How to Choose Motorcycle Gloves: A Buying Map by Rider and Ride

Choose motorcycle gloves in this order: protection for your riding style, a fit that lets you work the controls, and a cuff and strap that keep the glove on. Then pick material and season. Style and price come last, and you only weigh them once the first three are right.

This guide lays out those choices in a few lines each, then sends you to the page that covers your kind of riding in depth.

Key takeaways- In a fall, riders put their hands out by reflex, so the palm and knuckles take the first hit.- Look for knuckle protection as a minimum, and check the label for EN 13594 and a level, 1 or 2.- A glove must stay on: the standard tests a wrist or cuff restraint.- Short cuffs suit hot, short rides; gauntlets suit touring and bad weather.- Size is a measurement, not a guess. Our sister site shows you how to measure.

Why gloves come first

When a rider falls, the hands usually go out first to break the fall. A rider-safety council cites a study that put about 30% of motorcyclists' injuries at the hands and 23% at the wrists; the study dates from 1987, so treat the figures as a rough guide.

That is why we put protection ahead of looks and price. Our motorcycle glove safety guide explains each protection zone in detail.

Five choices that decide your glove

1. Protection

A protector maker's guide says impact protection can sit on the knuckles, palm or back of the hand, and to look for knuckle protection at the very least. A CE or UKCA mark with EN 13594 and a level shows the glove was tested. Level 2 gives more protection than level 1 but may add weight and stiffness; the safety hub explains the tests. On the palm side, look for palm sliders; one store says they help the glove slide on the road instead of grab.

2. Fit and feel

A snug glove gives a better feel for the grips and levers, says our store partner. EN 13594 also checks that a wearer can make set hand movements without real trouble, so the glove does not get in the way of the controls.

3. Cuff and closure

Long gauntlet cuffs cover the wrist and lower arm and suit touring and sport riding; short gloves are lighter and suit short trips in hot weather. Whatever the length, the cuff needs an adjustable restraint. The standard tests how hard it is to pull the glove off, according to SATRA's summary of EN 13594: 25 N at level 1 and 50 N at level 2.

4. Material

Leather is the classic choice. Our store partner uses 0.8-0.9 mm (0.03-0.04 in) cowhide, which it says is thin enough to feel the levers and tough enough for daily riding. Makers of other hides make their own claims about feel and toughness; the leather guide in the table above compares them.

5. Season

One retailer's rule of thumb: warm gloves cover about an hour at 32-41°F (0-5°C), and colder or longer rides call for heated gloves or grips. Treat that as one opinion, not a limit.

The full checklist

Want every point to check in the shop, from seams to stitching? Our step-by-step list is what to look for when buying motorcycle gloves. If you would rather compare glove types side by side, read best motorcycle riding gloves: what to look for.

A quick in-shop test: make a fist, reach for an imaginary lever, then pull at the cuff with the strap done up. The glove should not slip off. A rider-safety council also suggests gloves that cover at least 50 mm (2 in) past the wrist joint.

Gloves by rider

Beginners

Start with the five choices above, then see the best motorcycle gloves for beginners.

Women

Our store partner notes that women often need a smaller palm size and shorter fingers. See best motorcycle gloves for women.

Tight budget

A lower price should cost you extras, not protection. Our guide to budget motorcycle gloves shows where to save.

Gloves by bike and trip

Gloves by weather and comfort

• Summer: vented gloves let air in at speed. Our store partner says its vents move the most air while riding, not at a stop, and that vented gloves are not waterproof. Compare options in best motorcycle gloves for summer.
• Winter: liners, lined leather, heated gloves or heated grips. Start at our winter riding gloves guide.
• Vibration and numb hands: if your hands go numb on long rides, see anti-vibration gloves with gel padding.
• Phone and GPS: see touchscreen motorcycle gloves.

Gloves by look

Looks matter, but they come after protection. Bright colors are not a proven safety feature. One crash study found lower risk with reflective or fluorescent clothing, yet no link with the color of the clothing on the front of the rider. For vintage, race and two-tone styles that still protect, see motorcycle gloves for a cool, distinctive look.

Get the size right

Glove size comes from a hand measurement, and fit can vary by glove model. Our sister site explains how to find your glove size step by step.

Leather gloves from our store partner

Leather Collection leather motorcycle gloves are hand-stitched cowhide, 0.8-0.9 mm (0.03-0.04 in) thick. The range covers vintage and retro, race-style, summer, color and classic black gloves.

The store pages state no EN 13594 level, so treat these gloves as unrated. Use the five choices above to pick a pair.

FAQ

How to choose the right motorcycle gloves?

Start with protection: knuckle cover and a tough palm. Then check fit at the levers, a wrist strap that holds the glove on, and a cuff length and lining that suit your season.

What is the best brand of motorcycle gloves?

We do not rank brands without testing them. Compare gloves on the five choices above, and check the label for EN 13594 and its level.

How do I determine my motorcycle glove size?

Measure your hand and compare it with that brand's size chart. The sizing guide linked above walks you through it.