TheUnstitchd
You cannot wait to show off your new Harley, riding on the highway with the sunset in front of
you. There is a certain feeling of freedom that you cannot fully understand unless you ride your
motorcycle on the empty roads, with plenty of time to hear your deepest thoughts.
Your designer leather jacket has already covered your back, protecting your arms from the high
wind speeds. The leather boots and the helmet complete your protective and cool riding gear
that turns you into the bad boy you always wanted to be.
However, no look would ever be perfect without adding a stylish pair of riding gloves that keep
your knuckles and fingers protected from the cold wind and low temperatures while riding. But
how do you pick the right pair of gloves you might ask?
Whether you buy a luxurious leather pair from a factory in Ethiopia or opt for locally handcrafted
items, here is everything you need to know about choosing the perfect riding hand gloves.
Fabrics
Although leather and faux leather are the most popular options when it comes to designer and
regular riding gloves, textile fabrics could also prove a decent choice if you’re on a budget or
ride your bike during the summertime.
Generally speaking, genuine leather provides better abrasion resistance and a comfortable fit
for your hands. Since it is thicker than textile fibers, it will also protect your fingers, palms, and
knuckles better, absorbing shocks.
On the other hand, unless it has ventilation holes, the leather may prevent your skin from
breathing properly, which could lead to sweaty and slippery hands. If you are used to riding your
bike in hot summer temperatures or for longer periods, textile gloves are better.
They fit your hand shape perfectly and provide maximum flexibility and freedom of movement.
However, since they are thinner, they won’t protect your hands as good as leather.
If you have a limited budget and are looking to save money for buying those tuner pedals that
will finally kick off your music career, textile hand gloves are the choice for you. Jokes aside, we
cannot give you a straight answer to the question “What is better – leather or textile?” as each
fabric comes with its own benefits and weak points.
The perfect fit
After you’ve decided on the best fabric, you need to also take into account the size and overall
fit of the product. Gloves should fit you like… well, a pair of gloves. Most of these accessories
available online and in physical stores come in sizes ranging from XS to XXL, so it is always
best to check the manufacturer’s sizing guide and compare it to the measurements of your
hand. If you fall in-between sizes, you should always go a size up as most gloves come with
adjustable Velcro straps or buckles that ensure a good fit.
Make sure the pair you’re opting for allows you to freely move and bend your fingers without
feeling too tight on the knuckles. A pair of gloves that fit too tight on your wrists will cut off your
blood circulation, which can be dangerous when riding for prolonged hours.
As for the closure systems, most gloves come with buckles or Velcro straps. Buckles and
metallic straps may seem sturdier but are also more rigid and can affect the quality of your
riding if they put too much pressure on your hands. By comparison, Velcro straps can be
adjusted according to your needs and even be let a little loose to prevent hands from swelling.
Shock absorption
Another important feature you should consider is the level of protection offered by the gloves.
Generally speaking, special riding gloves come with reinforced stitching and cushioning fabrics
in impact areas such as the knuckles, palms, and wrists.
Your hands are always exposed to severe winds and difficult weather conditions, so they need
extra protection. And, since most collisions and impacts happen from the front, this means that
your hands and face are the most exposed areas of your body.
We recommend choosing gloves that provide high shock absorption without feeling too stiff or
thick. As we previously mentioned, skin breathability is important if you want to prevent sweaty
and slippery hands, so make sure the gloves you’re buying come with ventilation holes or
feature mesh parts.