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Undergloves & overgloves: Your guide to warmth & weather protection
Do you love your perfectly worn-in leather gloves, but find your fingers get cold in the fall? Do you appreciate the airy feel of your summer gloves, but the next rain shower is already on the horizon? You don't have to replace your favorite gloves just yet! Welcome to the tuning workshop for your hands. This category is packed with clever, specialized solutions that upgrade your existing gloves and dramatically expand their range of use.
This guide is clearly divided into two sections to give you the best possible orientation. In the first part, we show you how to beat the cold with the right undergloves and add an invisible layer of warmth.In the second part, you will learn everything you need to know about overgloves, your ultimate, quick-to-use protection against rain and moisture. Find out how you can achieve a huge effect with small upgrades and be perfectly equipped for any weather.
The solution to cold – undergloves
More warmth, same feel: the magic of undergloves
An underglove, also known as a liner or inner glove, is the smartest and most flexible way to increase the warmth of your motorcycle gloves. Instead of buying thick, bulky winter gloves that impair your grip, simply add a thin but highly efficient layer of insulation.
How do undergloves work?
The layering principle (onion principle)
- The secret lies in the so-called onion principle, which every outdoor athlete knows. Each additional layer of clothing creates a cushion of air between the layers. This trapped air is warmed by your body heat and acts as an excellent insulator against the cold outside. A thin underglove creates just such a warming air cushion between your skin and the lining of your main glove without adding any noticeable bulk.
Material facts: What keeps you warmest?
The material of the undergloves determines their warmth and comfort. Each has its own superpowers.
Silk – Thin luxury for sensitive hands
Silk is a natural fiber with amazing properties. It is incredibly thin, light, and supple, which means it hardly affects the sense of touch. Despite its thinness, it is an excellent insulator and feels luxurious and comfortable against the skin. It is the ideal choice for riders who want a lightweight extra layer of warmth without compromising on precise grip.
Top recommendation: The Dainese Silk undergloves are a prime example of the luxurious comfort and surprising warmth of silk.
Merino wool – nature's all-rounder
Merino wool is nature's high-tech fiber. It is extremely soft, does not scratch, and has outstanding thermoregulatory properties. This means it warms when it's cold and cools when it's hot. Its biggest advantage: it can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture without feeling wet and still keeps you warm even when damp. It is also naturally odor-resistant.
Top recommendation: The Halvarssons Wool undergloves are the perfect choice for long tours in changing conditions.
Synthetic & functional fibers – the robust all-rounders
Materials such as polyester and polypropylene are the workhorses among functional fibers. Their main advantage is their excellent moisture transport. They do not absorb sweat, but actively wick it away from the skin to the outside. This keeps your hands dry, which is a basic requirement for warm hands. They are also very robust, easy to care for, and often less expensive.
Top recommendation: The Sixs GLX undergloves made from patented carbon functional fabric are an example of high-tech synthetics developed for optimal climate management.
Windproof materials – the fortress against wind chill
For ultimate protection against the cold, there are undergloves made from windproof materials such as Windstopper®. These block 100% of the icy wind, preventing your hands from cooling down due to the wind chill effect. They offer the highest insulation performance among non-heated gloves.
Top recommendation: The Knox Cold Killers undergloves are, as the name suggests, a weapon against the cold, combining windproofing with a soft lining.
The solution against wetness – overgloves
100% dryness at the touch of a button: the power of rain overgloves
Do you love your perfectly ventilated summer leather gloves, but dread every rain shower? Don't want to carry a second pair of expensive Gore-Tex gloves with you for every eventuality? The solution is as simple as it is ingenious: rain overgloves. They are your lightweight, compact, and absolutely effective insurance against wet hands.
How do overgloves work?
The outer protective layer
- An overglove is basically a thin but robust and 100% waterproof outer layer that you simply pull over your normal motorcycle gloves when needed. It works like a rain jacket for your hands. In seconds, you can turn any summer or sports gloves into a weatherproof model. After the shower, simply take it off, store it away to save space, and enjoy the direct feel of your favorite gloves again.
What makes a good rain overglove?
100% waterproof & windproof
This is the core function. Look for waterproof outer materials and, very importantly, sealed or welded seams. This is the only way to ensure that moisture cannot penetrate even in heavy rain and high wind. As a bonus, they also block the wind and thus provide an additional layer of insulation.
Grip and feel on the palm
The biggest challenge is to ensure a secure grip on the handlebars despite the extra layer. Good models therefore have rubberized or silicone-printed palms. This ensures excellent grip on the handles and levers, even in pouring rain.
Easy to put on and take off
You will often be putting them on at the side of the road in the rain. A wide, elastic cuff and a large opening are therefore crucial for getting them on quickly and easily, even when you are already wearing gloves. A drawstring or Velcro fastener on the cuff ensures a snug fit.
Small pack size and robustness
A good overglove should fold up extremely small so that it fits in any jacket pocket or under the seat. At the same time, the material must be robust enough to withstand the stresses of operating the controls.
Our top recommendation for dry hands
The universal rain protection: Acerbis Cover 4.0 overgloves
These gloves are a perfect example of well-designed rain protection. It is completely waterproof, has a non-slip palm for optimum grip and a long cuff with adjustment option that closes securely over the jacket sleeve. Thanks to its low weight and pack size, it is the ideal “always with you” companion for unpredictable weather changes.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about undergloves and overgloves
1. Do undergloves really help against the cold?
Yes, absolutely. They work on the principle of layering and create an insulating layer of air. Depending on the material, you can extend the comfort range of your gloves by 5-10°C.
2. What size do I need for undergloves?
Choose the same size as your normal gloves. They are designed to fit snugly. Undergloves that are too large will wrinkle and be uncomfortable.
3. What size do I need for overgloves?
Overgloves are already cut to fit over a normal glove. So you should choose your regular glove size here as well.
4. Are rain overgloves breathable?
Usually only to a very limited extent. Their main function is to be completely waterproof. Therefore, you should take them off after a rain shower to prevent sweating.
5. Do undergloves reduce grip? Minimally. Very thin models made of silk or fine synthetics hardly affect the feel. Thicker thermal or windstopper models may reduce the feel slightly, but the gain in warmth is usually more important.
6. Can I wear two pairs of undergloves on top of each other?
This is not recommended. This would create too many folds, significantly impair the feel and possibly restrict blood circulation, which in turn would lead to cold hands.
7. Are silk gloves warm as undergloves?
Yes, despite their extremely thin material, they offer surprisingly good insulation and are therefore very popular with many riders.
8. Can overgloves also be used against the cold?
Yes, as they are 100% windproof, they also offer good protection against the wind chill effect and are therefore warmer than non-windproof gloves.
9. Are 3-finger overgloves also available?
Yes, this is a popular option. The “lobster cut” combines the index and middle fingers with the ring and little fingers. This reduces the surface area and keeps the fingers warmer, while still allowing the brakes and clutch to be operated with two fingers without any problems.
10. How do I care for these special gloves?
Always follow the care label. Most models can be washed by hand or even in the machine at 30°C (in a laundry bag). Do not use fabric softener and allow to air dry.
Conclusion: The smart upgrade for your favorite gloves
You don't have to reinvent your gear for every single condition. With the right accessories, you can cleverly and affordably expand the capabilities of your favorite gloves. A thin underglove gives you valuable extra weeks of riding time in spring and fall. A lightweight overglove in your luggage takes the fear out of every rain shower. Upgrade instead of replacing!
Discover now the smart solutions that will keep you warmer and drier on your way to your destination.
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