We compare the pros and cons of today’s most popular types of motorcycle gloves.

Adventure & Touring Gloves

These gloves are ideal for situations and weather conditions where superior protection is required.

Strengths

  • Adventure or touring gloves are typically made with more robust materials and construction methods compared to other styles.
  • Superior weatherproofing and heat management.
  • External stitching, state of the art materials, armored paneling, good ventilation
  • Often sporting gauntlet-style cuffs

Cons

  • Bulkier than other types of gloves
  • May sacrifice some dexterity for sake of weatherproofing or protection

Race Gloves

It is made for high-speed driving on the circuit and street. Racing gloves feature generous protectors and vents on fingers, palms and wrists. Most racing gloves come with longer cuffs, plastic/carbon fiber knuckle armor, and palm sliders.

Strengths

  • Good looking and stylistically compatible with a large variety of bikes
  • Excellent crash protection
  • Cool and comfortable

Cons

  • Can be expensive
  • Styling can be over the top for some

Short Gloves

Perfect for warm weather riding where comfort is paramount. Short gloves don’t offer wrist protection like gauntlets, but they do improve riding comfort and dexterity. Short gloves are easier to carry and pack than gauntlet gloves or gauntlet gloves.

Strengths

  • While they are down on protection, short gloves are up on comfort.
  • Many riders prefer an open wrist and find short gloves easier to live with.
  • Generally less expensive than other types of gloves

Cons

  • No wrist or forearm protection
  • The least protective of all the glove types (but much better than no gloves at all)

Finding Your Motorcycle Glove Fit

Good fitting gloves don’t have to be expensive – know what to look for when buying your next pair!

Finding the Right Style, Fit, & Material

(& at the right price)

Unfortunately, unlike helmets, there is no universal hand shape that allows gloves to be worn. Many manufacturers use similar sizes, but in general buying gloves is often a matter of trial and error. You don’t know the fit until you try it on.

Things To Consider

  • Regional Differences – European brands send to size their gloves a little slimmer and tighter than other regions, so consider ordering a size up from your usual if going that route.
  • Styles – Adventure gloves tend to fit more snugly compared to gauntlets, and both styles are much heavier than bulkier than what you’d find in a typical short or dirt bike glove.
  • Weather Protection – Adding some bulk in order to offer improved cold protection/insulation will influence the feel of the glove. Consider having a second pair of gloves for cooler weather riding.

Comfort & Materials

Leather can be worn several times until it shrinks completely. Until then, leather gloves may feel a little stiffer and tighter than comparable textile gloves.

Consider high-quality textile gloves if weather and water resistance are a priority. Leather is generally weak against water, so it becomes difficult to maintain if it gets wet frequently. Normally, you don’t have to worry about this with textile gloves.

Quick-Guide: Measuring Your Approximate Glove Size

Source: webbikeworld.com