How to keep batting gloves from smelling

Taking good care of your batting gloves can prolong their life and keep them from smelling. First, make sure that you remove any excess dirt on them after each practice and game. Air them out after use and don’t leave them inside your baseball bag. Washing baseball gloves once a week is a great way to maintain them and keep them from getting stinky.

How to clean batting gloves

Cleaning batting gloves on a regular basis will keep them in good shape and help them last longer. After practice or a game, remove any loose dirt from the gloves by clapping them together and shaking them out. If you have gloves that are made of synthetic materials, you can toss them in the washing machine with your other baseball or softball clothes. However, gloves with any leather on them need special care. Fill a cup with lukewarm water and two or three drops of detergent or liquid dish soap. Dip a cloth into the solution and gently rub the gloves with it. Turn them inside out and clean the interior with the cloth. Don’t submerge the gloves in water. Soak up any excess moisture with a dry cloth and then let the gloves air dry.

How to keep batting gloves from drying out

To prevent batting gloves with leather on them from drying out, you can use a leather or glove conditioner. Take a small amount of the conditioner and use a dry, lint-free cloth to rub it onto the surface. Then let the glove set for a few minutes before using another cloth to wipe it down completely.

How to size youth batting gloves

To determine a batting glove size for youth baseball or softball players, you should measure the length of their dominant hand. Start at the base of the palm and measure to the tip of the middle finger. Then consult the manufacturer’s sizing chart to find the size that matches your measurement.

Are batting gloves necessary?

Batting gloves are designed to help players’ hitting performance by enhancing their grip and control of the bat. They can also decrease the amount of moisture on their hands. Batting gloves offer protection by reducing the sting felt during hits and lowering the risk of blisters. While you can play softball or baseball without batting gloves, you’ll likely improve your overall comfort and performance if you wear them.

The 10 Best Batting Gloves of 2022

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Putting in time at the batting cages is one way that baseball and softball players can boost their hitting skills, but wearing the right batting gloves can also improve their game. Batting gloves provide a better grip on the bat, so your hands don’t slide and you have more control with each swing. They can also wick away sweat, protect you from blisters, absorb vibration, and keep your hands warm when playing in cold temps.

Whether you’re a seasoned slugger or a rookie at the plate, a good pair of batting gloves can help you feel more confident in your skills. But with a variety of options on the market, it's essential to look at the durability, size, and fit of the glove before finding one for your next big game.

Here are the best batting gloves on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall for Men:

Franklin Sports MLB CFX Pro Baseball Batting Gloves at Amazon

Made from premium, soft leather, they’re built to last for multiple seasons without tearing or bunching.

Best Overall for Women:

Mizuno Finch Fastpitch Softball Batting Gloves at Amazon

Ideal for women and girls looking for comfortable protection and a secure grip.

Best Unisex:

Seibertron B-A-R PRO 2.0 Signature Batting Gloves at Amazon

In a wide range of youth and adult unisex sizes, these gloves are a versatile, affordable choice for quality grip and protection.

Best Budget:

Franklin Sports MLB 2nd-Skinz Batting Gloves at Amazon

Despite the affordable price, they come with a top-grade leather heel patch for enhanced comfort and durability.

Best for Better Grip:

Under Armour Baseball Clean-up Baseball Gloves at Amazon

The durable, soft leather palms deliver excellent grip on the bat, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping off your hands.

Best for Big Hands:

Marucci Pittards Reserve Batting Gloves at Amazon

Available in a wide range of sizes, they can accommodate people with larger or wider hands.

Best for Kids:

Rawlings Youth 5150 Batting Gloves at Amazon

With genuine leather palms, they’re comfortable, durable, and give players excellent control of the bat.

Best Padded:

Palmguard STS Protective Batting Gloves at Dick's

There’s also an extended wrap-around padding on the index finger and thumb, and heel padding to guard against the knob of the bat.

Best Anti-Blister:

Rawlings Adult Workhorse 950 Series Batting Gloves at Amazon

Padding also provides protection from the knob of the bat, helping players avoid painful irritation.

Best for Small Hands:

Easton VRS Power Boost Batting Gloves at Amazon

With a variety of youth and adult sizes, they're great for those with smaller or narrower hands.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
Why Trust Verywell Fit?

Franklin Sports MLB CFX Pro Baseball Batting Gloves

Pros

Flexible leather fabric
Secure fit
Durable
Variety of sizes and colors

Cons

Not very breathable
May run small

The exceptional construction, comfort, and performance of these Franklin Sports MLB CFX Pro batting gloves make it easy to see why they’re the official batting gloves of the MLB. Made from premium quality leather, they’re built to last for multiple seasons without tearing or bunching. The fabric also allows for a custom, responsive fit that conforms to the natural curves of your hand.

The secure wrist closure ensures that they'll stay in place without the need for constant readjustment. They’re available in a wide range of sizes, from youth S-adult XXL, and a variety of colors, so you can choose the perfect fit and shade for you.

Materials: Leather | Sizes: Youth S-adult XXL

Mizuno Finch Fastpitch Softball Batting Gloves

Pros

Female-specific sizing
Breathable
Good padding
Durable

Cons

No solid color options
Better for narrow hands

With female-specific sizing, the Mizuno Finch softball batting gloves are ideal for women and girls looking for a secure grip. Created with input from softball legend Jennie Finch, they're made with no-slip rubberized palms and extra padding for comfortable protection. They’re constructed with the brand's FlexMesh fabric, which allows for maximum flexibility, ease of movement, and breathability.

Additionally, the padding on the palm provides durability and helps to absorb vibration for increased comfort. Available in several cool colors, these gloves also have an adjustable strap for a secure fit.

Materials: Leather, neoprene, synthetic mesh | Sizes: Youth S-women’s XL

Seibertron B-A-R PRO 2.0 Signature Baseball/Softball Batting Gloves

Pros

Unisex sizing
Anti-slip fingertips
Good ventilation
Affordable

Cons

Runs small
Some say padding is too thick

Whether you’re playing baseball or softball, the right pair of batting gloves can improve your grip on the bat so you can swing with ease. With anti-slip silicone fingertips and an adjustable cuff, these gloves from Seibertron help you do just that.

The gel padding on the palm ensures durable protection and shock absorption, helping reduce the sting when you make contact with the ball. Plus, ventilation through the palm and the side of your fingers will keep your hands dry and cool when the game starts heating up. Available in a wide range of youth and adult unisex sizes, these gloves are an affordable choice to help you improve your swing.

Materials: Synthetic leather, silicone | Sizes: Youth XS-adult XXL

Franklin Sports MLB 2nd-Skinz Batting Gloves

Pros

Affordable
Wide range of sizes
Excellent grip
Comfortable

Cons

Hands may get warm
May lack durability

Another quality, reliable pair from Franklin Sports, the 2nd Skinz gloves are reasonably priced, so they’re a great choice for young players who quickly grow out of their gloves from season to season. They feature a digitally-etched, synthetic palm for exceptional grip and control during every at-bat.

Despite the affordable price, they come with a top-grade leather heel patch for enhanced comfort and durability. Additionally, the lycra-flex material on the back allows the glove to conform to the shape of the hand, giving a custom-like feel. With a wide range of both kid and adult sizes, finding the perfect fit should be simple.

Materials: Polyester, lycra, leather | Sizes: Youth XXS-adult XL

Under Armour Baseball Clean-up Baseball Gloves

Pros

Exceptional grip
Good for all weather
Genuine leather palms
Excellent ventilation

Cons

Requires a little breaking in
May run big

These Under Armour Clean-up baseball batting gloves offer exceptional comfort and protection in all types of weather. UA’s HeatGear fabric keeps your hands cool and dry in the summer while offering warmth during chilly spring or fall ball games. Crafted with soft leather palms, they deliver excellent grip on the bat.

The four-way stretch construction allows for optimal range of motion as you’re swinging, while the elastic wrist closures keep the gloves in place. With perforations on the fingers and hand, the gloves also have good ventilation so your hands won’t get sweaty. Available in more than a dozen different color combinations and men’s sizes S-XXL, these gloves are a solid choice.

Materials: Leather, nylon, polyester, polyurethane, elastane, elastodiene | Sizes: Men’s S-men's XXL

Pros

Genuine leather palms
Durable
Excellent grip
Attractive design

Cons

Expensive
Stitching may loosen over time

These premium gloves from Marucci Pittards are available in sizes up to extra-extra-large, so they can accommodate big hands. The genuine leather palms provide a comfortable, non-slip grip designed for control, and the dimpled mesh on the back of the gloves enhances the overall durability and flexibility. The gloves also have good ventilation, keeping your hands cool and comfortable.

A wide neoprene cuff on the wrist will give you a secure, custom fit, while also providing flexibility and support. Available in several different colors, these gloves are a bit more expensive than others, but the long-lasting quality makes them worth the investment.

Materials: Leather, neoprene | Sizes: Adult S-adult XXL

Pros

Comfortable
Good value
Excellent grip
Durable

Cons

No XS or XL sizes
Run small

With these Rawlings Youth 5150 Batting Gloves, young sluggers will get a good grip on their game as well as protection from blisters. Genuine leather palms ensure comfort and durability, and the Flexfit material allows for a good range of motion through every swing.

Available in a variety of color combinations, these gloves come in youth sizes S, M, and L. A Velcro wrist closure lets kids easily adjust them for a custom-like fit. In addition to being comfortable and well-made, these gloves are also reasonably priced, so it won’t be too painful to buy another pair when your Little Leaguer grows out of them.

Materials: Leather, lycra | Sizes: Youth S-youth L

Pros

Excellent shock absorption
Good grip
Comfortable
Breathable

Cons

No sizes for kids
Expensive

These durable gloves from Palmguard feature a patented Shock-Transfer System (STS) that helps you avoid painful stinging and vibration at the plate. For even more protection, there’s also extended wrap-around padding on the index finger and thumb, and heel padding to guard against the knob of the bat. Ideal for use with wood bats, they have a Dura-Grip leather palm for a secure hold.

In addition to their outstanding protection, this pair also features a Spandex backing and Lycra finger gussets for enhanced comfort and breathability. Available in adult sizes S-XXL, these gloves are a great choice for sluggers who want strategically placed pads for extra comfort.

Materials: Leather, spandex, lycra | Sizes: Adult S to adult XXL

Pros

Durable
Excellent grip
Good blister protection
Adjustable closure

Cons

No sizes for kids
Run small

Sturdy and built to last, these batting gloves from Rawlings offer exceptional grip and protection from blisters. The soft, durable leather palm pad gives you good control over the bat while reducing sting and vibration when you make contact with a pitch. Additional padding also provides protection from the knob of the bat, helping players to avoid painful irritation.

The gloves’ dynamic fit system and double-knot Spandex finger gussets allow for excellent flexibility and comfort. Available in adult sizes S-XL, they also have a reinforced, adjustable elastic wrist closure to get a more customized fit.

Materials: Leather, spandex | Sizes: Adult S-adult XL

Pros

Good padding
Flexible
Secure fit
Wide range of sizes

Cons

Expensive
Stitching may come loose

If you struggle to find gloves that fit your or your kid’s narrow or small hands, check out the Easton VRS Power Boost Batting Gloves. With a variety of youth and adult options, they can accommodate multiple sizes of hands. The gloves’ tacky leather palm provides a secure hold on the bat, while the lycra material on the back of the hand delivers a flexible feel for good mobility.

Players will also appreciate the gloves’ palm padding that reduces vibration and prevents blisters. Additionally, the molded neoprene wrist strap can be adjusted for a customized fit.

Materials: Leather, lycra, neoprene | Sizes: Youth S-adult XL

Final Verdict

All of these batting gloves are designed to help you improve your game, but the Franklin Sports MLB CFX Pro Baseball Batting Gloves (view at Amazon) and Mizuno Finch Softball Batting Gloves (view at Amazon) stand out for their overall performance, comfort, and fit. Durable and versatile, they feature the exceptional grip, protection, and breathability that both adults and youth players need.

What to Look for in Batting Gloves

Materials

Gloves made from leather usually offer a better grip and are more durable. “Leather gloves provide a classic feel and are a bit more rugged,” says Jack Heffron, assistant buyer for DICK’S Sporting Goods. “Some people go to synthetic gloves for more of a stretch or the feel.”

Gloves made with fabrics like spandex, lycra, or nylon allow for good mobility and are breathable to prevent sweat buildup. Small perforations in the material can enhance ventilation and keep your hands cool. Synthetic gloves are also easier to clean than leather gloves.

Fit

Batting gloves should have a snug fit while providing enough room to move around. Adjustable Velcro fasteners can help achieve the right amount of tightness. Getting the right size is crucial because if the gloves are too large, you won’t get a good grip on the bat and if they’re too small, they can limit your range of motion.

To determine your batting glove size, measure the length from the bottom of your palm to the tip of the middle finger of your dominant hand. Then check the manufacturer’s sizing chart to choose the right size for your measurement.

Grip

Improved grip is one of the reasons many players choose to wear batting gloves, so they should have a tacky surface across the palm. Leather batting gloves offer a very good grip, but textured fabric, silicone grips, or gel padding can also give you a secure hold.

Padding

Some light padding offers shock absorption and helps reduce friction and stinging in your hands as you’re gripping the bat and hitting the ball. However, padding that’s too bulky can limit your range of motion and affect your grip, so look for something that’s low-profile.

Wrist style

Many batting gloves have a Velcro wrist closure, so you’re able to adjust for a tighter or looser fit. “Some gloves have a high-profile wrist for more of a compression feel. Some batters tape their wrists so batting gloves try to capture that,” says Heffron.

"Others might go for a low-profile fit for a full range of motion. This gives the feeling of moving around like if you are trying to bunt,” he adds. The wrist style is really a matter of personal preference, so you can choose the style that best suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to keep batting gloves from smelling

Taking good care of your batting gloves can prolong their life and keep them from smelling. First, make sure that you remove any excess dirt on them after each practice and game. Air them out after use and don’t leave them inside your baseball bag. Washing baseball gloves once a week is a great way to maintain them and keep them from getting stinky.
How to clean batting gloves

Cleaning batting gloves on a regular basis will keep them in good shape and help them last longer. After practice or a game, remove any loose dirt from the gloves by clapping them together and shaking them out. If you have gloves that are made of synthetic materials, you can toss them in the washing machine with your other baseball or softball clothes.
However, gloves with any leather on them need special care. Fill a cup with lukewarm water and two or three drops of detergent or liquid dish soap. Dip a cloth into the solution and gently rub the gloves with it. Turn them inside out and clean the interior with the cloth. Don’t submerge the gloves in water. Soak up any excess moisture with a dry cloth and then let the gloves air dry.
How to keep batting gloves from drying out

To prevent batting gloves with leather on them from drying out, you can use a leather or glove conditioner. Take a small amount of the conditioner and use a dry, lint-free cloth to rub it onto the surface. Then let the glove set for a few minutes before using another cloth to wipe it down completely.
How to size youth batting gloves

To determine a batting glove size for youth baseball or softball players, you should measure the length of their dominant hand. Start at the base of the palm and measure to the tip of the middle finger. Then consult the manufacturer’s sizing chart to find the size that matches your measurement.
Are batting gloves necessary?

Batting gloves are designed to help players’ hitting performance by enhancing their grip and control of the bat. They can also decrease the amount of moisture on their hands. Batting gloves offer protection by reducing the sting felt during hits and lowering the risk of blisters. While you can play softball or baseball without batting gloves, you’ll likely improve your overall comfort and performance if you wear them.

Why Trust Verywell Fit?

Certified running coach and fitness writer Christine Luff has spent years researching, testing, and recommending fitness and athletic products and knows that the right gear can tremendously improve performance and comfort.

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