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One of the best things about riding a motorcycle is enjoying getting out on the road and experiencing the changing season throughout the year.
However, just one pair of motorcycle gloves may not be useful for the drastic changes from the winter to summer months.
If you’re tired of your hands feeling hot and sweaty after every ride in the warm sun, use our guide to finding the best summer motorcycle gloves.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Summer Motorcycle Gloves
- OUR TOP PICK: Alpinestars SP Air Gloves
- RUNNER-UP: Scorpion EXO SGS MK II
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: ILM Steel Knuckle Madbike-as
Comparison of the Best Summer Motorcycle Gloves
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What Size of Summer Motorcycle Gloves Do I Need?
You can measure yourself for summer motorcycle gloves the same way you would for other types of gloves.
Get out a tape measure, preferably a tailor’s measuring tape, and wrap it around your knuckles. Start at your pinky knuckle and wrap the tape around your hand. Don’t include the thumb when measuring.
Then, go to the sizing chart of the gloves you would like to buy and see which size is closest. If you are in-between sizes, go up one.
Remember that you want the glove to fit snuggly, but not too tight or too loose.
Why Do I Need Motorcycle Gloves in the Summer?
Gloves are just for winter. Right?
Wrong! Motorcycle gloves are a must-have all year long. They do so much more than protect your hands from the cold weather.
Accidents
Even the most experienced motorcycle riders run the risk of crashing their bike or sliding. These types of accidents can happen anytime and anywhere, so you need to be prepared.
When you fall, the first thing that you do is stick out your hands to protect yourself. If you are not wearing gloves because of the summer heat, you can get horrific cuts and burns all over your hands, wrists, and arms.
Weather
Another reason to wear gloves in the summer is because of the weather. Yes, it is usually warm, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get caught in a thunderstorm.
Wearing waterproof gloves that maintain an iron grip on your handlebars will increase your safety even in a torrential downpour.
Sweaty Hands
One of the main reasons that some people don’t wear motorcycle gloves in the summer is their hands get sweaty. However, that still happens without gloves. If you are gripping the handles with your bare hands and they start to collect sweat, you risk your hand slipping off or losing your grip on the clutch or throttle.
Review of the Best Summer Motorcycle Gloves
If you’re planning for next summer and looking for the perfect, breathable glove that offers stellar protection, check out these top choices.
Best Overall:
Alpinestars SP Air Gloves
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
There are a lot of mixed reviews about this product. Some people raved about the incredible breathability in temperatures above 100 degrees and superior protection, while others stated that the glove did not fit them properly.
Overall, there are many more glowing reviews than negative ones, and buyers claim that this glove is suitable even for the hottest temperatures.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The material of these Alpinestars gloves allows for extra breathing room. The combination of full-grain leather with 3D mesh lets plenty of airflow into the glove to cool off your hands. Plus, there are numerous perforations on the backhand and palm to let your hand breathe. With the TPR air intakes on your fingers, you won’t get the typical sticky, sweaty feeling.
Another great feature is the soft fit and extra padding with the gauntlet design. The glove has several extra EVA foam pads around the glove to protect you from falls.
You will also enjoy the ergonomic design that gives your hands a rest while you ride long distances.
Bottom Line
The Alpinestars SP Air gloves are a fantastic option for the hotter summer months. They offer next-level protection and superb breathability. With these gloves, you won’t have to compromise your safety for comfort.
Runner-up:
Scorpion EXO SGS MK II
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
While most of the recent buyers’ reviews were overwhelmingly positive, some complained about the glove’s build.
The Scorpion EXO gloves come at a lower price, and some customers commented that the price difference was very noticeable in the glove’s poor quality.
Nevertheless, the majority of customers were delighted with the quality of the glove for a low price. Plus, the buyers said that the gloves kept their hands cool in the summer heat.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Apart from the affordable price, we love the design of the glove. While it may not have quite as many airflow features as some other models, it has a comfortable design that will let your hands breathe.
With a short cuff, perforated material on the backhand, and goat leather material, the glove is not too hot for the summer months.
Other great features include the TPU knuckle and finger protectors, Knox SPS palm sliders, and a padded pisiform protector.
Bottom Line
Even though this motorcycle glove may not have as many innovative design features as other options, it is an incredible value for an affordable price.
The perforations and short cuff will give you some airflow while the numerous safety additions will protect your hands.
Best for the Money:
ILM Steel Knuckle Madbike-as
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Like with many other motorcycle gloves, a common complaint is the make and build of the gloves. Several people said that the material did not last or that the glove was not a good fit.
However, an overwhelming number of people raved about the quality of protection that these motorcycle gloves gave them. Numerous users commented on how they crashed, and the gloves saved their hands from severe injury.
Why it Stands Out to Us
While some of our other glove options are specifically for warmer weather, this model is actually for year-round use. The leather material gives you comfort, airflow, and a stylish look. The material blocks out the unwanted freezing air in colder months while letting your hands breathe during the summer.
One of our favorite features about this glove - besides the incredibly low price - is the next-level protection that it offers. From non-slip lines on the palm to durable steel knuckles, these gloves will protect you in a fall or slide.
Bottom Line
Just because a glove is cheap doesn’t mean that it has low quality. These affordable gloves offer excellent protection, breathability, and comfort for your summer rides.
Best Waterproof Summer Motorcycle Glove:
Held Air N Dry Gloves
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the reviews from recent buyers were incredibly positive. Numerous people loved the innovative technology and a comfortable fit.
However, there were a couple of people that complained about the sizing, stating that each chamber was a different size.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The most impressive part of these Held Air N Dry gloves is the innovative technology that includes two chambers, one for breathability and another for waterproofing.
As such, this is a fantastic summer glove. The warm weather can go from extremely hot to a sudden shower, and these gloves will make sure you are prepared for anything that comes your way during the summer months.
An added plus is the kangaroo leather palm that gives you a soft but highly protective feel. The plastic knuckles and super fabric also protect all parts of your hand in a fall.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a summer motorcycle glove that does it all, this is a great choice. From the increased airflow to the high protection and water resistance, this glove will serve you for a long time.
Best Summer Leather Motorcycle Glove:
BILT Max Speed Leather Gloves
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Plenty of people were pleased with the leather’s comfort and the extra padding to protect their hands in a crash.
Regarding the fit, people had mixed reviews. Some stated that it was the perfect fit for them, while others complained of long fingers or a painful grip.
In general, the people were happy with the quality, especially for the lower price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We particularly like the leather design with added protective features. The molded knuckles have two pieces that give the hand ventilation, and there are memory foam pads throughout the glove.
You also get beautiful external seam overlays on the palm for added protection in a fall.
On top of all of those features, the leather is high quality and offers a comfortable fit.
Bottom Line
If you want a more affordable summer leather glove that gives you superior protection, the BILT Max Speed model is a great option.
Pros and Cons of Investing in Summer Motorcycle Gloves
Summer motorcycle gloves are an excellent idea, but there are a couple of downfalls. Here are some of the top pros and cons of investing in summer gloves.
More Breathability
The most significant selling point of motorcycle gloves specifically designed for summer weather is that they give more room for your hands to breathe. Whether it’s through mesh material, air holes, or a fingerless design, summer motorcycle gloves make riding in the summer more bearable.
Comfort
Thanks to these design elements that let your hands get some cool air, you can experience a much more comfortable ride. You don’t have to worry about getting distracted by extremely hot and sweaty hands, which lets you focus more on the ride.
Protection without Overheating
One of the main reasons for wearing gloves while driving a motorcycle is for protection. While summer gloves give you more breathing room, they do not limit the amount of protection your hands get.
Even fingerless and short cuff gloves have plenty of padding on the palm and knuckles to make your ride safe.
Additional Cost
Of course, having seasonal gloves is an added cost to your budget. However, since you would only be using the gloves for a couple of months during the year, they could last you for several years.
Somewhat Similar to Regular Gloves
Another con to investing in summer motorcycle gloves is that there isn’t a vast difference between the summer style and other regular gloves. Apart from a more breathable style, the differences are few.
What Should I Look for in Motorcycle Gloves for Summer?
Summer motorcycle gloves are very similar to regular motorcycle gloves, just with a few added features to comfort under the hot summer sun.
Material
While some motorcycle gloves have thick layers for plenty of warmth, you want to stay away from those options when looking for your summer gloves.
Numerous glove options have added mesh layers and perforations in the material to let your hands breathe in the heat.
Remember, just because it is summer doesn’t mean there will never be cooler temperatures. You could get caught in a sudden thunderstorm, in which you would still need a durable material to protect your skin.
Coverage
The coverage of summer motorcycle gloves depends on your taste. Many people opt for short cuff gloves because they let your wrists breathe. However, you may prefer gauntlet gloves that cover more of your arm and add protection.
Additionally, fingerless gloves are airy for those warm summer days. Again, openness can give your skin a vulnerability that you do not want while riding.
Function
Like a regular motorcycle glove, you need it to fit well and give you the proper grip. Test the material and fit to see if you can move easily in the glove and handle the throttle and clutch appropriately.
Fingerless Gloves vs. Full Gloves for Motorcycles - Comparison Overview
Fingerless gloves are a popular pick for summer riding as they give your fingers some more breathing room. Enclosing your entire hand in leather gloves while driving under the summer sun can be extremely hot and uncomfortable, and fingerless gloves are an excellent alternative for summer gloves.
However, since your fingers are open, you run the risk of a sweaty grip and potential injuries directly to your skin in a fall.
Full gloves, of course, offer you next-level protection. In the event of an accident, you naturally put out your hands to break your fall. With full gloves, your fingers will have complete protection. The material will also help you maintain a solid grip on the handlebars, even if your hands are sweating.
The downside of full gloves is the heat, especially as a summer motorcycle glove.
When choosing between fingerless versus full gloves, consider the most important features to you: safety or staying cool.
Conclusion
Motorcycle gloves aren’t just for winter months. They are essential to your safety as you ride your motorcycle all year.
Buying one of the innovative summer motorcycle gloves above can give you incredible protection without making your hands clammy and uncomfortable.
People Also Ask
As you look for the perfect summer motorcycle glove, you might have several questions about fit, style, and protection. To help you research, here are the answers to some of the most common questions we have received!
Why Do Motorcycle Gloves Have Hard Knuckles?
Driving a motorcycle can be dangerous, not just because of potential falls and slides, but also because of flying debris on highways.
Hard knuckle gloves, usually made with rubber or metal, add extra protection to your hand as you ride. Since the knuckles are the most exposed part of your hand while riding, the extra protection prevents injury from loose rocks or an accident.
Are Motorcycle Gloves Supposed to Be Tight?
Motorcycle gloves should be snug, but not too tight. You want them to fit comfortably on your hand while still hugging your entire hand.
Test the tightness by holding a motorcycle handle while wearing the glove. If it feels snug and doesn’t cut off the circulation or inhibit your range of motion, it is a good fit.
How to Make Motorcycle Gloves Touchscreen Compatible
Many gloves don’t work with your touchscreen because the device detects electrical currents, which cloth materials don’t have.
While plenty of modern motorcycle gloves come with a special pad on the index finger, you can also add special fingertip pads to your gloves. Some of the popular products include Farkle Fingers and Glovetacts.
What Kind of Motorcycle Gloves Do I Need?
The kind of motorcycle gloves you need depends on your preferred style and riding you do. For example, if you enjoy backroads, urban settings, racing, or touring trips, there are numerous gloves specifically designed for each type of riding.
Also, consider the level of protection and comfort you want. Some gloves offer a high level of flexibility but only a medium amount of protection. Consider what type of riding you will do and base your purchase decision on that.
How to Freshen the Smell of Sweaty Motorcycle Gloves
It is extremely common for your summer motorcycle gloves to smell after a long ride under the sun. The best way to avoid a build-up of sweat is to wash them after a long ride.
If your gloves do end up with an unwanted smell, try washing them by hand with a tech-wash detergent. Make sure to dry the gloves inside out.
Another helpful trick is putting baby powder in the gloves to dry them.
Are Short Cuff Gloves Better for Summertime?
Short cuff motorcycle gloves can be more comfortable in the summer heat since they don’t cover as much of your arm as gauntlet gloves.
However, the shorter style isn’t only for warmer weather. The short cuff gloves provide a more comfortable fit under your sleeve, and they are often less expensive than the gauntlet style.
