Leather and Materials
Are Deerskin Gloves Warm? What Actually Keeps Your Hands Warm
Unlined deerskin blocks wind but insulates little; the lining does the work. What makers claim, the ranges they give, and how to pick a warm pair.
Deerskin gloves are only as warm as their lining: unlined deerskin blocks wind but does little to insulate. A deerskin glove maker says all common glove leathers insulate about the same at equal thickness, and that the lining, wind sealing and cuff decide warmth. So for cold weather, choose a lined deerskin glove; an unlined one is a mild-weather glove.
This answer is part of our guide to the best leather for motorcycle gloves.
What makers say, and where they disagree
Not every maker agrees. One deerskin glove seller says the hide's fibers trap air and that quality deerskin gloves keep hands warm to -20°F (-29°C). It gives no test and does not say which lining that figure assumes. The FAQ on the same page calls unlined deerskin "a wind barrier, not an insulator".
What deerskin does well in the cold is stay flexible. One maker says cowhide firms up noticeably below about 50°F (10°C) while deerskin keeps flexing at the knuckles. That helps lever feel, even if it does not add heat.
How cold can you ride in deerskin?
Rough guides from one deerskin glove maker, which disagree with each other:
Treat these as one maker's opinions, not tests. Speed makes them colder: using the National Weather Service wind chill formula, 40°F (4°C) air at 60 mph feels like about 25°F (-4°C) on exposed skin.
| Glove | Range given | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Unlined deerskin | Down to about 50°F (10°C) | – |
| Fleece-lined deerskin, 40 g Thinsulate | About 30-50°F (-1 to 10°C) | – |
| Fleece-lined deerskin | "Into the 40s" (4-9°C) | – |
| Fleece-lined deerskin | 30-55°F (-1 to 13°C) | – |
How to get a warm deerskin glove
- Pick the lining first. Fleece, Thinsulate or wool provide the insulation.
- Leave a little room. A slightly loose glove keeps a layer of air around the fingers; a tight one cuts circulation.
- Seal the wrist. Wind sealing and the cuff help decide warmth too.
- Keep it dry. Deerskin absorbs water readily, so add a rain shell in a downpour.
For heated options and liners, see our guide to warm and heated motorcycle gloves. If your fingertips go first, read gloves that keep your fingertips warm. How leather compares with other glove materials is covered in are leather gloves warmer than other gloves? on our sister site.
Comparing hides? See deerskin vs lambskin gloves and elkskin vs deerskin gloves.
Lined leather gloves from our store partner
The store we work with sells no deerskin gloves. Its lined winter gloves use linings such as Thinsulate, cashmere wool or shearling, with the leather outside blocking the wind. One example is a lambskin glove with a Smart Tech lining, sold for everyday winter wear, not riding. Browse Leather Collection lined leather gloves for men.
Motorcycle Leather Gloves Editorial Team
Motorcycle Leather Gloves articles are researched from published sources, cited in the text, and reviewed before publication.