How to measure goalkeeper glove size — 2-minute guide
TL;DR: Measure the circumference of your hand with a tailor's tape at the widest point (excluding the thumb). Circumference in centimeters = approximate glove size. Between sizes? Choose the larger one.
Why size is critical
80% of goalkeeper glove returns are due to incorrect sizing. Glove too small = restricted finger movement, faster tears when catching. Glove too large = looseness in fingertips, ball 'slips' when catching, faster wear of the latex finger area.
Well-chosen size = the glove works with you, not against you.
What you need
- Measuring 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 finger knuckles, without thumb.
Hand relaxed, not clenched.
Write down the number in cm.
Step 2: Hand length
Measure from wrist to fingertip of middle finger.
Add 1 cm allowance — the glove should extend slightly beyond the fingertip so the foam can absorb impacts.
Write down the number in cm.
Step 3: Size Matching
Approximate mapping for adults:
| Hand circumference (cm) | FM Size |
|---|---|
| ~20 | 7 |
| ~22 | 8 |
| ~23 | 9 |
| ~24 | 10 |
| ~26 | 11 |
For junior (Invictus X Junior):
| Age | Size |
|---|---|
| U7-U9 (child 6-9 years old) | 3 |
| U9-U12 (ages 9-12) | 4 |
| U12-U15 (child 12-14 years old) | 5 |
Always measure precisely — children grow at different rates, age is only a guide.
Step 4: Between sizes — how to decide
- Cut
Negative(Varis) — fits tighter. If you are between sizes → choose larger. - Cut
Roll Finger+(Invictus) — leaves more space. In between? You can take a smaller size, but if you have wide hands, a larger size is safer.
General rule: the glove should be comfortable, not tight.
Left vs. right hand
It's normal for one hand to be slightly larger — usually the dominant one. A difference of 2-3 mm is insignificant. If your hands differ by a full size (it happens) — choose the size of the larger hand.
Test upon delivery
Before first use:
- Put the gloves on your hands — they should fit like a comfortable slipper: snug, not tight.
- Fingers should touch the tips with minimal slack (0.5-1 cm)
- Wrap your wrist with a bandage — it should provide support without cutting off circulation
- Clench your fist — the foam should not wrinkle sharply or swell at the wrist
- Open your hand — no tightness
If something doesn't fit within 14 days — returns are accepted, no questions asked (provided the glove is unused and without personalization).
Common mistakes
- Choosing "to grow into" (for a child) — a glove 2 sizes too large is a nightmare for a junior: the ball slips away, and the foam wears out faster when fighting for control. It's better to buy the correct size and replace it next year.
- Checking "like in shoes" — a glove is not a shoe; it hardly stretches at all after use. The size should be perfect immediately.
- Going by the size from another brand — FM sizing = EU standard (similar to another premium brand, Uhlsport). But do not trust the size without measuring, different brands can vary by half a size.
Ready to buy
- How to choose a model — after size, choose a model
- Gloves Section — shop
- FAQ — other questions