How to size motorcycle gloves the right way

FAQ: How do I know what size gloves to order? Can I measure?

Here are general guidelines to consider when choosing gloves.

To test a glove’s fit, physically grab onto a real motorcycle grip as if you were riding.  Making a closed fist is not an accurate feel because the hand is closed much farther than a standard grip. Ideally, a motorcycle glove should fit snugly without feeling restrictive or tight in the knuckles, or cutting off circulation. Gloves should allow good movement, and have enough give to operate the controls and turn signals. Your fingers should not be touching the ends of the glove; neither should glove fingers be too long. There should not be any additional material bunching up in the palm area.

It’s best to order gloves in the size you normally wear.  Most (but not all) gloves are pretty consistent in size from one brand to another, so if you have bought size “Large” in the past, then you’d have a pretty safe bet in ordering a large. If you have no idea what size glove to buy and have no past experience in buying gloves, you can measure your hand. We suggest you use a cloth tape measure like the one shown below. You can get a range of measurements depending upon how much you try to make your hand wide and flat. We get the best fit by using the largest measurement you can get (by making your palm as wide and flat as possible with the thumb sticking straight out). After getting a measurement, use the chart below to convert the measurement to an alpha size: Actual Hand Measurement : 

• Alpha Glove Size 6”-6.5” 
•  XS 6.5”-7.5”
• Small 7.5”-8.5”
• Medium 8.5”-9.5” 
• Large 9.5”-10.5”
• XL 10.5”-11”
• XXL 11”-12”

A Photo of How to Measure your Hand:

Glove Fit: Leather vs. Textile

  Leather will stretch around 5% with time and constant use, so they can start out a little snug. This will ensure a great fit once broken in. Textiles will become softer over the life of the motorcycle glove, but will not stretch. As a rule of thumb (no pun intended!) if you’re in between sizes, go the next size up if fabric. 

Fitting Gloves for Womens’  Hands

Many companies offer a specific women’s line tailored to the unique needs of the female hand — that’s really best for proper fit. A women’s hand is narrower in the palm, and has longer fingers — so a smaller men’s glove won’t do. Follow this  glove size guide for our women’s glove styles.

Glove Fit:  for Racing, Touring, Cold Weather

• A racing glove, designed for maximum dexterity and control on the track, will have more aggressive precurved fingers, and fit more snug.
• A touring glove, made for everyday and long distance riding, is designed for protection from the pavement and the elements; they should fit close, with good dexterity and feel of the controls.
• Cold-weather gloves will be bulkier because of additional layers of insulation, as well as the waterproof membrane layer that keeps hands dry. They should feel comfortable but not tight. You may want room to wear a glove liner in extreme cold.

Motorcycle gloves will vary in feel and fit, depending on their usage.

Some charts say to put your hand flat on a tape measure, and measure the widest part of your hand — usually just below your knuckles.Others tell you to measure the circumference of your hand with a soft measuring tape.In either case, since your right and left hand may not be the same, measure both hands and go by the WIDEST measurement of the two. 

Note: For the most accurate glove fit, there’s no substitute for trying gloves on. American vs. European Cut, ExplainedMotorcycle glove sizes (and size charts) are geared for either European or American sizing.American-cut gloves are more amply cut, while European-cut gloves tend to run smaller.
Go up 1 size for a European vs. an American glove.