Rider's Handbook: How to Choose Motorcycle Gloves

by Andrew Dummer August 11, 2024

Choosing the right gloves for riding isn’t just a casual decision; it’s about finding a dependable partner for your hands. The right gloves protect you from harsh weather, prevent blisters, and could even save your life in an accident. It's important to look beyond just style or brand when making your choice.

Your motorcycle gloves should balance comfort, protection, durability, and style. If you’ve spent time riding, you know how frustrating it is when gloves make your hands sweat in the summer or freeze in the winter. The perfect glove should feel like a second skin—almost unnoticeable but crucial.

Taking a thoughtful approach to choosing gloves can make all the difference in your riding experience. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider, helping you make an informed choice that ensures every ride is safe, comfortable, and confident. Let’s dive into this journey together.

Motorcycle Gloves: Things to Consider

Selecting the right motorcycle gloves is just as essential as choosing your bike. It's not merely about picking the first pair that looks good—several key factors should guide your decision.

Comfort and Fit The fit of your gloves is crucial. Gloves that are too tight can limit your dexterity, making it harder to control your bike. On the other hand, gloves that are too loose can slip off at the worst possible moment. A perfectly fitted glove enhances your grip, control, and overall protection.
Riding Style Your riding style heavily influences the type of gloves you should choose. If you're a long-distance touring enthusiast, for instance, you'll want gloves designed for comfort during extended periods on the road, with features like superior padding and weather protection.

Weather Conditins Different weather conditions call for different gloves. For cold-weather riding, insulated gloves that keep your hands warm and dry are essential. In contrast, summer riding requires lightweight, breathable gloves that prevent your hands from getting too sweaty.
Quality and Durability Investing in a quality pair of gloves is worth it in the long run. High-quality gloves are more durable, providing better protection and lasting longer. Cheaper options might wear out quickly, compromising your safety and comfort. Gloves made from premium materials not only last longer but also offer better resistance to the elements.
Safety Standards Always check that your gloves meet recognized safety standards. Certified gloves, such as those with a CE – CAT II certification, have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they provide a certain level of protection, giving you peace of mind on the road.
Aesthetics While safety and functionality are paramount, aesthetics also play a role. A stylish pair of gloves that complements your gear and bike can boost your confidence and enhance your overall riding experience.

Choosing the Right Size for Motorcycle Gloves

Getting the size right for your motorcycle gloves is as important as selecting the gloves themselves. Ill-fitting gloves can cause discomfort or even pose a safety risk. Here’s how to find the perfect fit.

Measuring Your Hands Start by measuring your hand with a flexible tape measure. Wrap the tape around the widest part of your hand—usually around the knuckles, excluding your thumb. The tape should be snug but not tight. The measurement in inches is your glove size. For example, if your hand measures 8.5 inches, you should look for a size 9 (or Large, depending on the brand).
Using the Manufacturer’s Sizing Chart Each glove brand may have slightly different sizing charts, so always refer to the specific chart for the gloves you're considering. This chart will help you align your hand measurement with the correct size. In the example above, if a size Large corresponds to 9 inches on the chart, that would be your best option.
Trying On Different Sizes If possible, try on different sizes to find the best fit. Even if the size seems correct, the actual fit can vary. Your fingers should comfortably touch the end of the glove without excess material. If the gloves feel too tight or restrict your movement, try a size up.
Testing for Flexibility and Comfort Once you've got the gloves on, simulate your riding experience. Grip an imaginary handlebar, make a fist, stretch your fingers, and move them around. The gloves should move with your hands without feeling overly tight or sliding around. Remember, comfort is key to safety when riding.

Finding the right glove size might take some time, but it's well worth the effort. Ensuring a perfect fit means you'll enjoy a more comfortable and safer ride. Take your time, and choose wisely—you'll be glad you did.

A Simple Guide to Motorcycle Gloves

I've crafted countless gloves tailored to different riding styles and needs. Let me take you through the various types available:

Short Cuff Gloves
These gloves are perfect for city rides. They are easy to slip on and off, made from lightweight material, and offer excellent ventilation, making them ideal for summer. However, they don't provide as much protection as longer gloves.

Gauntlet Gloves
Favored by touring and sport riders, gauntlet gloves feature a long cuff that extends over the jacket sleeve. They offer excellent protection against wind and bad weather and provide added wrist and arm protection.

Fingerless Gloves
These gloves are a popular choice for casual rides in hot weather. They provide great dexterity, allowing easy control operation, but offer less protection than full-fingered options.

Choosing the Right Glove

Personal Preference and Comfort
Just like your favorite pair of jeans, you'll develop a preference for a certain type of glove. Short gloves balance breathability with decent protection, making them a great choice for everyday city rides.

Nature of Usage
Your riding lifestyle will dictate your glove choice. For long-distance rides or cross-country tours, gauntlet gloves are your best bet. They offer robust protection that extends beyond the wrist and extra padding for the forearm.

Level of Protection Needed
High-performance rides demand extra protection. Race gloves are essential for racing. These are designed for high-risk scenarios and feature protective components like plastic sliders on the palm and carbon fiber knuckle protection.

The right motorcycle glove can greatly enhance your comfort and safety on the road. Each ride is unique, and so is every pair of gloves. Consider your preferences, usage, and the level of protection you need to find the perfect match.

How Glove Material Affects Your Choice

When picking motorcycle gloves, the material can make a huge difference in comfort, protection, and durability. Here’s how different materials stack up:

Leather: Leather gloves are known for their classic look and toughness. They resist abrasion well and become more comfortable as they mold to your hands. However, they aren’t ideal in the rain, as water can damage them. You can choose from various types, such as cowhide, goatskin, or kangaroo leather, each offering different levels of comfort and durability.
Textile: Textile gloves are great if you need versatility. They’re usually cheaper than leather and are often waterproof and breathable. Some even have reinforced areas for extra safety. They’re durable and adapt to extreme weather with special linings, and many brands use waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex to keep your hands dry.
Mesh: In hot weather, mesh gloves can be a lifesaver. They offer excellent ventilation while still providing some protection. However, they don’t protect as well as leather or textile gloves.
Hybrid: If you can’t choose between leather and textile, hybrid gloves offer a blend of both. They use leather for high-impact areas and textiles where flexibility and breathability are needed.

Choosing the right material depends on your needs and riding conditions. Think about the weather you usually ride in and the level of protection you need to find the perfect gloves.

How Riding Styles Influence Your Glove Choice

Your riding style can significantly affect which gloves are best for you. Here’s a breakdown:

Touring Gloves: Comfort and weather adaptability are key for long-distance rides. Touring gloves are designed with extra padding, breathability, and weatherproofing. They’re great for long rides where comfort is crucial.
Racing Gloves: Protection is crucial in racing. Look for gloves with reinforced knuckles, secure wrist closures, and ample palm sliders. Racing gloves are typically made of premium leather, have pre-curved fingers, and include vents for breathability. They prioritize safety over long-term comfort.
Street Riding Gloves: For city riding, you need a mix of comfort, mobility, and protection. Street gloves are lightweight and provide good protection without being too bulky, which is perfect for navigating urban traffic.
Off-Road Riding Gloves: Off-road riders need gloves that can handle rough conditions and provide excellent grip and padding. Look for gloves with robust knuckle protection and reinforced palms to withstand the demands of off-road terrain.

Your riding style dictates what you need from your gloves. By focusing on what’s most important—protection, comfort, versatility, or durability—you’ll find the gloves that enhance your riding experience.

The Influence of Weather on Glove Selection

When it comes to motorcycle riding, the weather is a crucial factor in choosing the right gloves. Having experienced too many chilly rides with summer gloves or sudden downpours with soaked pairs, I've learned firsthand how vital it is to select gloves that match the conditions.

Warm-Weather Riding

Summer gloves are essential for warm-weather adventures. Designed for breathability, they keep your hands cool and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy the ride without overheating.

Winter Gloves

As temperatures drop, winter gloves become indispensable. These gloves provide thermal insulation to keep your hands warm, often featuring waterproof layers to protect against rain or snow. Staying warm and dry is key to a comfortable ride in colder conditions.

Rainy Days

For those in consistently rainy climates, rainproof gloves are a must-have. With their waterproof yet breathable design, these gloves ensure your hands remain dry during unexpected showers. A waterproof liner is particularly effective at keeping moisture out, allowing you to ride confidently in wet weather.

Local climate and weather conditions significantly impact the choice of motorcycle gloves. Selecting the appropriate gloves for varying weather not only enhances comfort but also elevates your overall riding experience.

Safety Considerations That Affect the Choice of Motorcycle Gloves

Safety is paramount when selecting motorcycle gloves. Here are some critical factors to consider that have guided my choices over the years:

Protection Points

Opt for gloves that offer reinforced protection at key areas: the palms, fingers, and knuckles. These zones are most likely to make contact in the event of an accident, making protection here essential.

Abrasion Resistance

Look for gloves with abrasion resistance to withstand scrapes against rough surfaces like asphalt. Leather gloves are often the best choice, as their natural toughness provides excellent protection against abrasions.

Reflective Features

Gloves equipped with reflective detailing enhance visibility during night rides or low-light conditions. This feature is crucial for safety, helping to ensure other motorists see you.

Certification

Always choose gloves that are appropriately certified, indicated by a CE (Conformité Européenne) mark. This certification ensures the gloves have passed rigorous safety tests. Be aware of the different CE levels: "Level 1" offers basic protection for urban riders, while "Level 2" provides enhanced defense suitable for high-speed accidents, often favored by professional racers.

By prioritizing safety and weather considerations, you can select the ideal motorcycle gloves to enhance both your comfort and protection on the road.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing Motorcycle Gloves

When choosing motorcycle gloves, several key features to consider can enhance riding comfort and safety beyond just the material and style. Here’s a simplified look at some important extras that can make a difference.

Ventilation

On hot summer days, having gloves that allow your hands to breathe is essential. Look for gloves with perforations or vents that promote airflow, keeping your hands cool and comfortable during long rides.

Touchscreen Compatibility

In today’s world, being able to use your GPS or smartphone without removing your gloves is a huge advantage. Touchscreen-friendly gloves let you interact with your devices while keeping your hands protected.

Wrist Strapping

Secure wrist straps are crucial. They ensure that your gloves stay in place, especially during unexpected situations. You want gloves that won’t slip off when you need them most.

Padding

Extra padding is not just about comfort; it also provides shock absorption. Gloves with padded palms and knuckles offer a great balance of comfort and safety, helping to protect your hands from impacts.

While they might seem small, these features can significantly improve your riding experience. Investing time in finding gloves that meet your needs for ventilation, touchscreen use, secure fit, and padding is worthwhile for both convenience and safety on the road.

Additional Considerations

When selecting the right motorcycle gloves, consider the following factors:

Brand Reputation

Choose gloves from trusted brands known for their safety and quality. A reputable brand gives you confidence that you’re getting reliable protection.

Customer Reviews

Before making a purchase, check customer reviews. They provide insights into the gloves' durability, fit, and performance in various conditions, helping you make an informed choice.

Price

Finding a balance between cost and quality is essential. The most expensive gloves aren’t always the best, and affordable options can still provide excellent protection and comfort. Aim for gloves that fit your budget while meeting your safety needs.

Ultimately, the best motorcycle gloves for you will be those that combine comfort, safety, and affordability. Your hands are invaluable, so investing in a quality pair of gloves is crucial for a safe and enjoyable ride.

Be Safe and Enjoy the Ride!

Finding the right motorcycle gloves can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. However, once you discover that perfect pair that fits like a second skin and provides top-notch protection, you'll realize it’s an investment worth making. The open road is calling—ride safe and enjoy every moment!

Join Our Community

I can assure you that the world of motorcycle gloves is more exciting than it seems. By joining our exclusive email list, you'll gain access to valuable insights delivered directly to your inbox. You'll receive updates on innovative designs, new releases, and special discounts tailored for today’s riders.

Let’s embark on this journey together, exploring the best materials, craftsmanship, and tips in the glove industry!