What is EN 420 glove sizing?

EN 420:2003+A1:2009 is the European standard that defines glove sizing from 6 (XS) through 11 (XXL). Size is driven by palm circumference in centimetres: 6 = 15 cm, 7 = 17 cm, 8 = 20 cm, 9 = 23 cm, 10 = 25 cm, 11 = 28 cm. Length is the secondary check — if the length range doesn't match, size up.

What size mix should I order for a 500-pair MOQ?

For a global industrial mix, AB Leather recommends roughly 5% size 7, 20% size 8, 40% size 9, 25% size 10, and 10% size 11. Adjust upward by one size for Northern European, North American, and Middle Eastern markets; adjust downward by one size for Southeast Asian and Latin American workforces.

Do cut-resistant liners change the size?

Yes. A Level D or Level E cut liner adds 2–3 mm of thickness across the palm. AB Leather spec sheets always state whether the listed size already accounts for the liner. If unsure, order one size up for the liner variant and test fit against the non-liner baseline.

Work Glove Sizing Chart: Measure Once, Order Right (XS–XXL)

EN 420 sizing chart

Every glove AB Leather manufactures is labelled to EN 420:2003+A1:2009, 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 420 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

~85%
of global industrial workforce hands fall between size 8 and size 10. A 500-pair MOQ at AB Leather is typically split 20/40/25/10 across sizes 8–11.

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 420 size. Use the chart below: size 6 = 15 cm circumference, size 7 = 17 cm, size 8 = 20 cm, size 9 = 23 cm, size 10 = 25 cm, size 11 = 28 cm.
Confirm length range. Each EN 420 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 420 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 420 digit on spec sheets.