What is a Cadet Golf Glove? (Size & Facts You Need to Know!)

A cadet golf glove fits wider and is shorter than a standard golf glove. Unlike the regular glove, which typically fits most player’s hand dimensions and shapes, the cadet golf glove is aimed to fit golfers with unusual hand size dimensions.

It’s estimated that 20% of all golf players use or are required to wear cadet golf gloves but haven’t heard of the term yet.

Yes, it’s plausible since glove details typically are taken lightly, and the variation between it and regular size gloves isn’t that noticeable.

Regardless, what this implies is that you or your friends might be using one without noticing.

Cadet golf gloves typically have wider palm and back of the hand portions. Also, you’ll notice that the finger sleeves and overall length are shorter. Lastly, similar to a regular size glove, it also comes in different sizes for varying individuals.

What Cadet Golf Glove Size Do I Need?

Like regular fits, you can also choose from different cadet golf glove sizes. While simple terms like small, medium, and large sound enough, there are more factors to consider.

If you’re interested in more facts about this particular golf garment, please read the rest of the article.

When choosing an ideal fit, the glove shouldn’t be loose on the wrist. Also, make sure to see if there are extra rooms at the fingertips as it means the finger portions are longer than yours.

Next, observe if the glove quickly wears after swinging as it can affect your stability and control when playing.

Additionally, the following are some other things to consider when choosing cadet glove fit:

1. Dexterity. If you’re one of most players who only wear one glove, then there’s a high chance you use it on your non-dominant hand all the time.
   If that’s the case, you should acquire a left glove if you’re right-handed.
2. Size. Gloves, including cadet variants, come in different sizes, from small to XXL. As mentioned above, an ideal fit would mean no extra rooms at the fingertips. Cadet size, in particular, suits players with short fingers yet broader palms.
3. Material. The glove’s materials should also be considered. If you plan to keep it for a long time, it’s important to note that synthetic gloves are more durable and don’t shrink over time. Moreover, leather gloves, while thinner, typically wear faster.
4. Weather conditions. Whether you’re playing in a wet or cold environment, there are specific fits for both. In wet situations, look for waterproof gloves so your hand will stay dry. Also, since these fits are custom-made, they offer more grip even for slippery club handles. Cold weather, on the other hand, requires gloves that have adequate insulation.
5. Body condition. If you play under the hot, afternoon sun, chances are, your hands will get sweaty. If that’s the case, use gloves with a mesh interior, as this material tends to absorb sweat better.

What is the Difference Between Cadet and Regular Golf Gloves?

If you’re out to purchase a golf glove after finding out what is a cadet golf glove, it’s best to identify what’s the best fit for your hands.

Since there are mainly two types: cadet and regular, selecting the most suitable for your hands can make a difference. Regardless, you should know that cadet gloves are not only made specifically for kids.

One of the most apparent differences between these two garment types is that cadet sizes incorporate wider palm dimensions.

Because these are meant for players with fingers and hands that aren’t proportional, the glove dimensions should also be different.

Though, sometimes, one might confuse a cadet style to a large variety of regular size; in that case, other things to observe are the fingers.

Compared to a regular glove, the fingers on a cadet glove typically are 1 inch shorter. Why? You might ask. Well, since the palm and hand sizes are wider, fingers also tend to be shorter.

If you want to pick up a new one, make sure to grab the cadet type if it’s snugger in your hands since even a little extra room can produce discomfort and blisters.

If you don’t know, cadet sizes also have the same size options as regular ones. In detail, there are small, medium, large, extra-large, and double extra-large (XXL) variations of these precise fit.

No matter what you choose from these, the palms will always be broader and the fingers are shorter.

When you’re a woman looking for a cadet fit, you’re better off choosing from the men’s small to medium styles as this generally fits smaller hands more.

Lastly, the difference between the two shouldn’t be taken for granted since imperfect fit affects your grip and, consequently, your game.

Nevertheless, if you want to remember the difference between regular and cadet sizes the next time you purchase one, don’t forget that the latter has 1 inch shorter fingers and wider palms.

Should A Golf Glove Fit Tight?

An ideal fit would be like a second skin. It means that it perfectly matches the dimensions of your hand, fingers, and palm. Why? Let’s answer that.

A perfect fit is essential both for playing performance and comfort.

When playing, a well-suited glove will let a player swing the club nicely.

A loose glove not only distracts your concentration but also, your attention will focus more on your aim rather than worrying for it to fall off.

When you’re out on the field, a glove that’s not your size typically wears and slips off easily.

Wouldn’t you want something that will hold on to your hands throughout the entirety of your game?

Probably, you’ll answer yes. If that’s the case, then it’s no question if a glove should fit tight or not. However, if you want to learn more, let’s move on.

Regarding different weather conditions, a tightly sealed glove is also more than appreciated.

For instance, if you play mostly in a wet climate, regardless of waterproofing, water can still penetrate to the opening near the wrist, defeating the purpose.

Similarly, insulated gloves won’t work well during cold times either when it’s not a perfect fit for your hands.

In regards to comfort, having tight-fitting gloves makes a huge difference. First, it’s well known that wearing one that’s not your size can produce blisters.

Since there’s more room inside, the cloth or material will rub against your skin creating irritations and markings.

Additionally, space between fingertips and the glove’s finger is uncomfortable when playing, for it will be felt when gripping the club.

Finally, if you’re a sweaty person or you know that you’re going to play under broad daylight, then it’s more reason to ensure a tight fit.

When sweat starts dripping on your hands, the glove will slip when it’s not tailored to your hand size.

What Is My Golf Glove Size?

There are several ways to determine your golf glove size. Initially, it would be best if you considered your hand first.

See if you have shorter fingers and a wider palm. If that’s the case, then you need to get a cadet instead of the regular size.

Moving on, this is a quick guide to the glove sizes based on the hand length and circumference.

If you’re unfamiliar, the length starts from your long finger to the first crease on your palm from the wrist. Circumference, on the other hand, is the rotation from the index to the pinky finger.

With that, the following are the men’s glove sizes:

• Small – Length: 6 7/8″ – 7 1/8″, Circumference: 7 3/4″ – 8″
• Medium – Length: 7 1/8″ – 7 3/8″, Circumference: 8″ – 8 1/4″
• Medium Large (M/L) – Length: 7 3/8″ – 7 1/2″, Circumference: 8 1/4″ – 8 3/8
• Large – Length: 7 3/8″ – 7 3/4″, Circumference: 8 3/8″ – 8 3/4″
• Extra Large (XL) – Length: 7 3/4″ – 8″, Circumference: 8 3/4″ – 9 1/4″
• Double Extra Large (2XL or XXL) – Length: 8″ – 8 1/4″, Circumference: 9 1/4″ – 9 1/2″
• Triple Extra Large (3XL or XXXL) – Length: 8 3/8″ – 8 5/8″, Circumference: 9 1/2″ – 9 7/8″

The following measurements are a guide to women’s golf glove sizes:

• Small – Length: 6″ – 6 3/8″, Circumference: 6 1/4″ – 7″
• Medium – Length: 6 3/8″ – 6 5/8″, Circumference: 7″ – 7 5/8″
• Medium Large (M/L) – Length: 6 5/8″ – 6 3/4″, Circumference: 7 5/8″ – 7 3/4″
• Large – Length: 6 3/4″ – 7 1/8″, Circumference: 7 3/4″ – 8″
• Extra Large (XL) – Length: 7 1/8″ – 7 3/8″, Circumference: 8″ – 8 1/4″

Lastly, to find your size, see if a glove is tight on your hands like a second skin and fits snuggly in your fingers.

Cadet Golf Gloves – in Summary

Since you reached this part of the article, you undoubtedly learned about the cadet golf gloves, its purpose, and how it differs from regular ones. If that’s true, then it’s all good.

However, if you want a brief explanation, then here’s a quick recap:

Cadet gloves are designed for players with palms that aren’t proportional to their fingers. In other words, unlike regular ones, fingers are 1 inch shorter, and the palm is relatively wider.

Despite these differences, cadet types also come in the same variety of sizes: small, medium, medium-large, large, extra-large, double extra large, and triple extra-large.

The thing is that most players who wore cadet golf gloves don’t even know about the term. It’s possible there’s not much difference between it and regular fits other than the length of fingers and the circumference of the palm.