Shelf of different colored boxing gloves

Does Boxing Glove Color Matter? Best & Popular Colors

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When buying boxing gloves, you may wonder about the significance or importance of the glove color.

Should you choose a certain glove color? Does glove color matter, and why?

Once you have decided on a brand and type of glove, you’ll want to pick the right color for your personal interests and goals.

Boxing glove color does matter, when selecting your boxing gloves consider reasons such as personal branding, competition rules, cleanliness, and tradition.

When Glove Color Matters

The color options of boxing gloves are no longer limited. Your gym may only have certain colors, such as red, black, or blue. For your individual choice, your options are varied and include rainbow colors, tie-dyed prints, and all your color favorites. Some factors that may help guide your color boxing gloves selections include:

Competition Rules – If you are boxing for more than fitness goals and will be competing, check with the rules of the boxing league. Some competitions, such as those in USA Boxing require athletes to wear either solid blue or solid red gloves.

Your Personal Brand – When you are creating a name for yourself in the sport, you may want to stand out with color branding. If the rules of the boxing competition allow, select your boxing gloves color to match your personal brand. You may also consider screening your logo onto your boxing gloves to promote yourself and your brand.

Personal Taste – In the same way you choose the color of your workout gear, your personal tastes guide your selection of glove color. For example, if you dislike the color green because it reminds you of a rival school, by all means, avoid a green-colored glove!

Color psychology also works in the reverse. If you prefer blue because of your alma mater, seeing a pair of blue boxing gloves may give you the extra effort you need to continue through a tough workout or fight.

Cleanliness – Since boxing involves contact with bags, pads, and other people, your gloves take the brunt of this contact. As a result, boxing gloves can get dirty with blood, sweat, dirt, and grime. Be mindful when choosing your color that substances will be absorbed into the gloves and may alter the color. Consider purchasing a pair of boxing gloves with a color that covers up substances such as blood and dirt.

Tradition – If you are dedicated to the history and tradition of boxing, your glove color choice may want to include standards such as black and red gloves. When you slip your hands into a black pair of gloves, you may feel connected to boxing’s history and enhance your performance.

Representation – Certain colors are connected with representing groups of people. For instance, pink boxing gloves are popular among women and show support for breast cancer survivors and research. Or gloves with country flags to represent loyalty to one’s country or ethnicity.

Why Are So Many Boxing Gloves Red or Black?

Red and White Competition Boxing Gloves

Boxing gloves have evolved from leather strips wrapped around the hands of Greek fighters to the padded, protective gear of today.

Prior to the 1950s leather gloves remained the natural colors of brown or tan. Once boxing events were highly televised, the brown and tan leather gloves were dyed red.

The red gloves helped to mask the athlete’s blood, which hoped to decrease the perception that boxing was too violent.

To uphold this tradition, amateurs and professional boxers continue to wear red color gloves frequently for reasons such as:

  • Red is eye-catching. Whether in-person or on television, red boxing gloves stand out.
  • The color Red is linked with competitive feelings such as power, force, and energy.
  • Red represents passion and a love for the sport.
  • Red is a dynamic color and therefore the person wearing the gloves will also be very dynamic and crowd-pleasing.

Classic Black Thailand Style Muay Thai Boxing Gloves

Black boxing gloves are frequently seen in the gym and in many martial arts studios. A few reasons why black boxing gloves are purchased include:

  • Black gloves hide dirt and grime better than any other color.
  • Black is a common color for gloves made from synthetic materials which may be a more affordable option.
  • A colorful logo will stand out when positioned on a Black glove.
  • Black is a serious color that can represent authority. For example, a black belt in karate is an authoritative rank.

Other Popular Boxing Glove Colors

  • Blue – Blue gloves are one of the required colors for USA Boxing competitions. The color blue is easily seen during competitions to help with scoring.
  • Black – Black gloves are a popular choice. Black boxing gloves can be paired with a variety of workout clothing colors. And, black gloves will not clash with branding colors that you want to stand out.
  • White – White gloves represent cleanliness and new beginnings. White also pairs well with all styles of workout clothing. A drawback with white is the potential for staining, especially with cheaper gloves.

What Is The Best Boxing Gloves Color?

Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves (Red, 14 Oz.)
Everlast P00000724 Powerlock Training Gloves,16 oz,Black/Gold
Everlast Women's Powerlock Hook/Loop Gloves, 12 oz, White/Gold
Everlast Elite Pro Style Training Gloves, Blue, 16 oz
RED
BLACK
WHITE
BLUE
Everlast Pro Style Training
Everlast Powerlock Training
Everlast Powerlock Training
Everlast Elite Pro Style
-
-
-
-
Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves (Red, 14 Oz.)
RED
Everlast Pro Style Training
-
Everlast P00000724 Powerlock Training Gloves,16 oz,Black/Gold
BLACK
Everlast Powerlock Training
-
Everlast Women's Powerlock Hook/Loop Gloves, 12 oz, White/Gold
WHITE
Everlast Powerlock Training
-
Everlast Elite Pro Style Training Gloves, Blue, 16 oz
BLUE
Everlast Elite Pro Style
-

The best boxing gloves color for you is based on your personal preferences. These may include cleanliness, branding, personal preferences, and representation.

The Best Colors

  • Black gloves are classic, the best for hiding dirt and grime.
  • Blue gloves are good for competition, easy to keep clean, but you need a consistent routine to care for your gloves.
  • Red gloves are the best for hiding blood, so if you compete frequently, red is a good choice.
  • White gloves look amazing, and clean up well with a bleach and water solution but may hold onto stains, so avoid white gloves if cleanliness is a top priority.

Confidence and Color Psychology

  • Wearing gloves with your logo or the colors of your brand may provide you with the confidence needed to win or participate in a fight.
  • If the color green makes you feel ready to go, or perform quicker, select gloves in your go-to color.
  • If black or red makes it feel like you hit harder, that is an edge worth keeping.
  • Pink gloves may also give you confidence, particularly for women. But likewise, female fighters may avoid pink gloves if they feel the color perpetuates gender stereotypes.

Do White Boxing Gloves Stain?

White Everlast Sparring Gloves

The look of white boxing gloves represents a classic style. White Winning Gloves are very popular but even though they are made of premium genuine leather – consider that stuff like blood, dirt, and sweat will eventually stain your gloves.

Be prepared to clean your gloves following every training session and competition. Depending on the quality of the manufacturer, white gloves may also lose their brightness and can fade to a nasty yellow.

Final Thoughts

No matter the brand or type of gloves you buy, stick with colors that make you feel good, fast, and powerful. Above all make sure they are quality gloves, as your safety in the ring and while training depends on them!

Product Links & Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Last updated 2024-09-20 at 04:14

Thomas Davies

Thomas has spent over a decade teaching and growing Boxing and MMA through his writing. His goal is to teach and inspire with the unique discipline & health benefits that combat sports can provide. More About Us.

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