Leather Vs Textile Motorcycle Gloves: Which Saves Your Skin?

I’ve crashed more times than I’d like to admit. From sliding across the asphalt on a sportbike to face-planting on a muddy trail, my hands have taken a beating. But here’s the kicker—I still have all my fingers. Why? Because I learned early on that, your gloves can mean the difference between walking away and needing a surgeon.

Today, we’re tackling the age-old debate: Leather vs. Textile Motorcycle Gloves. Which is better? The answer isn’t black and white—it’s about your riding style, climate, and priorities. Let’s break it down.

“I Wish I’d Worn Better Gloves”

Let’s get personal.

The Sportbike Slide: I low-sided my Yamaha R6 on a hot Tennessee backroad a few summers back. My leather gloves (Dainese Full Metal 6) took the brunt of the slide. The palms were shredded, but my hands? Just sweaty. Leather’s abrasion resistance saved my skin—literally.
The Commuter Mishap: Last year, I dropped my Triumph Street Twin at a red light wearing thin textile gloves. The result? A fractured pinky. The gloves were breathable and stylish but lacked the structure to protect against impact. Lesson learned: Cool isn’t cool if you’re in a cast.

Yamaha R6 with Dainese Full Metal 6 gloves

These crashes taught me that gloves aren’t just accessories—they’re lifelines. Let’s dive into how to choose yours.

Read: I Survived a 70mph Slide—Here’s What My Gloves Did Right

Safety Standards You Can’t Ignore

Before we geek out over materials, let’s talk safety. In the U.S., full-fingered gloves are mandatory for riding, but not all gloves are equal. Look for CE/UKCA certifications, which test for:

Tear resistance (how well the glove holds up in a slide).
Impact abrasion resistance (road rash prevention).
Restraint (will the glove stay on your hand in a crash?).

I learned this the hard way after a pair of budget gloves flew off mid-crash, leaving my palms raw. Check out this motorcycle glove safety standard to avoid my mistake.

Riding Style Decides Everything

Your gloves should match how you ride. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Touring: Long Hauls, Changing Weather

If you’re logging miles cross-country, you need versatility. I’ve ridden through Colorado’s mountain passes and Arizona’s deserts, and here’s what works:

Leather: Durable and abrasion-resistant, but can feel like an oven in summer.
Textile: Look for Gore-Tex membranes (like in the Rukka Virium 2.0)—they’re waterproof yet breathable.

Pro Tip: Mid-season gloves (think REV’IT! Sand 5) strike a balance with 3D mesh panels. They’re my go-to for multi-day trips.

2. Urban Commuting: Stop-and-Go Survival

City riding demands dexterity. You’re shifting, braking, and maybe even tapping your phone for GPS.

Textile: Gloves like the Scorpion EXO Klaw II offer neoprene stretch panels for flexibility.
Leather: Slim options (e.g., Racer Mickey) grip hot handlebars better, but skip them if you’re stuck in traffic on a 90°F day.

Watch Out: Ultra-thin mesh gloves might feel breezy, but they’re about as protective as tissue paper. Trust me—I’ve tested this.

Scorpion EXO SGS MK II After a Crash

3. Off-Road/Adventure: Mud, Rocks, and Glory

Off-road gloves need to handle abuse. On a recent BDR trip, my KLIM Dakar Pro gloves (textile with SuperFabric) saved my knuckles from a rogue tree branch.

Leather: Kangaroo leather palms (like Held Sambia Pro) offer insane abrasion resistance.
Textile: Prioritize ventilation and ceramic knuckle guards.

Hot Take: Perforated leather is a game-changer here—airflow without sacrificing protection.

4. Sport/Racing: Speed Demons Rejoice

On the track, leather is king. My Alpinestars GP Pro gloves have carbon fiber sliders and pre-curved fingers for aggressive tucks.

Why Leather? It’s the gold standard for abrasion resistance.
Textile’s Role: Almost nonexistent here. Even Dainese’s airbag gloves use leather as the base.