The Ultimate Guide to Buying Riding Gloves for Summer

Riding in the summer is fun, but hot weather, sweaty hands, and slippery grips can make it uncomfortable. That’s why choosing the right riding gloves is important! Good gloves will keep your hands cool, dry, and protected, while also giving you a strong grip on the handles.

In this guide, I’ll help you pick the perfect summer riding gloves so you can enjoy every ride without discomfort.

1. Choose Riding Gloves that are Breathable and Lightweight Material

Imagine wearing thick winter gloves in the summer—your hands would feel hot, sweaty, and sticky! That’s why summer gloves should be light, breathable, and well-ventilated.

• Touch: The gloves should feel soft and airy, not thick or heavy.
• See: Look for tiny air holes (perforation) that allow air to flow through.
• Smell: Leather gloves have a rich, fresh smell, while fabric gloves may have a clean, new scent.

Best Materials for Summer Riding Gloves:

✅ Mesh fabric – Super breathable and lightweight
✅ Perforated leather – Classic look with tiny air holes
✅ Textile blends – Soft, flexible, and comfortable

2. Get the Right Fit Riding Gloves for Comfort

If gloves are too tight, they can make your hands feel stiff and sweaty. If they’re too loose, they can slip while riding. The perfect fit should feel snug but flexible.

• Touch: Your fingers should be able to move freely without feeling squeezed.
• Hear: When you stretch your fingers, you should hear a gentle flexing of the material, not a tearing sound.

How to Check the Riding Gloves Fit perfectly:

✅ Make a fist – Gloves should not feel too tight
✅ Move your fingers – You should feel free to grip and control
✅ Wear them for a few minutes – See if they stay comfortable

3. Look for a Strong Grip

In hot weather, sweaty palms can make it hard to hold onto the bike handles. Gloves with anti-slip material, rubber grips, or reinforced palms will help you maintain full control.

• Touch: The palm area should feel slightly rough or textured for better grip.
• See: Look for extra padding or rubber grips on the palm area.
• Hear: When you rub your gloves together, they should make a slight friction sound, which means they have a good grip.

Grip-Enhancing Features:

✅ Rubber or textured palms – Prevents slipping
✅ Extra padding – Absorbs shock on long rides
✅ Double-stitched design – Ensures durability

4. Choose Sweat-Wicking and Quick-Dry Features

Riding in the heat means your hands will sweat, which can make gloves feel damp and uncomfortable. Gloves made with moisture-wicking fabric will keep your hands dry and fresh.

• Touch: The inside lining should feel smooth, not sticky or damp.
• Smell: Gloves with sweat-wicking fabric won’t trap bad odors after long rides.

Best Sweat-Wicking Fabrics:

✅ Microfiber lining – Absorbs sweat quickly
✅ Mesh fabric – Allows air to pass through
✅ Moisture-resistant materials – Prevents sweat buildup

5. Check for Easy Wear and Removal

No one likes struggling to take off tight gloves in hot weather. Gloves with Velcro straps or stretchable cuffs make it easy to wear and remove them quickly.

• Hear: You should hear a satisfying Velcro snap when securing the strap.
• Touch: The gloves should feel smooth when slipping on, without resistance.

Easy-to-Wear Features:

✅ Velcro or elastic wrist straps – Quick and secure
✅ Stretchable cuffs – Allows easy adjustment

6. Don’t Forget Hand Protection

Even in summer, your gloves should protect your hands in case of an accident. Look for gloves with knuckle guards, reinforced palms, and shock-absorbing padding.

• Touch: Feel for extra padding on the knuckles and palm area.
• See: Check for hard knuckle protectors made of carbon fiber or plastic.

Safety Features to Look For:

✅ Knuckle protection – Shields your hands from impact
✅ Reinforced palms – Protects against scrapes and burns
✅ CE-certified gloves – Ensures high safety standards

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right riding gloves for summer is all about breathability, comfort, and grip. I love the feeling of cool air flowing through my gloves and the firm grip they give me while riding. With the right gloves, every ride feels smooth, safe, and enjoyable.

Next time you buy riding gloves, touch them, feel them, and test their comfort before making a choice. Stay cool, ride safe, and enjoy the journey! 🏍️☀️

Which summer riding gloves do you use? Let me know in the comments!