Best Summer Cycling Gloves: How to Pick a Breathable Pair
The best summer cycling gloves are light, fingerless or very thin, with a mesh back that lets heat escape, a perforated palm that does not get slippery with sweat, and thin gel pads only where your hands press on the bars. Anything thicker and your hands overheat; anything thinner and you lose the comfort and protection you wear gloves for. Here is exactly what to look for, how they should fit and which pair to pick for your riding.
Why wear gloves at all in summer?
Hot weather is when gloves matter most for grip: sweat and sunscreen make bare palms slide on the bars, especially when braking hard or riding out of the saddle. Gloves also cushion road vibration that leads to numb hands, and they protect your palms if you fall. The goal in summer is to keep those benefits with as little heat as possible.
What makes a summer cycling glove breathable
1. A mesh or Lycra back
The back of your hand faces the wind. An open mesh back lets air flow through and sweat evaporate, which is the single biggest factor in keeping your hands cool.
2. A thin, perforated palm
Look for a synthetic palm with small perforations or breathable zones between the pads. Synthetic leather dries faster than real leather and stays grippy when damp.
3. Thin gel pads in the right places
Summer gloves need padding, but not a lot of it. Thin gel inserts under the heel of the hand and along the outer edge absorb vibration without trapping heat. Thick foam all over the palm makes your hands sweat.
4. Fingerless design
For road riding and commuting in summer, fingerless gloves are the obvious choice: more airflow, more feel on the brakes and easier phone use. Wondering why the fingers are cut? See why cyclists wear fingerless gloves.
5. Quick-dry fabric and an easy closure
Fabrics that dry fast are more comfortable and smell less. A low-profile Velcro tab lets you adjust the fit as your hands swell in the heat, and pull tabs between the fingers make the gloves easy to take off when damp.
6. Light colours
Light or white backs absorb less sunlight than black ones. A small detail, but you will feel it on a 35 °C climb.
Road vs MTB: different summer gloves
| Road and commuting | Mountain bike and gravel | |
|---|---|---|
| Fingers | Fingerless | Full-finger, very thin |
| Padding | Thin gel under the palm | Light padding, more feel on the grips |
| Main priority | Airflow and vibration damping | Finger protection from branches and falls |
| Our pick | CycloFit™ | CycloGrip™ |
How summer gloves should fit
- Snug but not tight: hands swell slightly in the heat, so avoid a glove that is already tight in the morning.
- No wrinkles in the palm: loose fabric folds and causes blisters on long rides.
- Pads under your pressure points: try the glove on your bars, not just in the air.
- Measure your hand around the knuckles (without the thumb) and compare with the size chart.
Keep them fresh: washing summer gloves
Summer gloves soak up a lot of sweat, so wash them every 2 or 3 rides. Close the Velcro, wash cold by hand or in a mesh bag with mild detergent, rinse well and air dry in the shade. Avoid the dryer and direct sun on the gel pads.
Our summer cycling gloves
- CycloFit™: our summer road glove. Fingerless, lightweight, with 5D gel padding, a breathable mesh back and an anti-slip palm.
- CycloGrip™: full-finger with gel padding, breathable fabric, a non-slip grip and touchscreen fingertips. For trails, gravel and riders who want finger protection.
Free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Shop summer cycling gloves.
Frequently asked questions
Are fingerless gloves better in summer?
For road riding and commuting, yes: more airflow and better feel. For mountain biking, many riders prefer a very light full-finger glove for protection.
Are gel gloves too hot for summer?
Not if the gel is in thin, targeted pads with mesh around them. Avoid gloves with thick padding over the entire palm.
How do I stop my gloves from smelling?
Wash them every few rides, rinse out all the detergent and let them dry fully before the next ride. Never leave them balled up in a bag.
Should I size up for summer gloves?
Only if you are between sizes. Hands swell a little in the heat, so pick the size that is snug without being tight.
