A lot of women start golf in a small men's glove because it was what the pro shop had. It usually sort of fits. But "sort of" means loose material across the palm, a grip that shifts, and a glove that wears through in a month. A glove cut for a woman's hand fixes all three. Here's how to pick one.
How are ladies golf gloves different?
They're cut narrower through the palm, with slimmer fingers. A small men's glove can get the finger length right but leave spare fabric across the palm, and that spare fabric bunches up on the grip. A ladies glove sits flat, so you hold the club with less tension and the leather wears evenly.
Which hand does the glove go on?
Your lead hand, the one at the top of the grip. If you're a right-handed golfer, that's your left hand. Left-handed golfers wear it on the right. This trips people up when buying: a glove listed for a "right-handed golfer" is actually a left-hand glove. (If you're shopping for a lefty, our guide to gifts for left-handed golfers covers the details.)
Getting the size right
- Measure around your hand across the knuckles, leaving your thumb out.
- Measure from the crease at the base of your palm to the tip of your middle finger.
- Check both against the brand's chart. Between sizes? Go for the smaller one, because leather gives a little as you wear it.
Our golf glove size guide has the full chart and an easy way to measure at home.
You'll know it fits when there's no spare material at the fingertips or across the palm, you can make a fist comfortably, and the strap closes without dragging the glove off-centre.
Leather, synthetic or a bit of both?
| Material | How it feels | How long it lasts | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabretta leather | Softest, most "connected" feel | Wears faster | Regular players who want feel |
| Synthetic | Firmer | Lasts longer; some are washable | Beginners and soggy British winters |
| Hybrid (leather palm, synthetic back) | Close to full leather | Good middle ground | Most club golfers |
We compare the big leather gloves in best golf gloves UK: FootJoy vs Titleist vs Callaway, and if you play through the winter, it's worth reading do rain gloves actually work? and our winter golf essentials.
When should you replace your glove?
If you play every week, expect to get through a few a season. Time for a new one when the palm goes shiny or thin, the fingertips start to wear through, or it stays stiff after drying out. A tip from regular players: rotate two gloves and both last noticeably longer.
Buying one as a present?
If you can't ask, sneak a look at the glove she wears now. The size is nearly always printed inside the cuff. Then have a browse of our golf gloves or, for something a bit more special, our golf gifts for women.
Quick questions
Can women wear men's golf gloves?
You can, but most men's gloves are too wide in the palm. Women with bigger hands sometimes find a men's small fits nicely, so it's worth trying both.
Should a golf glove feel tight?
Snug, not tight. If the leather pulls hard across your knuckles when you make a fist, go up a size.