Crafted for the Ride: What Makes a Good Motorcycle Glove?

When you're on the road, your gloves are more than just an accessory—they're essential gear. A good motorcycle glove protects your hands, enhances your control, and becomes a trusted companion mile after mile. At Sullivan Glove Company, we’ve been handcrafting premium leather gloves in Bend, Oregon since 1941. With decades of experience outfitting riders across the U.S., we know what separates a good motorcycle glove from a forgettable one.

So, what should you look for? Let’s break it down.

1. Fit That Feels Like a Second Skin

A good motorcycle glove should fit snugly but comfortably, almost like it was made just for your hand. The fit affects everything from your grip to your ability to feel the throttle and switches. If your glove is too loose, you lose precision. If it's too tight, you risk numbness or discomfort on long rides.

What makes the fit?

• Form-fitting design: Minimal seams and contoured patterns allow the glove to mold naturally to your hand.

• Break-in potential: Premium leathers like deerskin and elkskin soften quickly and shape to your hand over time.

• Sizing variety: Glove makers that offer half sizes or custom adjustments give riders the best chance of a perfect fit.

“Our patterns haven’t changed much since the 1940s. They were that good to begin with—tight where they should be, roomy where they need to be. Our goal is for your gloves to feel broken-in by mile one.” -Taylor Scott, Co-Owner of Sullivan Glove Co.

2. Materials That Matter

Not all leather is created equal. The best motorcycle gloves use hides that balance durability, comfort, and grip. At Sullivan, we source only Grade A U.S. hides, including:

• Deerskin – Soft, flexible, and breathable with excellent dexterity

• Elkskin – Thicker than deerskin, rugged but supple, great for vibration absorption

• Bison – Incredibly strong, distinct pebbled texture, and long-lasting

• Cowhide – Classic, abrasion-resistant and protective (?)

We choose leather not just for looks or tradition, but because it's still the best material for the job. Leather naturally forms to your hand, resists abrasion, and handles a wide range of temperatures.

3. Protection Where You Need It

Motorcycle gloves should be designed with protection in mind. While Sullivan doesn’t make hard-knuckle racing gloves, our approach to protection is rooted in smart design and premium materials:

• Thick, dense hides act as a natural shield

• Outseam construction prevents interior rubbing and adds reinforcement

• Full coverage styles protect wrists and lower forearms from road debris or abrasion

If you’re riding for performance or adventure touring, protection doesn’t have to mean plastic armor. A well-made leather glove can take the brunt of a slide and still ride on.

4. Grip & Control in Any Condition

You need to feel your bike. A glove that slips, slides, or numbs your fingers is a safety risk. That’s why we choose leathers that perform well in rain, heat, or cold.

• Deerskin and elkskin maintain grip even when damp

• Lined options provide warmth without bulk for cold rides

• Unlined styles offer ventilation and feel for summer

And let’s talk seams—outseam gloves (where the seams are on the outside) offer a smoother interior, reducing hotspots and improving sensitivity. In fact, many riders say they can pick up a dime wearing Sullivan gloves. 

5. Durability that Earns Patina

Good gloves don’t wear out—they wear in. One of the greatest rewards of real leather gloves is the way they age: softening, darkening, and gaining character with every mile.

• Stitching: Reinforced by hand and checked for strength

• Leather: U.S.-sourced and tanned for resilience

• Break-in: Designed to mold to your hand within days, not weeks

“Our gloves are built to last years, not months. We've had customers send us 20-year-old gloves for conditioning. That says something about what good leather can do.” - Kristi Scott, Co-Owner of Sullivan Glove Co.

6. Style That Matches the Ride

A good motorcycle glove should look the part. Whether you’re on a cruiser, café racer, or vintage Harley, your gear is an extension of your identity.

Sullivan gloves have been featured by fashion brands and workwear companies alike because they blend function and form. With options in:

• Natural tan, black, chocolate, or gold tones 

• Classic snap cuffs or open wrist styles

• Minimalist or lined with warmth

• You can choose a glove that matches your style and still perform on the road.

7. Made with Intention

Finally, a good glove isn’t mass-produced. It’s made with care. At Sullivan, every glove is hand-cut, sewn, and finished by skilled craftspeople in our Oregon shop. We don’t believe in shortcuts—only in standards.

That means:

• Original patterns from the 1940s

• USA-sourced hides

• Hand-sewn seams

• Minimal machine intervention

We’re proud to be one of the last American glove makers still doing it this way. And we think you’ll feel the difference from the first ride.

Final Word: What Makes It Good? You Decide.

At the end of the day, a good motorcycle glove is one that disappears on your hand while you ride—doing its job quietly, effectively, and comfortably. It should protect, perform, and reflect your personality.

If you’re looking for gloves that feel as good as they look, wear in with pride, and carry a story from the first stitch to the last stoplight, we’d love to make a pair for you.

Explore our Motorcycle Collection and find your next favorite pair, handcrafted in the USA.