Gloves
About Gloves
Gloves protect the hands, which are the first thing to hit the ground in a fall, and they also keep wind, cold and vibration from wearing you out. Riders shop here for a first pair, for something suited to another season or kind of riding, or to replace gloves worn through at the palm.
Style follows the riding. Motocross and off-road gloves are light, flexible and ventilated, so you can feel the controls, as with the Moose MX2 and youth Fist gloves listed here. Street gloves add a reinforced palm and protection over the knuckles, and several listings here carry CE in the name. A gauntlet cuff covers the wrist and sleeve and gives more protection and weather coverage, and a short cuff is lighter and easier to wear.
Cold and wet riding calls for waterproof or insulated versions. Fit should be snug, with no loose fabric at the fingertips that can bunch on the grips, and you should be able to close your hand fully. Size by hand measurement using the maker's chart, and choose youth sizes for children.
Brands here include THOR, ICON, RST, Fly Racing and Biltwell. Pair gloves with Motorcycle Jackets, Boots & Shoes and Rain Wear. The whole group is Motorcycle & Powersports Gear.
FAQs on motorcycle and powersports gloves
How do I measure my hand for riding gloves?
Measure around the widest part of your palm, just below the knuckles and not including the thumb, and compare it with the maker's size chart. Because brands differ, also check finger length if the listing gives it. A new glove should feel snug and not pinch.
Gauntlet or short cuff: which suits me?
A gauntlet has a longer cuff that covers the wrist and overlaps the jacket sleeve, giving more protection and keeping out wind. A short cuff is lighter and easier to put on, and it is common on warm-weather and off-road gloves.
Do I need waterproof or insulated gloves?
For cold or wet rides, yes, as cold hands lose feel and grip. Waterproof gloves keep rain out but may feel warm in summer, and insulated gloves add warmth with some bulk. Many riders keep a light pair and a cold-weather pair.
Are off-road gloves safe for street riding?
They give some protection, but they usually have less palm reinforcement and knuckle protection than street gloves. If you ride on the road, choose gloves made for it, and check whether the listing states a CE rating.
How long should new riding gloves take to feel comfortable?
Leather gloves stretch and mold to your hand over some rides, so a snug fit is normal at first. Textile and mesh gloves feel closer to their final fit from the start. Sharp pressure points mean the size or cut is wrong.
