The most common question we get: "I'm 185 cm tall, what size?". Answer: irrelevant. Glove size is a function of palm length and width, not height, weight, age, or position. Know your hands — know your size.
This guide shows you: (1) how to measure your hand correctly in 60 seconds, (2) how to read the FM size chart (6–11), (3) when to intentionally go up or down a size, (4) three most common measurement mistakes.
1. How to Measure Your Hand — 60-Second Method
You need: tailor's tape (or string + ruler), paper, pen. That's it.
- Measurement A — hand circumference. Wrap the tape around the widest part of your hand (just below the knuckles, excluding thumb). Hand relaxed, fingers together. Record the result in centimeters.
- Measurement B — hand length. Lay your hand flat on paper, fingers naturally spread. Measure from the wrist base (bracelet line) to the tip of your middle finger.
- Key measurement = measurement A (circumference). That's what determines size. Length serves as a verification check.
Practical tip: measure your glove hand — the one you catch with. A 3–5mm difference between left and right is normal, but choose the size of your larger hand.
2. FM 2025 Size Chart (6-11)
| Size | Hand circumference | Palm length | Age (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 17-18 cm | 15-16 cm | 7-9 years old |
| 7 | 18-19 cm | 16-17 cm | 10-12 years |
| 8 | 19-20 cm | 17-18 cm | 13-14 years old / women |
| 9 | 20-21 cm | 18-19 cm | 15–17 years / women L |
| 10 | 21-22.5 cm | 19-20 cm | adult M |
| 10,5 | 22.5-23.5 cm | 20-21 cm | adults L |
| 11 | 23.5–25 cm | 21-22+ cm | adult XL |
FM sizing matches the German latex factory standard we've worked with since 2014 (Reusch, Uhlsport, Rinat use the same chart). If you wear size 9 at another brand, you wear 9 with us—sizing transfers.
3. When to size down (tight fit)
A "fitted" goalkeeper size is one where your fingers reach the end of the glove with loose 5-8 mm. Some prefer snug. Go down 1 size if:
- You have narrow, long fingers — standard size will "swim" in width, better to go tighter with a snug mid-hand fit.
- You play aggressively on high exits — tight fit = full control in 1 ms moments, no "gaps" between finger and latex.
- Your measurement A falls at the upper end of the range (e.g., 22.4 cm — exactly between 10 and 10.5). For seniors, always go with the smaller size in that case.
Warning: a tighter size means faster latex wear (material tension) and reduced thermoregulation comfort. If you play 3× per week, stick with standard sizing.
4. When to size up (comfort fit)
- Playing in cold (-5°C and below) — a tight glove restricts circulation, fingers go numb.
- You're a beginner, still finding your style — looser fit = greater tolerance for grip errors.
- Kids grow fast — parents often buy +1 size. OK, but max +1. Too much room = glove slips during catches.
5. Three most common measurement mistakes
Mistake #1 — measuring with your 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 tense hand is about 1 cm smaller in circumference than a relaxed one. Measure in neutral position, the way you catch the ball.
Mistake #3 — measuring over clothing. Cuffs, sleeves, wristbands — they all skew the measurement. Bare hand, clean measure.
Not sure? Size up with FM
Our sizing calculator does it for you in 30 seconds. Enter circumference and length, get your size plus a model recommendation based on your playing style. 100% free, no registration.
Open the FM calculator →6. What to do if your measurement falls between sizes
FM rule: for kids always choose larger (grow quickly, 6-month range). For adults — smaller, because the glove stretches slightly after 2-3 training sessions (latex warms up, fabric gives 1-2 mm).
Exception: Invictus X Pro with Negative cut — Negative generally fits tighter than Roll Finger, so at borderline measurements, go up higher size in Negative, lower in Roll Finger. Details — see our guide to cuts.
7. What the source says — FIFA Equipment Regulations
FIFA Equipment Regulations don't specify exact glove size, but require that the glove must "fit the hand comfortably and securely, without risk of slipping during play." In practice: not loose. Full regulations at FIFA Equipment Regulations 2023 (PDF).
Summary in 3 points
- Measure your palm circumference (without thumb, relaxed) — this is the only number that determines size.
- FM table = German standard — if you get a 10 from another brand, you get a 10 from us.
- Boundary → seniors down, kids up. Negative cut fits tighter, Roll Finger looser.
Size isn't a detail. A glove one size too big means 20% slower reaction — extra finger room delays the moment your hand closes on the ball. One size too small and you're exhausted after 30 minutes. Choose wisely, once, right.