Now that you know some of the features that differentiate a motorcycle glove from a regular leather glove or a work glove, let's get into the “anatomy” of a motorcycle glove. Here we’ll dive into each part of a motorcycle glove, and show you the features that go into each one and why it is designed that way.
Upper
The portion that covers the back or top of the hand
Should be thick and tough, to protect not only from crashes but from bugs and rocks that might impact the knuckles
Often made of thick natural hides (like cowhides) or high-denier textile
Fourchettes
The strips of fabric that connect the upper to the palm, in between the fingers
Often ventilated on motorcycle gloves
Palm
Often thinner than the upper, for more comfort and to allow better feel on the throttle
Thinner natural hides are often used, such as goatskin or kangaroo
Lining
Enhances inner comfort on many multi-layered, technical gloves
Will vary depending on the purpose of the glove (moisture wicking, comfort, warmth, waterproofing, etc.)
May use materials such as Gore-Tex, Thinsulate, etc.
Cuff
Gives wrists a barrier for protection against cold and moisture
Often includes protective elements for wrists, such as padding or armor
Closure
Must be strong enough to keep gloves secure on long rides, and even more so in the event of a crash
May use buttons, D-ring straps, or hook-and-loop (AKA Velcro)
Armor
Used to provide protection from impact and scraping
Padding (EVA foam)
Thermo-plastic urethane (TPU)
Carbon fiber
Steel or titanium
Exotic materials such as stingray
Stitching
One of the most underrated parts of a glove, this is what holds the entire thing together
Often made of ultra-durable fabrics such as Kevlar
Often double stitching in critical areas
Look for external stitching on fingers and palms for comfort
Extra Features
Motorcycle specific features that make riders lives easier
Things such as palm sliders, finger bridges, knuckle vents, and touchscreen capability
