The Importance of Wearing Motorcycle Gloves
December 05, 2024
Whether you’re a weekend rider or daily commuter, finding the right pair of motorcycle gloves can make all the difference. They are designed to protect your hands from the elements or injury in the event of an accident, but there’s also a component of wanting something fashionable and functional.
To help you make the right decision for your next purchase, here’s what you need to know about motorcycle gloves, starting with why they’re important.
Why motorcycle gloves matter
Motorcycle gloves are designed to protect your hands from abrasions, impact injuries, and environmental factors like wind, rain, and cold temperatures. Without them, you risk damage to a critical part of your body that’s used without a second thought throughout the entire day.
Karolis story
During a 13 day motorcycle adventure in Vietnam, Karolis experienced first hand the value of a good pair of motorcycle gloves, wearing a set of ONYX BLACK leather gloves. The first 7 days were through heavy rain, where thermal protection and waterproofing are the only things standing between you and being soaked to the bone, all while being hit by wind chill as you ride.
Then there was a miscalculation that resulted in the need to ride through the night, which is where the gloves were really put to the test. While riding along in an unfamiliar country, following the navigation system, the road suddenly ended. No warning. No signs. Just a gaping abyss. Karolis hit the brakes hard, but a crash was unavoidable.
He was injured in the accident, but his hands at least were protected by the gloves. Having lived through that experience, he said “I would like to express my joy, your gloves really showed their strength during the fall”.
There are a multitude of stories out there from riders across the spectrum, so why take the risk riding without gloves when there are safe, functional and stylish options out on the market.
Main riding glove types
When choosing a pair of riding gloves you want to make sure they’re fit for purpose, suiting your needs so that you want to wear them. Understanding the different types of motorcycle gloves can help you find the perfect match for your riding style and climate.
- Street gloves are comfortable and armored, often with an urban aesthetic and short cuff
- Racing gloves are high-performance gloves with advanced armor, designed for speed and aggressive riding
- Touring gloves are comfortable and weather resistant, ideal for long distance rides and varied weather conditions.
- Off-road gloves tend to be lightweight and breathable, often with reinforced knuckles to handle rough terrains
- Summer gloves can be lighter gloves for warmer climates, favoring ventilation over full coverage
- Winter gloves are insulated for warmth often with waterproofing for cold, wet rides
Materials used for motorcycle gloves
The materials used in motorcycle gloves can significantly impact their functionality and durability. Some of the most commonly used types are leather, textiles and mesh.
Leather
Leather is known for its durability and abrasion resistance, with cow and goat leather being a common choice. It offers some insulation from the cold and can be perforated for airflow. Leather gloves also provide a good feel on the handlebars, making them a staple for many motorcyclists.
Textiles
Textiles like nylon, polyester, neoprene and suede can make up the main construction of the glove or be used in specific places to enhance functionality. An example of this is the durable fabric insets in between the fingers of the ONYX GREY, helping allow for a perfect fit.
Mesh
The inclusion of mesh helps to maximize airflow so it’s often incorporated into summer riding gloves. Since the mesh isn’t as durable as textiles or leather, it’s usually placed on a less critical part of the glove, such as the back of the hand below the knuckles.
How motorcycle gloves are armored
Armor is a crucial feature in high-quality motorcycle gloves, especially for riders who prioritize safety and are looking for protection. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key armor components you should be looking for in a pair of street or urban riding gloves.
Knuckle guards
One of the most common armor features incorporated into all types of riding gloves, knuckle guards protect your knuckles during falls or collisions. Often made from hard TPU plastic or carbon fiber, these guards help absorb impact, keeping your hands safe. In some designs they’re visible on the outside, while others like the IVY BLACK have the guards covered by a layer of durable material for a more subtle, stylish appearance.
Palm sliders
Your palms are generally the first part of the hand to hit the ground during a slide so it’s important to ensure they’re protected. Palm sliders add a layer of protection, reducing friction and impact on your palms. Typically, these are made from reinforced materials like PU plastic.
Finger armor
Extra padding or sliders on the fingers give your hands a little more protection, which is especially useful for riders who go off road or tackle more challenging terrain. That being said, it’s still a good thing to have a pair of street riding gloves which is why you’ll see it in the design of the ONYX BROWN.
How to Measure and Fit Motorcycle Gloves
Motorcycle gloves sizing is important as poorly fitting gloves can impact your control on the bike. The gloves should feel snug but not tight, giving you maximum dexterity and grip on the handles.
If you’re shopping online, knowing what size to buy usually involves taking measurements of your hands, and comparing those to the size chart on the product page. Here’s a few things to consider when deciding what to buy.
- The best way to measure your hand circumference is by using a flexible tape measure and wrapping it around the widest part of your hand, just below your knuckles and above your thumb.
- One of the common differences between mens and womens gloves is ladies designs tend to have short fingers
- When you first get a pair of new gloves remember, they need a little time to break in
When to replace your motorcycle gloves
Just like any other piece of gear, motorcycle gloves have a lifespan. Visible damage like torn seams, thinning leather or worn down palms, a loss of fit or even outdated protection are all reasons to upgrade to a new pair of gloves.
Something to keep in mind when purchasing a new pair, is what warranty is included. For example, PANDO MOTO gloves come with a 2 year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. On top of that they also come with a lifetime crash tested warranty. This warranty provides an avenue for your damaged PANDO MOTO gear to be replaced if you’re in a road accident and are willing to share your story.
The dos and don’ts of buying motorcycle gloves
| Do | Don’t |
| Check to see if the gloves have been certified as PPE Assess the armor and materials to ensure they’re fit for purpose Measure your hands and compare it against the fitting guide to buy the right size | Sacrifice safety by choosing a cheap option not rated for motorcycle riding Continue wearing a pair of gloves where protection is compromised Just “deal” with gloves that are the wrong fit or size for your hands |
Summing it up
Motorcycle gloves might seem like a small part of your gear, but their impact is anything but minor. From basic grip to full on protection, the right gloves will keep your hands safe, comfortable, and ready for any ride. Investing in a good pair, and knowing when it’s time to replace them, will elevate your riding experience and keep you safe.
Ready to find the perfect gloves? Start by taking a look at the PANDO MOTO range where you’ll find a collection of safe, functional and stylish gloves, designed by riders, for you.
