While it’s amazing to feel the warm breeze on your skin while riding through sun-soaked landscapes, sometimes it makes more sense to don a pair of motorcycle gloves. Doing so avoids things like sweaty, slipper hands as well as sunburn and windburn, among other discomforts.

If you’ve already got a pair of winter motorcycle gloves, you might think you can just slap those on and call it a day. However, these two types of biking gloves are built for very different purposes, which makes doing so a no-go. 

This guide walks you through why you need summer motorcycle gloves, how they differ from winter gloves, and what features to look for when buying a pair.

Differences Between Summer Motorcycle Gloves and Other Motorcycle Gloves

The importance of having different bike gloves for different seasons may not seem quite so obvious at first, especially  if you’re just starting your journey as a motorcycle enthusiast. However, this is actually a pretty important part of riding. 

The reason for this is that different seasons present different challenges. For example, in the winter, riders face cold winds, which can leave their fingers numb or injured from riding without gloves for long periods of time. On the other hand, summer gloves need to be adapted for hot weather, adding features such as breathability. 

Let’s take a closer look at a couple of ways that summer and winter motorcycle gloves differ.

Variation in Design

The most immediate difference you’ll notice between regular and summer motorcycle gloves is the variation in design caused by the different weather conditions in which they’re meant to be used. 

While regular motorcycle gloves are designed to offer all-round protection against various weather conditions, summer gloves are specifically tailored to combat the heat while still offering the necessary protection and comfort.

Some summer gloves, such as the Olympia 107 Outrider II gloves,  can be designed with a fully perforated outer layer to offer a high level of ventilation, allowing significant airflow to keep your hands cool during those hot summer rides. In contrast, other gloves, intended for all-season use, don’t have such an extensive perforation; instead, they offer a balance between ventilation and insulation.

Different Materials

The material also changes between these two types of gloves. Regular motorcycle gloves, such as Olympia’s 103 Easy Rider gloves, tend to be thicker for robust protection and insulation. On the other hand, summer gloves use lighter, more breathable materials.

If you’re after a summer motorcycle glove, you’re better off choosing something with more airflow, such as the Olympia 150 Men’s Airflow gloves. 

Types of Summer Motorcycle Gloves on the Market

Understanding the type and style of your riding is key to picking the best summer motorcycle gloves that suit your needs. Each type differs considerably to fulfill specific requirements, making your ride more pleasurable and safe during the warm summer months.

To help give you a clearer idea of which summer gloves might be right for you, here’s a breakdown of different types of gloves. Remember, you can find summer gloves in each of these styles, so the key is to think about what kind of riding you’ll be doing.

Sport Gloves

Sport gloves are typically designed for riders zipping around urban environments or hitting the track for a spirited ride. A good pick here might be the Olympia 340 Men’s Vented Protector gloves.

Cruiser Gloves

These are designed for laid-back cruising on the roads at a relaxed pace. You may want to look into the Olympia 4354 Journey gloves if you’re after cruiser-style gloves.

Touring Gloves

For long-distance riders, we have ‘Touring Gloves.’ These gloves come equipped with features that cater to the needs of riders on long journeys. Some good touring gloves include the Olympia 760 Air Force Gel gloves.

Adventure Gloves

Similarly, ‘Adventure Gloves’ are designed to protect the hands of riders navigating unpredictable off-road terrains. Some good adventure gloves you could try are the Olympia 708 Crew gloves.

Dual-Sport Gloves

Lastly, we have ‘Dual-sport Gloves’ that offer the best of both worlds. They bring together features that cater to both asphalt-riding and off-roading enthusiasts.

Features of Good Summer Motorcycle Gloves

Getting the right type of summer motorcycle gloves isn’t the only thing to keep in mind as you choose the right gear. You’ll also want to be on the lookout for features such as: 

• Protection
• Breathability
• Comfort
• Flexibility
• Durability

These features will contribute to both the safety and comfort of your hands, ensuring you the most enjoyable ride possible.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these features.

Protection

The primary purpose of any motorcycle glove is to protect your hands. As a rider, the last thing you would want is to get an injury due to an ill-fitted or unequipped pair of gloves. Look for gloves with armored padding over the knuckles and reinforced palms. Some good protective gloves you could look into include the Olympia 734 Men’s Digital Protector gloves.

Breathability

During the summer months, having gloves that allow your hands to breathe is crucial. Gloves with a proper ventilation system, like perforations and airflow channels for cooling, should be preferred. If it’s breathability you’re after, Olympia’s 750 Men’s Ventor gloves might be something to check out.

Comfort

When your hands are comfortable, your entire ride feels more enjoyable. Look for gloves that have a soft lining and flexible material. Gloves should be snug – not too tight, not too loose. 

Flexibility

More flexible gloves mean better control over the clutch, throttle, and brakes. Look for gloves that let you easily move your hands while riding.

Durability

You’ll need a pair of gloves that can withstand the rigors of daily riding. Gloves constructed from high-quality materials, such as goatskin or cowhide, hold up better. A good, durable pair of gloves that could work for summer riding is Olympia’s 784 Accord gloves.

Materials Used in Summer Motorcycle Gloves 

When it comes to materials used in summer motorcycle gloves, we have a variety to choose from, each offering its unique advantages and considerations. 

Remember — the choice of material in your summer motorcycle gloves plays a crucial role in their overall performance, durability, and comfort. Making an informed choice based on your individual needs can significantly enhance your summer riding experience.

To help you out, here are a few common materials used in motorcycle gloves for the summer. 

Leather Gloves

Leather motorcycle gloves, particularly those made from goatskin or cowhide, strike a great balance between durability, abrasion resistance, and comfort. The material is soft, yet tough, molding to your hands over time for a customized fit. Perforated leather gloves offer good breathability for summer rides, although the perforations may cause slight reductions in overall strength.

Mesh Gloves

Mesh is a fantastic material for summer gloves because it offers superior ventilation. Mesh motorcycle gloves allow air to flow freely around your hands, keeping them cool even on the hottest days. However, in terms of abrasion resistance, mesh isn’t as robust as leather. Olympia’s 780 Air Core I gloves are a great example of mesh gloves for cooling.

Textile Summer Gloves

Textile summer gloves are also quite common. They often boast high versatility, offering good breathability with adequate protection. However, the durability of textile gloves can vary significantly depending on the quality of the textile used. A good pair of textile journey gloves, such as the Olympia 4354 Journey gloves, can be great for protecting your hands without sacrificing quality. 

Synthetic Materials

Synthetic materials are often used in combination with the other previously mentioned materials. An example of gloves made with these types of materials could be the Olympia Men’s 708 Crew glove. 

Considerations When Buying Summer Motorcycle Gloves

When stepping into the market to buy hot weather  motorcycle gloves, there are a few things that you’ve got to keep in mind as you shop. These go far beyond what type of material you’re after or what features to look for. 

Here are a few things to be aware of as you look for the perfect summer gloves.

Glove Fit

This is perhaps the most crucial consideration. Gloves that are too small can restrict your fingers and cause discomfort. Conversely, gloves that are too large can slip and have reduced sensitivity when operating the controls. 

Glove size varies from brand to brand, so don’t just assume you’re a certain size without trying them on. Your gloves should fit snugly but not too tightly. When you make a fist, there should not be any excess material on the palm of the glove, and the fingertips should sit comfortably on the end of each finger.

Budget

The saying “you get what you pay for” is only too true when it comes to summer motorcycle gloves. While there are plenty of lower-cost options on the market, they often leave a lot to be desired when it comes to comfort, durability, and protection. It’s best to opt for quality, even if that involves spending a little extra. 

Many times, you can find affordable summer motorcycle gloves that don’t break the bank but still offer outstanding quality, such as those at Olympia Gloves!

Style

Many riders value their own personal style just as much as the functional qualities of their gear. The great news is that there’s no shortage of options. Whether you’re all about that vintage-inspired cafe racer vibe or you lean more toward the sleek and modern style, you can find gloves to match.

Find the Perfect Pair of Summer Motorcycle Gloves

Finding the right summer motorcycle gloves can be a challenge, but it’s important for having a great riding experience. Think of it like this — if you were to go hiking, you wouldn’t just pick any random shoe, would you? You’d need something comfortable, suitable for the terrain, and with enough protection features to safeguard against rocks and other hazards. 

Similarly, finding your ideal summer motorcycle glove is about finding what fits you best, caters to your needs, and ensures safety during your rides. This summer, take the time during the summer to go out, try on a few pairs and find your perfect fit, ponder the type of material you prefer, and consider which features are on your must-have list. When you’re ready to purchase, just head over to Olympia Gloves and browse through the many options available!

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