The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Lacrosse Gloves for Women

The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Lacrosse Gloves for Women

Look for Gloves with Maximum Protection

When shopping for the perfect pair of women’s lacrosse gloves, one of the most important factors to consider is protection. As a contact sport, lacrosse can be rough on hands and wrists, so you’ll want gloves that provide ample padding in the key impact zones. Look for gloves constructed with multi-layer foam or molded plastic over the back of the hand, fingers, and wrists. This extra cushioning helps absorb checks from sticks and errant balls, reducing sting and injury risk. Advanced glove technologies like D3O or Poron XRD foam offer top-notch shock absorption too.

Make sure to examine the palm padding as well. Thicker padding in the palm improves grip and control when cradling, catching, and checking. However, don’t sacrifice too much dexterity and flexibility in the palms either. Finding the right balance between padding and feel is key. Some gloves add extra foam or plastic at the thumb cuff for added protection against checks. Consider your position too – midfielders tend to need more padding than attackers. Durability is also crucial, as the gloves will be taking a beating. Quality leather palms and double-stitched seams will help the gloves withstand season after season of play. With the right pair of well-padded, protective gloves, you’ll gain confidence blocking shots and taking checks as you dominate the field.

Consider Breathable Materials for Warm Weather Play

When playing lacrosse in hot and humid conditions, breathable glove materials are a must-have. Frequent overheating and sweaty hands can quickly become uncomfortable and impact performance. That’s why choosing gloves made with lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics is key for warm weather play.

Look for gloves featuring mesh paneling on the backs of hands and between the fingers. Strategically placed mesh promotes air circulation, allowing built-up heat and perspiration to escape. This keeps hands cooler and dryer even during intensive gameplay in sweltering temperatures. Some gloves also incorporate moisture-wicking linings made of advanced fabrics like Dri-FIT polyester to pull sweat away from skin and towards the outer layer of the glove to aid evaporation.

Synthetic leather or fabric palms provide better breathability than traditional leather too. The perforations and mesh-like construction help facilitate air flow to the palms. However, synthetic palms typically don’t offer the same durability and grip as premium leather. For the ideal balance of breathability and performance, look for gloves with leather palms and mesh backs.

Beyond materials, opt for gloves with a slip-on cuff style rather than a restrictive wraparound cuff. The looser fit allows more air to flow into the gloves, lowering hand temperature. Just be sure the cuff opening is tapered to prevent the glove from sliding off during play. With advanced cooling features and technologies, your hands will stay cool, dry and comfortable even on the hottest days.

Focus on Fit and Flexibility

Finding the right lacrosse gloves involves more than just protection and materials—you need the perfect fit for your hands and playing style too. Gloves that are too loose or restrictive can negatively impact handling, control, and mobility on the field.

When trying on gloves, focus on achieving a snug fit without constricting fingers or flexibility. The gloves should contour smoothly to the shape of your hands without uncomfortable tightness or excess material bunching up. Slide a finger from each glove into the opposing glove’s fingertip to check dexterity—you should be able to wiggle fingers freely.

Opt for a pair with an adjustable wrist cuff so you can customize the tightness as needed. This allows pulling gloves tighter to keep them secure during intense gameplay, then loosening them between activities for relief. Adjustable cuffs also compensate for slight swelling of hands during play.

Don’t overlook the importance of finger flexibility either. Mobility in the fingers and joints impacts cradling, catching, throwing and ball handling. Look for glove patterns engineered to move naturally with the contours of hands and fingers as they flex and bend.

Synthetic leather or woven palms promote better flexibility than stiff leather. But leather may offer better durability and grip over time. Ensure any leather glove undergoes a proper break-in period to soften palm materials before gameplay. The ideal glove matches your preferences for fit, feel and flexibility—so don’t settle for an ill-fitting pair.

Prioritize Grip and Control

A lacrosse glove’s ability to optimize grip and ball control can make all the difference in ball handling and performance. Without proper grip, the ball is more likely to slide out of your stick during cradling, shooting and passing. Fortunately, today’s gloves offer features and advances to take control to the next level.

Pay special attention to the palm material. Premium leather palms provide unmatched grip and precision when handling the ball. The soft, tacky texture enables excellent ball control. Synthetic palms typically have less natural stickiness and can feel “slicker.” But some synthetic blends come close to mimicking leather’s grip.

Opt for gloves with textured padding or grip patterns in the palm and fingers. Small ridges, dots and channels create added friction against the ball to prevent slipping. This extra grip support further aids ball security during intense gameplay situations.

Fingertip construction is also key. Open fingertips maximize surface contact and control. Closed fingertip designs still allow great feel, but have slightly less ball responsiveness. Half-finger gloves offer exposed fingertips just on the bottom half while retaining protection on top.

Proper glove fit also contributes to enhanced grip and dexterity. Ensure your gloves contour smoothly to the hand without constricting fingers or palms. With optimal grip and responsiveness, you’ll have the ball handling skills and control to power past defenders with confidence.

Choose Durable Gloves That Will Last

Women’s lacrosse gloves undergo a ton of abuse each season from repeated ball contact, checks, scooping and daily wear and tear. That’s why glove durability should be a key purchasing consideration – you want gloves that maintain their protection, performance and integrity over the long run.

Opt for gloves constructed from premium leather palms and durable synthetics on the back. Leather offers unparalleled abrasion-resistance compared to synthetic palms. Look for soft and supple leathers like kangaroo that form to hands for a broken-in feel right away. Kangaroo leather also naturally repels moisture and lasts longer than cowhide.

Synthetic materials on glove backs, like polyester or nylon, resist tearing and retain shape better than cotton backs when subjected to moisture and frequent use. Supple synthetic blends also allow greater stretch and airflow than leather.

Reinforced double stitching throughout boosts structural integrity and prevents seams from splitting over time. Focus on tightly-sewn seams across the palms and high wear areas like fingers. Durability also comes down to proper care – keep gloves conditioned, limit washing and always air dry.

With advanced materials and construction, today’s women’s lacrosse gloves withstand heavy seasonal use. Paying for quality means fewer glove repairs or replacements down the road. Your hands will stay protected and you’ll maximize your lacrosse investment over multiple seasons.

Find Stylish Gloves You Love

Along with fit and performance, style should also be a consideration when selecting women’s lacrosse gloves. After all, gloves are one of the most visible pieces of gear on the field – so why not find a pair you love both aesthetically and functionally?

Today’s gloves come in a wide array of colors, patterns and designs to perfectly match your personal style preferences. Bold, bright hues like red, neon green and pink make your gloves pop against darker gear. Two-tone color combinations offer visual interest too. Or opt for neutral earth tones or basic black for a more understated look.

Vibrant prints and graphic patterns allow you to showcase your sense of style as well. Floral designs, abstract prints and tie-dye are playful options. Camo and animal prints infuse edgy flair. Let your gloves reflect your unique personality.

Many gloves also allow you to customize the color combinations to achieve your ideal style. Mix and match corresponding glove backs and palms for completely one-of-a-kind gear. This also makes gloves easier to find if removed during games.

Function may come first for gloves, but you also want to feel confident and express your individuality on the field. With countless aesthetic options, it’s easy to discover the perfect pair of gloves that seamlessly combines performance, protection and personal style.

Shop Trusted Lacrosse Brands

When investing in new women’s lacrosse gloves, quality and performance can vary drastically depending on the brand. That’s why it pays to stick with reputable glove manufacturers that specialize in lacrosse equipment.

Trusted lacrosse brands like STX, Maverik, Warrior, Brine and Nike are leading innovators in glove technologies, materials and designs. Their gloves are constructed to withstand the demands of the sport while optimizing fit, protection and playability for women.

These premium brands consult with players to create gloves tailored specifically for female hands, not just sized-down versions of men’s gloves. The result is gloves engineered to match women’s shapes and movements for unparalleled function.

High-end lacrosse brands also have the resources to invest in advanced glove features. From proprietary leathers to moisture-wicking fabrics and ergonomic padding zones, their gloves push performance boundaries.

While cheaper generic gloves may save you money upfront, their construction and durability often can’t compare over the long run. For gloves that deliver lasting quality and innovation while protecting your hands season after season, go with established lacrosse industry leaders.

Read Online Reviews Before Buying

Before selecting a pair of women’s lacrosse gloves, it’s wise to read reviews from fellow players who have first-hand experience with the gloves. Their candid feedback provides helpful insight you can’t find on a product page.

Look for reviews from verified purchasers on retailer websites and lacrosse forums. This ensures the reviews aren’t influenced by brand bias. Pay attention to common pros and cons mentioned across multiple reviews to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Aspects like sizing, fit, comfort, protection, grip, durability and quality of construction are especially helpful to note. Look for any consensus around brands running small or large. Breaking in time and longevity give you an idea of expected lifespan too.

Consider the reviewers’ skill levels and positions as well since needs can vary. A beginner goalie may prioritize fit and protection differently than an elite midfielder, for example.

User submitted photos showcase gloves on actual players as well. Customer service feedback indicates how responsive a brand may be if any issues surface down the road. By tapping into the collective wisdom of the lacrosse community, you can determine if a glove meets your needs before purchase.

Compare Prices to Get the Best Deal

Women’s lacrosse gloves can range widely in price depending on brand, materials, features and retailers. That’s why it pays to do some comparison shopping and look for sales to get the best bang for your buck.

Check prices across lacrosse specialty stores, sporting goods chains, Amazon and the brands’ own websites. Signing up for email lists can alert you to upcoming sales and special offers too. Consider checking back frequently around the start of spring season when many brands release new gloves.

Off-season clearance sales present opportunities to scoop up previous year’s gloves at a discount. Just ensure any prior-year models still meet current safety standards and requirements.

Compare prices for the exact same gloves across retailers. Include shipping costs in the price too, which can vary. Bundled package deals that include complementary items like heads, mesh and bags could offer savings over individual purchases.

With a little research, you can track down the ideal women’s lacrosse gloves delivering the perfect blend of value, cost savings and high-end features to protect your hands and budget.

Buy Early to Get the Right Size

Finding the perfect fitting pair of women’s lacrosse gloves often requires trying on multiple sizes. That’s why it’s smart to start your glove shopping early before practices start and supplies run low.

Popular styles, colors and sizes can sell out quickly once the season picks up. Getting a jump start ensures you have the best selection and availability in your size range. If you wait too long, you may have to settle for limited remaining options or deal with shipping delays for restocked inventory.

Allow plenty of time to order gloves, try them at home, exchange if needed, and properly break them in before games. The early bird avoids getting stuck with incorrect sizes or styles you discover don’t meet your needs after testing them out on the field.

If possible, make time for in-person try-ons at local lacrosse retailers too. This gives you a better sense of fit compared to guessing your size online. Some stores may also provide complimentary fitting assistance.

Getting ahead of the pre-season rush gives you flexibility. No need to rush order gloves that don’t feel quite right simply because opening games are already here. Shop proactively so you have the right women’s lacrosse gloves, in the perfect size, right when you need them.

Invest in High Quality Leather Gloves

When it comes to women’s lacrosse gloves, the quality of leather used in palm construction makes a significant difference in performance, grip and durability. That’s why investing in gloves made with premium leather is recommended.

Supple and tactile kangaroo leather offers an ideal balance of control, feel and abrasion resistance. Of all leathers, kangaroo leather withstands heavy-duty wear best while providing excellent stickiness against the ball. It’s pricier but pays off via longevity.

Full-grain leather is another top choice, preferred by many elite players. It provides unmatched strength and grip over time. Opt for soft, sharkskin-textured full grain that molds to hands for immediate comfort, not stiff varieties.

Cowhide leather remains a popular choice as well for its tackiness and affordability, though it requires longer break-in periods. Synthetic leather offers increased breathability but doesn’t match real leather’s touch over the long haul.

While higher quality leather does impact upfront cost, it’s a worthwhile investment considering the years of play you’ll get out of premium gloves. With kangaroo or full grain leather palms, you simply can’t go wrong.

Try On Different Glove Styles In Person

While buying lacrosse gloves online is certainly convenient, trying on different glove styles in person can be invaluable for identifying your ideal fit and feel. By visiting lacrosse retailers and testing gloves first-hand, you gain more insight than simply guessing your size online.

Take advantage of being able to slide gloves on, grip a stick, and get a sense of overall comfort and mobility. Notice any pressure points or tightness in the fingers, palms or cuffs that could become irritating over time.

Compare the flexibility of leather versus synthetic palms. Test different wrist closure types like adjustable straps or Velcro. See how various padding configurations feel during flexing and motion.

Don’t forget to mimic real gameplay actions too – cradling, catching, scooping and passing. This reveals how gloves perform when put into action, not just standing still.

Trying gloves on in-store narrows down preferences and allows focusing your online search once home. Hands-on testing helps you hone in on the ideal gloves to match your fit, feel and playing needs.

Make Sure Gloves Have Enough Padding

Protecting your hands from injury should be a primary goal when selecting women’s lacrosse gloves. To provide sufficient protection, gloves must have adequate foam or plastic padding in the key impact zones.

Focus first on padding coverage across the back of the hand and along the fingers. Multiple layers of dense foam or padding here help dissipate checks from sticks. Fingers are especially vulnerable, so ensure ample padding over knuckles and fingertips.

Next, examine wrist and cuff padding thickness. Stiff cuffs with molded plastic inserts provide solid shielding when facing shots. Padding along the thumb and forefinger adds protection too.

Press into the foam to gauge density and shock absorption. Advanced padding materials like Poron or D30 offer excellent energy dispersion upon impact. Avoid gloves with thin, minimal padding to cut costs – they’ll leave hands vulnerable.

The right amount of strategic padding gives you the confidence to play aggressively knowing hands and wrists stay protected when battling for possession and ground balls.

Pick Gloves That Allow Full Finger Flexibility

For superior ball control and handling, women’s lacrosse gloves must provide full, unrestricted flexing and dexterity in the fingers. Avoid gloves with padding or constructions that limit your ability to bend and move fingers freely.

Focus first on ensuring fingers slide all the way into glove tips without binding. If your finger reaches the end before the tip, the glove is too short. Similarly, excess tip length hampers control.

Aim for gloves with curved, contoured fingers that follow natural hand shape. Straight, boxy fingers restrict motion. Check that knuckles and joints align with glove flex points for fluid movement.

Leather palms typically maintain better flexibility after break-in than synthetic palms. But leather can stiffen quicker when wet from rain or perspiration. Consider moisture-wicking glove liners to keep hands dry.

Test gloves by curling fingers into a ball shape and bending them back outstretched. Optimal dexterity and feel lets you catch, throw, scoop and cradle with precision so you can play your best out on the field.