About Batting Gloves
Whether you're stepping into the batter's box for baseball or softball, the right pair of batting gloves can make a genuine difference to your performance, comfort and protection. Here's everything you need to know before you buy. Browse our full range of batting gloves in stock at Baseball Outlet here.
Why Wear Batting Gloves?
Batting gloves serve three core purposes: grip, protection, and comfort. The palm and finger materials create a tacky surface that reduces the risk of the bat slipping during a swing, giving you more control and confidence at the plate. They also cushion the sting and vibration from bat-to-ball contact, reducing the risk of blisters and abrasions over a long season. For softball hitters facing faster spins and heavier bats, this protection is just as important as it is for baseball players.
Sizing
To determine which size glove is right for you, measure (in inches) from the base of your palm to the tip of your middle finger. You should measure your dominant hand.
If your measurements fall between two sizes, choose the smaller size for a tighter fit or the larger size for a looser fit.
Each brand has specific glove sizing, which can be found on the appropriate products page. Visit our gloves by brand:
Choosing the Right Material
The material of the palm is where batting gloves differ most meaningfully.
- Leather (goat, cabretta, or sheepskin) is the gold standard for performance players — it offers superior grip, durability and a natural feel that moulds to your hand over time.
- Synthetic gloves are lighter, more breathable and easier to maintain, making them ideal for youth players, beginners or those playing in hot conditions.
- Hybrid gloves combine a leather palm with synthetic or mesh backing — a great all-round option that balances grip and breathability.
Getting the Right Fit
A well-fitting batting glove should be snug but not restrictive — loose gloves cause slippage and reduce your feel for the bat, while overly tight gloves limit hand mobility. To find your size, measure from the base of your palm to the tip of your middle finger and compare to a size chart.
| Size | Men's Hand | Women's Hand | Youth Hand |
| SMALL | 7"–7.25" | 6.25"–6.5" | 5.75"–6" |
| MEDIUM | 7.25"–7.5" | 6.5"–6.75" | 6"–6.25" |
| LARGE | 7.5"–7.75" | 6.75"–7" | 6.25"–6.5" |
| X-LARGE | 7.75"–8" | 7"–7.25" | N/A |
If you fall between sizes, sizing up gives a bit more room. That's especially true for players who wear wristbands underneath.
Padding and Protection
Some gloves feature extra padding on the palm or back of the hand for added vibration dampening — a worthwhile feature for power hitters or players who play in cold weather when sting is more pronounced. Youth players and those returning from hand injuries should also prioritise padded options.
Style and Wrist Closure
Most batting gloves feature a velcro wrist strap for a secure, adjustable fit. Some higher-end gloves include neoprene or elastic wrist closures for a more locked-in feel — particularly useful for players prone to wrist soreness from repeated swinging.
Softball vs. Baseball — Any Difference?
In a word, no. That's because batting gloves themselves are largely interchangeable between baseball and softball. Fastpitch softball hitters may prefer a slightly thinner, more flexible glove to maximise feel on the grip, while slowpitch players often opt for more padding given the heavier ball contact.
Ready to find your perfect pair? Shop all batting gloves at Baseball Outlet and filter by size, brand and style to find what's right for you this season.
