Guides

Key takeaways

• Gloves are sized by palm circumference or width depending on the brand. Always check which one the chart uses.
• Measure both hands and use the larger number.
• A loose glove can slip or roll off in a slide. A tight one restricts blood flow and numbs the fingers on long rides.
• Leather gloves relax with wear, so a good new fit feels firm.
• Check for the CE mark and EN 13594:2015 on the label.

Why glove size matters

Hands are the first thing a rider puts out in a fall. A glove that does not fit well cannot protect them. If it is too big, the glove can twist, bunch under the palm, or slide off. If it is too small, seams sit on pressure points, the fingers feel numb, and your grip on the bars gets tired.

How to measure your hand

1. Use a flexible tape. A soft sewing tape is ideal. If you do not have one, use a piece of string and a ruler.
2. Measure the palm circumference. Wrap the tape around the widest part of your palm, just below the knuckles and not including the thumb. Keep the hand relaxed and slightly open, not clenched.
3. Measure the hand length. Measure from the tip of the middle finger to the base of the palm at the wrist crease.
4. Measure both hands. Most people have one slightly larger hand. Use the larger measurement.
5. Compare with the size chart. Brands differ, so use the chart for the exact glove you are buying.

Many charts list a men's medium at around 8 to 8.5 inches of palm circumference. That is only an example, so use the chart for the brand in front of you. For our made-to-order gloves, send your measurements with the order and we will match them.

Reading a size chart

Men's, women's and unisex gloves are cut differently. Women's gloves usually have narrower palms and shorter fingers, so use the chart for the right cut.

How should motorcycle gloves fit?

• Fingertips: they should just touch the ends of the glove, with no empty space and no pressure.
• Palm: no folds or bunching across the palm when you close your hand around the bars.
• Knuckles: protectors, if fitted, should sit over the knuckles and not slide behind them.
• Wrist: the strap or closure should hold the glove firmly in place without cutting off blood flow.
• Thumb: you should be able to move it freely to operate switches.

A good test is to make a fist and then grip an imaginary bar. If the leather pulls tight across the knuckles or the fingers feel squashed, the glove is too small. If the glove wrinkles at the palm or the fingertips fold over, it is too big.

Are motorcycle gloves supposed to be tight?

They should be snug, not painful. New leather gloves feel firm and then relax slightly as they are worn. A glove that feels comfortable and roomy in the shop will probably be too loose after a few rides.

Between sizes: go up or down?

Leather can loosen a little but cannot be stretched to be bigger, so if you are truly between two sizes, many riders choose the larger one and tighten the wrist strap. If you have narrow hands or the fingers are the right length, the smaller size may fit better. The best answer is to try both in your riding position.

EN 13594 and what the label means

Motorcycle gloves are certified to EN 13594:2015. The standard defines two performance levels. Level 2 is the higher level: knuckle impact protection is mandatory, the cuff must be longer, the wrist restraint must hold against a higher force, and cut resistance is tested on all materials, not just the palm. Level 1 emphasises dexterity and a lighter feel, and knuckle protection is optional. SATRA gives a summary in its EN 13594:2015 overview.

For track and fast riding, a Level 2 glove with a longer cuff is the usual choice. Our guide to short cuff vs gauntlet gloves explains the difference.

Common sizing mistakes

1. Measuring only one hand.
2. Using a size from another brand instead of the brand's own chart.
3. Measuring with a clenched fist or a stretched hand.
4. Choosing a glove that is too big to "leave room".
5. Ignoring finger length, which matters if the fingers are unusually long or short.
6. Not testing the grip on the bars.

Matching gloves to your suit

The glove cuff should overlap the suit sleeve, so no skin is exposed when your arms are stretched forward. Some riders wear the glove cuff over the sleeve, and others tuck it under, depending on the suit cuff and closure. Our racing gloves can be made in a colourway to match your suit and boots.

Frequently asked questions

What size motorcycle gloves do I need?

Measure around your palm just below the knuckles, then compare it with the brand's chart. Use the larger measurement if your hands differ.

How do I measure my hand for motorcycle gloves?

Wrap a soft tape around the widest part of the palm, below the knuckles and excluding the thumb, then measure from your middle fingertip to the base of the palm.

Should motorcycle gloves be tight?

They should be snug with no empty fingertips or palm folds, but never painful or numbing.

Will motorcycle gloves stretch?

Leather relaxes a little with use, mostly across the palm and fingers. It will not become much bigger, so do not buy a size that is too small.

Are my motorcycle gloves too big?

If the fingertips fold over, the palm wrinkles when you grip, or the glove moves on your hand, it is too big.

Do women need different gloves?

Many women have narrower palms and shorter fingers, so a women's cut often fits better than a unisex one. Check the chart for the cut you choose.

Can I get gloves made to my measurements?

Yes. Send your palm circumference and hand length with the order and we will make the gloves to match.

Sources

• SATRA: EN 13594:2015 motorcyclists' protective gloves
• RevZilla: How to size and buy motorcycle gloves
• Via Terra Gear: Finding your glove size