IT’S IMPORTANT TO WEAR GLOVES THAT FIT WELL. WHY IS PROPER FIT SO IMPORTANT?
Ill-fitting gloves are uncomfortable and clumsy.
They can bunch in your palms and fingers, causing calluses, and hand fatigue.
Better fitting gloves provide better control of the throttle and other hand controls
OLYMPIA GLOVES® ARE "AMERICAN CUT", AND FIT TRUE TO SIZE.
Olympia Gloves® customers usually tell company that gloves just fit right, without being too snug, or having extra length or bulk where you don’t need it. "American fit" gloves are a roomier cut vs. European fit gloves, which run smaller.
Company signature fit is American cut, all the way up to size XXL on some styles … often a better fit for American hands than leaner and trimmer cut European brands. (See size chart tab for fit details).
WOMEN’S GLOVES ARE DESIGNED FOR A WOMAN’S HAND.
Women’s hands are not simply smaller versions of men’s hands. Olympia's women's gloves specifically addresses a woman rider’s hand size and fit concerns, like smaller hands, narrower shape with longer fingers, room for rings, etc.
NEW LEATHER GLOVES SHOULD FIT ON THE SNUG SIDE, COMPARED TO FABRIC GLOVES.
Leather motorcycle gloves should start a little snug, to break in as you wear them. They will stretch approximately 5% to fit your hand's exact proportions.
Leather conditioner can help soften the leather and break them in.
FABRIC (TEXTILE) GLOVES SHOULD FIT RIGHT, THE FIRST TIME YOU PUT THEM ON.
If stretch is built into the fabric, they will have a little "give. But for the most part, textile gloves should fit right and be comfortable, the first time you put them on.
LEAVE ROOM FOR GLOVE LINERS.
If you plan to wear your gloves with glove liners, your gloves need to be a little roomier, to accommodate that.
HAPPY SHOPPING, AND RIDE SAFE!
1. GO FOR COMFORT
Comfort is number one on many riders’ lists. Of course, you want to be safe as well, but if the gloves aren’t comfortable, you are less likely to wear them. As you inspect the various types of gloves available, try on a variety and see what they feel like. You will want a glove that fits well so they are not too tight and not too loose. You will need to be able to flex your fingers at a moment’s notice within the gloves.
2. INSPECT CONSTRUCTION
Most motorcycle gloves are made of leather or strong nylon. You will want to ensure that the gloves you buy are made from strong materials so they will protect your palms if you need them during an accident. Leather motorcycle gloves should also have reinforcements in the palm areas like extra padding. You might find that padding around the knuckles as well. Look at the stitching on the gloves and make sure the construction is tight and ready for anything. It is a good idea to inspect gloves in person. Once you know what the varieties of gloves are like, you can order spares online.
3. CONSIDER WEATHER
Do you ride all year long or just in fair weather? Think about your riding needs and make sure you get gloves to match. If you ride in the summer only, for example, you will want gloves that are cooler in nature so your hands don’t get too hot. Look for gloves with good ventilation. If you ride in the winter as well, you will want insulation and full coverage to keep your hands warm.
4. GET PRACTICAL
No matter what time of the year you ride, your gloves will get dirty. How are you going to clean them? The outside is simple enough if you get leather. You can use leather shampoos and cleaning processes. But what about the inside? There are actually some gloves that come with liners so you can take the liner out and wash it in your machine and still protect the leather materials. Liners are also nice because you can use the same gloves in a variety of weather situations. Put the liners in when it is cold and take them out in the heat.
5. THINK ABOUT RIDING NEEDS
Do your hands ever get numb when you ride? Do you get sore in one particular spot on your palm when you ride too far? Think about your riding needs and then find gloves that will help you with those issues. If your hands get numb from riding, get gloves with extra padding to help combat the vibration on your bike. There are enough gloves out there that one option can fit just about any issue you face.
Finding the right motorcycle gloves can take a little time, thought, and effort. Once you put in that extra work, however, you will be glad you did because you will end up with the perfect set of gloves that fit right and protect your hands from elements and falls. Use these tips as a checklist to make sure you get the right gloves to make every ride more enjoyable all the way around.