If you’ve ever ridden through an Indian summer, you know the struggle: sweaty palms, slippery grips and the constant search for a glove that keeps you cool without sacrificing safety. The debate of mesh vs leather motorcycle gloves for summer is a hot one (pun intended) and if you’re gearing up for long rides on the best touring tyres for Indian roads, your choice of gloves is just as crucial as your tyres.
Let’s break down the pros, cons and best picks for Indian riders-whether you’re after all-day comfort, serious protection or the ultimate pair of bike riding gloves. Whether you’re commuting or touring, your gloves matter. Explore summer-ready gloves at ReiseMoto.
Why Your Summer Motorcycle Gloves Matter
Indian summers are brutal- temperatures soar, humidity rises and your hands can feel like they’re in a sauna. But skipping gloves isn’t an option. Not only do motorcycle gloves protect your skin from sun and windburn, but they’re also your first line of defence in a slide or crash. The right pair can mean the difference between walking away with a story or a trip to the ER.
Mesh Motorcycle Gloves: Breezy But Basic?
Mesh motorcycle gloves are a favourite for summer riding. They’re lightweight, super breathable and designed to keep air flowing over your hands, making them a go-to for city commutes and short rides.
Pros:
-
Maximum ventilation, keeping your hands cool and sweat-free.
-
Lightweight and flexible, allowing for better control and comfort.
-
Usually more affordable and quick-drying if you get caught in a sudden rain.
Cons:
-
Lower abrasion resistance than leather-mesh can wear out faster and won’t protect as well in a high-speed slide.
-
Not ideal for long touring or highway rides where protection is a priority.
-
Some ultra-thin mesh riding gloves offer minimal impact protection, so always check for reinforced knuckles or palm sliders.
Best For:
-
City commutes, low-speed rides and super-hot days.
Leather Motorcycle Gloves: Classic Protection
Leather motorcycle gloves have long been the gold standard for protection. Good leather is naturally abrasion-resistant, moulds to your hand over time and can last for years if cared for properly.
Pros:
-
Superior abrasion-resistant leather protects your hands in a slide, making it the top choice for touring and highway riding.
-
Better fit over time; leather riding gloves break in and become more comfortable with use.
-
Many offer advanced protection like knuckle guards, palm sliders and reinforced stitching.
Cons:
-
Can feel hot and less breathable, especially in peak Indian summer, unless they’re perforated or have mesh panels.
-
Heavier and take longer to dry if they get wet.
-
Premium leather gloves can be pricier, but they often last much longer.
Best For:
-
Highway touring, spirited rides and anyone prioritising safety.
The Hybrid Solution: Mesh + Leather
If you want the best of both worlds, look for the best riding gloves that combine mesh panels for ventilation with leather on the palms and impact zones for protection. This hybrid design is becoming increasingly popular for Indian summers.
-
Mesh on the back for airflow, leather on the palm for abrasion resistance.
-
Reinforced knuckles and padding where you need it most.
-
Many top brands now offer these as their flagship summer gloves.
Tip:
Always check that the palm (the part most likely to contact the road in a fall) is leather or another abrasion-resistant material.
Fit and Comfort: Don’t Compromise
No matter which style you choose, a proper fit is non-negotiable. Loose gloves can slip off in a crash, while tight gloves can cause fatigue and numbness. Measure your hand carefully and try on different models if possible.
Pro Tip:
When shopping for motorcycle gloves at ReiseMoto, look for adjustable cuffs, pre-curved fingers and touchscreen compatibility for added convenience.
Top Picks for Indian Summers
Here are some glove styles and features to look for this season:
-
Mesh gloves with reinforced leather palms for city and daily use.
-
Perforated leather gloves for touring offer airflow without sacrificing protection.
-
Hybrid gloves (mesh + leather) with knuckle guards for the best balance of comfort and safety.
-
Pro biker gloves with D3O or hard knuckle protection for serious riders.
Check out ReiseMoto’s latest collection of summer bike riding gloves to find your perfect match.
-
For short city rides and maximum airflow, go with mesh or mesh/leather hybrid motorcycle gloves.
-
For long tours, highway rides or if protection is your top concern, invest in high-quality leather or perforated leather best riding gloves.
-
Hybrid gloves are the sweet spot for most Indian riders-especially if you’re planning to hit the road on the best touring tyres for Indian roads.
Choosing between mesh vs leather motorcycle gloves for summer really comes down to your riding style, comfort needs and safety priorities. If you’re mostly zipping through city traffic and want maximum breathability, mesh or mesh-leather hybrid gloves are your best bet. For highway touring or longer rides where protection is paramount, high-quality leather or perforated leather gloves are the way to go.
Hybrid gloves-combining mesh for ventilation and leather for protection a fantastic middle ground for most Indian riders, especially when you’re clocking miles on the best touring tyres for Indian roads.
No matter what you choose, always wear gloves. They’re as essential as your helmet and tyres for every ride. Explore the wide range of best riding gloves at ReiseMoto to keep your hands cool, comfortable and protected all summer long.
-Team Reisemoto
