The most common question we get: "I'm 185 cm tall, what's my size?". The answer: it doesn't matter. Glove size is a function of hand length and width, not height, weight, age, or position. Know your hands—know your size.
In this guide, we'll show you: (1) how to correctly measure your hand in 60 seconds, (2) how to read the FM size chart (6-11), (3) when to consciously go a size up or down, and (4) the three most common measurement mistakes.
1. How to Measure Your Hand — The 60-Second Method
You'll need: a tailor's tape (or a string + ruler), a piece of paper, and a pen. Nothing more.
- Measurement A — hand circumference. Wrap the tape around the widest part of your palm (just below the knuckles, excluding the thumb). Hand relaxed, fingers together. Write down the result in centimeters.
- Measurement B — hand length. Place your hand flat on the paper, fingers naturally spread. Measure from the base of your wrist (the bracelet line) to the tip of your middle finger.
- The key number = measurement A (circumference). This is what determines your size. The length serves as a verifier.
Pro tip: measure your dominant hand—the one you use to catch the ball. An asymmetry of 3-5 mm between left and right is normal, but always choose the size for the larger hand.
2. FM Size Chart 2025 (6-11)
| Size | Hand Circumference | Hand Length | Approx. Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 17-18 cm | 15-16 cm | 7-9 years |
| 7 | 18-19 cm | 16-17 cm | 10-12 years |
| 8 | 19-20 cm | 17-18 cm | 13-14 years / women |
| 9 | 20-21 cm | 18-19 cm | 15-17 years / women L |
| 10 | 21-22,5 cm | 19-20 cm | adults M |
| 10,5 | 22,5-23,5 cm | 20-21 cm | adults L |
| 11 | 23,5-25 cm | 21-22+ cm | adults XL |
FM sizing corresponds to the standard of the German latex factories we've worked with since 2014 (Reusch, Uhlsport, Rinat use the same chart). If you wear a size 9 in another brand, you'll be a 9 with us too—compatibility guaranteed.
3. When to Go a Size Down (Tight Fit)
A "fitted" goalkeeper size is one where your fingers reach the end of the glove with 5-8 mm of space. Some prefer a tighter fit. Go down one size if:
- You have narrow, long fingers—a standard size will feel 'floaty' in width, so it's better to get a tighter one that hugs the metacarpals.
- You play aggressively when coming out for high balls—a tight fit means full control in those 1 ms moments, with no 'void' between your finger and the latex.
- Your measurement A falls on the upper end of a size range (e.g., 22.4 cm—right between 10 and 10.5). For an adult, always choose the lower size in this case.
Warning: a tighter size means faster latex wear (material tension) and less thermal comfort. If you play 3 times a week, stick to the standard size.
4. When to Go a Size Up (Comfort Fit)
- You play in the cold (-5°C and below)—a tight glove restricts circulation, causing fingers to go numb.
- You're a beginner still finding your style—a looser fit means a greater margin for catching errors.
- Your child is growing fast—parents often buy +1 size. That's OK, but a maximum of +1. More room than that, and the glove will slip off when catching.
5. The Three Most Common Measurement Mistakes
Mistake #1 — Including the thumb. The thumb adds 2-3 cm to the circumference, which translates to 1-1.5 sizes too large. The thumb MUST be excluded from the measurement.
Mistake #2 — Tensing your hand. A tensed hand is ~1 cm smaller in circumference than a relaxed one. Measure in a neutral state, just as you would catch a ball.
Mistake #3 — Measuring over clothing. Cuffs, sleeves, bracelets—they all inflate the result. Bare hand, clean tape.
Not sure? Find your size with FM
Our measurement calculator will do it for you in 30 seconds. You enter your circumference and length, and you get your size plus a model recommendation based on your playing style. 100% free, no registration required.
Open the FM Calculator →6. What to Do If Your Measurement Falls Between Sizes
The FM rule: for kids, always choose the larger size (they grow fast, 6-month range). For adults—the smaller one, because the glove will 'break in' slightly after 2-3 training sessions (the latex warms up, the fabric gives 1-2 mm).
Exception: the Invictus X PRO with a Negative cut. Negative cuts generally fit tighter than Roll Finger, so if your measurement is on the borderline, take the higher size for Negative and the lower size for Roll Finger. For details, see our guide on cuts.
7. What the Source Says — FIFA Equipment Regulations
The FIFA Equipment Regulations do not define the exact size of gloves, but they require that a glove must 'fit the hand comfortably and securely, without risk of slipping during play.' In practice: not loose. Full regulations are available in the FIFA Equipment Regulations 2023 (PDF).
Summary in 3 Points
- Measure your hand circumference (excluding the thumb, relaxed)—this is the only number that determines your size.
- The FM chart = German standard—if you're a 10 with another manufacturer, you're a 10 with us.
- Borderline? → Adults go down, kids go up. Negative cut is tighter, Roll Finger is looser.
Sizing is not a detail. A glove one size too big means 20% slower reaction time—the extra space in the fingers delays the moment you close your hand on the ball. One size too small means fatigue after 30 minutes. Choose consciously, choose right, the first time.