of course it emphasize the arm and shoulder . I have very large hand -lrb- 6 ' 4 '' -rrb- and base on the review I go with the large . the fit be fine for my hand which be skinny but the finger cut into the web of my hand so I wish I would buy the XL . it be not a problem once I start swim though . my arm get more of a workout but they be not sore and it be not as dramatic a difference as some say . however , anything that make swim more interesting be worth twice the price .