How Should Motorcycle Gloves Fit?: Quick Guide from SA1NT

Your hands are pretty important when it comes to operating a motorcycle. They provide the connection between man and bike, so it makes sense to take care of them every time you ride.

In saying that, plenty of riders settle for gloves that are just a bit too short, or too wide or too loose. Ill-fitting gloves not only affect the connection to your bike's controls, but they leave your hands completely unprotected when shit hits the fan.

So if you want to stay on top of your game every time you ride, let's run through exactly how your motorcycle gloves should be fitting.

Why Proper Motorcycle Glove Fit is Crucial

 

There are several reasons why it's crucial to wear the right size motorcycle gloves. Firstly, poor fitting gloves can affect your ability to operate the bike's controls. If you ever need to make a split-second decision, gloves that are too tight OR too loose can affect your ability to react in a pinch.

Proper fitting gloves are important for comfort as well. You'll be wearing them for hours at a time, so it's best to make sure they fit properly. The last thing you need are a bad-fitting pair of gloves distracting you while you're trying to enjoy a ride.

Motorcycle gloves are there to protect you, but they can't do their job if you don't fit them properly. If gloves are worn too loosely, their capacity for impact protection is severely limited. The bones in you hand are pretty delicate, so look after them!

The Impact of Motorcycle Glove Materials on Fit

There's a slight difference between how leather gloves and textile gloves fit. So regardless of personal preference, keep these differences in mind.

Leather gloves require a breaking-in period, and they'll stretch about 5% if you wear them often enough. Over time, the material will soften and form around your hand, ensuring a great fit. So don't go a size up, or the glove will eventually become too loose and won't fit well.

Unlike leather, the fit of textile gloves won't change over time. They might become a bit softer with use, but the material itself won't stretch. As a general rule, if you're in-between sizes it's best to go up with a textile glove.

Choosing the Right Type of Motorcycle Gloves

While most riding gloves are general-purpose, you can find gloves that are made for specific conditions.

Winter Gloves: If you often find yourself riding in chilly weather conditions, winter gloves are the best defence against mother nature. They've got extra layers of insulation, so expect them to be bulky, but that's a small price to pay for avoiding frozen fingers.

Race Gloves: Optimised for track racers or just aggressive riding, these gloves can be on the expensive side but they come with a bunch of extra safety features. Gauntlets keep the gloves from flying off your hand in the event of a crash.

Adventure Gloves: Gloves for adventure riders are made with dexterity in mind, and will usually be textile or a leather-textile hybrid. The have short cuffs and will feel quite comfortable compared to winter and race gloves.

How Should Motorcycle Gloves Fit?

So let's get to the point. How exactly should riding gloves fit on your hand? Ideally, you want gloves to fit snugly without any excess material at the ends of your fingers. In fact, there should be no excess glove bunching up at an point whatsoever. Aim to have your fingers almost touching the ends of the gloves, but not quite touching.

The key to nailing motorcycle glove sizing is to find a snug fit that doesn't compromise movement. Too-tight gloves or even loose gloves can be dangerous and affect your ability to operate the bike's controls. As a test, try grabbing onto a real motorcycle when trying on some gloves. Don't make the mistake of just making a closed fist and calling it a day. It's not the same thing.

Finding the perfect size can be slightly different depending on glove brands, so always check a store's sizing charts. Using soft measuring tape, you can even measure your hand to assess the right glove size.

Conclusion

 

Glove sizing is an important consideration for any rider. It can make the difference between comfortable riding and constant irritation. Getting it right will make sure that you stay on top of your game without distraction, while keeping your hands safe and protected.

As always, check out SA1NT gloves for cutting-edge style and protection.

FAQs

How do I measure my hands to find the right size for motorcycle gloves?

Finding the perfect fit is easy once you know how to measure your hands to find the right size for motorcycle gloves. Just grab some flat measuring tape and measure around your palm. For the best results check the size charts on a store's website, because there can be slight differences across brands.

What are the different types of motorcycle gloves available, and how does each type affect fit and functionality?

So we've covered sizing, but what about the different types of motorcycle gloves available, and how does each type affect fit and functionality. Here are some examples:

• Winter Gloves: Best for cold weather. They come with extra layers for warmth, but this can make them bulky.

• Race gloves: Perfect for the track or aggressive riding. Packed with extra safety features for high-risk riding.

• Adventure gloves: Shorter gloves that are made with comfort and movement in mind. Usually made from textiles or a textile-leather hybrid.

Is there a difference in glove sizing between European and American brands?

So is there a difference in glove sizing between European and American brands? American gloves are usually built with a more relaxed fit, while European gloves are typically designed with a snug, aggressive cut. It might be necessary to go up a size when choosing a European glove.

Should I choose gender-specific gloves for a better fit?

Many ladies wonder if they should choose gender-specific gloves for a better fit, because women's palms tend to be narrower and their fingers longer relative to their hands. While it's not strictly necessary, many companies do in fact offer gloves specifically tailored for women's hands.

So you might be better off with gloves specifically made for women, but many ladies find that men's gloves fit them just fine. The only way to know for sure is to try on the gloves themselves and follow the sizing guidelines mentioned above.

How do I know if motorcycle gloves are the right fit for me?

The million dollar question: how do I know if motorcycle gloves are the right fit for me? Here are a few tips:

• Aim for a snug fit that doesn't restrict movement.

• Put your hands on some motorcycle controls to test comfort/movement.

• The gloves shouldn't be bunching in any areas.

• Your fingers shouldn't touch the ends of the gloves.

• Your hand should be able to move freely and comfortably.