Football gloves are a necessary tool in the sport. It can help players gain more control of the ball. It also protects their hands and fingers against hard hits. When you purchase a new pair of gloves, they might fit a bit too snug. If you're wondering if they stretch with use, let's go over the details.

It's possible to stretch the gloves out with use. But, if you want to break them in quickly, there are a few ways you can do it. You can start stretching them as soon as they're out of the packaging. Wear them and clasp your hands together tightly. Then, pull on the fingertips. 

After stretching the gloves, they should fit well enough on your hands. If it still feels too tight, you might need to consider getting another pair. It's far easier for a football glove to shrink than stretch. If you want to get an idea of how the process will go, keep reading ahead.

How To Stretch Your Football Gloves

Before you start trying to modify your football glove, make sure it's near the same size as your hand. At worst, make sure it's a size up. This way, you won't waste your time trying to stretch a glove that will break eventually. 

Regarding discomfort, all you should feel is a slight stiffness. It should fit snug but not too tight. One way you can test the glove is by making a fist. If you can't close your hand, the glove is too tight. 

Therefore, they're too small for practical use. Using gloves that are a size too small can restrict blood flow. In the worst case, the gloves will cause tissue damage. 

Any attempt to stretch them can break them or leave your hands feeling numb. If this describes your situation, you should consider returning the gloves. Otherwise, it should fit snug and take a little effort to make a fist. 

Let's go over some ways to stretch them out.

Clasping Your Hands Together

The first step you can do is move around with the gloves. More specifically, put them on and clasp your hands with them. Clasp them as hard as you can for a few minutes. 

If you'd like, make any motions similar to catching a ball. This way, you can stretch the glove overall. It should make a noticeable difference in the palm area. 

Stretch the Fingertips

After clasping your hands with the gloves, you can take one off. Take the glove on the other hand and pull the strap down. Stretch it as much as you can. 

Then, secure the strap. You want to keep the glove secure on your hand for the next step. Once it's secure, pull on the fingertips. Pull your fingers down as you're doing it to get a good stretch on the fabric.

Of course, you don't want to pull too hard that you tear the glove. Use enough force to the point where it's noticeably making a difference. Afterward, it should feel less stiff than it was before.

Now take it off and repeat the same steps for the other hand. Once you finish the process, it should feel comfortable on your hand.

What Are Alternative Ways To Stretch Football Gloves?

If you follow the two tips above, but the gloves still feel tight, you might be wondering if there are other ways to stretch them. Unfortunately, there isn't much else you can do apart from manually stretching them to fit. 

Other methods can potentially damage the gloves. One way to stretch equipment is usually by applying heat to it. You can't do this to gloves. 

Hot water can cause irreversible damage to them. At this point, you might be thinking about the microwave. In that case, it's still not advisable. 

Football gloves use leather or synthetic material. It depends on the type of player you are. Gloves for a wide receiver will usually use synthetic material. 

Players that need more protection for their hands, like linebackers, will usually have leather gloves. In any case, putting the gloves in the microwave will damage them. They can either burn or harden.  

Are Football Gloves Supposed To Be Tight?

When looking at football gloves, the fit is the most crucial aspect. When you get it out of the packaging, it will not be the most comfortable pair of gloves. However, how can you tell if that's how a football glove should feel? 

As mentioned earlier, there's a simple test you can do. All you need to do is put the gloves on. Then, try to make a fist with them. If you can't, then the gloves are too tight. More importantly, it means they're too small for your hands. 

While they might be tight out of the packaging, that discomfort shouldn't stay there for too long. You'll know the gloves are the wrong size if your hands start to feel numb after usage. They should be comfortably tight. 

So, not tight enough to lose blood circulation. Though, it shouldn't be too loose either. 

How Do You Know What Size Football Gloves To Buy?

When you're in the market for a new pair of gloves, it's important to get the right size. However, how do you know what size football gloves to buy? One of the simple answers would be to go in-person to a sports shop and try them on.

But, sometimes that option isn't available to us. Therefore, it's always a good idea to take your hand measurements. There are two ways you can measure your hands. 

Use both measurements to find the right size glove. For the first method, get a tape measure and measure the palm of your dominant hand. You should take note of the length between the bottom of your palm to the tip of your middle finger. 

Of course, write the measurement down for future reference. The other method is to measure the circumference of your hand. So, take the tape measure and wrap it around your palm. 

Measure below the knuckles of your dominant hand. Once you have the two, check the brand's size chart. Now, it should be easier to find a glove that fits well! 

How Do You Break in New Football Gloves?

Even after stretching your new football gloves, there's still a period when they will feel uncomfortable. It's a natural thing. Still, you'll want to break them in before you start using them for actual games. 

The best way to do that would be by taking them to practice. Perform the same actions and movements that you would in an actual game. This way, you can become familiar with the feel of the gloves. 

Aside from that, you'll become more comfortable in them after every single match you play. It isn't much you can do from here. As long as you feel confident using the gloves, you'll get used to them in no time.

Does Water Ruin Football Gloves?

Water shouldn't be able to do much damage against football gloves. After all, there are times when you have to play in the snow or rain. Once it dries, the gloves shouldn't look worse for wear. Most football gloves nowadays will be water-resistant. 

If your concern is more focused on washing, use cold water instead of hot. Hot water can potentially ruin your gloves. So, if you plan to throw them in a washing machine, make sure to use cold water and a gentle cycle. 

In addition, make sure to use a detergent that's safe for the gloves. If you need some tips for washing them, let's go over some.

How To Wash Football Gloves?

It isn't too complicated to wash a pair of football gloves. However, they're usually thin. So, if you make one mistake, you'll need some new ones.

Though, these mistakes usually occur in the washing machine. A way to avoid ruining the gloves is to put them in a pillowcase. This tip applies to top load washing machines. They have more potential to ruin your gloves. 

Front-loading washers are more delicate because of the way they tumble. You might not need a pillowcase for a front-loading washer. Still, if you want to avoid damaging them, it's best to use one. 

Before you place them in a pillowcase, turn the gloves inside out. This way, you can remove the smell that usually develops after not washing them. As mentioned above, wash them with cold water on a delicate cycle. 

Lastly, air dry the gloves. Do not put the gloves in the dryer.

Here's a YouTube video with tips for washing football gloves and what can happen if you don't use a pillowcase:

In Closing

When a glove feels too tight, you might feel like you got the wrong size. But, that's not the case. You can stretch the gloves for a few minutes. Afterward, they should feel relatively comfortable. It should mold to your hand as you keep using them. We hope you found the information above helpful!

Before you go, do you have other football concerns? Are you wondering if they can improve your catching skills? To learn more, check out:

Do Football Gloves Make You Catch Better?

Is longevity also a concern? If you want to find out how long football gloves last, check out our post:

How Long Do Football Gloves Last?