Waterproof motorcycle gloves contain a membrane layer between the inner lining and the shell layer. This membrane keeps rainwater out and also allows your body moisture to escape. It means you wouldn’t sweat inside due to the gloves’ tight fittings.
Buying a pair of waterproof motorcycle gloves isn’t just about picking the most stylish one. You need to keep various factors in mind, such as its waterproofing level, stitching details, water-resistant or waterproofing ability, price, waterproofing materials, and maintenance.
Additionally, you also need to consider the weather when you will wear the gloves and whether the one you choose is suitable for year-long use or not.
In this article, to get you rid of the daunting and boring task, we provide sufficient guides, including:
- Waterproof and water-resistant motorcycle gloves application and conditioning tips
- What is important when buying waterproof gloves?
- Simple ways to waterproof your motorcycle gloves
In a hurry? Check the top picks!
Leather and PU Made Water-Resistant Gear for Short Rainy Cylcing – Ozero Gloves (Click here to buy)
With Three-Layer to Keep You Warm in Chilly Cold Days – MCTI 3M Thinsulate Gloves (Click here to buy)
Polyester Mesh Material Makes It Most Breathable in Summer Riding – AXBXCX Motorcycle Gloves (Click here to buy)
Water-resistant motorcycle gloves
Many people think that water-resistant and waterproof motorcycle gloves are the same. They are not.
Water-resistant gloves can resist the penetration of water up to a certain extent.
– What and how effect water-resistant value?
A motorcycle gloves’ water-resistant capacity depends on the intensity of water flowing on it.
In addition to water intensity, you should also check the gloves’ hydrostatic head.
The hydrostatic head is a scale that measures the degree up to which your gloves can resist water.
The idea behind hydrostatic head measurement is to check how high the water column can reach before the gloves’ material lets water drip through.
Ideally, a water-resistant glove should withstand at least 1000mm column of water. The higher the HH rating, the better.
– What material is water resistant?
Leather, nylon taslon, rubber, and breathable mesh fabric are some of the common materials used in water-resistant motorcycle gloves.
But make sure you buy one that comes with a water-resistant film with a high HH rating.
– How to maintain?
You can clean most water-resistant gloves using mild soap and lukewarm water.
Check the Ozero water-resistant gloves.
Waterproof motorcycle gloves
As the name suggests, these gloves don’t let water penetrate through your gloves. They have a waterproofing material on the outside to prevent water from seeping in.
– What and how effect waterproofness?
Waterproof motorcycle gloves come with a higher HH rating. They withstand not only dry snow but also heavy rain.
Make sure the waterproof gloves you plan to buy have at least 2000mm HH rating.
Otherwise, you can’t call them waterproof. 1000mm HH can resist light shower, but 2000mm is ideal if you are traversing through regions experiencing heavy rainfall.
– What material is waterproof?
From nylon taslon to wear-resistant microfiber material, the outer material can vary from one brand to another.
But don’t forget to compare the inner lining. That’s what keeps the water away.
Gore-Tex membranes are the best for waterproof gloves. They are stretchable and breathable.
Waterproof gloves usually have the same maintenance technique as water-resistant gloves. You can clean them using lukewarm water and mild soap.
View more details of the Blok-IT waterproof leather gloves.
What to look for when buying waterproof motorcycle gloves?
Here are some of the factors you need to keep in mind before buying a pair of waterproof motorcycle gloves:
1. What kind of rider are you?
Not all motorcycle gloves are the same. Glove manufacturers understand the difference among urban riders, sport bikers, ADV bikers, and general bikers. They make their gloves accordingly.
Therefore, you need to first decide what kind of rider you are. Are you an avid urban rider zipping through city streets or a full-time sports biker preparing for your next race?
For urban and ADV bikers, leather motorcycle gloves will be the best because of the high worn-resistance. (Check gloves for adventure motorcycle)
For sport bikers, it is good to use thin and lightweight ones.
2. What is the level of waterproofness?
Waterproofing and HH rating go hand in hand. Therefore, if you want to test a glove’s waterproofness level, check its HH rating.
Needless to say, the higher the HH rating, the better it is for your glove.
As already mentioned, the minimum HH rating for water-resistant gloves should be 1000mm and 2000mm for waterproof gloves.
3. Who makes the best waterproof motorcycle gloves?
Burton is the champion when it comes to making waterproof motorcycle gloves.
They protect you from hail, rain, water, snow, wind, dust, and debris.
Additionally, they have a breathable lining that allows your body’s moisture to wick away as you ride.
Yes, it’s pricier than other brands, but you won’t mind paying the extra bucks because of the quality it provides. Their gloves are worth every penny.
Check the recommendation below:
4. Double layer and double-stitching?
Both double layer and double-stitching are excellent for motorcycle gloves. It depends on which stitching style you like the most.
For example, double layer stitching means using more than one needle to move through the glove’s fabric and creating an inter-loop within a group of looping threads. It makes the lining and membrane attach to the exterior material tightly.
Double-stitching, on the other hand, means locking two threads at small intervals. A rotary hook catches the needle thread loop when the bobbin goes around while interlocking the two threads.
5. Are waterproof motorcycle gloves pricey?
The prices of waterproof motorcycle gloves range between $20 and $150. The obvious argument here is, the pricier the gloves, the better quality you get.
But you need to check the type of gloves, their features, and whether you need additional features or not.
Get a cheap waterproof gloves for cold weather!
What special factors to consider when buying summer or winter waterproof motorcycle gloves?
There are essentially two things to keep in mind while buying summer or winter waterproof motorcycle gloves: the terrain you travel and the weather to expect.
– For winter
1. For example, winter gloves should come with scaphoid protection. It keeps your hands warm, irrespective of the temperature.
2. In addition to scaphoid protection, you also need high-quality thermal lining to provide appropriate insulation as the temperature dips.
The lining traps a layer of warm air inside your glove.
Alternatively, you can also look for windproof inner glove lining. They also keep your hands warm.
Check out KINGSBOM waterproof and windproof termal gloves for riders.
– For summer
Summer gloves are different. They use a breathable material like polyester and nylon as lining. It allows your hands to keep moisture away as the temperature on the road soars high.
The waterproof membrane in summer gloves has two functions: keep your hands dry and keep water from seeping in.
Check out the best knitted gloves for summer riding.
How to get the right size?
1. Take a tailor’s measuring tape.
2. Start from your little finger’s knuckle and end at the same point. Keep your hand flat and leave out the thumb.
3. Check the measurement and compare it with the size-guide of the motorcycle glove brand.
Some brands start from X-small and go until XX-large while others provide numbers such as 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. You should check the corresponding measurement of the gloves before buying.
How to waterproof my motorcycle gloves?
There are three ways to waterproof your motorcycle gloves: dressing, spraying, and waxing.
Step 1: First check your glove’s material before buying any waterproofing substance. For example, thin leather gloves will require dressing instead of spraying or waxing.
Step 2: The next step is to test the substance.
- Clean your gloves thoroughly and let them dry.
- Take a substance and apply it to your glove’s underside.
- Let it sit overnight.
- Test whether that small area becomes waterproof or not.
- If it doesn’t, try with another substance until you pick the right combination.
Step 3: Once you select the right material, apply a generous amount to your gloves.
- Make sure you don’t leave even a millimeter of space.
- Carefully saturate the seams and ensure the substance spreads evenly.
- Wipe off any extra substance using a clean cloth.
- Let the gloves sit overnight.
- Test them by sprinkling water to see if they are waterproof.
You now have a pair of waterproof gloves without breaking your bank. But it’s still wise to go for branded gloves because they offer guaranteed satisfaction.
Here are the best brand waterproof motorcycle gloves:
Photo | Title | Price | Buy |
---|---|---|---|
OZERO Water-resistant and Windproof Touch Screen Sensitive Gloves for Summer Motorcycle | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
MCTi Winter Warm 3M Thinsulate Gloves with Long Cuff for Cold Weather | $17.09 | Buy on Amazon | |
Unigear Polyester Women Gloves for Outdoor Cycling, Running and Ridding | Buy on Amazon | ||
AXBXCX Breathable Microfiber Full Finger Motorcycles Gloves for Men | $16.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
kemimoto Waterproof Motorcycle Riding Glove with Full Protection | Buy on Amazon | ||
BLOK-IT Leather Gauntlet Style Motorbike Gloves | Buy on Amazon | ||
ILM Alloy Steel Motorcycle Riding Gloves with Enhanced Grips | Buy on Amazon |