Measure the circumference of your dominant hand just below the knuckles, excluding the thumb, and match it to that brand’s size chart.
Getting motorcycle glove sizing right comes down to one fact: brands don’t share a universal standard. A medium in one company’s gloves can feel like a large in another’s. The reliable way to find your size is measuring your hand and comparing the number to the specific maker’s chart, not guessing from your jacket or street-glove size.
Two Ways to Measure Your Hand
Most glove makers size by either palm circumference or hand width. Both start with the same tool: a soft measuring tape. No tape? A piece of string works — wrap it, mark the overlap, then lay it flat against a ruler.
Circumference method: Wrap the tape around your palm just below the knuckles, where the hand is widest. Keep the thumb out of the measurement entirely. Note the number in inches or centimeters.
Width method: Place your hand flat on a surface and measure straight across the widest part of the palm, usually right below the knuckles.
ICON, for example, sizes by palm circumference at its widest point, a little below the knuckles.
Which Hand Do You Measure?
Measure both hands, then go with the larger reading. RevZilla explicitly recommends this, and it’s the standard advice across fit guides. Your dominant hand is often slightly bigger, but not always — and a glove that’s tight on one hand compromises comfort and control on the controls.
Some guides, like Moto Arena Gold Coast’s, specify measuring the dominant hand with fingers apart and outstretched. Others, like Planet Bike’s, say to keep fingers relaxed and together. The difference matters less than consistency: follow the posture shown in the brand’s own chart image if one is provided.
Check Finger Length and Fit
Palm circumference alone doesn’t tell the whole story. A glove can fit perfectly around the palm but still be wrong if the fingers are too long or short. That’s why several fit guides, including Olympia Gloves’, also measure from the tip of the middle finger to the base of the palm or wrist.
You’re looking for gloves where each finger ends close to your fingertip without pressing hard. A little extra length in the fingers is workable; too little is a dealbreaker — you’ll feel the seam against your fingertips on every grip.
| Measurement | Where to Measure | Key Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Palm circumference | Just below the knuckles | Exclude the thumb entirely |
| Hand width | Across the widest part of the palm | Hand flat, fingers relaxed |
| Middle finger length | Fingertip to base of palm | Use to verify finger fit |
Snug Fit, Not Tight
The right glove feels snug — almost like a second skin — with no excess material bunching at the palm. But it shouldn’t restrict movement. Make a loose fist and grip an imaginary handlebar; your knuckles expand when you curl your hand, so a glove that feels fine with flat fingers can bind when you ride.
Most leather gloves break in and stretch slightly with use. Five Gloves’ sizing guide and other manufacturers note this, which means the initial fit should err on the snug side, not the loose side.
One more rule from RevZilla: if one hand is larger, fit to the larger hand. A tight glove on your bigger hand will cause discomfort and numb fingers on long rides — and compromised feel on the controls is a safety issue, not just a comfort one.
Once you’ve got your measurements, matching them to the right pair matters as much as the numbers. Our roundup of the best motorcycle gloves for beginners breaks down which options fit true to size and suit different riding styles. RevZilla’s detailed guide on how to size motorcycle gloves also walks through brand-by-brand differences worth checking before you order.
When you try on a pair, check the fit with your hand in a relaxed fist. The glove should feel secure without any pinching across the palm or tightness across the back of the hand.
FAQs
Should I size up or down if I’m between glove sizes?
A snug fit at purchase will relax into a comfortable one; a loose glove only gets looser. For textile or synthetic gloves that don’t stretch, the larger size is usually the safer pick.
Do motorcycle glove sizes match regular glove sizes?
No. Motorcycle glove sizing often runs differently from dress or work gloves, and there’s no universal standard across riding brands either. Always measure your hand and compare it against the specific manufacturer’s chart rather than trusting your usual glove size.
How tight should new motorcycle gloves feel?
New gloves should feel snug but not restrictive, with no excess bunching at the palm or fingers. Make a fist and grip as if you’re on the bars; your knuckles expand when you curl your hand. Buy for the larger hand if they differ.
References & Sources
- RevZilla. “How to Size and Buy Motorcycle Gloves.” Covers measuring both hands, width vs. circumference, and fitting the larger hand.
- Olympia Gloves. “Perfect Fit Motorcycle Glove Sizing.” Details finger-length measurement and break-in expectations.
- Five Gloves. “Choosing the Right Glove Size.” Explains snug-fit guidance and leather stretch over time.