Motorcycle Gloves
The right pair of motorcycle gloves is one of the most important pieces of protective gear you can wear. Hands are instinctively thrown out during a fall, making them highly vulnerable to abrasion, impact and fracture. A quality glove absorbs that energy so your hands do not have to.
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Why Are Motorcycle Gloves Essential Safety Gear?
Riders often prioritise helmets and jackets, yet gloves protect a set of bones and tendons that are notoriously difficult to repair after injury. Even a low-speed slide across tarmac can strip skin from the palm in seconds. Certified motorcycle gloves are constructed with reinforced palms, knuckle armour and abrasion-resistant outer shells specifically to counter these forces.
Beyond crash protection, gloves improve everyday riding. They reduce vibration fatigue on long journeys, give you a more confident grip on the controls in wet conditions, and shield your hands from wind chill at speed. In short, they make every ride safer and more comfortable.
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What Types of Motorcycle Gloves Are Available?
Short (Summer) Gloves
Short cuff gloves sit just below the wrist and prioritise ventilation. Perforated leather or mesh panels keep air flowing, making them ideal for warm weather commuting and touring. Look for CE-certified knuckle protectors and reinforced palm sliders even in lightweight summer designs.
Gauntlet (Winter and Touring) Gloves
Gauntlet gloves extend over the jacket cuff to seal out wind and rain. They typically feature waterproof membranes, thermal liners and longer cuffs with secure fastening. For cold-weather riders and long-distance tourers, a proper gauntlet is non-negotiable.
Adventure and Off-Road Gloves
Adventure (ADV) gloves balance protection with dexterity. Hard knuckle shells, finger protection and grippy palm materials handle trail riding demands, while enough flexibility remains to operate switchgear on a loaded adventure bike. Off-road-specific gloves go further with extra ventilation and lighter construction for motocross and enduro use.
Sports and Track Gloves
Designed for high-speed road riding and circuit use, sports gloves are built around maximum impact and abrasion protection. Carbon fibre or hard plastic knuckle guards, full-length finger sliders and kangaroo leather or high-grade cowhide palms are common features. Fit is snug to maintain precise lever feel.
Urban and Commuter Gloves
Urban gloves blend everyday wearability with meaningful protection. Touchscreen-compatible fingertips, slim profiles that slip easily in and out of a bag, and stylish finishes make them popular with city commuters who want gear they can keep on off the bike.
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What Materials Are Used in Motorcycle Gloves?
Leather remains the benchmark for abrasion resistance. Cowhide is durable and cost-effective. Kangaroo leather offers a superior strength-to-weight ratio at a premium price. Goatskin is supple and tactile, popular in sports gloves.
Textile and mesh fabrics, often combined with synthetic overlays such as Clarino or Superfabric, deliver lighter weight and better ventilation. Modern textiles can approach leather-level protection when properly constructed.
Waterproof membranes (commonly Gore-Tex or proprietary equivalents) are laminated inside touring and winter gloves to keep hands dry without sacrificing too much breathability.
Armour and reinforcements include CE-rated hard-shell knuckle protectors, palm sliders in materials like Superfabric or suede, and internal foam or gel padding to absorb vibration.
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How Do You Choose the Right Fit?
Fit is everything in a motorcycle glove. A glove that is too loose can bunch under impact and reduce control. One that is too tight restricts blood flow and causes fatigue.
Measure your dominant hand around the widest part of the palm, excluding the thumb. Most brands size gloves in small through 3XL, with some using numeric sizing (7 through 13). Always check the specific brand size chart, as sizing varies considerably between manufacturers.
When trying gloves on, close your fist around a handlebar-shaped object. The knuckle armour should sit squarely on your knuckles, not shift toward your fingers. The fingertips should reach the end of each finger without excess material. The cuff closure should hold the glove securely without pinching.
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What Safety Ratings Should You Look For?
In Europe, motorcycle gloves are tested to EN 13594, the standard for protective gloves for motorcycle riders. Gloves that pass earn a CE mark at one of two performance levels:
- Level 1 covers the baseline requirements for abrasion, cut, tear and impact resistance.
- Level 2 indicates higher performance across those same tests.
From 2024, updated PPE regulations have raised the bar for CE certification. When shopping, look for the EN 13594 mark and confirm whether the glove meets Level 1 or Level 2. For track and high-speed riding, Level 2 certified gloves are strongly recommended.
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How Do You Care for Motorcycle Gloves?
Leather gloves benefit from periodic cleaning with a dedicated leather cleaner and conditioning with a leather balm to prevent cracking. Avoid soaking them or drying them near direct heat, which causes leather to stiffen and crack.
Textile gloves can often be hand-washed in cool water with mild detergent. Remove any hard armour inserts before washing and allow gloves to air dry naturally.
Inspect gloves regularly for wear on the palm reinforcements, stitching integrity and the condition of knuckle armour. Replace gloves after any significant crash, even if visible damage appears minor, as protective materials can be compromised internally.
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