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If you play squash or racquetball regularly, you already know how a sweaty hand or a slip at the wrong moment can end a perfect rally. A quality glove is more than a comfort accessory — it’s a small investment that can protect your grip, prevent blisters, and even sharpen your control on the racket. Think of the glove as the handshake between you and your racket: make it confident, and the rest of the match follows.
Gloves that fit poorly are the quickest route to irritation. A glove should feel snug across the palm and base of the fingers without restricting movement. Most brands size gloves by small, medium, and large rather than exact measurements, but if you measure, aim for a snug fit with roughly a 0.5 to 1 inch allowance across the palm for movement. Always test the glove with a mock swing — tight is okay, numb is not.
Grip is the heart of any racquet sport glove. Look for materials that combine tacky synthetic leather or silicone patches with a breathable base fabric. These materials offer a secure hold in humid courts and help keep the racket from rotating in your hand. Some gloves feature reinforced areas on the thumb and forefinger where you hold the racket, which adds confidence on powerful serves and volleys.
While squash gloves are generally low-profile, the right amount of padding in key areas can absorb vibration and reduce hotspots that cause blisters. If you’re a hard hitter or switch hands frequently, consider gloves with thin foam inserts around the palm area. The aim is protection without bulk — you don’t want to feel like you’re holding a mallet.
Court sports make your hands sweat, and trapped moisture is the enemy of a consistent grip. Seek gloves with mesh panels, moisture-wicking linings, or perforated palms that allow airflow. Some gloves also use quick-dry fabrics that help the glove stay usable between games, cutting down on the need to carry multiple pairs.
Brand choice often boils down to feel and preference, but several manufacturers consistently earn praise for durability and fit. Dunlop and Karakal are favorites among squash players for their ergonomic designs and lightweight materials. Head and Tecnifibre also produce versatile gloves that cater to both squash and racquetball players. If you like a tackier grip, look at Prince and Grip Boost-style products that enhance hold on older or slick rackets. Try a couple of brands as you would try shoes — the best one is the one you forget you’re wearing.
Decathlon is a popular choice for casual and new players thanks to an extensive in-store try-on experience and budget-friendly prices. They usually stock entry-level gloves from in-house brands that strike a good balance between comfort and cost. If you’re experimenting with glove use or buying for a junior player, Decathlon is a practical first stop.
Sports Direct (part of Frasers Group) carries a wide variety of sports gloves and often has seasonal sales that make premium options more accessible. You can usually find brand-name gloves from established makers alongside more affordable alternatives. Keep an eye on the fit charts and return options if you’re shopping online.
These specialist racket stores are excellent when you want quality and selection. Pro:Direct Tennis and Tennis-Point UK focus on racket sports and often stock higher-end glove models and niche options. Staff or online filters can help you match a glove to your playing style and racket type, which is handy if you value precision equipment choices.
Amazon offers the convenience of fast delivery and a wide brand selection, from budget to premium. The advantage is the wealth of user reviews that can help narrow choices based on real-world experience. If you buy on Amazon, look for sellers with clear sizing guides and generous return windows, and check whether you’re getting the exact model pictured.
Local racket clubs and small specialist retailers often provide hands-on advice and the chance to try gloves with a demo racket. These shops may carry boutique brands or limited runs not easily found in big chains. If you prefer personalised service and a community feel, a local specialist can be a goldmine for fitting and long-term care tips.
Not everyone needs a premium glove. For beginners or social players, a well-made budget glove provides enough grip and protection while you learn technique. Expect budget gloves to weigh a few ounces and to last a season or two depending on frequency of play. Premium gloves often use advanced materials, lightweight reinforcement, and superior breathability — they’re like upgrading from a commuter bike to a carbon racing frame: the difference is notable if you care about every ounce of performance.
Glove care keeps performance consistent and extends lifespan. After play, air the glove flat in a shaded area; avoid direct sunlight or heaters that can stiffen materials. If the glove gets very dirty, hand wash gently with a mild soap and lukewarm water, then let it dry naturally on a towel. Rotate between two pairs if you play frequently, and replace gloves when grip patches are worn or seams start to fray — a tired glove undermines your best shots.
Are you a control player who favors finesse and placement, or do you play with raw power and speed? Players who rely on touch and precision benefit from thin, low-profile gloves that maximize feel. Power players may prefer slightly reinforced palms that control racket torque and dampen vibration. If you switch hands or use two-handed strokes, look for ambidextrous designs or separate left- and right-hand models that allow the non-dominant hand to remain protected without sacrificing mobility.
Avoid these common pitfalls: buying too large for a perceived comfort margin, neglecting to check palm tackiness, and ignoring breathability. Too-big gloves bunch and increase movement; too little grip causes slippage. Also, don’t assume all racket sports gloves are identical — racquetball players sometimes need different protection due to ball speed and deadness of the ball. Read reviews, try before you buy where possible, and resist buying solely on brand name.
While squash and racquetball gloves share many features, subtle differences matter. Racquetball gloves can be slightly thicker for shock absorption because the ball can feel different off the strings, and the rapid wrist motions may require extra thumb reinforcement. Squash gloves usually emphasize breathability and a lower profile because matches can be longer and demand more touch. If you play both sports, consider keeping a dedicated glove for each to get the specific benefits.
If you can try a glove in-store, simulate your typical grip and a few swings. Extend your fingers, make a fist, and mimic a serve motion to ensure no tight spots. Many online sellers offer generous returns — take advantage of that trial period. When you receive the glove, try it on with your racket and play a short session; real play exposes fit and grip issues that a static test won’t reveal.
Expect entry-level gloves to start around a modest price point for casual use, while mid-range gloves that include better materials and small reinforcements fall in the mid-price bracket. Premium gloves with specialty materials and brand pedigree will cost more but can pay dividends in durability and feel for committed players. Remember, the most expensive glove isn’t always the best for your hand — comfort and fit trump price.
If you’re new to glove use, start with a versatile, breathable model from a reputable retailer like Decathlon or a specialist racket shop, and see how it changes your game. If you’re a regular club player, invest in a mid-range or premium glove from brands like Dunlop, Karakal, or Head — the improved feel is often worth the price. Keep two gloves in rotation if you play several times a week and replace them as soon as grip or stitching shows wear. By treating your glove like part of your kit rather than an afterthought, you’ll notice small gains that add up to better control and fewer interruptions to your play.
Whether you buy in-store or online, prioritise fit, grip, and breathability. Try different models, read recent user reviews, and don’t be afraid to swap brands if your first choice doesn’t feel right. A great glove should disappear into your hand and let your game shine — that’s the real goal.
Ready to try a new glove? Start with a clear idea of how you play, check a few specialist UK retailers, and pick a glove that feels like an extension of your hand. Your rallies will thank you.
