In order to make your ride safe and comfortable, it is important to have the right size and fit for your riding gloves. Know all about it in this blog.
Choosing the right motorcycle gloves is crucial not only for comfort but also for safety in the event of a fall or accident. Properly fitted gloves provide essential protection in case of an accident, help maintain a firm grip on the handlebars, and ensure you can operate your bike controls with ease. Ill-fitting gloves, on the other hand, can lead to discomfort, reduced control, and even injury.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to find the perfect fit for riding gloves and why getting the right size matters. In fact, there can be no compromise on this.
Why Fit is Important for Motorcycle Gloves
When riding a motorcycle, your hands are constantly at work. They control your throttle, brakes, and clutch, making it essential that your gloves allow for precision, dexterity, and comfort. Poorly fitted gloves can lead to numbness, blisters, or restricted movement, all of which can affect your control over the bike. Worse, gloves that are too loose can come off in the event of a crash, leaving your hands exposed. Getting the right size ensures maximum protection and comfort, making every ride safer and more enjoyable.
How to Measure Your Hand for Motorcycle Gloves
To find the right motorcycle glove size, you need to accurately measure your hand. Here’s how:
- Measure the circumference of your palm: Wrap a flexible tape measure around the widest part of your hand, the palm,excluding the thumb). Make sure the tape is snug but not tight. This is the most common measurement used by manufacturers to size gloves. Note this measurement in inches or centimeters.
- Measure the length of your hand: From the tip of your middle finger to the base of your palm (where your wrist begins). This ensures the gloves are the right length and won’t leave your fingers pinched or eventually pressured or too far from the glove's end. Make a fist to ensure the glove does not feel restrictive and that the fingers do not pull back when gripping. The palm should fit snugly without being too tight. Check if you can move your fingers comfortably, as this impacts control on the motorcycle.
- Check manufacturer size charts: Motorcycle glove sizes can vary between brands. Once you have your measurements, compare them with the manufacturer’s size chart to determine the correct glove size for that brand. Each brand is likely to have slightly different sizing. Don’t hesitate to use your hand circumference measurement as the main reference. But most importantly, if you’re between sizes, generally, it’s better to go up a size for comfort, especially with leather gloves that may break in.
When testing a riding glove, hold a handlebar or mimic a riding stance to ensure it offers a natural grip for reaching the throttle and levers. This quick check will confirm that the glove allows for comfortable and intuitive control, providing both flexibility and a secure fit essential for safe riding.
You can experience different gloves at the Reise Moto store in Bombay. It is located in Andheri West, at a convenient location.
How Should Motorcycle Gloves Fit?
When trying on motorcycle gloves, it’s important to pay attention to both comfort and safety. Here’s what you should look for:
- Snug but Flexible
Riding gloves should fit snugly but not be too tight. You should be able to move your fingers freely, especially when gripping the handlebars or operating the controls. Avoid gloves that feel overly restrictive or tight, as they may cut off circulation or cause discomfort during long rides.
- Finger Length
Your fingers should reach the end of the gloves without pressing against the tips. There should be no extra space at the end, as this can reduce your ability to feel and operate the bike’s controls. On the other hand, gloves that are too short can cause your fingers to cramp.
- Palm Fit
The glove should fit comfortably around your palm without bunching up or feeling loose. A well-fitted palm provides better grip on the handlebars, ensuring more control over your bike. Avoid gloves that have too much slack in the palm, as this can lead to slipping.
- Wrist Closure
The wrist closure is critical in ensuring your gloves stay on in case of an accident. A good motorcycle glove should have a secure closure, such as Velcro or a strap, to keep the glove in place. This prevents the glove from slipping off or exposing your wrist during a fall.
Types of Motorcycle Gloves and How They Fit
There are different types of motorcycle gloves designed for different riding conditions and styles. Here’s a quick overview of how fit can vary based on the type of glove:
- Leather Gloves
Leather riding gloves are known for their durability and excellent protection. When fitting leather gloves, keep in mind that they will stretch slightly over time, after a natural break-in. So, when trying on leather gloves, they should feel snug but not uncomfortably tight. The natural flexibility of leather will allow them to take the shape of your hand with use.
- Textile Gloves
Textile riding gloves are often more breathable and better suited for wet or cold conditions. These gloves typically have less stretch than leather, so make sure they fit comfortably from the start. Some textile gloves also come with insulation or waterproof liners, which may affect how they fit. These are also slightly lighter in weight.
- Gauntlet Gloves
Gauntlet gloves provide extended coverage, going past the wrist and sometimes up to the forearm. These gloves are ideal for touring or adventure riding in colder weather. Make sure the wrist area fits snugly and can be adjusted securely, especially since these gloves are often worn over jacket sleeves.
- Short Cuff Gloves
Short cuff gloves stop at the wrist and are generally used for city commuting or summer rides. These gloves should fit snugly around the wrist to ensure they don’t slip off, while still allowing for flexibility and easy movement.
- Racing Gloves
Racing gloves are designed for maximum protection at high speeds, often featuring additional armor and reinforcements. They should fit very snugly to keep all protective elements in place. However, they should still allow you to move your fingers freely for precision control.
Common Sizing Issues and Solutions
If you find that gloves aren’t fitting perfectly, here are some common issues and how to address them:
- Gloves too tight: If the gloves are pinching or cutting off circulation, they are likely too small. Look for a larger size, especially if the gloves have no room for stretch (as with some textile models).
- Gloves too loose: If your hands can move around too much inside the gloves, or if the gloves slide around when you grip the handlebars, they’re too large. Opt for a smaller size to ensure the gloves stay in place and provide proper protection.
- Fingers too short or long: If the fingers don’t reach the ends of the gloves or are too tight, check the glove’s sizing chart to see if a different size might solve the issue. Some gloves may also come in short or long versions for different hand shapes.
Choosing the Right Gloves for Your Riding Style
Your riding style will influence the type of glove you need. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider for different styles:
- Daily Commuting
For daily commuting, you need gloves that are comfortable for short rides but still offer protection. Look for lightweight gloves with adequate ventilation for hot weather and a snug fit to maintain control in stop-and-go traffic.
- Sport Riding
Sport riders need gloves with extra protection and a snug fit to ensure proper handling at high speeds. Racing gloves or sport gloves with knuckle protection, palm sliders, and reinforced stitching are ideal. These gloves should be tight without sacrificing dexterity & precision, often with pre-curved fingers to reduce fatigue during aggressive riding.
- Touring/Adventure Riding
For long-distance riding, comfort and durability are key. Look for gloves with a relaxed fit with enough room for comfort on longer rides, often warmer and more padding and protection for extended use. Waterproof gloves or those with insulation may be necessary for varied weather conditions. Gauntlet-style gloves are a great option for touring riders, offering better protection against the elements.
- Off-Road/Adventure Riding
Off-road riders should focus on gloves with enhanced grip and protection from dirt, debris, and branches. Lightweight gloves with knuckle armor and good ventilation are essential for adventure riding, ensuring both comfort and safety in tough terrains.
Please mention a point about the winter fit too, sized to allow space for insulation, though too much looseness can reduce dexterity.
Finding the perfect motorcycle glove size is essential for both safety and comfort. Whether you're a daily commuter, sport rider, or long-distance tourer, the right pair of gloves can significantly enhance your riding experience. Measure your hands carefully, check size charts, and try on different gloves to ensure they fit snugly but still allow for easy movement and control. With the right pair, you'll be ready to ride in comfort and confidence, no matter the road ahead.
- Team Reise Moto
