Motorcycle gloves should fit securely enough to stay in position while still allowing you to open and close your hand, reach the controls and move each finger comfortably. A glove that pinches, causes numbness or leaves excessive material at the fingertips is not the right fit.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s protective-gear guidance recommends full-fingered motorcycle gloves and emphasizes proper fit for control and comfort. This guide explains how to measure your hand, use a size chart and check fit before riding.

How to Measure Your Hand for Motorcycle Gloves

1. Use a flexible tape: A fabric measuring tape is easiest to wrap around the hand.
2. Measure the widest part: Wrap the tape around your knuckles while excluding the thumb.
3. Make a fist: Close your hand naturally without pulling the tape excessively tight.
4. Record the circumference: Note the measurement in inches or centimeters.
5. Use the exact product chart: Glove sizing is not universal, so compare your number with the chart on the specific listing.

DBM Motorcycle Glove Size Chart

Current Demons Behind Me riding-glove listings use the following hand-circumference ranges. Because neighboring sizes overlap, also follow any model-specific direction.

The Big Skull Padded Riding Gloves currently advise choosing the larger size when your measurement falls between sizes. Check the exact listing in case product guidance changes.

How Should Motorcycle Gloves Fit?

Fingertips

Your fingers should reach close to the ends without being compressed. Too much empty material can bunch or reduce control feel, while fingertips pressing hard against the seams can become uncomfortable.

Palm and Knuckles

The palm should sit inside the shaped palm area rather than pulling the glove off-center. Make a fist and open your hand several times. Padded sections should stay aligned with the areas they are designed to cover without sharply restricting movement.

Thumb Movement

Move your thumb through the range used to operate switches and grip the bar. The material between the thumb and index finger should not bind or pull painfully.

Wrist Closure

Fasten the wrist closure securely and confirm that the glove does not slide off easily. The closure should hold the glove in place without cutting into the wrist.

Five Fit Checks Before You Ride

• Make a fist without painful pressure across the knuckles.
• Open your hand fully without the fingers pulling backward.
• Touch your thumb to each fingertip.
• Grip a handlebar-shaped object and reach the levers comfortably.
• Confirm the wrist closure stays secure during repeated movement.

Perform these checks while the gloves are clean and unused. Do not rely on break-in to correct numbness, severe pressure or obviously incorrect finger length.

Choosing Features for Your Riding Gloves

Fit comes first, but construction also changes how a glove feels and functions:

• Padded knuckle and palm areas: Add structure and cushioning, but alignment and mobility must still be checked.
• Leather palms: Provide a different grip and feel from an all-textile palm.
• Stretch fabric: Supports movement and can help the glove follow the hand.
• Touchscreen-compatible fingertips: Allow certain phone interactions without removing the glove, though performance can vary by device and fit.
• Wrist closures: Help secure the glove and fine-tune the opening.

Materials and features do not establish a safety certification by themselves. Use the product listing for exact construction and any stated ratings.

Shop DBM Motorcycle Riding Gloves

Browse the Demons Behind Me glove collection for current riding styles and sizes. Compare the multi-color Big Skull Padded Riding Gloves, the CLOSEOUT “Shield” High Performance Riding Gloves and streamlined black gloves with several DBM logo colors. Pair them with more gear from the motorcycle apparel and biker clothing collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should motorcycle gloves feel tight at first?

They can feel secure and close-fitting, but they should not cause numbness, painful pressure or restricted movement. Do not assume an uncomfortable glove will stretch into the correct size.

What size motorcycle gloves do I need?

Measure around the widest part of your hand at the knuckles, excluding the thumb, then use the chart on the exact product. Follow model-specific instructions when between sizes.

Can I wash motorcycle gloves in a washing machine?

Do not assume machine washing is safe. Mixed materials, padding and closures may require specific care. Follow the instructions for the exact glove model.

Are padded motorcycle gloves impact rated?

Padding alone does not prove an impact rating or certification. Only rely on a rating that is explicitly stated by the manufacturer or product listing.