Guide to Sizing Structural Firefighter Gloves

When it comes to battling fires, nothing is more critical for firefighters' safety than their protective equipment — and gloves are one of the most essential pieces of defensive gear. As firefighters enter areas with fires, they encounter intense heat and rough surfaces. Firefighting gloves should protect from flames and sharp edges while allowing dexterity and flexibility.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets requirements, including size standards, for firefighter glove manufacturers. These standards ensure gloves can withstand the harsh conditions of firefighting jobs. By following the guidelines, firefighters can measure for the best-fitting gloves.

Here's an overview of glove standards and how to measure your hands for firefighter gloves.

Updates to the NFPA Standard for Firefighter Gloves

In 2018, the NFPA updated the standards for fire glove manufacturing. The changes established better protection for firefighters' gloves and changed sizing standards for glove fits. These are some of the major changes to NFPA 1971:

More protection for the back of the hand: Many injuries can occur to the back of the hand, including burns. The 2018 update increased the minimum amount of thermal protection in gloves, giving more protection to hands.
Addition of a water barrier: The update mandated that gloves be water-resistant and resistant to pathogens and viruses for up to an hour.
Updated sizing guidelines: In a significant change, the NFPA changed the sizing scale for structural firefighter glove sizes to one more similar to the military scale. The glove sizes are now based on finger length and hand width instead of hand circumference. While sizing used to follow a standard small to extra-large scale, the update offers a range of numeric sizes from 64 to 82. The numbers correspond to the millimeter length of the index finger. Each size is now available in normal, wide or extra-wide, which correlates with hand width.

These updates caused manufacturers to alter their glove designs. Because of the amended dimensions, the guidelines also updated the process of measuring hands for gloves.

How to Measure Your Hands for Structural Firefighter Gloves

Importance of Properly Sized Structural Firefighter Gloves

Firefighters work in hazardous environments that necessitate proper gear to ensure safety. Structural gloves are a critical piece of firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE), but their efficiency and reliability depend on getting the right fit.

Key advantages of getting the right fit include:

Maximum protection: Firefighting gloves provide first responders with a protective barrier against heat, flames, chemicals and other hazards present during fires. If the gloves are too small for the wearer, they won't secure the whole hand, exposing some parts to the dangers of fire environments. Too-large gloves can be loose and limit your ability to work. A proper fit eliminates these concerns, ensuring maximum protection.
Enhanced dexterity: Firefighting gear and equipment should support the speed, precision and efficiency required from firefighters. Ill-fitting gloves restrict the wearer's movement and use of tools, impacting their contribution during a fire event. Gloves that fit well improve grip and dexterity, helping the wearer move and handle objects with ease.
Reduced hand fatigue: Gloves that fit poorly are uncomfortable and may cause hand fatigue and blisters. Fatigue, discomfort and injuries impair a firefighter's ability to perform their duties effectively. Properly sized gloves are comfortable and reduce hand fatigue.
Improved life span: Gloves that fit well are less prone to damage, allowing the equipment to last its maximum service life.

How to Measure Your Hands for Structural Firefighter Gloves

The NFPA designated more specific fits for firefighters with the new sizing guidelines. By taking specific measurements of hand width and finger length, firefighters can choose gloves that fit snugly on their hands. The previous range of small to extra-large sizes was broader and didn't provide specific wear for workers. With the new sizing guide for firefighter gloves, you can find gloves and enjoy a personalized fit.

These are the measurements the NFPA recommends you take to determine which new size suits you best:

Measure your index finger from the tip to the base. Record it to the nearest millimeter.
Record the breadth of your hand by measuring the length of your knuckles.
Use the NFPA firefighter glove sizing chart to find the best fit. Line up your two figures with the corresponding spot.

Once you find the closest size, try the gloves on before making a final choice. Even the most accurate measurements can't reveal how the pair will feel when they're on your hands. If you test the glove size from the chart and find it's too loose or tight, try one of the nearby measurements.

Look for these elements when trying on gloves:

Dexterity: This describes your ability to grab something easily with your hands or fingers. For firefighters, it could mean clutching a rope, pole or ax. Make sure your gloves allow you to pick things up comfortably without excess folds in the material. Also, test for fingertip dexterity — try changing a radio station or unlocking your mobile phone with the gloves on.
Grip: The other important element is grip. Some gloves have lined interiors that reduce the ability to grasp firmly. If your hand can slide around in the glove, your grip probably isn't as capable. Test your grip by grabbing onto nearby surfaces or objects and seeing how the gloves accommodate the movement.

Avoiding Common Sizing Errors

Here are common errors people make and how to avoid them to reduce the risk of choosing ill-fitting gloves:

Selecting tight or loose gloves: While you might prefer everyday gloves to be loose or tight, opting for ill-fitting gloves is not ideal for firefighting duties. It's best to prioritize accurate measurements. This involves measuring your hands and fingers according to the NFPA recommendations.
Not measuring both hands: It's common to neglect measuring both hands under the assumption that you'll get the measurement right the first time. While sizing charts accommodate slight differences without putting your hands in different size categories, it is still easy to make a mistake if you only measure one hand. By measuring the breadth of both palms and the length of both index fingers, you'll have a more accurate picture of your glove size.
Overlooking glove material: When selecting gloves, consider material stretch and flexibility, as they can impact sizing. Follow NFPA standards when selecting gloves for firefighting to ensure they meet quality, stretching and flexibility requirements, which are just as important as getting the sizing right. If you're unsure about glove material or sizing requirements, you may consult a firefighting equipment specialist for expert advice.

Measuring for Structural Firefighting Gloves by INNOTEX®

INNOTEX gloves offer strong protection for firefighters. Designed according to the 2018 NFPA standards, INNOTEX gloves allow dexterity and flexibility while on the job. A thick elastic band for the wrist prevents debris from reaching your hands and ensures the gloves stay in place during action. The intentional stitching enhances dexterity, giving firefighters easy movement and grip.

Because INNOTEX glove sizing follows 2018 NFPA sizing guidelines, you can follow the NFPA sizing guidelines for all INNOTEX gloves. INNOTEX also created a sizing worksheet — which you can download here — that guides you through the process. It depicts a true-to-size hand that you can place your fingers on for measurement. INNOTEX gloves are available in all the NFPA-designated sizes, so you're sure to find the size you need.

Download

Bunker Gear Specialists carries the INNOTEX 885S Structural Firefighting Glove to purchase online. One of INNOTEX's leading glove options, the INNOTEX 885S provides flexibility and durability for your gloves. Here are more of its premier features:

Full coverage with fourchettes: Exclusive to the INNOTEX brand, specially designed fourchettes cover the glove from finger to cuff. These provide extreme protection and easy movement for your fingers.
Kangaroo shell: This lightweight but extremely durable material protects your hands in the field without feeling overly heavy.

Measuring for Structural Firefighting Gloves by HexArmor®

HexArmor gloves are another great option for firefighting gloves. Made according to the 2018 NFPA standards, they afford strong defense against harsh flames while also being flexible. These gloves use high-quality materials to ensure protection against falling debris and other dangers.

To measure your hands for HexArmor gloves, you can use the standard measuring system from the NFPA. HexArmor glove sizing uses the same chart. Simply measure your index finger length and hand width. Then, find the accompanying size on their chart.

At Bunker Gear Specialists, we offer two styles of HexArmor gloves:

HEXARMOR SR-X 8180 Structural Firefighting Gloves: The SR-X gloves feature extended gauntlets, temperature resistance up to 360 degrees Fahrenheit, easy laundering capabilities and premier materials like Kevlar® and Nomex® for durability.
HEXARMOR HI-VIS 4012 Extrication Rescue Gloves: The HI-VIS 4012 gloves feature bright colors, ensuring high visibility in the field. They also have an impact design on the back, cut-resistant fabric, elastic wrist closures and easy washing capabilities.

Shop Firefighting Gloves Online From Bunker Gear Specialists

Bunker Gear Specialists has provided high-quality firefighting equipment for more than 25 years. We are passionate about offering cost-effective, highly protective gear to our customers. Since our beginnings, we've understood the necessity of proper protection and worked hard to deliver. We also offer bunker gear cleaning and testing services and can take care of your current or new gloves.