One of the best aspects of shopping with RevZilla is the huge amount of inventory we have in stock. However, we also know that dozens of options can be a little overwhelming if you’re not exactly sure what you need.

Our gloves are divided into categories for easy browsing: just pick your style of riding to see the gloves best designed for your area of interest. Are you a sport/street rider, the adventure touring type, a racer or a die-hard cruiser rider?

Within those categories are a number of sub-categories: gloves that offer extra perks, whether it’s ventilation, insulation, abrasion-resistant hardware or advanced technology. We’ve picked our favorite options in each sub-category to help you get your shopping done so you can get back to doing what you love most: riding.

To help you get started, here’s a guide to some of the sub-categories.

Comfort
Comfort is a top priority for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road or track. Look for gloves that offer external stitching or flat seams, so you don’t have seams scratching against your palms and fingers. Another key to comfort can be found in the palms: a pre-formed palm is curved for a better fit when your hands are on the bars. Fewer seams across the palms will also mean a more comfortable ride. Getting the right fit makes a big difference in your comfort level: gloves should be snug but not constricting. If they are too big, the fabric will get bunched up when you grip the bars.

Ventilation and Mesh
If you live in a warm climate or do most of your riding in the summer, well-ventilated gloves can keep your hands cool, dry and comfortable. Perforated leather allows ventilation but still offers tough protection. Be sure to choose a glove that has perforated panels, but retains solid leather through impact areas such as the palm and side of the hand. Several models feature vents built into the hard plastic knuckle protectors, but too much hardware means less space for perforated panels, so consider both options when choosing.

Warmth
Staying warm when you ride doesn’t mean you have to look like the Michelin Man. Winter gloves should be warm, but not so bulky that you aren’t comfortable working the controls on your bike. Thanks to new insulating materials like Thinsulate, effective winter gloves can still offer dexterity. In addition to the insulation, you should also look for waterproofing: being cold is no fun, but being cold and wet is even worse.

Waterproof
Gloves that keep you dry should also keep you comfortable and protected. Look for options that include a layer of insulation, because rain can give you a chill even on the warmest of days. A long gauntlet will keep rain from sneaking up the cuffs of your jacket. Gloves with grip pads on the palm and fingers will keep your hands firmly on the controls, no matter how soggy things get. Also many mid to higher end gloves use breatherble waterproof membranes, like GORE-TEX or something similar. This will allow your hands to breathe, sweat and stay dry without letting external moisture in. Lastly, don’t forget to look for safety features, too, such as extra padding in key abrasion areas.

Hardware
Hardware in gloves used to consist of some molded plastic over the knuckles, but technology gives us a lot more options these days with alloy or plastic sliders in other areas as well. Some additions are subtle but effective in a crash: carbon inserts, flexible but sturdy SuperFabric, or carbon-impregnated panels over abrasion areas. Carbon fiber over the knuckles, wrist and fingers amps up both style and protection, and titanium armor really adds flair. It’s not just for looks, though: titanium often endures prolonged abrasion (such as a long slide down the asphalt) better than other hard armor options.

Advanced Technology
Advanced technology means gloves that are tougher, lighter and more flexible than their predecessors. Hardware is getting more advanced, but some of the most impressive new glove features are high-tech fabrics. Materials such as SuperFabric and D-Stone act like a fabric by offering a thin, flexible scales or panels, but they are reinforced to offer abrasion protection that puts more traditional fabrics to shame. Kevlar is also evolving as it is combined with other materials for better durability.

Women’s
Any woman who has had to wear a pair of men’s gloves knows how uncomfortable bulky, too-big gloves can be, especially during a long ride. Luckily, there are a lot of options these days for female riders. Look for gloves that offer the usual safety and comfort perks: don’t compromise quality for fit. Your hands should feel snug, but not tight. Leather gloves will stretch a little once they’re broken in, but you shouldn’t have a pinched feeling in any part of your hands or fingers. Ladies with petite writs can attest to the importance of a wrist strap that tightens enough to be effective.