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There are many reasons why wearing driving gloves is practical. For one, gloves help protect the integrity of your steering wheel and other upholstery by preventing the transfer of damaging oils and sweat from your hands. Wearing driving gloves also allows you to have better grip and greater control of the wheel, thus improving your response times.
Wearing driving gloves on long road trips can also help diminish fatigue for your hands by providing cushion and reducing vibrations felt through the steering wheel. Or, if you participate in track days, autocross, or wheel-to-wheel racing, racing gloves provide protection and ensure optimal grip in all conditions.
At any rate, you don’t need a reason to wear driving gloves other than the fact that you want to. If you’re in the market for a functional and sleek driving glove, check out our top picks and our informative buying guide so you can be sure you’re getting the pair that suits you best.
Summary List
Forzieri Italian Leather Driving Gloves
Riparo Reverse Stitched Touchscreen Texting Leather Driving Gloves
Dents Silverstone Touchscreen Leather Driving Gloves
Triton Fingerless Driving Gloves
Sparco Arrow Evo Rg-7 Gloves
Our Methodology
When it comes to driving gloves, the choices are almost as numerous and confusing as overpriced gluten-free snack options at any local market. For this review, I wanted to stick with the most trusted name brands. Since that significantly narrows the playing field, I made the rest of my picks based on versatility, user friendliness, and durability. I also wanted to offer a variety of pricing options to suit any budget. For more info regarding product selection, check out The Drive’s Gear About page, which further explains our methodology.
Best Driving Gloves Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Forzieri Italian Leather Driving Gloves
Best Value
Riparo Reverse Stitched Touchscreen Texting Leather Driving Gloves
Honorable Mention
Dents Silverstone Touchscreen Leather Driving Gloves
Best Fingerless Gloves
Triton Fingerless Driving Gloves
Best for Racing
Sparco Arrow Evo Rg-7 Gloves
Our Verdict
For the ideal combination of functionality, classical styling, comfort, and affordability, our top pick for the best driving gloves has to be the Forzieri Italian Leather Driving Gloves. For a budget-friendly, but well-performing driving glove, look to the Riparo Reverse Stitched Touchscreen Texting Leather Driving Gloves. These are a great quality, comfortable, yet budget-friendly pair of driving gloves that won’t make you cry at checkout.
Do you have a pair of driving gloves that you just love and can’t leave home without? Let us hear about them in the comments.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A: When you’re not using your leather driving gloves, store them flat in a protective case or bag. If you must clean or condition them, try to limit it to two or three times per year and use only those cleaners or oils approved by your manufacturer.
A: Initially, yes, your brand-new driving gloves should be snug. They’re going to stretch and conform to your hands over time, so you don’t want them to be too loose at first.
A: Unlike with a lot of clothing, if you measure in between sizes for driving gloves, it’s recommended to actually buy the smaller size. These gloves are going to stretch over time, so preferable to have them fit snugly at first. If the brand you’re considering is noted for fitting very small, however, you may want to order a larger size.
A: You can get a decent pair of driving gloves for $60-$90. These can be made from genuine cowhide or goatskin, which is typically durable but less supple and thicker than more expensive brands. For between $100 and $250, you will be able to get some seriously swanky, luxurious driving gloves that are handmade from soft, supple leathers.
A: Material: While most driving gloves are made from genuine leather, the qualities of those leathers can vary greatly. Do you want ultra-soft lambskin or deerskin, or would you prefer thicker and more durable cowhide or goat leather? This choice will result in a very different price. Some driving gloves also feature synthetic leathers, nylon, or breathable mesh. So, consider your climate and the real purpose of owning driving gloves before you buy.
Design: The design of your chosen driving gloves can be solely based on personal taste, or it can be based on more practical considerations, such as environment and purpose. You can opt for traditional driving gloves, cold weather, fingerless, or even racing gloves. Within those categories, the design can also vary. Some driving gloves are very flashy and modern-looking, while others are more classically designed and understated.
Touchscreen compatibility: This is a relatively new feature that is an option with almost any modern-day driving glove. It gives you the luxury of being able to quickly access your smartphone or touchscreen devices without the frustration of constantly having to remove the gloves. This time-saving feature usually comes with a higher price tag, as you might expect.
A: Traditional driving gloves: Typically made from some type of genuine leather, the most common driving gloves lack an inner lining and are full-fingered to provide coverage and protection to your entire hand. They’re usually thin and supple with perforations and strategically placed holes for breathability.
Fingerless gloves: These are just like traditional driving gloves, but without a full-fingered design. Typically made from genuine leather, they can also be made from more high-tech, moisture wicking materials or mesh to promote the most breathability. They’re a great option for warm-weather driving or times when you want the added dexterity of having the ends of your fingers exposed.
Racing gloves: Think karting and circuit racing when you consider these gloves. Many racing gloves will be made from high-tech, breathable, fire-retardant materials that comply with FIA and SFI safety standards.
Cold weather gloves: These are just like traditional driving gloves, but usually feature a soft inner lining made from wool or cashmere for added warmth and comfort in cold weather. Like traditional driving gloves, they’re typically made from genuine leather.