How to measure goalkeeper glove size — 2-minute guide
TL;DR: Measure your palm circumference with a tailor's tape at the widest point (excluding thumb). Circumference in centimeters = approximate glove size. Between sizes? Go larger.
Why size is critical
80% of goalkeeper glove returns are due to wrong size. Glove too small = restricted finger movement, faster tears on catches. Glove too large = loose fingertips, ball "slips" on grip, faster latex wear on finger area.
Right size = the glove works with you, not against you.
What you need
- Tailor's tape (or string + ruler)
- 2 minutes
- Someone to help (or measure yourself)
Step 1: Hand circumference
Measure hand circumference at the widest point — just below the knuckles, thumbless.
Hand relaxed, not clenched.
Enter the measurement in cm.
Step 2: Hand length
Measure from wrist to tip of middle finger.
Add 1 cm clearance — the glove should extend slightly past the fingertip so the foam absorbs impact.
Enter the measurement in cm.
Step 3: Size Fit
Approximate sizing for adults:
| Hand circumference (cm) | FM Size |
|---|---|
| ~20 | 7 |
| ~22 | 8 |
| ~23 | 9 |
| ~24 | 10 |
| ~26 | 11 |
For a junior (Invictus X Junior):
| Age | Size |
|---|---|
| U7-U9 (child 6-9 years old) | 3 |
| U9–U12 (ages 9–12) | 4 |
| U12-U15 (ages 12-14) | 5 |
Always measure specifically — kids grow at different rates; age is just a guideline.
Step 4: Between sizes — how to decide
- Cut
Negative(Varis) — fits tighter. If you're in between → choose larger. - Cut
Roll Finger+(Invictus) — leaves more room. In between? You can go smaller, but if you have wide hands, safer to go bigger.
General rule: the glove should fit comfortably, not tight.
Left vs. right hand
It's normal for one hand to be slightly larger — usually your dominant hand. A 2-3 mm difference doesn't matter. If your hands differ by a full size (it happens) — go with the larger hand's size.
Post-delivery test
Before first use:
- Pull the gloves on—they should fit like a good slipper: snug, not tight
- Fingers should touch the tips with minimum slack (0.5-1 cm)
- Wrap your wrist with tape — it should hold firm but not cut off circulation
- Make a fist — foam should not wrinkle sharply or puff up at the wrist
- Open your hand — no tightness
If something doesn't fit in 14 days — return it, no questions asked (as long as the glove is unused and not personalized).
Common mistakes
- Buying oversized (for a child) — a glove 2 sizes too big is a nightmare for a junior: the ball escapes, foam breaks faster in the fight for control. Better to buy the right size, replace next year.
- Fit check "like in shoes" — a glove isn't a shoe, it barely stretches with wear. Size needs to be perfect from the start.
- Going by size from another brand — FM sizing = standard EU (same as other premium brands like Uhlsport). But don't trust size alone without measuring — different brands can vary by half a size.
Ready to buy
- How to choose a model — by size, choose your model
- Glove Fitting — shop
- FAQ — other questions