EQUIPMENT · 5 min read ·
How to Choose Gym Gloves: Weight Lifting Gloves Guide (UK)
Gym gloves are one of the most debated pieces of kit in the gym. Some lifters never train without them, others prefer bare hands. Here is what weight lifting gloves actually do, when they make sense, and how to choose a pair that fits.
What gym gloves do
Gloves put a padded layer between your palm and the bar or handle. That can make pressing, rows, pulldowns and machine work more comfortable, and helps keep a consistent hold when hands get sweaty.
They are not a substitute for grip strength. If your grip fails on heavy deadlifts, a glove is not designed to fix that — lifting straps are.
When gloves make sense
- Higher-rep pressing, rowing and cable sessions where the palm takes a lot of friction.
- Machine and dumbbell work with rough or worn handles.
- If you simply find training more comfortable with a layer between your hands and the steel.
Wrist straps or no wrist straps?
Some gloves add a wrap-around wrist strap. It gives a firmer, wrapped feel around the joint on presses. The FIT KULTURE Gym Gloves with Wrist Straps combine a silicone grip, foam padding and a wrist strap. For your heaviest pressing sets, dedicated wrist wraps give more adjustable support.
Gloves vs straps vs hooks
Compare the last two in lifting hooks vs lifting straps.
- Gloves — palm comfort and a consistent hold on general training.
- Lifting straps — wrap the bar so grip is not the limit on heavy pulls.
- Lifting hooks — take load off the fingers and are quick between sets.
Gym gloves for women
The Fit Kulture Weight Lifting Gloves for women use soft, flexible Lycra fabric with a rubberised palm and cushioned padding. Browse every pair in gym gloves.
Getting the right fit
A good glove is snug across the palm, with no loose fabric bunching at the fingers when you grip a bar. Check the size options and any chart on the product page before ordering; if you are between sizes, contact us and we will help.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wear gloves to lift weights?
It is personal preference. Gloves add palm comfort; many lifters use them for pressing and machine work and go without on heavy pulls.
Do gym gloves weaken your grip?
Gloves do not train grip for you. If grip strength matters to you, keep some sets bare-handed.
Are gloves good for deadlifts?
They add comfort but are not designed to stop the bar slipping from a failing grip. Straps or hooks suit heavy deadlifts better.