These Retro Motorcycle Gloves Are Anything But Old-School
Evan Rally
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You ever build the bike, find the jacket, get everything just right, and then throw on a pair of gloves that totally blow the vibe?
Too modern. Too bulky. Or they’ve got the vintage look, but feel like they’d fall apart in a slide.
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I used to settle for one or the other. Look good or stay protected, never both. Honestly? It sucked. But things have changed. There are gloves out now that actually get it, clean retro style with real protection underneath. Gear that looks like it belongs on a proper café build and holds up when it counts.
This guide rounds up the best of them. Gloves that fit the ride, the look, and the way we actually ride.
👉 Complement the look with protective motorcycle jeans that match the retro vibe.
The Top Picks for Retro Motorcycle Gloves
If you’re tired of searching for gloves that match your style, start here. These gloves are consistently praised for their classic looks, quality construction, and modern protective features.
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The perfect blend of neo-retro design and certified protection. Perforated cowhide, a hidden knuckle guard, and palm sliders deliver modern safety in a minimalist, stylish package. | Classic, all-leather workhorse gloves with a side zipper that screams vintage. Comfortable, affordable, and perfect for cruising around town with undeniable old-school cool. | A legendary glove for a reason. With supple leather, padded protection, and a zippered cuff, it’s a durable, multi-season option that looks right at home on any classic bike. |
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The perfect blend of neo-retro design and certified protection. Perforated cowhide, a hidden knuckle guard, and palm sliders deliver modern safety in a minimalist, stylish package.
- 0.8mm cowhide leather with perforation for ventilation
- TPU knuckle guard and PU palm slider for impact protection
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertip for easy device access
- Short cuff may not suit all riders
Classic, all-leather workhorse gloves with a side zipper that screams vintage. Comfortable, affordable, and perfect for cruising around town with undeniable old-school cool.
- Memory‑foam palm reduces vibration fatigue
- Durable goatskin leather delivers abrasion resistance
- YKK zipper cuff adds vintage flair and secure fit
- Light padding enhances comfort without bulk
- Breaks in quickly for immediate wearability
- Minimal armor, not suited for aggressive riding
- Zipper pull durability may vary over time
A legendary glove for a reason. With supple leather, padded protection, and a zippered cuff, it’s a durable, multi-season option that looks right at home on any classic bike.
- Soft Nappa leather feels broken‑in immediately
- Accordion stretch and zipped cuff for comfort
- High‑density padding on knuckles and palm
- Long cuff seals out wind on cooler rides
- Can feel warm in hot weather—limited ventilation
- Not touchscreen‑compatible, which may bother tech users
Common Myths About Retro Gloves & Rider Safety
Don’t get fooled by old-school thinking. Let’s bust a few myths about classic-looking gloves.
“Any leather work glove is good enough for a retro look.” False. While they might look the part, hardware store leather gloves have no abrasion-resistant stitching, no armor, and no palm protection. They will disintegrate instantly on pavement. True motorcycle gloves are designed with reinforced seams and impact-absorbing materials.
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“Retro gloves don’t have real armor.” This used to be true, but not anymore. The best modern retro gloves, like the Pando Moto Onyx or Scorpion Vortex Air, cleverly integrate armor. Knuckle protectors are often hidden under a layer of leather, and palms are reinforced with high-tech fabrics or sliders, giving you protection that doesn’t scream for attention.
“You have to sacrifice comfort for the classic style.” Nope. Modern vintage-style gloves are designed with ergonomics in mind. Features like pre-curved fingers, accordion stretch panels, and soft liners are common. They offer a broken-in feel right out of the box, something those stiff old gloves never did.
“Perforated gloves are weak.” False. High-quality motorcycle gloves use perforation in a way that doesn’t compromise the structural integrity of the leather in key impact zones. The holes are placed to maximize airflow for summer riding while keeping the main abrasion areas solid.
Best Retro & Cafe Racer Gloves That Nail the Look
These are our detailed recommendations for gloves that deliver that vintage aesthetic without skimping on modern-day protection. They’ve been chosen for their style, safety, and performance. For more classic gear, check our main Best Retro Motorcycle Helmets article.
Pando Moto Onyx
If you want a glove that looks minimalist and classic but secretly packs a full suite of modern protection, the Pando Moto Onyx is your answer. At first glance, it’s just a beautifully simple perforated leather glove. But look closer, and you’ll see it’s a technical piece of gear. The entire chassis is made from soft, 0.8mm perforated cowhide that flows a ton of air, making it perfect for summer.
But the real magic is the protection. There’s a flexible TPU knuckle guard hidden underneath the leather, so you don’t have that bulky armored look. On the palm, you get PU sliders and suede reinforcements for high-impact areas—a critical feature most retro gloves skip. It’s fully CE Certified to Level 1, so you know it’s not just for show.
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The fit is snug and ergonomic, with stretch inserts between the fingers and a simple, low-profile hook-and-loop closure. Plus, it has touchscreen-compatible fingertips, a must-have for modern convenience. It’s the perfect glove for the rider who appreciates understated, classic design but demands real-world protection.
The Catch? The fit is very European and snug, especially at the cuff. Some riders may need to size up. The minimalist design means less heavy padding than a touring glove.
The Silver Lining: You get CE-rated protection with palm sliders in a package that looks like a simple, classic leather glove. Excellent airflow for hot weather.
Alternative Option: The Pando Moto Ivy offers a similar high-quality build in goatskin but with a more traditional padded palm instead of a hard slider. We’ll have a full review of the Ivy gloves up in Summer 2025.
Pando Moto Onyx Gloves blend protection, comfort, and style for everyday riders.
- 0.8mm cowhide leather with perforation for ventilation
- TPU knuckle guard and PU palm slider for impact protection
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertip for easy device access
- Short cuff may not suit all riders
Our Rating 4.8/5: The Pando Moto Onyx nails the neo-retro brief perfectly. It combines top-tier materials, excellent airflow, and certified protection (including a palm slider) into a clean, understated design. It’s the new standard for stylish, protective summer gloves.
Highway 21 Recoil Gloves
Sometimes, you just want a straight-up, no-nonsense leather glove that looks like it came from another era. That’s the Highway 21 Recoil. Made from genuine goatskin leather, these gloves are soft, comfortable, and have that timeless roper-glove style. The defining feature is the YKK zipper closure on the wrist, which provides a snug fit and an undeniably vintage look.
These are not technical race gloves. The protection is focused on abrasion resistance from the leather itself, with some light memory foam padding in the palm to dampen vibrations. There’s no hard armor, which is a key part of its appeal for riders wanting a clean, classic silhouette for their cruiser or cafe racer.
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For casual rides and cruising around town, the Recoil gloves provide a great feel for the controls and break in beautifully, conforming to your hands over time. They are the essence of simplicity and style, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune to get the right look.
The Catch? Protection is minimal. There’s no hard armor for knuckles or palms, making them unsuitable for aggressive or high-speed riding. Some riders report issues with the zipper pulls breaking over time.
The Silver Lining: Incredible value for a real leather glove. The style is authentically retro, and the zipper closure is a unique touch that sets it apart. They are comfortable right out of the package.
Alternative Option: The Joe Rocket Cafe Racer glove offers a similar zippered, all-leather style but includes more substantial padding on the knuckles and palm for a step up in protection.
Classic goatskin gloves with subtle padding and memory-foam palms—offering timeless style with comfortable protection in a cruiser-friendly package.
- Memory‑foam palm reduces vibration fatigue
- Durable goatskin leather delivers abrasion resistance
- YKK zipper cuff adds vintage flair and secure fit
- Light padding enhances comfort without bulk
- Breaks in quickly for immediate wearability
- Minimal armor, not suited for aggressive riding
- Zipper pull durability may vary over time
Our Rating 4.2/5: The Highway 21 Recoil is a masterclass in affordable style. It delivers the essential retro look with the comfort of soft goatskin and a classic zipper cuff. It’s the perfect finishing touch for a vintage build or a casual cruise.
Joe Rocket Cafe Racer Gloves
The Joe Rocket Cafe Racer glove is an institution. It’s been around for years and remains one of the best options for riders looking for a durable, stylish, and functional three-season glove. Made from supple Nappa leather, they feel premium and broken-in from the first ride. The design is pure vintage, with accordion baffles on the backhand and a sturdy zipper closure.
Protection is a step above most basic retro gloves. It features high-density padding over the knuckles and on the thumb, giving you a bit more impact resistance without adding the bulk of hard armor. The palm is also generously padded, which helps with both protection and long-distance comfort by soaking up vibrations.
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These gloves aren’t heavily perforated, making them ideal for those spring and fall rides where a full mesh glove is too cold. The longer cuff provides good overlap with your jacket sleeve, sealing out the wind. If you need one pair of retro-styled gloves to handle most of the riding season, this is a top contender.
The Catch? They can be warm on very hot summer days due to limited perforation. They are not touchscreen compatible, a feature that is becoming standard elsewhere.
The Silver Lining: Excellent construction and durable materials mean these gloves last for years. The generous padding and three-season versatility make them a practical workhorse.
Alternative Option: If you want something cooler and more casual without giving up protection, the Cortech Bully 2.0 Gloves are a solid pick. They mix perforated leather and mesh for great airflow, and still pack in features like hard knuckles and reinforced palms. A great choice for warm-weather riders who want comfort and coverage without the bulk.
Classic café‑racer style meets real protection — the Joe Rocket Cafe Racer gloves deliver a supple Nappa leather feel, three‑season comfort, and padding where it counts, all in a clean retro package.
- Soft Nappa leather feels broken‑in immediately
- Accordion stretch and zipped cuff for comfort
- High‑density padding on knuckles and palm
- Long cuff seals out wind on cooler rides
- Can feel warm in hot weather—limited ventilation
- Not touchscreen‑compatible, which may bother tech users
Our Rating 4.5/5: A true classic that blends timeless style with practical, multi-season function. The Joe Rocket Cafe Racer offers a durable build, comfortable fit, and just the right amount of padding to be a trusted companion for thousands of miles.
Highway 21 Half Jab Gloves
For the ultimate old-school cruiser or warm-weather rider, nothing beats a fingerless glove. The Highway 21 Half Jab takes that classic formula and improves it with modern materials. The chassis is genuine goatskin leather, which is tough yet supple, while the knuckles are protected by a hidden panel of DuPont™ Kevlar® fiber.
This isn’t just a style piece; it’s a functional riding glove. The palm is reinforced and padded with dual-density memory foam, which is great for protecting your palms in a slide and significantly reducing handlebar vibrations. It’s the perfect blend of minimalist feel and thoughtful protection.
While fingerless gloves obviously offer limited protection, the Half Jab ensures the most critical areas—your palms and knuckles—are covered. For riders who prioritize airflow and a direct connection to their controls above all else, this is as good as it gets.
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The Catch? It’s a fingerless glove, offering zero protection for your fingers from impact or abrasion. Not suitable for anything beyond casual, warm-weather cruising.
The Silver Lining: Unbeatable airflow for the hottest days. The combination of a padded palm and a Kevlar-reinforced knuckle offers far more protection than a standard department store fingerless glove.
Alternative Option: If you want full-finger protection with a similar classic vibe, the Highway 21 Recoil gloves offer a full-hand leather construction with a simple, clean design.
Rider-favorite fingerless gloves designed for summer cruising, the Highway 21 Half Jab blends breathability with memory-foam cushioned palms and fortified knuckle protection for confident, comfortable rides.
- Genuine goatskin leather feels soft yet durable
- Memory-foam palm cushions vibration on longer rides
- Kevlar-reinforced knuckles add open-finger protection
- Breathable design keeps hands cool in hot weather
- Easy-slip-on cuff with minimal fuss
- Open-finger style sacrifices fingertip protection
- Not ideal for rainy or cold-weather riding
Our Rating 4.3/5: The Half Jab earns its score by doing fingerless right. It doesn’t just lean on looks; it backs it up with serious materials like goatskin leather, Kevlar reinforced knuckles, and dual density padding.
Pando Moto Ivy Gloves
The Pando Moto Ivy is one of those gloves you throw on once and instantly get why people rave about them. I’ve been riding with a pair lately, and they’ve quickly become my go-to for warm weather. The 1mm goatskin is insanely soft, and the fit is just right, pre-curved fingers, no break-in needed, and they breathe better than you’d expect thanks to the fully perforated palm. Super comfortable, and they look clean without being flashy.
What’s cool is they hide the safety stuff really well. There’s a hidden knuckle protector under the leather that you don’t even notice until you need it, and they’ve reinforced the palm and outer pinky without making the glove feel bulky. Everything’s low-profile and just works. The wrist closure is simple, stays put, and doesn’t get in the way.
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If you’re after a solid summer glove with a bit of classic style and actual protection baked in, these are worth checking out. I’ve got more miles to put on mine, but so far they’re doing everything right. I’ll have a full review up soon.
The Catch? The premium goatskin and SAS-TEC armor come with a higher price tag. They are a dedicated summer glove and won’t offer much warmth in cooler weather.
The Silver Lining: The combination of supple goatskin and hidden armor provides an unmatched blend of comfort and safety. They are CE Level 1 certified and fully touchscreen compatible.
Alternative Option: If you prefer a hard palm slider for maximum slide protection, the Pando Moto Onyx is the clear choice. It uses cowhide and a PU slider for a slightly more robust feel.
The Pando Moto Ivy gloves offer cool summer riding with perforated goatskin, CE Level 1 knuckle armor, reinforced palms, and touchscreen fingertips—all in a sleek retro style.
- Touchscreen fingertips for easy navigation
- CE Level 1 knuckle protection under leather
- Abrasion-resistant palm reinforcements
- Perforation may be superficial — not ideal airflow
- No hard sliders on palm—softer padding only
Our Rating 4.7/5: The Pando Moto Ivy is a masterclass in tactile feel and hidden tech. It offers the luxurious comfort of goatskin and certified protection in a beautifully minimalist package, making it a top-tier choice for the discerning summer rider.
REAX Tasker Leather Gloves
The REAX Tasker has the look of a classic work glove but is purpose-built for the ride. It’s a tough, no-nonsense glove constructed with a cowhide backhand for durability and a goatskin palm for better feel and control. The flex ribbing on the knuckles and backhand gives it a vintage look while also aiding flexibility.
This glove is all about practical, understated protection. It features foam-padded knuckle protection and a reinforced, vibration-dampening palm. It’s not flashy, but it’s a significant upgrade over a standard leather glove. The fit is pre-curved for comfort, and the moisture-wicking liner is a nice touch for warmer days.
For riders who want a rugged, versatile glove that works well on a huge range of bikes, from scramblers to cruisers, the Tasker is a fantastic value. It delivers on durability, function, and style without breaking the bank.
The Catch? The foam knuckle isn’t as protective as hard armor. Many riders report the sizing runs small, so ordering one size up is often recommended. The velcro on the wrist strap can be a weak point over time.
The Silver Lining: Excellent value for a well-constructed leather glove. The rugged style is versatile, and it includes modern features like touchscreen compatibility and a reinforced palm.
Alternative Option: The Highway 21 Recoil offers a more stripped-down vintage style with its zipper closure, but the Tasker provides a clear step up in overall protection and features.
The REAX Tasker gloves blend durable cowhide and goatskin with accordion stretch, foam-padded knuckles, and touchscreen controls—offering stylish comfort and real protection for everyday rides.
- Accordion stretch ribbing for finger flexibility
- Cowhide and goatskin construction provides abrasion resistance
- TPR inserts protect knuckles without bulk
- Touchscreen-compatible index finger and thumb
- Limited ventilation—can feel warm in summer
- No fingertip armor—additional protection would be ideal
Our Rating 4.4/5: The REAX Tasker is a rugged, stylish workhorse. It perfectly blends a classic workwear aesthetic with essential riding features like reinforced palms, knuckle protection, and a comfortable fit, making it an incredible value.
Comparison Table: Best Retro Motorcycle Gloves
| Feature | Pando Moto Onyx | Highway 21 Recoil | Joe Rocket Cafe Racer | Pando Moto Ivy | Highway 21 Half Jab | REAX Tasker |
| Primary Use | Street / Summer | Cruiser / Vintage | 3-Season / Cafe Racer | Premium Summer | Hot Weather / Cruiser | All-Around / Workwear |
| Primary Material | Perforated Cowhide | Goatskin Leather | Nappa Leather | Perforated Goatskin | Goatskin Leather | Cowhide & Goatskin |
| Knuckle Armor | Hidden TPU | None | Padded Leather | Hidden CE Level 1 armor | Kevlar Panel | Foam Padded |
| Palm Protection | PU Slider & Suede | Padded Leather | Padded Leather | Reinforced & Padded | Reinforced & Padded | Reinforced & Padded |
| Touchscreen? | Yes | No | No | Yes | N/A | Yes |
| Closure | Hook & Loop | Zipper | Zipper | Hook & Loop | Hook & Loop | Hook & Loop |
| Price Range | $$$$ | $$ | $$ | $$$$ | $ | $$$ |
| Get One | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Retro Motorcycle Gloves
Finding the right vintage-style gloves is about balancing three things: style, safety, and comfort. Here’s how to choose. If you’re looking beyond retro styles, we also have a full motorcycle gloves buying guide that covers everything from racing to touring.
Nail the Aesthetic: Decide on the look you want. Do you prefer the clean, zip-up cuff of a cafe racer glove? The rugged simplicity of a leather work glove? Or the modern-classic blend of perforated leather and subtle armor? Your bike and jacket will help guide your choice.
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Don’t Compromise on Core Safety: At a minimum, your gloves should be made of real leather (cow, goat, or other) with double-stitching in key areas. For better protection, look for:
- Knuckle Armor: It can be hard (TPU/carbon fiber) or soft (foam/D3O), but it should be there. Hidden armor is a great feature in retro gloves.
- Palm Reinforcement: This is where you’ll land. Look for extra layers of leather, suede, or, ideally, a hard palm slider.
- CE Rating: A CE certification (e.g., EN 13594:2015) is an independent guarantee that the glove meets proven safety standards.
For better protection, look for… palm sliders and a proper CE rating. We cover more options in our best leather motorcycle gloves roundup.
Choose for Your Climate: Are you a fair-weather rider only? Heavily perforated gloves or mesh hybrids are your best friend. Check out our best summer motorcycle gloves guide for top picks. If you ride in the cooler spring and fall months, a solid leather glove with a light liner will be far more versatile.
Check for Modern Features: Classic style doesn’t have to mean ancient technology. Look for quality-of-life features that make a real difference on a ride, like pre-curved fingers for less fatigue, accordion stretch panels for flexibility, and touchscreen-compatible fingertips.
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Get the Fit Right: A glove should be snug without being tight. Your fingertips should just graze the ends of the glove. A loose glove can bunch up on the controls and can even come off in a crash. Check the manufacturer’s size chart and read reviews, as some brands fit more snugly than others.
FAQ: Retro & Vintage Motorcycle Gloves
Retro motorcycle gloves are all about classic looks, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on performance. Whether you’re chasing a vintage café racer vibe or just prefer timeless leather over modern synthetics, it’s natural to wonder how these gloves stack up when it comes to protection, comfort, and modern features. This FAQ tackles the most common questions riders have about safety, materials, and what to expect from retro-inspired gloves on today’s roads.
Are retro-style gloves as safe as modern racing gloves?
Generally speaking, no, but context matters. Modern racing gloves are built for the track, where crashes can happen at 100+ mph. They come loaded with high-spec features: long gauntlets to protect the wrist, palm sliders, pinky bridges, and full hard armor. Retro-style gloves, on the other hand, are geared toward real-world street and café riding. They’re built for comfort, style, and protection at urban or highway speeds.
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That said, modern retro gloves are light-years ahead of the fragile vintage gear from decades ago. Many now use reinforced palms, hidden armor, and high-quality materials like goatskin, Kevlar lining, or even SuperFabric. So while they’re not race-grade, the best ones strike a smart balance between function and form, offering solid crash protection without killing the aesthetic. If your rides take you on mixed terrain or ADV routes, pairing them with one of these enduro helmets can give you the extra protection and versatility needed.
Can I use leather waterproofing products on my gloves?
Yes, but be selective and cautious. Some heavy waxes and conditioners can clog the tiny pores in perforated leather, cutting down breathability and comfort. That’s especially important for summer-weight retro gloves, which often rely on airflow to keep your hands cool.
For non-perforated gloves, a light, motorcycle-specific leather conditioner or waterproofing balm (like Nikwax, Obenauf’s, or Rev’It! products) can help maintain suppleness and add a layer of water resistance. Just remember: even treated leather isn’t truly waterproof—it’s water resistant at best. And always spot test on a small, hidden area to avoid discoloration.
What’s the difference between goatskin and cowhide leather in gloves?
Both are excellent, but they feel and perform differently.
- Goatskin is naturally softer and more supple, which makes it ideal for gloves that need to feel “broken-in” right away. It’s great for throttle feel and precise control.
- Cowhide is thicker and more rugged, offering slightly better abrasion resistance, but it tends to be stiffer out of the box and takes longer to mold to your hands.
In short: goatskin = comfort and feel, cowhide = durability and structure. Many high-quality gloves blend both materials, using each where it makes the most sense.
How should retro gloves fit when new?
Snug, but not tight. Good leather gloves should feel slightly firm out of the box, with no pinching or hotspots. Leather stretches and molds to your hands with use, so they’ll loosen up over time. If they feel loose when new, they’ll likely end up sloppy. Fingers should reach the ends without pressure, and you should be able to comfortably close your hand around the grips.
And don’t forget your footing, if standard boots don’t work for you, these wide motorcycle boots offer a more accommodating fit without compromising protection.
Are touchscreen-compatible retro gloves worth it?
If you ride in town or use your phone for nav at stops, yes. Some modern retro gloves include touchscreen-compatible fingertips without compromising the style. It’s not essential, but it’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference, especially if you use your phone or a motorcycle camera to document your rides.
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Can I break in leather gloves faster?
Sort of. The best break-in is just riding. But if they’re extra stiff, you can speed things up a bit: wear them around the house, gently flex them, or apply a small amount of leather conditioner to help soften the material. Avoid soaking them or using heat, those tricks can weaken the leather or mess with the fit. While you’re breaking in your gloves, it’s also worth thinking about comfort in your lower half, check out these women’s motorcycle pants that combine style and protection for all-day rides.
Wrapping Up…
You no longer have to choose between looking the part and protecting your hands. The new generation of retro motorcycle gloves proves that classic style and modern safety can go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re building a stripped-down cafe racer, cruising on a classic V-twin, or just appreciate a timeless aesthetic, there’s a glove on this list that will fit your ride perfectly.
Use this guide to find the pair that matches your bike, your style, and your safety needs. And if you’re building out a full vintage-inspired kit, be sure to check out our guide to the Vintage Motorcycle Jackets roundup for more recommendations.
Ride safe, and ride with style.
