Best Motorcycles Gloves for Summer Riding: Which One to Buy

For most riders, a perforated-leather glove with a CE rating, such as the Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 for a tight budget, the Dainese Mig 3 for a premium leather feel, or the Alpinestars SPX Air Carbon V2 for sport-touring, is the best summer glove. Riders who want maximum airflow should look at mesh-heavy designs, and riders who face summer thunderstorms should consider the Held Air N Dry. The right choice depends on how fast you ride, how hot it gets and how much protection you want to trade for ventilation.

Summer gloves are a compromise. Airflow comes from perforations and mesh panels, and every opening is a place where abrasion resistance is reduced. The goal is to find a glove that stays cool enough that you actually wear it every ride while still keeping leather on the palm and a certified knuckle guard on the back. This guide compares current popular options reported by independent outlets, explains certification labels, and covers fit, which varies sharply between brands.

Our top picks

Top pickmjmoto Men's Perforated Goat Leather Motorcycle Gloves

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Summer Gloves at a Glance

What Makes a Glove Cool

Airflow in a summer glove comes from three things: perforated leather, mesh inserts across the back of the hand and fingers, and a short cuff that lets air reach the wrist. Perforated leather keeps the palm and impact areas in leather but trades some abrasion resistance for ventilation. Mesh panels, usually on the back of the fingers, cool best but give almost no slide protection, which is why better gloves put mesh only where a fall is least likely to scrape.

Motorcycle Gear Hub reports that the Alpinestars SP-8 v3 Air has the best airflow among sport-leaning gloves, and its guide also names the Alpinestars Mustang v3 as a pick for cruiser riders and the Held Rodney 2 as a ventilated cafe-racer glove, noting the Held fit is tight until a short break-in. MotoCentral lists the Richa Stradale Summer Mesh among its maximum-airflow choices.

Understanding Protection Labels

European standard EN 13594 sets the protection requirement for riding gloves. Level 1 is a basic requirement and Level 2 requires higher abrasion and cut resistance. Suffixes such as K and P indicate knuckle and palm protection; a label of Level 2KP means the glove meets the higher level with knuckle and palm protection. Look at the label inside the cuff or on the maker’s product page, because similar-looking gloves can differ.

Reviewers say Level 2 is worth seeking if you ride at higher speeds, but the highest-rated gloves are not always the coolest. GearJunkie’s score for the Dainese Carbon 4 Short, for example, shows protection scoring higher than breathability, and the Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2, according to Big Bike Tours, is the value pick while carrying Level 1 only.

Touring, Sport and Cruiser Fit

• Touring: Look for a short cuff that tucks under the jacket sleeve, a comfortable palm that does not bunch on the grips and touchscreen fingertips. The REV’IT Sand 4 and Alpinestars SPX Air Carbon V2 are both listed for this.
• Sport: The SP-8 v3 Air, Dainese Carbon 4 and Held Phantom 3 favor protection and a pre-curved fit. MotoCentral says the Phantom 3 gives less airflow than a light mesh glove.
• Adventure: The REV’IT Dirt 4 and Klim Badlands Aero Pro include hard knuckle guards and palm reinforcement for rougher surfaces.
• Cruiser and city: Simple, relaxed gloves like the Mustang v3, with fewer hard parts, suit upright positions.

Budget, Mid-Range and Premium Tiers

• Budget: The Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 and the Fly Racing Coolpro II. Good for daily commuting; accept Level 1 or synthetic palms.
• Mid-range: The Alpinestars SPX Air Carbon V2 and REV’IT Sand 4, which add better leather, pre-curved shaping and touchscreen use.
• Premium: The Dainese Mig 3, Five RFX2 Airflow and Held Air N Dry, with Level 2 ratings, goatskin or kangaroo leather and better construction.

Pick X If You Want…

Fit, Sizing and Care

Big Bike Tours stresses that fit varies dramatically between brands and recommends trying several pairs. Dainese and Five are described as slim European fits, and the Mig 3 is noted for running slim and short in the fingers, so buyers with broader hands may need a size up. Fly Racing is described as a generous American fit, and Alpinestars as a standard fit.

A good glove should feel snug without pinching when you make a fist, with no empty fingertip space that bunches on the lever and no seam pressing on the palm. Leather stretches a little with wear, so a very slight tightness at first is normal, while real pain is not. Wear the glove with your jacket sleeve to see that the cuff closes against the wrist and does not leave a gap.

For care, let wet gloves air dry away from heat, because radiators and hair dryers can harden leather. Wipe sweat off with a damp cloth, follow the maker’s washing instructions and apply a leather conditioner if the maker recommends one. Replace gloves after a fall, because impact can damage stitching and armor without visible signs.

Heat Safety

Hot-weather riding raises the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Gloves help by reducing sweat on the grip, but they are only one piece. Drink water, take shade breaks and consider a cooling vest or ventilated jacket. If you feel dizzy, nauseated or unusually tired, stop and rest, and seek medical help if symptoms persist.

Alternatives to Consider

• Alpinestars Andes V3 Drystar: A waterproof-breathable all-weather glove for riders who want one pair for heat and rain, with less ventilation than pure mesh.
• Richa Stradale Summer Mesh: Mentioned by MotoCentral as a breathability-first option.
• Dainese Carbon 4 Long: Named a track-day pick by Bike N Rider if you ride sport bikes on circuits.
• Textile mesh gloves: Light and cheap, but check for CE labeling and palm sliders before relying on them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are mesh summer gloves safe?

Mesh alone offers little abrasion protection. Look for a leather or reinforced palm, a certified knuckle guard and a CE label. Gloves with mesh only on the back of the fingers keep ventilation while protecting the palm.

What does CE Level 1 versus Level 2 mean?

Both refer to European glove standards. Level 2 is the higher requirement for abrasion and cut resistance. Level 1 is still a certified glove, but riders at higher speeds often prefer Level 2.

Should I size up in a summer glove?

Not automatically. Fit varies by brand, and slim European makes like Dainese and Five may need a larger size. Try on several pairs if you can and make a fist to confirm there is no pinching.

Can I use one pair for summer and rain?

Dual-chamber designs like the Held Air N Dry or a Drystar glove like the Alpinestars Andes V3 try to cover both. They usually breathe less than a pure summer glove, so riders in very hot places may still prefer a separate pair.

How often should I replace gloves?

Replace them after any crash, and when the palm, seams or knuckle protection are worn. Frequent summer use and sweat can wear stitching faster than you expect.

Do touchscreen fingertips work well?

Many of the gloves listed offer touchscreen-compatible fingertips, but reviewers rate them as convenient rather than perfect. Bulky gloves and sweat can reduce accuracy, so use voice control or a handlebar mount for navigation where possible.