Gloves are great for keeping your hands warm and protecting against falls and scrapes, particularly when you’re out on the motorcycle for a spin. What they’re not so great at is letting you move your hands freely, particularly for tasks like checking your phone or grabbing items from your pockets. 

That’s where fingerless gloves come in. Fingerless gloves, besides their obvious benefit of leaving your fingers free for precision tasks, also offer improved ventilation compared to full-finger gloves. They help prevent sweaty, uncomfortable hands in warmer weather or during intense activities. Plus, with the cool, edgy aesthetic they offer, they make a unique fashion statement, too.

In this guide, I’ll help you zero in on the best fingerless gloves that cater to your specific needs and preferences. I’ll cover everything from the best materials, features, considerations for different activities, settings, and personal needs. That way, you can choose a pair that works for you and keeps you protected.

What Materials Are Used for Fingerless Gloves?

Fingerless gloves aren’t made out of one single material. Instead, there are a number of different styles out there, each with its own benefits. Let’s check out a few of the different materials that often make up fingerless motorcycle gloves. 

Leather

Leather gloves are notably durable, providing ample protection and resisting wear and tear. They’re not only strong but also quite stylish, particularly when they develop that desirable worn-in look over time.

An example of leather fingerless gloves is the Olympia 407 Men’s Fingerless Gel Gloves. 

Synthetic Materials

If you’re looking for a more economical and environmentally friendly option, synthetic materials like nylon or polyester could be your go-to option. These materials are typically lightweight, and many are weather-resistant, a useful feature for various outdoor activities.

Knitted Fabric or Wool

The primary benefit of knitted fabric or wool lies in warmth. If you need fingerless gloves to keep your hands cozy during colder months while allowing you the flexibility to perform tasks, these materials might be your best bet. They’re also soft and comfortable, guaranteeing coziness. 

Neoprene

For those of you into water sports or needing waterproof gloves, neoprene is the ideal material. This type of rubber offers excellent water resistance and flexibility, making them perfect for activities such as sailing or fishing.

Lace or Silk

For more formal occasions or when you want a fashion-forward touch, lace or silk gloves may be the answer. These materials, while not as robust as leather or neoprene, certainly up the glamor quotient, making them a hit at parties or classy events.

Features of Fingerless Gloves

Now that you know a bit more about the materials that make up fingerless gloves, let’s take a look at what features they often include. Remember, these features will vary depending on what activity you’re using the gloves for.

Material Durability

Gloves might undergo intense use, especially if you’re involved in heavy-duty activities like lifting weights or outdoor work. Leather gloves, for example, are known for their robustness and longevity.

Breathability

For those using gloves during physical activities or in warm environments, having breathable gloves means that your hands will remain comfortable and sweat-free. Mesh or cotton gloves are designed to allow for optimal air circulation and prevent overheating.

Fit

You want gloves that will snugly fit your hands without constricting motion. Gloves with adjustable straps allow you to customize the fit to your preference, ensuring maximum comfort.

Padding and Grip

These features are particularly crucial for activities like cycling or weightlifting. Gloves with padded palms offer additional comfort, while those with a rubber or silicone grip ensure your hands hold firmly onto surfaces or equipment.

A pair of the Olympia 757 Men’s Air Force Fingerless Gel Gloves come with extra padding, for instance, to keep you safe on the road.

Pull Tabs

While there are plenty of great features of fingerless gloves, one thing that’s important to note is they can be difficult to get on and off. That can make them inconvenient for many riders. Luckily, there’s an easy fix — pull tabs. 

Olympia Gloves offers the 407 Menn’s Fingerless Gel Gloves which feature pull tabs helping you slip them on and off your hands with ease.

Different Activities That Call for Fingerless Gloves

Fingerless gloves are great for summer motorcycle rides, but that’s not the only scenario where you might slip a pair of these on. Here are a few other activities that might call for a pair of fingerless gloves. 

Weightlifting

When lifting weights, the most important consideration should be grip enhancement. Sweaty arms can make it difficult to maintain a thorough grip on weights, leading to potential injury.

Cycling

For cycling, breathability, grip, and some degree of padding for cushioning are essential. Gloves with silicone or rubber dots can increase your control over the handlebars.

Climbing

For climbing activities, durability and comfort should be a priority. The last thing you want is a tear mid-climb or gloves that are so stiff they hinder your flexibility.

Typing

Lastly, if you’re looking for gloves to keep your hands warm in a chilly office while typing, they must be lightweight and not restrict your fingers’ mobility.

How to Choose the Best Fingerless Gloves for Different Settings

Whether you live in a city, countryside, or by the sea, you may need a pair of fingerless gloves. They come in handy in a variety of scenarios, from chilly offices to outdoor adventures. Here are some of the different settings you might be considering and my tips on choosing the right fingerless gloves for them.

Outdoor Work

Given the different tasks that you may handle outdoors, from gardening to construction and even fishing, the choice of gloves can significantly impact my performance and comfort. 

When it comes to working outdoors, a few things to look for include: 

• A hard-wearing material like leather or a high-quality synthetic that can stand up to different weather conditions.
• Gloves that provide flexibility so you can complete outdoor tasks.
• Reinforced palms for enhanced grip, padded knuckles for protection, and adjustable closures for a secure fit.
• Waterproof or water-resistance for wet environments

Office Work 

For the office, especially if you’re like me and your hands get cold when typing, a pair of fingerless gloves can keep you from freezing while still letting you access your keyboard comfortably. 

With these types of gloves, features to look for include: 

• Lightweight and breathable material to keep your hands from getting sweaty
• Simple, minimalistic designs that fit with your office attire

Motorcycle Rides

As a rider, your hand safety is a crucial component of an enjoyable motorcycle ride. The right pair of fingerless gloves can provide both robust protection and the flexibility you need on the road. 

Here’s what you should consider while buying fingerless gloves for motorcycle rides:

• A durable material that can withstand various elements, including wind, sun, and even abrupt falls. 
• Gloves that aren’t too loose or too tight
• Additional safety features such as padding on the palm region and knuckles, non-slip grips, and even reflective strips for enhancing visibility in low light.

Driving

When it comes to selecting the perfect pairs of fingerless gloves for driving, it’s important to focus on three key factors: material, fit, and any additional features that boost grip and contribute to your overall style. 

Here are a few things to look for when picking driving gloves: 

• Breathable and comfortable fabrics that help you avoid sweaty palms
• A glove that fits well without hindering grip and control for safe driving
• Non-slip surface or additional padding around the palm for superior steering control

What to Think About When Choosing the Best Fingerless Gloves

Fingerless gloves are not a one-size-fits-all item. To get the most out of your gloves, you need to choose a pair tailored to your own specific needs. Here are some key considerations to help guide your choice.

Hand Size

This is an important factor in choosing comfortable gloves. Otherwise, you run the risk of a pair that squeezes your hands or that leaves you with extra room, making them loose and prone to falling off. 

Ensure that you correctly measure your hand size before purchasing your gloves. You want your gloves to be snug, but not too tight that they restrict your motion.

Skin Sensitivity and Allergies

If you have sensitive skin or allergies, you’ll need to be careful about the materials you choose. For example, while some people find wool gloves warm and comfortable, other people might find them scratchy and irritating. 

Leather options like the Olympia 107 Men’s Outrider II Gloves can be a good alternative if you have a wool sensitivity, but then again, some people might be allergic to leather. In those cases, synthetic materials might be the better option.

Specific Activities and Tasks

Your daily activities can influence the type of gloves you choose. If you are into weightlifting, for example, look for gloves with extra padding in the palm area to protect your hands. 

If you’re more into typing or fine motor tasks, look for gloves made from lightweight, breathable fabric that allows for maximum dexterity.

Personal Style

If style is a big consideration for you, then you’d obviously want gloves that look good aside from being functional. Fingerless gloves come in a vast array of designs and colors. 

You might prefer sleek, black leather gloves for a more professional or sophisticated look or perhaps bright, colorful gloves to express your fun and adventurous side.

Find Your Ideal Fit for Fingerless Motorcycle Gloves

Fingerless gloves are versatile and can work for a wide range of activities, whether you’re getting dirty in the garden or hopping on your motorbike for a cruise around town. As you choose these gloves, just remember to keep the exact activity you’ll be doing in mind. 

Whether it’s about making a powerful fashion statement with silk gloves, bracing for a motorcycle ride with strong, padded leather gloves, or anything in between, there’s almost certainly a pair of fingerless gloves out there with your name on it.

With that said, if you already know what you’re looking for, head over to Olympia Gloves and browse our various fingerless glove offerings. Or, sign up for our newsletter to get insider tips and access to exclusive sales for when you’re ready to make a purchase.