excessive heat like car trunks, direct sunlight, or radiators which can warp shape. Allowing gloves to air out fully reduces bacteria and odors. Place gloves loosely in a mesh bag rather than stuffing into a cramped pocket.

Inspect gloves before each use for signs of excessive wear. Fix loose stitching promptly to avoid tears. Watch for cracked or peeling palm material and padding coming unglued. Retire overly damaged gloves instead of risking injury.

Reapply glove leather conditioners as needed to replenish oils and maintain suppleness, following brand directions. Break gloves in gradually each season to restore optimal contours.

With attentive glove maintenance and storage, lacrosse gloves can deliver protective performance season after season before needing replacement.

Knowing When It’s Time to Replace Well-Worn Lacrosse Gloves

While proper care extends the life of lacrosse gloves, it’s still important to know when to replace worn-out gear for safety and performance. Looking for signs of excessive wear helps identify gloves that are past their prime.

Frayed glove seams, holes in the palms or fingers, and cracked or peeling padding are clear red flags. These structural damage issues compromise protection for hands and wrists. Excessively stretched-out finger areas also indicate gloves have conformed permanently to your hand shape.

Material degradation is another replacement indicator. Stiff, dried out leather with permanent creases limits dexterity. Faded glove exteriors provide less abrasion resistance when scooping ground balls. Slippery palm surfaces hinder ball control.

Replace youth gloves at least annually as young players’ hands grow. Shop off-season sales for cost savings. Budget for new gloves every 2-3 years for adult players depending on usage and care. Goalies require more frequent glove replacement from heavy wear.

While still intact, designate old gloves for practice use only. Keep well-maintained gloves in rotation for games when grip, protection, and response time are paramount.

Replacing worn lacrosse gloves ensures you have the high-performing gear needed to play your best on the field.

Tips for Purchasing Lacrosse Gloves Online

While trying gloves on in person is ideal, shopping online opens up more choices and discounts. With some key considerations, players can order lacrosse gloves online to save time and money.

Check current glove brand and exact model for accurate sizing. Refer to sizing charts for hand measurements and length/width recommendations. Read product details and reviews for feedback on true fit.

Order from retailers with hassle-free returns and exchanges. Select two sizes if sizing up between whole sizes for trial. Return ill-fitting gloves promptly after trying on at home.

Comparison shop different sites for sales and coupons. Join team or brand fan clubs for exclusive discounts. Off-season sales provide cost savings on prior year gloves still in regulation.

Opt for quicker shipping like 2-day for time to try on before the season. Purchase well before needing gloves to allow for exchanges. Inspect new gloves carefully for damage before using.

Researching options, ordering multiple sizes if needed, and leveraging return policies makes buying lacrosse gloves online a convenient option.

Getting Professionally Fitted for Lacrosse Gloves In Person

For the best lacrosse glove fit, getting sized in person at a specialty retail store is ideal. Experienced associates can measure hands and suggest gloves tailored to your needs.

Stores like Lacrosse Monkey, Dicks Sporting Goods, and local shops have staff well-versed in glove brands, styles, and sizing. They can measure your hand circumference and length and bring suitable options to try on.

In-person fitting allows you to give feedback on the feel of different gloves and get recommendations. Associates can suggest proper width, position-specific gloves, and sizing up if between sizes or expecting growth.

Try gloves on with your stick to mimic use on the field. Test flexibility and grip strength in store before purchasing. Ask about comfort during break-in periods for new gloves.

For goalies needing oversized gloves, especially customized fits, visit stores stocking specialized brands like Eclipse and Maverik Rome. Get measured for current size and have future growth factored in.

Though pricier than online, custom professional glove fitting provides the glove knowledge and hands-on experience for ideal lacrosse hand protection.