Should you wear lifting gloves? Yes, if sweat makes your grip slip, your palms get sore or rough from the bar, or you want wrist support on presses and pulls. If your hands are fine and you want your grip to get as strong as possible, you don't need them on every set. What matters more is choosing the right type for how you train and getting a proper fit.
Here are the pros and cons, who benefits most, how the main glove types differ, and how to grip the bar correctly with gloves on.
Pros and cons of lifting gloves
Pros
- A more secure hold on bars, dumbbells and machine handles on sweaty days
- Less friction between palm and steel, so hands don't get sore as easily
- Models with wrist straps help keep the wrist stable on bench and shoulder presses
- More hygienic on shared gym equipment
Cons
- Thick gloves make the bar feel fatter, which some people find harder to grip
- A poor fit bunches fabric in the palm and can make your grip worse
- Wearing them for every set means your grip gets less direct training
Who should wear them
- Beginners: more confidence holding iron and fewer sore hands putting you off the gym.
- Sweaty-handed lifters: the difference in slip is obvious.
- People doing lots of pulling: rows, pulldowns and pull-ups put plenty of friction on the palm.
- Anyone wanting wrist support: pick a model with a built-in wrist strap.
- Powerlifters chasing maximum grip: most go bare-handed on heavy sets and use chalk or grip aids instead.
If you have wrist or palm pain that doesn't go away, gloves aren't the fix. Rest and see a professional.
How the glove types differ
Fittergear Training Gloves Triangle are full-finger gloves with built-in wrist support, thick palm padding to buffer the equipment, a breathable back, finger loops for easy removal and terry cloth on the thumb. Good if you want full-hand coverage.
Fittergear Training Gloves (mesh) have a breathable mesh back, a palm split into foam cushioning and real leather, double-stitched thumb and palm, and an adjustable wrist closure. A solid all-rounder for hot gyms.
Fittergear Firm-Act cover just the palm and thumb with an open back, use anatomically shaped silicone padding for grip, and add 38 cm wrist wraps you can tighten as needed. Made for wrist-heavy lifts like bench press, front squats, cleans and WODs.
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| Model | Key features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Training Gloves Triangle | Full finger, built-in wrist support, thick palm padding | Beginners, general weight training, pull-ups |
| Training Gloves (mesh) | Mesh back, foam and leather palm, adjustable strap | Hot gyms, pulling moves, machines |
| Firm-Act | Palm and thumb cover, silicone grip, 38 cm wrist wraps | Bench press, front squat, cleans, WODs |
How to wear them and grip correctly
- Get the size right: measure palm width and check the chart. The Triangle, for example, runs S 6.2-7.2 cm, M 7.3-8.2 cm, L 8.3-9.2 cm, XL 9.3-10.2 cm. No bunched fabric in the palm.
- Strap snug for heavy sets: loosen between sets rather than keeping it tight all session.
- Bar at the base of the fingers: on rows and deadlifts, set the bar in the fingers, not mid-palm, so skin and fabric don't fold.
- Straight wrists on presses: on bench and shoulder press, stack the bar over your forearm without letting the wrist bend far back. Wrist straps make this position easier to hold.
- Pull-ups: wrap your thumb around the bar, set your shoulder blades down first, then pull. Gloves cut palm friction on long sets.
Common mistakes: gloves too loose so they shift mid-rep; gripping in the middle of the palm; using gloves instead of fixing technique; leaving them damp in a closed bag.
If your real problem is grip giving out before your back on heavy deadlifts or rows, gloves may not be the answer. Look at lifting grips such as the Fittergear Power Grasp Pro 2.0, cowhide grips with wrist straps.
Glove care
- Air them out after every session instead of sealing them in your bag.
- Clean according to material; don't soak leather palms for long.
- Avoid drying in strong sun, which can stiffen or wear materials faster.
FAQ
Will gloves make my grip weaker?
No, but wearing them for every set means less direct grip work. Do some sets bare-handed or add dead hangs.
Can women wear the same gloves?
Yes. Choose by palm width. The Triangle is unisex and starts at size S.
Do I need gloves and separate wrist wraps?
Not usually. Gloves with built-in wrist support, like the Triangle or Firm-Act, cover general training. Separate wraps suit people pressing heavy on a regular basis.