A solid, well-constructed pair of leather motorcycle gloves is a must-have addition to your collection of riding gear. Not only will the right gloves make your road experience more comfortable, but they'll also add an essential layer of protection in the event of an accident.

While textile blends are available, leather gloves are the most rugged and reliable, offering unmatched support and durability. However, to get the most out of your investment, you need to make sure your gloves fit properly. Gloves that are too big or too small will be both uncomfortable and unsafe.

Today, we're sharing how to size your next pair so you can ensure they fit like, well, a glove!

 

Step 1: Start With the Right Material

 

Before diving into the ins and outs of motorcycle glove sizing, let's start with the basics: material. Since motorcycles first hit the scene, leather gloves have been the go-to choice for most riders. This is because leather offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience.

Like your favorite leather riding jacket, a pair of leather gloves will also break in beautifully over time, molding to fit your hands just right. While they might cost a little more than textile gloves, the return is definitely worth the investment.

If you plan to ride year-round, look for a pair of lined leather gloves for the winter, and a perforated pair for the summer. These ICON Pursuit Classic Perforated Mens Gloves are a great place to start!

 

Step 2: Choose Your Type

 

Once you've navigated the different motorcycle glove materials, your next step is to think about the type of riding you expect to do. This will also affect how your gloves fit. The main categories to consider include:

• Racing
• Street
• Touring
• ADV
• Dirt

The kind you select will determine the different features that your gloves include. For instance, cruising or touring gloves tend to be made of plain leather, with little to no additional padding or armor. They're designed to maximize rider comfort while still protecting you against road rash and abrasions.

On the other hand, sport racing gloves are typically outfitted with many special features and protections, such as:

• Knuckle armor patches
• Reinforcement in high-impact areas
• Friction shields on the cuff

Our Alpinestars GP Pro R3 Gloves are a great example of the ultimate racing gloves, with key protective elements that include knuckle panels, reinforcements on the sides, thumbs, fingers, and palms, cuff friction shields, and more.

When sizing your motorcycle gloves, think about how these added touches may affect the fit. Leather racing gloves that have built-in armor or abrasion resistance will naturally be a little bulkier and thicker than sleeker and simpler ones designed for cruising.

 

Step 3: Understand the Label

 

When you've narrowed down your options to the kind of gloves you need, it's time to find a style and brand you prefer. As you browse your options, pay close attention to the product descriptions, especially if you're shopping online.

Most motorcycle gloves have either an American fit or a European fit. If this information isn't clearly listed, check to see where they were manufactured.

If you're looking for roomier and shorter gloves, go with an American fit. These tend to have a little more space around the palms and fingers, and the finger sleeves are slightly shorter overall. Keep in mind, however, that you always want your gloves to fit as snugly and securely as possible, so make sure your fingers fill in the spaces completely and there isn't any loose material.

Conversely, if you want sleek and stretchy motorcycle gloves, you may prefer a European fit. These gloves usually feel longer and thinner on your hands and don't have as much room at the palms.

 

Step 4: Measure Your Hand

 

Of course, the most accurate way to make sure your new gloves fit is to take your hand measurements! For this step, all you need is a flexible measuring tape or a long piece of string.

Wrap the tape or string around each hand to measure its circumference. Go behind your knuckles, don't include your thumb, and remember to pull the tape taut for accuracy.

Then, measure across the widest part of your palms to find your hand width, being sure to lay your hand flat. If you used string, line it up against a ruler when you're done to get the exact measurements.

You might not need both of these numbers when shopping for gloves, but most manufacturers use either width or circumference on their sizing guides. If one of your hands is wider or bigger around than the other, always use the larger size when shopping. That way, you can rest assured that your gloves won't be too small.

 

Step 5: Try Them On

 

Once your new gloves arrive, it's time to try them on. If they feel a little tight, take heart. Most leather gloves will stretch about 10% to 15% over time.

However, you shouldn't feel uncomfortable binding or pinching when you wear them. You should be able to extend your fingers fully, filling up the entire finger section of the glove without pressing into it too much.

While too-small gloves are a pain, the opposite also holds true. If you have excess or loose material in the palms or fingers, it could mean your gloves are too big.

If either situations occur, it's time to exchange them for a smaller size. Gloves that are too small will restrict your hand movements when you're driving, which can be painful and dangerous. However, if they're too big, they're more likely to fall off if you're ejected from your bike.

 

Find the Best Leather Motorcycle Gloves

 

The best leather motorcycle gloves are ones that fit your hands completely, allowing you to wiggle your fingers comfortably but securely. As you look around for the best ones, start with us!

At Xtreme Helmets, we offer gloves for all types of riding styles, from racing and cruising to ADVing and off-roading. Check out all of our collections online, and then create an account today to start shopping!