EN ISO 21420:2020 sizing chart
Every glove AB Leather manufactures is labelled to EN ISO 21420:2020 (the current standard, which superseded EN 420 in 2020), which defines size as a single digit from 6 to 11. The digit maps to the wearer's hand circumference at the palm, measured in centimetres.
| EN ISO 21420 size | Letter size | Palm circumference | Palm circumference (inches) | Hand length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | XS | 15 cm | 5.9" | 16 cm |
| 7 | S | 17 cm | 6.7" | 17 cm |
| 8 | M | 20 cm | 7.9" | 18 cm |
| 9 | L | 23 cm | 9.1" | 19 cm |
| 10 | XL | 25 cm | 9.8" | 20 cm |
| 11 | XXL | 28 cm | 11.0" | 21 cm |
Measuring procedure (3 minutes, one tape measure)
- Measure hand circumference. Using a soft tape, measure around the palm at its widest point (knuckles, excluding thumb). Keep the hand relaxed and flat. Record in centimetres.
- Measure hand length. Measure from the base of the palm (wrist crease) to the tip of the middle finger. Record in centimetres.
- Match to EN ISO 21420:2020 size. Use the chart below: size 6 = 15 cm circumference, size 7 = 17 cm, size 8 = 19–20 cm, size 9 = 22–23 cm, size 10 = 24–25 cm, size 11 = 27–28 cm.
- Confirm length range. Each EN ISO 21420:2020 size has an expected length: size 7 ≈ 17.1 cm, size 8 ≈ 18.2 cm, size 9 ≈ 19.2 cm, size 10 ≈ 20.2 cm. If length falls outside, size up rather than down.
- Allow for liner thickness. For insulated or cut-liner gloves, add 2–3 mm to the palm measurement before matching the chart. AB Leather spec sheets state whether a liner add is already included in the size.
Fit tolerance and receiving inspection
EN ISO 21420:2020 allows ±5 mm on the stated palm circumference and ±10 mm on length at the production-lot level. AB Leather pulls a 2-of-100 random sample at the QC station for each stitched lot and logs the measurements to the lot card. Any lot averaging more than ±3 mm from nominal is pulled for rework before shipment.
Recommended size mix for a bulk order
| Region | Size 7 | Size 8 | Size 9 | Size 10 | Size 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America / UK / Northern Europe | 5% | 15% | 35% | 30% | 15% |
| Southern Europe / Middle East | 5% | 20% | 40% | 25% | 10% |
| South & Southeast Asia | 10% | 30% | 40% | 15% | 5% |
| Latin America | 10% | 25% | 40% | 20% | 5% |
Common sizing mistakes and how to avoid them
- Measuring over a work shirt sleeve. Always measure a bare palm; the cuff adds circumference artificially.
- Ignoring hand length. A worker with a wide palm and short fingers will fit better in a smaller gauntlet-style glove; check both numbers.
- Forgetting the liner. Cut-resistant liners add 2–3 mm. Add the liner allowance before matching the chart.
- Assuming US M = EN 8. US glove sizing is manufacturer-specific; always demand the EN ISO 21420:2020 size digit on spec sheets.