You Must Know Something About Motocycle Gloves

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