Zone3 Swim Gloves Size Guide

The Zone3 Open Water Swimming Gloves are designed to keep hands insulated during cold water swimming, making off-season and chilly swims more manageable. Made from high-stretch 2mm neoprene for a tight but comfortable fit, they feature a longer length with a Velcro strap to tuck securely over or under a wetsuit sleeve, preventing exposed skin and stopping the gloves from ballooning with water or slipping off. A gripped palm adds stability while maintaining maximum feel in the water.

Sizing is based on wrist-to-fingertip length and palm width. Both measurements are body measurements taken directly against the skin.

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Body Measurement Points
Zone3 swim gloves measurement guide showing wrist to fingertip and palm width measurement points
How to Measure

Use a soft tape measure and take both measurements on your dominant hand directly against the skin. Use wrist-to-fingertip as the primary guide.

  • A
    Wrist to Finger Tip Measure vertically from the base of your palm (where your wrist creases) to the very tip of your longest finger. This is the primary sizing measurement.
  • B
    Palm Width Measure horizontally across the widest part of your palm, just below the knuckles, excluding the thumb. Use this as a secondary check alongside wrist-to-fingertip.

If measurements suggest different sizes, use wrist-to-fingertip as the primary guide. If between sizes, size up for a more comfortable fit.

Sizing Table — Zone3 Open Water Swimming Gloves
Size Wrist to Finger Tip (cm) Palm Width (cm) General Fit Profile
XS 15.5–17 5.0–6.5 Very small hands / Juniors
S 17–18.5 6.5–8.0 Most women or men with small hands
M 18.5–20 8.0–9.5 Men with average-sized hands
L 20–21.5 9.5–11.0 Men with large hands
XL 21.5–23 11.0–12.5 Very large hands

All measurements are body measurements. Wrist to fingertip is the primary guide. The general fit profile is a guide only — always use measurements to confirm your size. If between sizes, size up.

Fit Notes — Zone3 Open Water Swimming Gloves
  • Size using wrist-to-fingertip length as the primary measurement, with palm width as a secondary check. Where the two suggest different sizes, wrist-to-fingertip takes priority.
  • The gloves are made from high-stretch 2mm neoprene and are designed to fit tight but comfortable. Some resistance when putting them on is normal — the neoprene will ease slightly with wear and warmth.
  • The longer glove length is intentional and designed to tuck over or under the wetsuit sleeve. This prevents a gap of exposed skin at the wrist and stops cold water flushing in during swimming.
  • The Velcro strap at the cuff keeps the glove securely in position and prevents it from slipping or filling with water during the swim. Fasten firmly before entering the water.
  • If between sizes, size up for a more comfortable fit. A slightly larger glove is easier to put on and more comfortable during longer swims than one that is too tight.
  • Rinse in fresh water after every use and allow to dry naturally away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not tumble dry or store compressed when wet.
  • Unsure? Contact our team or call +44 1827 330600.
Frequently Asked Questions — Zone3 Open Water Swimming Gloves

Measure from the base of your palm to the tip of your longest finger, and across the widest part of your palm below the knuckles excluding the thumb. Match both measurements to the size table above using wrist-to-fingertip as the primary guide. If between sizes, size up.

Zone3 designed the gloves with an extended length after finding that standard-length swimming gloves tend to balloon with water and slip off during swimming. The longer length allows the glove to be tucked over or under the wetsuit sleeve, eliminating the gap of exposed skin at the wrist and preventing cold water from flushing into the glove during the swim.

Both work — tucking the glove over the wetsuit sleeve (glove on top) is generally easier to put on and creates a good seal. Tucking under (wetsuit on top) can provide a slightly better water seal but is harder to achieve with a tight wetsuit. Use whichever feels more comfortable and provides a secure seal at the wrist for you.

The Zone3 Swimming Gloves are made from 2mm neoprene, which provides moderate thermal insulation. They are part of Zone3’s year-round training accessory range and are well suited to cold and off-season swims. In very cold water (below 10°C), a thicker neoprene glove may provide more insulation.

Zone3 have designed the gloves with a natural web-free finger design and a gripped palm to maintain maximum feel in the water while adding stability. Unlike webbed swim gloves, the Zone3 design does not artificially increase hand surface area, so the impact on technique is minimal compared to some other open water gloves.

Rinse thoroughly inside and out in fresh water after every use to remove salt, chlorine, and debris. Allow to dry naturally away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not tumble dry, iron, or store compressed when wet. Check the Velcro strap periodically and keep it clear of debris to maintain its grip.