Motorcycling Gloves Size Chart: The Ultimate Guide for Riders

When it comes to motorcycling, gloves are more than just an accessory. They are a critical piece of safety equipment, designed to protect your hands from abrasions, weather conditions, and even road rash in the event of a crash. But, in addition to their protective function, motorcycling gloves also play a significant role in enhancing your riding experience, providing comfort, grip, and control over the bike.

One of the most common challenges faced by riders is selecting the right pair of gloves. With so many different brands, styles, and materials to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. One of the key factors in ensuring that your gloves provide the best protection and comfort is getting the right size. This guide will walk you through the importance of properly fitted gloves, how to measure for the perfect fit, and provide a comprehensive motorcycling gloves size chart to help you make the best choice.

The Importance of Properly Fitted Motorcycling Gloves

Motorcycling gloves are designed to protect your hands from injury during riding, but they also serve a variety of other functions, including:

• Protection: A good pair of gloves can prevent road rash, cuts, and bruises in the event of a fall. Gloves with added features such as knuckle protection, palm sliders, and abrasion-resistant materials can offer increased safety during high-speed crashes.
• Weather Protection: Gloves can keep your hands warm during cold weather and protect your hands from sunburn, wind, and rain during long rides.
• Improved Grip and Control: Gloves with a good grip are crucial for maintaining control over your handlebars. The added grip ensures that your hands do not slip, even in wet or sweaty conditions, improving your handling of the bike.
• Comfort: Properly fitted gloves reduce hand fatigue, prevent numbness, and improve overall comfort during long rides. Gloves that are too tight or too loose can cause discomfort, leading to distractions while riding.

However, all these benefits are only achievable if you choose gloves that fit you perfectly. Ill-fitting gloves can actually reduce your control over the bike, cause discomfort, or even result in injuries. This is why understanding how to measure your hands and choose the right size is crucial.

How to Measure for the Perfect Fit

Before you begin shopping for motorcycling gloves, it’s important to measure your hands correctly. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Measure Your Hand Circumference

The first step is to measure the circumference of your hand at its widest point, just below the knuckles. To do this:

1. Wrap a flexible tape measure around your dominant hand.
2. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight, and measure the circumference around the knuckles (not including the thumb).
3. Record the measurement in inches or centimeters.

Step 2: Measure Your Hand Length

Next, measure the length of your hand from the tip of your middle finger to the base of your palm:

1. Use a ruler or tape measure to measure from the tip of your longest finger down to the bottom of your palm.
2. Note the length in inches or centimeters.

Step 3: Check the Size Chart

Once you have both the circumference and length of your hand, refer to the manufacturer’s glove size chart to find your ideal fit. While sizing can vary slightly between brands, these measurements will give you a good baseline.

The Sizing System for Motorcycling Gloves

Most motorcycling gloves use a size system that is similar to standard clothing sizes, with some variations depending on the brand. Typically, glove sizes range from XS (Extra Small) to XXL (Double Extra Large), but they may vary. Here’s a general breakdown of the glove sizing system:

1. Small (S): Gloves that are labeled as Small typically fit hands with a circumference of around 7 to 8 inches and a hand length of 6 to 7 inches.
2. Medium (M): Medium-sized gloves are for hands with a circumference of 8 to 9 inches and a hand length of 7 to 8 inches.
3. Large (L): Large gloves are designed for hands with a circumference of 9 to 10 inches and a hand length of 8 to 9 inches.
4. Extra Large (XL): XL gloves fit hands with a circumference of 10 to 11 inches and a hand length of 9 to 10 inches.
5. Double Extra Large (XXL): XXL gloves are for hands with a circumference of 11 to 12 inches and a hand length of 10 to 11 inches.

Note: Half Sizes – Some brands also offer half sizes (e.g., M/L, L/XL), which are designed for individuals who fall between two sizes. It’s important to remember that sizing may vary slightly by brand, and checking the manufacturer’s size chart is always a good idea.

Motorcycling Gloves Size Chart

Below is a general motorcycling gloves size chart to help guide your purchase. Remember that sizing may differ slightly between brands, so always check the size chart of the manufacturer you are purchasing from.

Hand Circumference (inches)	Hand Length (inches)	Glove Size
6.5 – 7.0	6.0 – 6.5	XS (Extra Small)
7.0 – 7.5	6.5 – 7.0	S (Small)
7.5 – 8.0	7.0 – 7.5	M (Medium)
8.0 – 8.5	7.5 – 8.0	L (Large)
8.5 – 9.0	8.0 – 8.5	XL (Extra Large)
9.0 – 9.5	8.5 – 9.0	XXL (Double Extra Large)

How to Use This Chart:

• Measure the circumference of your hand at the widest point and your hand length.
• Compare your measurements to the size chart to determine your glove size.

Types of Motorcycling Gloves

Different types of gloves are designed for different riding conditions, and choosing the right type of glove is just as important as getting the right size. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of motorcycling gloves:

1. Full-Finger Gloves

Full-finger gloves provide maximum protection for your fingers and are ideal for most riding conditions, especially in cold weather or when riding in rough terrain. These gloves often have extra padding and protection around the knuckles and fingers.

• Best for: Cold weather, all-around riding, safety.

2. Fingerless Gloves

Fingerless gloves are more suited for warmer weather, as they provide excellent ventilation and comfort. While they don’t offer as much protection as full-finger gloves, they allow for more freedom of movement and grip.

• Best for: Hot weather, casual riding, and bikers who prioritize comfort over protection.

3. Summer Gloves

Summer gloves are typically made from lighter materials and have more mesh or perforation for ventilation. These gloves are designed to keep your hands cool and comfortable in hot weather, while still offering some protection.

• Best for: Hot weather, short rides, and urban commuting.

4. Winter Gloves

Winter motorcycling gloves are designed to keep your hands warm and dry in cold and wet conditions. These gloves often feature thermal insulation, waterproof membranes, and long cuffs that help protect your wrists from the elements.

• Best for: Cold weather riding, long-distance trips, touring.

5. Sport and Racing Gloves

Sport and racing gloves are designed for riders who engage in high-performance riding or track days. These gloves typically have extra protection around the knuckles, palms, and fingers and are made from durable materials such as leather and carbon fiber.

• Best for: Racing, high-performance riding, and track use.

6. Touring Gloves

Touring gloves are designed for long-distance riders who need a balance of comfort, protection, and weather resistance. These gloves often have features such as adjustable cuffs, ventilation, and wrist closures to enhance comfort on long rides.

• Best for: Touring, long-distance rides, adventure riding.

How to Ensure a Perfect Fit

Once you’ve selected the right glove size based on your measurements, here are a few tips to ensure the perfect fit:

1. Test the Gloves: When trying on gloves, make sure that your fingers are not cramped. You should be able to move your fingers freely without feeling too tight. However, the gloves should not be too loose either, as this could lead to discomfort or poor control.
2. Check the Wrist Area: The gloves should fit snugly around your wrist. You don’t want any excess material that could move around and cause discomfort.
3. Consider Comfort Features: Look for gloves with adjustable wrist straps, padding, or ventilation features to increase comfort. Also, pay attention to the material (leather, textile, or mesh), as it can affect how comfortable the gloves are in different weather conditions.
4. Allow for Break-In: Some gloves, especially leather ones, may feel a bit stiff when you first try them on. Give them time to break in and mold to the shape of your hands for a more comfortable fit over time.

Conclusion

Choosing the right size for your motorcycling gloves is crucial for both comfort and safety. A well-fitting pair of gloves will ensure that you have a firm grip on the handlebars, protect your hands from potential injuries, and keep you comfortable no matter the weather conditions.

Be sure to follow the step-by-step instructions on how to measure your hands and consult the size chart to ensure you pick the perfect pair of gloves. With the right gloves, you’ll have greater control, protection, and comfort, allowing you to enjoy every ride to the fullest. Stay safe on the road!