Ice Hockey Gear Guide
Youth Hockey Gloves & Pants: Sizing and Buying Guide (2026)
Two pieces that cause most of the coverage gaps in a youth kit.
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Gloves: Size by Age, Confirm by Fit
Glove size is the length in inches from the fingertips to the end of the cuff. Use this as a starting point; brand charts vary, so check the chart for the model you're buying.
| Glove Size | Common Age Range |
|---|---|
| 8" | Ages 3–5 |
| 9" | Ages 5–7 |
| 10" | Ages 7–9 |
| 11" | Ages 9–11 |
| 12" | Ages 11–13 |
If your child is between sizes, try both on with elbow pads and pick the one that passes the fit check below. Don't size up to grow into. See the full gloves guide.
Glove Fit Check
- Fingertips should have a little room, not jammed against the end.
- The cuff should overlap the elbow pad with no gap at full extension.
- The player should be able to grip the stick comfortably.
Pants
We didn't find reliable waist-size figures in our research, so use each brand's chart (measure waist, and check length against the shin guard). Fit rules:
- Pants sit on the hips and overlap the top of the shin guards by a few inches when standing.
- No gap between pants and shin guards when she or he is crouched in a skating stance.
- Check overlap again after growth spurts. See the pads guide for layering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I size up gloves for growth?
No. Too-large gloves hurt grip and stick control. Buy the size that fits now.
Can I buy used gloves and pants?
Yes if the padding isn't compressed and the shells aren't cracked. See used gear guide.