Days are getting warmer … so this is a good time to check your summer gear and see if it’s road worthy.

Summer motorcycle riding gloves can:

  • Protect your hands from sunburn, pebbles, rocks and bugs, and the unlikely unplanned get off.
  • Make your hands feel more comfortable while you ride.
  • Give you better grip of your controls.

Here\’s how to choose summer motorcycle gloves that make hot weather rides safer and more comfortable.more

Why Wear Summer Motorcycle Gloves?

We get it, we truly do … it’s hot, you’re sweaty. 

 

But today’s lightweight mesh gear means there\’s no excuse for riding around in t-shirts and board shorts.  Wear protective summer gear, including a pair of lightweight, sweat-wicking summer gloves, for hand protection and comfort.  You will not regret it.

Summer motorcycle gloves protect your hands more than you might think:
 
1. Protection:  A good pair of summer gloves have durable skid pads on palms, reinforced seams, hard knuckles and other reinforced and padded features.

2. Comfort:
Today\’s technical fabrics and mesh/vented combinations are lighter weight to keep you cool and comfortable beneath a blazing, hot sun.

 

3. Control: Properly fitting, well-designed summer riding gloves give you a better grip on the bike’s handles and controls, especially designs with palm-side \”grip\” features.


Tips for Choosing Summer Riding Gloves

Look for these features in warm weather glove styles:

  • Lightweight but tough fabrics. Styles with mesh backs, mesh between the fingers or gloves made of textile and leather combinations.
  • Strategically located cooling vents on backs of hands and on fingers. Some styles allow you to open and close the vents, which add airflow when needed.
  • A fabric that wicks sweat and keep your hands feeling dry.  Many of today\’s man-made fibers are hydrophobic and thus effective for wicking.
  • Constructed for maximum airflow. They should have strategically placed mesh and vents, or perforated leather, for greater ventilation.
  • For leather fans, styles with perforated leather add airflow and grip — the best of both worlds.
  • Added comfort and protective features: like gel palms, curved fingers, flexible knuckles, etc. to reduce fatigue and extend comfort during longer rides.

To make finding the right glove easier, consider YOUR special requirements and preferences:

–  Vibration bother you? Choose summer gloves with gel palms to damp vibration.

 

–  Use lots of touchscreen electronics? Choose summer touch screen gloves.
 
–  Are you an aggressive rider? Choose summer riding gloves with skid pads, or other protective armor … and so on.

What About Fingerless Gloves?

We get asked this a lot.

The way we see it, if a rider does not want to wear a \”full-fingered\” glove in summer, fingerless gloves are still a better option compared to bare hands.

Fingerless gloves come with a range of features that add comfort and some measure of protection, like hard knuckles, gel palms, mesh, and leather. Truth is, we sell a lot of them.

While the purist would say that fingerless gloves probably do not offer the same protection as full-fingered gloves — and they\’re right about that — fingerless gloves still offer protection from the elements, and can make your ride a lot more comfortable.

Which Gloves For Cooler Summer Nights?

Mesh and vented gloves are great in the heat, but summer nights can get pretty cool.

For chilly mornings or evenings, early or late in the season, and in the mountains where the temps are a bit cooler, a second pair of lined leather gloves in your gear bag can come in pretty handy. We\’re partial to a lined leather roper or soft deerskin glove.

RIDER TIP: Keep a second pair of gloves on hand — a slightly heavier second pair is always a smart strategy for unexpected cooler temps.

How do YOU keep cool — but protected — on hot summer rides?

When temperatures rise and the sun beats down, how do you beat the heat? Here are 21 tips from other riders to keep cooler this summer … check them out!  Ride safe!

P.S. Olympia makes 40 styles of summer riding gloves, for every rider.

many for summer riding, some with free shipping. Visit an Olympia Glove dealer (use our dealer locator to find one near you) or check out our online store.

Peter Kiernan

Peter Kiernan

I am a fourth generation glove and leather professional from Gloversville NY. I have 36 years of passion in all aspects of glove design, manufacturing and sales. My experience provides an extensive comprehension of how the glove product links from innovation and design through point of sale.
My recent association with Olympia Sports Company is focussed on technical and luxury glove products.

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