Having a reliable pair of gloves is essential when riding a bike. It's a wise decision to invest in quality leather gloves, even if you don't ride regularly. Aside from providing crucial hand protection during rides, they also offer a secure grip. Retro motorcycle gloves are a great option that combines style, durability, and protection. Once you've worn a good pair of leather motorcycle gloves a few times, they will mold to your hand perfectly, just like a glove.
Why Are Riding Gloves Important?
A good pair of leather riding gloves are an invaluable asset when you’re riding a motorcycle. They provide superior protection for your hands against the elements, flying road debris, and of course, in the event of an accident. Look for a pair of leather motorcycle gloves, as they are the most durable and of exceptional quality. Gloves are also a vital piece of gear because they help you get a good, firm grip on your handlebar, and they allow for easy shifting or acceleration. Vintage motorcycle gloves are the perfect way to get that critical protection while still allowing for excellent protection and classic style.
How to Choose the Right Pair of Gloves
Choosing a suitable pair of gloves is essential—you want to get the perfect fit. Every glove is different, so it’s probably a good idea to try them on first. Look for a pair that fits a little more on the tighter side because after you wear them for a while, they’ll break in and stretch slightly to fit your hand perfectly. With the pandemic, it might be difficult physically trying on a pair of gloves. However, you can always measure your hands to find the right fit when looking at online retailers. Here are the ten best retro motorcycle gloves that offer excellent protection and impeccable vintage style.
10 Best Retro Motorcycle Gloves
1. Madbike™ High-Quality Gloves
Madbike™ High Quality Gloves + Free Retro Sunglasses Bundle
$49.95
$54.95
CindyThese gloves are everything you could ever hope for and more! Don’t give yourself less than what you deserve. Stay protected and fashionable with these MADBIKE™ gloves plus FREE Retro Round Sunglasses!✔ Made of premium PU leather to give the… Read More
One of the best pairs of classic leather motorcycle gloves is the Madbike™ High-Quality Gloves. Made from 100% soft, supple, and premium leather, these gloves also feature high-quality steel alloy nubs, which provide superior protection for your knuckles. These gloves also have a fixed side-shell and molded plastic finger joints for even more safety and protection. They’re waterproof, with a super-soft inner lining and flannel that keep your hands comfy and warm. The best part about these vintage leather motorcycle gloves? They’re completely affordable, even if you’re on a limited budget. These gloves are available from American Legend Rider, which has a wide range of high-quality motorcycle gear and accessories.
2. INBIKE Leather Gloves with Anti-Friction
These genuine leather gloves from INBIKE have an extra built-in protective shell on the knuckles and a specially designed anti-friction design in the palm. This ensures excellent security and protection for your knuckles and palm while giving you a firm, comfortable grip with no slipping. These INBIKE gloves also feature a wrist zipper and Velcro fastener so you can adjust the fit to your liking. They’re also available in either black or brown, so you can choose which color fits best with the rest of your gear.
3. First Manufacturing Reflective Skull Leather Motorcycle Gloves
$62.45
This gloves is made of high quality material making it a premium quality glove. Features a very attracting reflective skull! Condition: 100% Brand New and High Quality Men's Short Gloves With reflective skull and gel palm Available in many sizes Note: For… Read MoreFirst Manufacturing Reflective Skull Motorcycle Leather Gloves
$105.95
These awesome retro riding gloves from First Manufacturing’s new collection are made from premium-grade leather and feature a reflective skull on the back of the hand for a bold statement when you ride. They’re a shorter style of glove, so they end just at the beginning of the wrist. They have a gel palm for added comfort, which gives your hands that extra bit of padding you need when you’re on long rides. These are another great choice from American Legend Rider and are available from XS up to 3XL, which means you can find the perfect fit no matter what size your hands are.
4. Daniel Smart Premium Antique Cruiser Gloves
These leather gloves have an antiqued finish, making them the perfect choice for vintage motorcycle gloves. They’re made of top-grain leather, and to get that ideal fit, they have a narrow horizontal split over the knuckles for added flex, since most of the time you’ll be wearing them, your hands will be curved over the handlebars. This gives the glove just the right amount of flexibility. These retro cruiser gloves also have a knuckle design, gel palms, and adjustable wrist straps. They’re available in a wide range of sizes, from XS all the way to 3XL. The Daniel Smart Premium Cruiser Gloves can be found on American Legend Rider’s website and are among the most affordable, solid choices for any motorcycle enthusiast.
5. TitanOPS Military Gloves
If you’re also an avid outdoor enthusiast, these military-inspired gloves from TitanOPS are a great choice. These retro multi-purpose gloves are perfect for camping, hunting, and sports, in addition to providing a comfortable, durable glove for riding your bike. These gloves are incredibly versatile and are available in a full-finger or half-finger glove, so if you live in a warmer climate, the half-finger would be a perfect choice. These gloves have hard-molded plastic on the knuckles, feature spandex for a great fit, and have a military-grade Velcro adjustable wrist strap, making for a secure fit and a durable motorcycle glove.
6. Indie Ridge Genuine Leather Riding Gloves
These retro gloves by Indie Ridge are made from premium-quality leather in a weathered, chestnut brown finish. While these leather motorcycle gloves offer a classic, vintage style, they’re updated with some great, ultra-modern features. The fingers have mobile touchscreen capabilities, which means that you can use your phone without taking your gloves off every time. The knuckles of this glove are hardened for extra protection, and the first joint on every finger has a triple-ridged leather design element.
7. SHIMA Caliber Vintage Goat Leather Gloves
These retro leather gloves from SHIMA are made from premium quality goat leather, making for a top-notch, formfitting design that makes holding your bike’s handlebars a breeze, even on long rides. Though they have buttery soft and supple leather, they offer maximum protection for your hands, with elastic panels, plush padding on each finger, and hardened knuckle shields. These vintage gloves have some super-cool design elements, including perforated leather (perfect for summer riding) and seaming accents. They’re also equipped with a GRIP+ system for an excellent grip and luxe feel.
8. Harley Davidson Official Insulated Gloves
A top ten retro motorcycle gloves list wouldn’t be complete without at least one pair from Harley Davidson. These classic motorcycle gloves are made from cow leather and have 3M Thinsulate insulation, and are waterproof, so if you ever get caught in an unexpected rainstorm, you’re protected. If you’re worried about comfort, don’t be: these high-end gloves have an adjustable cuff, comfort seams, and an ergonomic design. They feature the Harley Davidson logo emblazoned across the back and ridged knuckle protectors, too.
9. Vintage Leather Knuckle Gloves from Black Brand
These gloves have one of the coolest, ultra-retro looks on the entire list. They’re accented with faux-distressed leather and have perforations, giving them a neat look and a vintage feel. The inside of the palms has a plush gel pad for optimal comfort and a Velcro closure to make getting the right fit very easy. When you need a great pair of gloves that offer a cool vintage design and an authentic patina, these knuckle gloves from Black Brand fit the bill perfectly.
10. Indian Motorcycles Leather Route Gloves with Vintage Stripes
Indian Motorcycles is another iconic motorcycle brand. These classic leather gloves feature a vintage white stripe paired with a super soft polyester lining. They also have some pretty cool features, like a laser-etched logo and punched leather, making them one of the best classic leather riding gloves you can find. They’re designed for ultimate comfort when holding the handlebars or on long rides because they have extra padding on the inside upper palm by the fingers and a ridged detail on the lower palm. With a hook-and-loop closure and mobile touchscreen-capable fingers, these retro gloves are the perfect vintage choice with just the right amount of modern upgrades.
Get a Vintage Pair of Motorcycle Gloves for Style, Comfort, and Protection
A good pair of vintage leather motorcycle gloves is one of the most critical pieces of gear you need for riding. Whether you only go riding on the weekends or you’re a daily driver, investing in a good pair of gloves should be the first thing you do. They offer great style, but they’re also essential for protecting your hands from harsh weather, road debris, and in the event of a crash. Invest in a pair of high-end leather riding gloves and enjoy never having to be uncomfortable on your rides again.
