Anyone who has ever used their hands to break a fall knows that not only does impact hurt, but skin gets scratched up as well. Now imagine what would happen on motorcycle 20 miles per hour or more…. Wearing the right protective gear on a motorcycle is essential to a safe and enjoyable ride in any weather condition. Here’s how to choose the best motorcycle gloves for winter. 

Glove Basics 

Fit is everything when it comes to finding a quality pair of motorcycle gloves. Essentially, gloves should feel like a second skin. Fingers should fill out the fingertips of the glove, and there should not be much loose or excess material. There are two types of fit, American and European. American fit gloves have some give in the palm and fingers, which tend to be shorter. European fit gloves have a longer and leaner fit, with less room in the palm. 

To determine glove size, measure hand width by laying the palm on a flat surface and measure it at the widest point. To determine hand circumference, tautly wrap the measuring tape around the palm behind the knuckles. Repeat the process for both hands, as they can vary in size. Use the larger of the measurements if there is a difference to ensure the best fit. 

Composition and Anatomy

Motorcycle gloves are typically composed of either leather or textile material. Leather is more abrasive-resistant and molds better to the hand. It is also a naturally windproof material, but not waterproof. Textile gloves tend to do better in extreme weather conditions while offering more flexibility and better sensitivity. 

Consider the anatomy of motorcycle gloves. The upper covers the top of the hand and should be thick. Fourchettes are the strips of fabric linking the upper to the palm in between the fingers and are usually ventilated. The palm is thinner than the upper to allow for better feel on the throttle. Lining is about comfort and varies depending on style. The cuff is a protective barrier for the wrist against cold and moisture, while armour protects against impact and scraping and can be made from a variety of materials. Stitching is usually made from durable material and is done externally on fingers and palms for comfort. 

For the best motorcycle gloves, look no further than Chaparral Motorsports. They carry the top brands in gloves for both men and women in various styles, from gauntlet and short cuff gloves to adventure and cruiser gloves. Chaparral Motorsports understands the importance of comfort and protection and covers all options for gloves at the best deals. 

Weather Specific 

Cold hands on a motorcycle are dangerous because they can easily become less sensitive and more prone to steering mistakes. Wintertime gloves are meant to keep hands warm in cold weather and are typically made of thicker leather and with insulation. They offer riders full protection against impacts and abrasions and are usually waterproof and longer in length. 

There are four layers to proper winter motorcycle gloves. There should be an inner lining that wicks moisture and has an insulating dry air layer. Insulating padding protects against windchill and retains body heat. A waterproof membrane allows body moisture out but prevents moisture from coming in. Lastly, the outer shell is abrasion-resistant and protects against impact. 

Look for gloves with considerable back of hand insulation and thinner insulation on the under-hand. The quality of insulation impacts wind-chill protection and heat retention, as well as grip precision. Consider gloves with a fur-like lining for comfort and warmth. Two important safety features in winter gloves are double leather panels on the palm, and palm sliders on the base of the thumb and near the wrist.