When you’re just starting out on two wheels, motorcycle safety gear can feel overwhelming. You’ve got the basics — helmet and jacket — but what comes next for comfort and protection? From countless hours of reading reviews, I can tell you that gloves are one of the smartest upgrades. They protect your hands from abrasion, impact, fatigue, and the elements — all while improving grip and control. That’s why how to choose motorcycle gloves for beginners is an important decision early in your riding journey. This guide will break down what to look for, from CE certifications to gauntlet styles, so you can confidently pick the right gloves for your riding style, climate, and budget.
Let’s get started — because the right pair of gloves can make all the difference in your riding experience!
How to Choose Motorcycle Gloves for Beginners: Why Gloves Are Essential
Compared to helmets and jackets, motorcycle gloves are often overlooked when purchasing safety gear. Gloves, as well as other additional safety gear such as motorcycle trousers and boots, are frequently seen as optional rather than essential. As all experienced riders know, especially those who engage in long distance touring, this idea of optional safety gear is far from the truth.
With gloves in particular, your hands are protected during a fall, your risk of abrasions and fractures is reduced and your skin is shielded from the elements. Motorcycle gloves also improve grip and control – especially for new riders still mastering the basics. To me, these advantages sound more “critical” rather than “optional.”
But, where did this idea of optional safety gear come from? A study reviewing Australian and New Zealander motorcyclists found that while nearly all riders wear helmets (possibly because it is mandatory), other protective gear is frequently neglected. Interestingly, this was largely due to a lack of knowledge and doubt about the effectiveness of motorcycle gloves, boots and other supplementary gear. (To no one’s surprise, “youth” was also a cause for not wearing other protective gear. If you are a 20-year-old man, perhaps come back to this blog when you’re older.)
Choosing gloves that balance protection with proper fit, as per this article, appears to be the smartest safety choices a beginner can make.
A Personal Note on Motorcycle Gloves
I am confident that many of you don’t fully appreciate your hands. This may sound like a grandiose statement, however, I am certain it is true. Hands are not a body part we often think about. I never even thought about the health of my hands until I finished university. Motorcycle gloves would have been the last thing of my mind, especially if I got into motorcycling in my twenties.
Now, as a full-time dentist and an adult, you’d be surprised how often I think about my hands. You could say that everything I do is to protect my hands, because my whole livelihood (as a dentist) is dependent on my hands. I stopped all sports and activities that could remotely harm the physical health of my hands (including certain yoga poses – I am quite serious!), and I have no hobbies that involve fine or delicate hand coordination (e.g. knitting or embroidery). I even have my hands privately insured to protect my income.
Does this sound like overkill? If your job is not directly tied to the health of your hands, definitely. A consultant, accountant, corporate employee etc. do not need fine hand motor skills on a daily basis. But if you do need this control, even sporadically (think hairdressers, trades folk, hospitality workers), and your income come directly from the physical health of your hands, really consider protecting your hands. An article on how to choose motorcycle gloves for beginners is where it’s at!
Types of Motorcycle Gloves Explained
Knowing your options helps you match the glove to your riding needs and preferences.
- Street Gloves: Great for urban and commuter riders, these balance comfort and protection.
- Touring Gloves: Designed for long distances, often with waterproofing, thermal lining, and higher durability.
- Racing Gloves: High-performance gloves with maximum protection, typically full-gauntlet and loaded with armour.
- Off-Road Gloves: Lightweight and flexible with high ventilation, but offer less protection for high-speed falls.
- Gauntlet vs. Short Cuff: Gauntlet gloves extend over the wrist for more coverage and weather protection. Short cuffs offer convenience and airflow.
- Seasonal Options: Summer gloves focus on breathability; winter gloves prioritise insulation and waterproofing.
If you’re planning warm-weather travel, explore our rider’s guide to motorcycle summer travel in Italy for gear tips that go hand-in-hand with seasonal glove choices.
Key Motorcycle Glove Safety Features
Beginner gloves should never compromise on safety. It is often difficult to assess what exactly classifies motorcycle gear as “safe”, especially when buying online. These are the must-have features to look for when considering how to choose motorcycle gloves for beginners:
- CE Certification: Look for gloves rated under EN 13594 — this ensures tested protection.
- Armour Zones: Reinforced knuckles, palm sliders, and wrist protection reduce injury risk during falls.
- Double-Stitched Seams: Strengthens the structure and prevents gloves from tearing on impact.
- Abrasion-Resistant Materials: Leather and high-denier textiles resist wear during skids.
- Secure Closures: Velcro or snap closures ensure gloves stay on during a crash.
- Perforation and Vents: Allow airflow in summer gloves without compromising safety.
A full-protection glove doesn’t need to be bulky. See our top picks in the best lightweight motorcycle helmet article for more examples of protective yet minimalist gear.
How to Choose Motorcycle Gloves for Beginners: Size and Fit
Fit isn’t just about comfort — it directly impacts your safety and control on the bike. The best thing to always do is purchase in store. No online article (even mine!) will ever be as helpful as an experienced rider fitting your glove in person. Nonetheless, I understand that not all of us have access to a well stocked motorcycle gear outlet, so online is the next best thing.
Here are a few pointers when purchasing new gloves online:
- Measure Your Hand: Use a tape to measure the circumference of your hand just below the knuckles. Compare it to the manufacturer’s size chart.
- Check the Fit: Gloves should be snug but not restrictive. Fingers shouldn’t feel cramped, and seams shouldn’t dig in.
- Break-In Period: Leather gloves may feel tight at first but mold to your hands with use.
- Brand-Specific Sizes: Sizes vary across brands — always check the specific chart before buying.
- Try Before You Buy: If possible, test gloves on your actual handlebars to assess grip and range of motion.
Because a poorly fitting glove can cause blisters or reduced control, fit and size are everything. On this note, as a woman, I would encourage female riders to research women’s motorcycle gloves in particular – same as jackets. Unisex gloves are often smaller versions of men’s gloves and are meant for smaller hands, but not necessarily slender ones.
Best Materials for Motorcycle Gloves
Material choice affects comfort, durability, safety, and price. Beginners should consider these popular options:
- Leather: Traditional and durable. Offers excellent abrasion resistance but may be hot in summer or stiff until broken in.
- Textile: Often lighter and more breathable. Ideal for summer or casual commuting.
- Hybrid Gloves: Combine textile and leather for a balance of comfort and safety.
- Inner Lining: Thermal linings for winter, moisture-wicking fabrics for summer.
- Gore-Tex & Other Membranes: Offer waterproofing without bulk — ideal for all-season riders.
When considering material, how to choose motorcycle gloves for beginners often depends on your riding style and personal preference. Because of my riding style (on road, mostly summer, Canadian summer – i.e. not too hot, passenger only), light leather gloves have served me quite well.
Beginner Budgeting for Quality Gloves
Beginner riders often focus their budget on helmets or bikes. I, too, agree that your money should be invested in protecting your brain and having something durable and reliable to ride. Regardless, when it comes time to buy gloves, I still recommend buying the most expensive ones you can find. Quality and cost don’t often correlate in fashion, but in safety they sure do.
- Entry-Level Price Range: $50–$100 can get you solid protection with basic features.
- Beware of Ultra-Cheap Gloves: They may skip essential safety elements like armor or use low-grade materials.
- Invest in Features, Not Hype: CE certification, quality stitching, and comfortable liners are worth more than brand names.
- Cost vs. Usage: If you ride daily or in all weather, invest in gloves with weather protection and higher durability.
- Recommended Brands: REV’IT!, Alpinestars, Dainese, and Icon offer beginner-friendly options with proven protection.
Pro Tips from Experienced Riders
A few “take home messages” shall we say from an experienced rider (my boyfriend) to help out when considering how to choose motorcycle gloves for beginners.
Consider Your Environment
Choose gloves that suit your climate and riding season. Also consider how many riding seasons you have. In Canada, we have distinct seasons (at least three if you combine spring and autumn), but in Australia you could say we have too (wet and warm vs. cool and dry). If you don’t plan on riding during a particular season, say during freezing, snowy Canadian winters, don’t invest in winter riding gloves. Take your overall budget and spend it on a very good quality pair of summer gloves.
Don’t Size Up Too Much
Loose gloves reduce feel and increase risk during a slide. When considering how to choose motorcycle gloves for beginners, if you are thinking of sizing up because of heat i.e. sweating or over-heating, consider a different type of material. As someone who wears gloves for eight hours a day (hello dentistry!), I can confirm the right gloves are snug around your palm, extend to the tips of your fingers, do not restrict movement and maintain circulation. Anything very tight will cause pins and needles, and anything very loose is now a mitten not a glove – not for motorcycling.
Break Your Gloves in Gradually
Consider wearing your motorcycle gloves around the house before taking them on longer rides. This is especially applicable to leather gloves. When buying new leather shoes, it is always recommended to wear them around the house before extended wears so as to mould the shoes to your foot and prevent blisters. Gloves are the same.
Have More Than One Pair
Once again, consider your environment as well as riding style. Are you a summer weekend rider, or an all-season tourer? Is motorcycling a leisurely activity, or your main mode of transport? As someone who shows up on a bike here or there, mostly on weekends and holidays, I only have one pair of leather gloves. There is no circumstance when I’ll be riding off road, or in non-perfect weather, so having multiples is not something I need.
Care for Your Gear
Clean your gloves regularly and make sure to store them in a cool, dry place to prevent degradation. Treat leather gloves same as shoes by avoiding excess moisture, using baby wipes to remove dirt and applying leather conditioner regularly. Things last as long as you look after them well!
FAQ: Choosing Motorcycle Gloves for Beginners
Q. Can I use regular leather gloves instead of motorcycle gloves?
A. No — fashion gloves lack armour, abrasion resistance, and secure closures. They offer minimal protection in a crash.
Q. Are touchscreen-compatible gloves worth it for beginners?
A. Yes, especially for navigation. Look for gloves that allow you to use your phone or GPS without removing them.
Q. Should beginners prioritise comfort or safety in gloves?
A. Both matter. However, always prioritise certified protection — modern gloves are designed to be both safe and comfortable.
Q. How often should I replace motorcycle gloves?
A. Every 2–3 years for regular use or after a fall. Signs of wear include thinning materials, frayed stitching, or lost elasticity.
Q. Do I need different gloves for different seasons?
A. Yes. Summer gloves emphasize ventilation, while winter gloves focus on insulation and weather resistance. Some gloves try to balance both but usually favour one.
Final Thoughts
Choosing motorcycle gloves as a beginner doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you understand the types of gloves, the safety features that matter, and how to find the right fit, the decision becomes simple — even exciting. As you grow as a rider, your gear evolves too. But start strong, and you’ll ride with more confidence, comfort, and control from the very beginning. Remember, without your hands, you probably couldn’t ride your bike. Protect them like the valuable tools they are.
As always, gloves are just the beginning! If you are a new rider (or even an experienced one!) and thinking of setting yourself up right, don’t forget to check out our other gear guides like how to make your motorcycle more comfortable, the best motorcycle luggage for touring or just summer travel inspo in Italy.
