How to size motorcycle gloves

How to measure your hand

Use a soft tape measure and measure your dominant hand, which is usually slightly larger. Most brands size by hand circumference, and some also give hand length. If your two numbers point to different sizes, length usually matters more for finger fit, and circumference matters more for palm fit; check which the brand chart prioritizes.

1. 1

   Circumference: wrap the tape around your hand at the knuckles, just below the fingers, excluding the thumb. Keep your hand flat and relaxed.

2. 2

   Length: measure from the crease at the base of your palm to the tip of your middle finger.

3. 3

   Repeat both measurements and use the larger numbers.

4. 4

   Check the brand's chart, which may be in inches or centimeters.

Typical motorcycle glove size chart

The table below shows a typical relationship between hand circumference and glove size. It is only a starting point. Glove sizing varies more between brands than helmet sizing does, and race gloves with pre-curved fingers fit differently from touring gloves.

If you are between sizes, consider what the glove is for. A summer glove can fit closer, while a winter or heated glove needs a little room for insulation and circulation.

Note.Brands such as Alpinestars, KLIM and Dainese publish their own charts, and some use numeric sizes. Always check the chart for the exact glove.

How a riding glove should fit

Put the glove on and close all straps. Then grip a handlebar or something similar, like a broom handle, and hold it for a minute. This is the position that matters. Many riding gloves are pre-curved, so they can feel tight with your hand flat but correct when gripping.

The fingertips should just touch the ends of the glove fingers when gripping, without being crushed. There should be no loose material in the palm, which can bunch and blister. Knuckle armor should sit over your knuckles, and any finger armor should line up with your finger joints.

• Fingertips just reach the ends while gripping.
• No folds of loose material in the palm.
• Knuckle protector sits over the knuckles, not behind them.
• Wrist closure tightens so the glove cannot be pulled off.
• You can operate the clutch, brake and switches without fumbling.

Gauntlet or short cuff

Gauntlet gloves have a long cuff that extends over the jacket sleeve. They cover the wrist fully, add protection to the lower forearm and keep wind and rain out of the sleeve. They are standard on sport and race gloves such as the Alpinestars GP Pro R4 and on many touring and winter gloves.

Short-cuff gloves end at the wrist and are worn under the jacket sleeve. They are cooler and easier to put on, making them popular for summer, city riding and adventure riding. The KLIM Adventure GTX Short is one example. For short-cuff gloves, check that the jacket sleeve covers the cuff fully in riding position. See our motorcycle glove guide for both styles.

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Reading the EN 13594 label

In Europe, motorcycle gloves sold as protective equipment are tested to EN 13594. Many gloves sold in the US carry the same certification, shown on a label inside the cuff. The label usually shows a motorcycle rider pictogram, the standard number, the protection level, and sometimes the letters KP.

Level 1 and Level 2 describe how well the glove performed in tests such as abrasion, tear and seam strength, with Level 2 being the higher level. KP means the glove includes knuckle protection that has passed the impact test. A glove without a CE label may still be well made, but you have no independent test result to compare.

Special cases: heated and winter gloves

Heated gloves, such as the Gerbing 12V models, contain heating elements and wiring, so they need a fit that is snug but not tight. A glove that compresses your fingers reduces circulation and makes your hands colder, even with the heat on. Some riders go up half a size in heated or insulated gloves.

Waterproof gloves with a membrane, such as Gore-Tex models, have an extra layer inside and can feel slightly smaller than the same size in a summer glove. Try them with the closure fully tightened.

Frequently asked questions

Should motorcycle gloves be tight? Snug, not tight. Your fingertips should just reach the ends when gripping, with no loose palm material, but you should not feel pressure that numbs your fingers.

Do motorcycle gloves stretch? Leather gloves relax a little with use, especially in the palm. Textile gloves change very little. Buy leather gloves snug and textile gloves at the size you want to wear.

What does KP mean on motorcycle gloves? KP on an EN 13594 label means the glove's knuckle protection passed the impact test.

Which hand should I measure? Measure your dominant hand, which is often slightly larger, and use the bigger number.