Gauntlet vs Wristlet Gloves: Which Cuff Do You Need?

A gauntlet carries the glove's own material up past the wrist; a wristlet is a snug knit cuff that stops at the wrist. "Wristlet" is mostly a firefighting term. On a motorcycle, the wrist-length option is the short-cuff glove, which ends at the wrist, while a gauntlet reaches up to the middle of the forearm.

Verdict: choose a gauntlet for more coverage and a sealed sleeve in wind and rain. Choose a wrist-length cuff for hot weather, short trips and wearing under the jacket sleeve.

Part of our guide to motorcycle glove styles and cuffs.

Gauntlet, wristlet and short cuff side by side

Two meanings of "wristlet"

In structural firefighting gloves, the choice is literally knit wristlet or gauntlet. The wristlet is a separate knit band; the gauntlet is the glove's layered material extended. Some firefighters pick gauntlets because their turnout coat sleeves already have wristlets.

The riding guides we read never use the word. They compare short cuffs, which end at the wrist, with gauntlets. So for a rider, the short cuff is the wristlet's closest match. For the meaning and history of the word gauntlet itself, see what gauntlet gloves are.

How the cuff meets your sleeve

This is the practical difference. A short cuff ends near the wrist, slips on fast and sits under the jacket sleeve. Most gauntlets are made to go over the sleeve, which helps keep wind, rain and debris out. Some slim gauntlets are made to tuck under instead, but that is awkward with snap-button jacket cuffs.

Closure and staying on

Whatever the cuff, a riding glove needs a strap or other means of locking onto the wrist. EN 13594, the European motorcycle glove standard, requires an adjustable restraint at the wrist or cuff, pull-tested at 25 N for level 1 and 50 N for level 2. Fire-glove wristlets and gauntlets both have to fit close to the wrist.

What the standard says about cuff length

EN 13594 sets a minimum distance the cuff must reach past the wrist. The summaries we read agree on level 2 but not on level 1:

Until the team checks the standard text, treat level 1 as unsettled. Both summaries put level 2 at about 2 in (50 mm) past the wrist. The full test list is in EN 13594:2015 explained.

Which to choose

Shopping for one? Compare best short-cuff motorcycle gloves and best gauntlet motorcycle gloves. For closure and fit details, read how a gauntlet cuff should fit, and check your size on our sister site's guide to how motorcycle gloves should fit.

Both cuff styles from our store partner

Leather Collection leather motorcycle gloves include a Short Style pair whose cuff sits under the jacket sleeve, held by a Velcro wrist strap. The Motorbike Race Gloves add a second closure at the cuff. The store does not state cuff lengths or an EN 13594 level, so check the product page before relying on either.

FAQ

Where would a gauntlet be worn?

Over the end of the jacket sleeve, on the wrist and lower forearm. Some slim designs tuck under the sleeve instead.