Gloves are the first piece of gear a motorcyclist puts on and the last they take off. They're also the most intimate—your hands are in constant contact with the motorcycle, the wind, and the rain. A good pair of leather gloves transforms every ride. A bad pair ruins it. Here's the Holdfast workshop's guide to choosing the right leather motorcycle gloves for you.
Hold Fast leather gloves: protection and style for every ride
Why leather and not textiles?
Leather remains king when it comes to motorcycle gloves. Here's why: abrasion resistance Leather is superior to synthetic textiles of the same thickness. Leather molds to your hand over time for a custom fit. It offers a touch sensitivity Incomparable — you feel the handlebars, the lever, the road. And let's face it: a leather glove has a look that textile will never have.
What type of leather?
Goat's leather (kid)
most flexible and light Leather gloves. Ideal for city driving and rides where sensitivity is key. This is the leather of our gloves 1971 Le Mans — From the first time you put them on, you forget you're wearing gloves. Their thinness doesn't mean fragility: goatskin is very resistant to tearing.
Cowhide (bovine)
Plus thick and sturdy Goatskin is the classic leather for road and touring gloves. It requires a longer break-in period but offers maximum protection. Ideal if you often ride long distances or in difficult conditions.
Deer leather
Le ultimate compromise A balance of suppleness and strength. Very soft, naturally breathable. Rarer and more expensive, it's the leather used for high-end gloves.
The right size: not too tight, not too loose
A glove that's too tight compresses blood circulation—your fingers go numb after 30 minutes. Too loose, you lose sensation and the glove can twist if you fall. The golden rule: The glove should fit snugly around your hand without compressing it.You should be able to close your fist completely and move each finger independently.
To measure your size, wrap a measuring tape around your dominant hand at the knuckles (excluding the thumb). The measurement in centimeters gives you your size: 20 cm = S, 22 cm = M, 24 cm = L, 26 cm = XL. See our Holdfast glove size guide for exact matches.
Gloves that fit the hand and free up sensitivity
Short or long? The question of the wrist
The short gloves (above the wrist) are more discreet, easier to put on, and ideal for city riding and relaxed outings. It's the style of vintage racing gloves from the 70s — like our Le Mans petrol blue the long gloves (Cuffs that cover the wrist) offer better protection against wind, rain, and in case of a fall. Choose them for road and touring.
The patina: the leather bonus
The unique advantage of leather over textiles: the patinaOver the months and miles, your gloves develop a unique color, suppleness, and character. Friction areas lighten, and creases form with the rhythm of your fingers. If you want to speed up the process, our Ultra-Patina gloves offer this aspect experienced from day one.
Leather glove care
A well-maintained leather glove will last for years. After each ride in the rain, let them dry naturally (never on a radiator). Once a month during the season, condition them with our Beeswax Hold FastFor the complete guide, see our article. Motorcycle leather care.
Discover our entire collection of Holdfast leather motorcycle gloves — Soft goatskin leather, vintage style, made for real riders.