Who knew such a simple piece of equipment could be so complicated? The answer, it turns out, lies in the material.
Boxing gloves are made from various materials, each with benefits and drawbacks.
The type of glove you choose will depend on your weight, boxing style, and preference.
But how do these materials impact the quality of the gloves? First, let’s take a closer look at how boxing gloves are made.
The different materials that are used to make boxing gloves
Boxing gloves come in all shapes and sizes, but at the end of the day, they all have one thing in common – the materials that make them up.
The most common boxing gloves are made from leather for their breathability and ability to take a bit of a beating before giving up.
Top-quality leathers such as cowhide and goatskin are the materials of choice, with vinyl reserved for less reliable gloves.
To ensure maximum strength and movement, brands may reinforce the product with a different leather or nylon taffeta lining.
Are you looking for the utmost protection in a boxing glove?
Latex, PVC foam, or cotton batting are all solid choices that have proven effective.
In addition, certain producers utilize horsehair to manufacture their products for additional cushioning.
With these babies, you won’t even feel your opponent’s punches – not that there would be any left after that extra layer of padding steps in!
The manufacturing process of boxing gloves, from start to finish
The manufacturing process of boxing gloves is no joke!
The beginning of the most incredible journey starts with a single cut:
Step One: Cutting
Many materials can be used to craft those perfect boxing gloves, from thin cowhide and synthetic leather to smooth buffalo leather.
The most popular materials are cowhide and synthetic leather, while some manufacturing also uses buffalo leather or vinyl-
If you want to know more about each of the materials and which one is the best and offers you the best quality, please read my guide about boxing glove materials.
The same piece of leather is usually used for the glove’s thumb, while at other times, a separate piece is cut and stitched on.
The Velcro cuff and any patches need to be securely fastened as well.
This is also the step when they printed the graphics on the boxing gloves.
Step Two: Stitching
From the outside, it may look like a simple shape – but there’s a lot of stitching that goes into boxing gloves!
It all starts by sewing them inside-out; when you turn them over, most of the stitches and seams stay on the inside.
That’s also where you fit in breathable meshes and grip bars – so don’t forget those!
Step Three: Padding
Most boxers know that horsehair was traditionally used for padding boxing gloves.
Today, though, it’s all about the mixture of layered foams and IMF (which is short for Injection Moulded Foam) – both with their benefits!
Layered foams give you different densities depending on the area, while IMF is molded to fit the shape of your gloves perfectly.
So make sure you choose what’s right for you!
It’s all coming together now:
The sections are stitched, and the padding is inserted, giving the gloves their recognizable shape.
Then comes the cuff – its lining is attached, joined to the bottom of the glove, and finally stitched into place.
Last Steps
It’s the final step now – if laces are used, a template is laid over the palm, and lace holes are punched in.
For Velcro gloves, the straps are stitched into place, and then a thin strip of leather is folded over the cuff and the palm to complete everything.
And that’s how you make boxing gloves!
In conclusion
Boxing gloves are made from various materials such as leather, vinyl, and horsehair.
Each material offers unique benefits and advantages in terms of protection and cushioning to ensure you get the most out of your workout.
The components are stitched together and padded with foams or IMF to keep everything in place.
Whether you choose laces or Velcro straps, the process of constructing boxing gloves is an intricate one that requires skill and craftsmanship.
Once you know what goes into them, you can pick the perfect pair for your needs.
Now step into the ring with confidence!
Let me know in the comments below what your favorite part of this article was or if you have any other questions about boxing gloves.
And, of course, don’t forget to visit my blog for more great boxing tips and tricks!
Happy Boxing! 🥊💪
