Golf Glove Sizing: Cadet vs Regular (Complete Fitting Guide)

One of the most misunderstood aspects of golf equipment is golf glove sizing. Many golfers wear gloves that don’t fit like a second skin—and most have never even heard of Cadet sizes. A poor fit can affect grip, comfort, and ultimately your performance on the course.

In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between Cadet and Regular golf gloves, how to measure your hand, and how to choose the perfect fit for maximum comfort and control.

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What Does Cadet vs Regular Mean in Golf Gloves?

The terms “Cadet” and “Regular” don’t refer to overall hand size, but to hand proportions:
  • Regular Size: Best for hands with proportionally longer fingers and narrower palms.
  • Cadet Size: Best for hands with a proportionally wider palm at the same finger length.
Understanding this distinction is critical. The wrong glove can cause bunching, slipping, or unnecessary grip pressure, while the right one feels like a natural extension of your hand.

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Key Differences Between Cadet and Regular Golf Gloves

Regular Golf Glove

  • Designed for longer fingers relative to palm width
  • Standard finger-to-palm proportions
  • Most common sizing available

Cadet Golf Glove

  • Designed for a proportionally wider palm at the same finger length
  • Regular and Cadet share the same 5 sizes (Small through X-Large) and the same finger length per size
  • The difference is how palm width is fitted — Cadet is measured and cut for a proportionally wider palm at the same finger length
  • Often overlooked but critical for certain hand shapes
Key takeaway: Choose based on hand shape, not overall hand size.

The exact charts below are pulled directly from our official size chart page — always the source of truth for sizing.

*Swipe left to see more sizes
1.
Measure from the first wrist fold under your palm to the tip of your middle finger.
17 - 19 cm
6.7 -7.5 in
18.5 - 20 cm
7.3 - 7.9 In
19.5 - 21 cm
7.5 - 8.3 In
20.5 - 21.5 cm
8 - 8.6 In
21 - 23 cm
8.3 - 9.2 In
2.
Measure from the crease between your middle and fore fingers, to the tip of your middle finger.
7 - 8 cm
2.75 - 3.2 In
8 - 9 cm
3.2 - 3.5 In
8.5 - 9.5 cm
3.4 - 3.7 In
9 - 10 cm
3.6 - 4 In
9.5 - 11 cm
3.7 - 4.5 In
Size
Small
Medium
Medium Large
Large
X-Large

MEN’S GLOVE SIZE CHART

To measure LENGTH: measure from the tip of your middle finger to the first crease on your wrist (closest to your palm)


*Swipe left to see more sizes
1.
Measure from the first wrist fold under your palm to the tip of your middle finger.
17 - 19 cm
6.5 -7.5 in
18.5 - 20 cm
7.2 - 7.9 In
19.5 - 21 cm
7.6 - 8.3 In
20.5 - 21.5 cm
8 - 8.6 In
21 - 23 cm
8.2 - 9.3 In
2.
Using a string or similar, wrap it around your hand, making sure to keep it to the widest part of you palm. Usually around the knuckles. Pinch or mark the string where the end of the sting reaches. Then lay the string out flat and strait to measure the length from the end to the marked location the end reached.
21 cm
8.3 In
or greater
23 cm
9.1 In
or greater
24 cm
9.5 In
or greater
25 cm
9.8 In
or greater
25.5 cm
10.2 In
or greater
Size
Small
Medium
Medium Large
Large
X-Large

MEN’S CADET GLOVE SIZE CHART

To measure LENGTH: measure from the tip of your middle finger to the first crease on your wrist (closest to your palm)


*Swipe left to see more sizes
1.
Measure from the first wrist fold under your palm to the tip of your middle finger.
16 - 19 cm
6.2 - 6.7 in
18.5 - 20 cm
6.5 - 7.2 In
20.5 - 21.5 cm
7 - 7.7 In
2.
Measure from the crease between your middle and fore fingers, to the tip of your middle finger.
6.5 - 8 cm
2.5 - 3.2 in
7.5 - 8.5 cm
3 - 3.4 in
8 - 9 cm
3.1 - 3.6 in
Size
Small
Medium
Large

WOMEN’S GLOVE SIZE CHART

To measure LENGTH: measure from the tip of your middle finger to the first crease on your wrist (closest to your palm)


1.
Measure from the first wrist fold under your palm to the tip of your middle finger.
14.5 cm
5.75 In
15.25 cm
6 In
16 cm
6.25 In
16.5 cm
6.50 In
Size
X-Small
Small
Medium
Large

KIDS’ GLOVE SIZE CHART

To measure LENGTH: measure from the tip of your middle finger to the first crease on your wrist (closest to your palm)

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1

Step 1: Measure Your Hand

  • Length: Measure from your wrist fold to the tip of your middle finger.
  • Palm width: Regular and Cadet each use their own measurement method — see the instructions on the chart below for each.
  • Compare your measurements to the Regular and Cadet charts below.
2

Step 2: Identify Fit Issues

  • Look for signs like bunching, tightness, or sliding.
3

Step 3: Test Both Options

  • Try on the same size in Regular and Cadet.
  • Make a fist, hold a club, and take a few swings.
  • Choose the glove that feels most natural and secure.

Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming Cadet means “small” — it’s about proportions, not hand size
  • Buying online without testing both styles
  • Ignoring brand variations (FootJoy, Titleist, Callaway all fit slightly differently)
  • Choosing based on looks instead of performance
  • Settling for “close enough” when proper fit makes a big difference

Performance Benefits of Proper Golf Glove Sizing

  • Better grip consistency – no slipping or over-gripping
  • Improved comfort – feels like a second skin
  • Reduced fatigue – less hand tension throughout the round
  • Fewer blisters & calluses – prevents friction points
  • Longer glove life – even wear patterns extend durability
  • More confident swings – reliable fit equals reliable performance

The Bottom Line: Cadet vs Regular Golf Gloves

A properly fitted golf glove is an extension of your hand. The choice between Cadet and Regular isn’t about hand size—it’s about proportions.

Most golfers have never tried both options, which means they’ve never experienced the difference a true fit can make. Don’t settle for “close enough.” Take the time to test both styles and choose the one that matches your hand shape.

Your grip, confidence, and scores will all improve when your glove fits exactly as it should.