Best motorcycle gloves (UK): EN 13594 explained and which to buy

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In a crash, the first thing anyone does is put their hands out. That is why gloves are, after your helmet, the most important piece of kit. Here is how to read the label, what type you need for each season and the eight models we recommend.

Are gloves a legal requirement in the UK?

No, not for everyday riding. But the Highway Code recommends gloves, along with strong boots and suitable clothing, and you need suitable gloves for CBT and your motorcycle test. In practice, every rider should wear them.

What EN 13594 means

Motorcycle gloves sold as protective equipment are certified to EN 13594:2015. On the label you will see a motorcycle pictogram and these codes:

• Level 1 or Level 2. Level 2 passes tougher abrasion, tear and seam-strength tests. The vast majority of road gloves, including all the ones in this guide, are Level 1.
• KP (Knuckle Protection). The knuckle protection is also certified against impacts. Always look for KP.

A glove without these markings may look like a motorcycle glove, but it is not certified to protect you in a crash.

Short or long cuff

• Short cuff: closes at the wrist and goes inside your jacket sleeve. More comfortable, cooler and quicker to put on. Ideal for town and road riding.
• Long cuff (gauntlet): covers the wrist and part of the forearm and closes over the sleeve. Better wrist protection and less likely to come off in a crash. Recommended for sporty riding and track days.

Leather or textile

Leather (usually goat or kangaroo) resists abrasion better and gives great feel. Textile and mesh ventilate much better and are ideal for warm weather. Many gloves combine both: leather on the palm, which hits the ground first, and textile on the back.

One glove per season

One pair rarely covers the whole year, especially with British weather. The practical answer is two:

• A summer or vented leather glove for spring and summer.
• A waterproof glove for rain, autumn and winter.

How to get the size right

1. Measure the circumference of your hand around the knuckles, excluding the thumb, and the length from the wrist crease to the tip of your middle finger.
2. Check the brand’s chart: every maker has its own.
3. When you try them, make a fist and grip something shaped like a handlebar: the fingers should not feel tight and there should be no spare material at the tips.
4. Leather gives a little with use. If it is snug in the shop, it will adapt. If it is loose, it will stay loose.

Our ranking

The most protective in this comparison. If you ride a sports bike or ride fast, this is your glove.

The all-rounder: leather, great feel and certified protection. If you only buy one pair for good weather, this is it.

A short glove with a sporty focus and more protection than a road glove. For naked and sports bikes on the road.

Your best friend in the heat. Ideal as a second pair for summer.

For rain and in-between seasons. Pair it with a summer glove and the whole year is covered.

For a proper winter without batteries: Drystar membrane, Thinsulate insulation and a long cuff.

Heated, with a battery in each hand and three heat levels. For daily riding in serious cold.

The cheapest certified summer glove. For town and short trips in warm weather.