There’s an age-old adage, fits like a glove. It means something which feels absolutely perfect for you, because it fits you like a glove. That just goes to show how important it is to actually fit a glove correctly for any activity you undertake. On a motorcycle you are undertaking an activity which involves risk, dexterity and comfort, so the importance of glove fit gets magnified exponentially. 

Which is why, when you are out on a ride and your gloves don't fit quite right, the excitement diminishes as discomfort creeps in. A pair of well-fitting riding gloves can make all the difference between an enjoyable journey and a distracting one. So, let's dive into the world of glove sizes and find out how to get that perfect fit!

Step-by-step Guide: Motorcycle Gloves Fitment Tips

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Before we embark on this proper glove sizing adventure, let's make sure we have the right tools on hand. You'll need a soft measuring tape and a pen and paper to jot down your measurements. If you don’t have tape, use a piece of string and then measure the string against a scale.

First things first, identify your dominant hand. For most people, this is the hand you write with. Now, wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your dominant hand – that's usually around your knuckles. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight. Note down this measurement in inches and centimeters. Different brands might use metric or imperial measurements for their gloves.

Next, let's measure your fingers. Starting from the base of your wrist, measure up to the tip of the middle finger. Do this for both hands and jot down the measurements. This will give you an idea of the length your gloves should be.

Now that you have your measurements, it's time to consult the size chart provided by the glove manufacturer. Different brands might have slightly different sizing guidelines, so it's crucial to check the specific chart for the gloves you're interested in. Match your measurements to the corresponding size on the chart.

While the size chart is a reliable guide, also consider your riding style. If you're into aggressive riding or track days, you might prefer a snugger fit to ensure maximum control and sensitivity. On the other hand, if you're more of a cruiser, a slightly looser fit might provide more comfort on long rides.

Keep in mind that glove materials can affect the fit. Leather gloves tend to stretch and mould to your hand over time, so a slightly snug fit is alright. However, synthetic materials might not have as much give, so a comfortable fit from the start is crucial.

This is the ultimate test of whether the size you've chosen is indeed the best fit. Put on both gloves and give your hands a good wiggle. You should be able to move your fingers freely without feeling constricted.

Open and close your hands and mimic operating the clutch and brake levers - can you do it comfortably? This will help put the gloves through the same motions that you perform on the motorcycle. Each of us has a unique hand structure. Some will have longer fingers, others prominent knuckles, etc. So what YOU feel when you wear the gloves and put them through the motions is most important. Your gloves should allow for easy movement without excessive bunching of the material. Also, pay attention to any pressure points or areas that rub against your skin – these could become major annoyances during a ride. 

Gently tug at the fingertips of the gloves. If you can feel the tips of your fingers brushing against the material, that's a good sign. You want just a little bit of room at the fingertips to ensure a snug yet not overly tight fit. 

Most riding gloves come with closures, like Velcro straps or buckles. Fasten the closures and see if they're secure without cutting off circulation. You don't want your gloves flying off in the wind, but you also don't want them to feel like a tourniquet.

Fits Like a Glove, Eh!

Avoid these pitfalls and take time to get your measurements right and you will buy a pair of gloves which feels like your own. Hurry through the process and you might always feel like you are using a pair of borrowed gloves.

If you have any queries about the correct glove size for you, get in touch with the ViaTerra team and we will guide you. Our gloves are available in a wide range of sizes from XS to 2XL.

User Review:

First time glove buyer, Umesh from Mumbai, shares his insights on getting it wrong and right with glove sizes: “As a novice, I went to a local motorcycle accessory store to buy motorcycle gloves. The shopkeeper sold me colourful cloth gloves and said the same size fits everybody. But I had constant pain after wearing those gloves for longer rides. Only when my friend told me, that I was wearing wrong sized gloves, did I get to know that gloves also have sizes like clothes. I then followed the ViaTerra sizing chart to get myself the Shifter. I am now happy and so are my hands”.

FAQs:

Q1. Why is finding the right glove size important for motorcyclists?

Ans: Finding the right glove size is crucial for motorcyclists because a well-fitting pair of gloves ensures comfort, dexterity, and protection while riding. Ill-fitting gloves can lead to discomfort, distraction, and compromise safety on the road.

Q2. How do I measure my hands to find the perfect glove size?

Ans: Use a soft measuring tape to measure the widest part of your dominant hand, usually around your knuckles. Record this measurement in inches and centimetres. Measure the length of your fingers from the base of your wrist to the tip of your middle finger. Consult the size chart of the glove manufacturer and match your measurements to the corresponding size.

Q3. What role does riding style play in choosing the right glove size?

Ans: Riding style influences the preference for glove fit. For aggressive riding or track days, a snug fit is preferred for maximum control and sensitivity. Cruiser riders may opt for a slightly looser fit for comfort during long rides. Considering your riding style helps determine the ideal fit for your specific needs.

Q4. Why is it essential to consider the materials of the gloves when determining size?

Ans: Different glove materials behave differently. Leather gloves tend to stretch and mould to the hand over time, so a slightly snug fit is acceptable. Synthetic materials may not have as much give, so a comfortable fit from the start is crucial. Understanding how materials affect fit ensures you choose gloves that will remain comfortable over time.

Q5. How can I avoid common mistakes when choosing the correct glove size?

Ans: Avoid common mistakes by not ignoring the size chart, measuring both hand width and finger length, considering material stretch, checking the online seller's return policy, prioritizing comfort over style, paying attention to glove closure mechanisms, and not settling for gloves that are "almost right." Being aware of these factors helps in making an informed decision and avoiding pitfalls in selecting the correct glove size.