DESIGNED BY RIDERS FOR RIDERS
Since 1985
Motorcycle Apparel and Helmets Sizing Guide
Motorcycle Gloves Sizing Guide
Properly fitting motorcycle gloves are crucial for control, protection, and comfort. Gloves that are too tight can restrict movement and blood flow, while those too loose can reduce grip and protection.
Types of Fits: American vs. European
Motorcycle gloves come in two common types of fits: American Fit and European Fit.
| Feature | American Fit Gloves | European Fit Gloves |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Relaxed and Roomy | Snug and Secure |
| Palm Circumference | Extra Room | Narrower |
| Fingers Circumference | Extra Room | Narrower |
| Length | Slightly Less | Extra Length at Fingertips |
| Manufacturers | Joe Rocket, Cortech, Scorpion, Klim, Bilt, Olympia | AGVSPORT, Alpinestars, Dainese, Rev’it, Five Gloves |
Typically, European sizing typically includes more precise increments, allowing for a slightly more tailored fit. American sizing may cover a broader range with fewer sizes.
Two Easy Methods to Measure for Your Motorcycle Gloves
Here are two methods to determine your motorcycle glove size:
Method 1: Measuring Tape or String and Ruler
1. Measuring Hand Length:
- Place your palm down on a flat surface.
- Measure the longest part from the tip of your middle finger to your wrist using a string or measuring tape.
- Mark where it first reaches your wrist with a pen.
- If using a string, measure the length against a ruler. Record the measurement in centimeters or inches.
2. Measuring Hand Width (Circumference):
- Wrap the string or tape around your palm just behind the knuckles, excluding the thumb.
- Mark where the string overlaps with a pen.
- If using a string, measure its length against a ruler. Record the measurement in centimeters or inches.
Compare your measurements to the manufacturer’s size chart and select the appropriate size. Use the larger measurement if your hands are of different sizes.
Method 2: Hand Outline
1. Hand Outline:
- Place your open hand on a flat surface, preferably a whiteboard or paper, with the palm facing down.
- Draw an outline of your hand and label four points:
- Point 1: Widest point of your palm just behind the index finger knuckles (excluding the thumb).
- Point 2: Widest point just behind the little finger (pinkie) knuckles.
- Point 3: Tip of your middle finger.
- Point 4: Start of your wrist.
2. Measurement:
- Measure the distance between Points 1 and 2 to determine your hand width size.
- Measure the distance between Points 3 and 4 to determine your hand length size.
Compare your measurements to the manufacturer’s size chart to determine the best fit.
Men’s Gloves Sizing Chart
| Size | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand Circumference (cm) | 17.8 – 20.3 | 20.3 – 21.6 | 21.6 – 22.9 | 22.9 – 24.1 | 24.1 – 25.4 | 25.4 – 27.9 |
| Hand Circumference (in) | 7.5 – 8 | 8 – 8.5 | 8.5 – 9 | 9 – 9.5 | 9.5 – 10 | 10 – 11 |
Women’s Gloves Sizing Chart
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand Circumference (cm) | 16.5 – 17.8 | 17.8 – 19 | 19 – 20.3 | 20.3 – 21.6 | 21.6 – 22.9 |
| Hand Circumference (in) | 6.5 – 7 | 7 – 7.5 | 7.5 – 8 | 8 – 8.5 | 8.5 – 9 |
Youth Gloves Sizing Chart
| Size | 3XS | 2XS | XS | S | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand Circumference (cm) | 11.4 – 12.7 | 12.7 – 14 | 14 – 15.2 | 15.2 – 16.5 | 16.5 – 17.8 | 17.8 – 19.1 |
| Hand Circumference (in) | 4.5 – 5 | 5 – 5.5 | 5.5 – 6 | 6 – 6.5 | 6.5 – 7 | 7 – 7.5 |
Additional Glove Fit Considerations
- Finger Length: Ensure that the glove fingers are the right length. There should be a small amount of space (about a quarter-inch) between your fingertips and the ends of the gloves.
- Palm Fit: The gloves should fit snugly around the palm and back of the hand without being too tight.
- Knuckle Protection: The protective areas (such as knuckle guards) should align correctly with your knuckles.
- Dexterity: Ensure you can comfortably grip the handlebars and operate the controls without restriction.
- Wrist: The wrist closure should secure the glove firmly without restricting movement.
Motorcycle Suit Sizing Guide
A well-fitting motorcycle suit is essential for maximizing protection, comfort, and aerodynamics. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you determine a the perfect fit.
Importance of Proper Fit
- Protection: A snug fit ensures armor stays in place during an impact, offering better protection.
- Comfort: A well-fitted suit prevents chafing and allows for freedom of movement.
- Aerodynamics: Reduces drag, which can improve riding efficiency and stability at high speeds.
Measuring for a Suit
- Preparation: Wear the type of undergarments you usually wear while riding because it ensures the measurements are as accurate as possible.
- Tools Needed: Flexible tape measure, pen, and paper to note down the measurements.
- Measurements:
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape measure level under your arms and around your shoulder blades. Take a deep breath to ensure the measurement accommodates full lung expansion.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, which is usually just above the hip bones. Keep the tape snug but not tight.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. Ensure the tape is level all the way around.
- Inseam: Measure from your crotch to the bottom of your leg, along the inside of your leg. It’s best to do this while wearing your usual riding boots to get the correct length.
- Arm Length: Measure from the top of your shoulder to your wrist with your arm slightly bent. It ensures the sleeves will be the correct length when your arms are in a riding position.
- Torso Length: Measure from the base of your neck (where the shoulder meets the neck) to your crotch. It helps ensure the suit won’t be too tight or too loose when seated on the motorcycle.
One-Piece Suit Sizing Chart
| U.S. Size | Alpha | Euro Size | Chest (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hip (cm) | Thigh (cm) | Inseam (cm) | Outer Arm (cm) | Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | XXS | 40 | 78 – 82 | 64 – 68 | 79 – 83 | 48 – 49 | 71 – 72 | 49 – 50 | 150 – 156 |
| 32 | XS | 42 | 82 – 86 | 68 – 72 | 83 – 87 | 50 – 51 | 73 – 74 | 51 – 52 | 157 – 163 |
| 34 | S | 44 | 86 – 90 | 72 – 76 | 87 – 91 | 52 – 53 | 75 – 76 | 53 – 54 | 164 – 167 |
| 36 | M | 46 | 90 – 94 | 76 – 80 | 91 – 95 | 54 – 55 | 77 – 78 | 55 – 56 | 168 – 171 |
| 38 | L | 48 | 94 – 98 | 80 – 84 | 95 – 99 | 56 – 57 | 79 – 80 | 57 – 58 | 172 – 175 |
| 40 | XL | 50 | 98 – 102 | 84 – 88 | 99 – 103 | 58 – 59 | 81 – 82 | 59 – 60 | 176 – 179 |
| 42 | XXL | 52 | 102 – 106 | 88 – 92 | 103 – 107 | 60 – 61 | 83 – 84 | 61 – 62 | 180 – 183 |
| 44 | 3XL | 54 | 106 – 110 | 92 – 96 | 107 – 111 | 62 – 63 | 85 – 86 | 63 – 64 | 184 – 187 |
| 46 | 4XL | 56 | 110 – 114 | 96 – 100 | 111 – 115 | 64 – 65 | 87 – 88 | 65 – 66 | 188 – 191 |
Two-Piece Suit Sizing
Two-piece suits require similar measurements but offer the flexibility of different sizes for the jacket and pants. Ensure the connection zippers align properly when paired.
Additional Suit Fit Considerations
- Mobility: Ensure you have a full range of motion in riding positions. Check for any restrictions, especially in the shoulders, hips, and knees.
- Armor Fit: Ensure armor aligns correctly with knees, elbows, shoulders, and hips. The suit should have pockets or inserts for additional armor if needed.
- Adjustability: Look for adjustable features like waist straps, wrist closures, and ankle zippers to fine-tune the fit.
- Layering: Consider any base layers or cooling vests you may wear under the suit, and adjust sizing accordingly.
- Inseam and Legs: Should be long enough to cover the ankles when in a riding position.
Motorcycle Jacket Sizing Guide
Here’s a detailed guide to help you determine the perfect size and fit for your motorcycle jacket.
Importance of Proper Fit
A properly fitting motorcycle jacket ensures:
- Protection: Ensures armor stays in place during a fall or impact.
- Comfort: Prevents chafing and allows for a full range of motion.
- Aerodynamics: Reduces drag, which can improve riding efficiency and stability at high speeds.
Measuring for a Jacket
Follow these steps to accurately measure for a motorcycle jacket:
- Preparation: Wear a thin layer of clothing that you typically wear under your motorcycle jacket.
- Tools Needed: Flexible tape measure, pen, and paper.
- Measurements:
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape measure level under your arms and across your back.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, typically just above the hip bones.
- Arm Length: Measure from the top of your shoulder to your wrist, with your arm slightly bent.
- Shoulder Width: Measure from the edge of one shoulder to the edge of the other, across the back.
Jacket Sizing Chart
| U.S. Size | Alpa | Euro Size | Chest (cm) | Waist (cm) | Arm Length (cm) | Shoulder Width (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | XS | 46 | 86 – 91 | 71 – 76 | 58 – 60 | 45 – 47 |
| 38 | S | 48 | 91 – 97 | 76 – 81 | 60 – 62 | 47 – 49 |
| 40 | M | 50 | 97 – 102 | 81 – 86 | 62 – 64 | 49 – 51 |
| 42 | L | 52 | 102 – 107 | 86 – 91 | 64 – 66 | 51 – 53 |
| 44 | XL | 54 | 107 – 112 | 91 – 97 | 66 – 68 | 53 – 55 |
| 46 | XXL | 56 | 112 – 117 | 97 – 102 | 68 – 70 | 55 – 57 |
Additional Jacket Fit Considerations
- Armor Placement: Ensure the armor sits correctly over your elbows, shoulders, and back. The jacket should have pockets for additional armor if necessary.
- Adjustability: Look for jackets with adjustable straps and fastenings to fine-tune the fit around the waist, cuffs, and arms.
- Layering: If you plan to wear layers underneath, consider this when choosing your size. The jacket should accommodate base layers or cooling vests without feeling too tight.
- Ventilation: Ensure the jacket fits well when vents are open or closed. Ventilation can affect the fit slightly.
- Length: Check the jacket length to ensure it covers your lower back and does not ride up when in a riding position.
Motorcycle Helmets Sizing Guide
A correctly fitting helmet is essential for maximum protection and comfort. It must be snug yet comfortable to ensure safety in the event of a crash. Ill-fitting helmets can cause discomfort, fatigue, and reduced protection by up to 50%.
Identifying Your Head Shape
Before determining the correct helmet size, identify your head shape. Helmets are designed to fit specific head shapes to ensure maximum comfort and safety. Here are the three main head shapes:
- Round Oval: Equally wide and long. The circumference around the sides and top of the head are similar. From a top view, the head appears more circular.
- Intermediate Oval: Slightly longer front-to-back than side-to-side. It’s the most common head shape. From a top view, the head has a subtle oval shape, being a bit elongated.
- Long Oval: Noticeably longer front-to-back than side-to-side. From a top view, the head has a pronounced oval shape, much longer than it is wide.
How to Determine Your Head Shape
And the methods to determine yours:
- Visual Inspection: Look at your head in the mirror from above. Pay attention to the proportion of the width (side-to-side) to the length (front-to-back).
- Photographic Analysis: Take photos of your head from the top, sides, and front. Compare the proportions of width to length. Compare the proportions of width to length in the photos to see which shape is most prominent.
- Measurement: Use a flexible tape measure to measure the distance from your forehead to the back of your skull (front-to-back length) and the width from ear to ear (side-to-side width). Compare these measurements:
- If the measurements are nearly equal, you likely have a Round Oval head shape.
- If the front-to-back length is slightly longer than the width, you have an Intermediate Oval head shape.
- If the front-to-back length is significantly longer than the width, you have a Long Oval head shape.
Measuring Your Head for Helmet Fit
Next, take these steps to measure your head correctly:
- Preparation:
- Hair Style: Make sure your hair is styled as you typically wear it when riding. Remove any hair accessories such as clips, bands, or hats.
- Clean Area: Ensure your measuring area is clear and well-lit.
- Measure the Circumference:
- Tools Needed: A flexible tape measure or a piece of string (which can be measured against a ruler later).
- Positioning:
- Place the tape measure about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above your eyebrows and ears, wrapping it around the largest part of your head.
- Ensure the tape measure is level and snug around your head, but not so tight that it compresses the skin.
- Accuracy:
- Take multiple measurements to ensure accuracy.
- Note the largest measurement out of all your attempts.
Helmet Size Chart (Universal)
| Helmet Size | Head Circumference (in cm) | Head Circumference (in inches) |
|---|---|---|
| XXS | 51-52 | 20-20.5 |
| XS | 53-54 | 20.75-21.25 |
| S | 55-56 | 21.5-22 |
| M | 57-58 | 22.5-22.75 |
| L | 59-60 | 23-23.5 |
| XL | 61-62 | 24-24.5 |
| XXL | 63-64 | 24.75-25.25 |
| XXXL | 65-66 | 25.5-26 |
How Shell Sizes Correspond to Head Sizes
Motorcycle helmet manufacturers distribute outer shell sizes to accommodate a range of head sizes while maintaining proper fit and ECE, DOT, SNELL, SHARP and FIM safety standards. Here’s an example of how AGV’s K6 S helmet four shell sizes (XS/S – MS – ML/L – XL/XXL) are distributed:
AGV K6 S Helmet Shell Sizes:
- Shell Size 1: XS/S
- Head Sizes Covered: XS (53-54 cm) and S (55-56 cm). Designed for smaller head circumferences, providing a snug fit for individuals with smaller head measurements.
- Shell Size 2: MS:
- Head Size Covered: MS (57 cm). Fits medium-small head circumferences, offering a balanced fit between the smaller and larger head sizes.
- Shell Size 3: ML/L
- Head Sizes Covered: ML (58 cm) and L (59-60 cm). Accommodates medium-large to large head sizes, ensuring a comfortable fit for those within this range.
- Shell Size 4: XL/XXL
- Head Sizes Covered: XL (61-62 cm) and XXL (63-64 cm. For larger head circumferences, providing adequate space and fit for individuals with larger head measurements.
By offering multiple shell sizes, helmet manufacturers can cover a wide range of head circumferences while minimizing the need for excessive padding, which can compromise safety and comfort.
Additional Helmet Fit Considerations
- Cheek Pads: They should fit snugly against your cheeks without causing discomfort. If the helmet can be moved easily, the pads might be too loose. Cheek pads compress over time, so a slightly tighter fit initially is acceptable.
- Crown Fit: The top of the helmet should be snug against the crown of your head. There should be no pressure points. A good fit ensures even distribution of force in case of impact.
- Movement Test: Shake your head from side to side and up and down. The helmet should move with your head and not shift independently. Any movement indicates a need for a smaller size.
- Retention System: Ensure the chin strap is secure and comfortable. You should be able to fit no more than two fingers between the strap and your chin. The helmet should not roll off your head when the strap is secured.
General Tips for All Motorcycle Apparel and Helmets
- Safety Standards:
- Gloves: Check for CE (Conformité Européenne) certification, specifically EN 13594-2015, which covers protective gloves for motorcycle riders. In North America, gloves should comply with the ANSI/ISEA (American National Standards Institute/International Safety Equipment Association) 138 Impact Standard, introduced in 2019.
- Suits and Jackets: Ensure they meet CE standards, particularly EN 17092, which covers protective clothing for motorcycle riders. In the U.S., look for products that meet or exceed ASTM standards.
- Helmets: Look for certifications such as DOT (Department of Transportation), ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) 22.06, SNELL M2025, SHARP (Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme), and FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) FRHPhe-02.
- Try Before You Buy: Whenever possible, try on gear before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.
- Layering: Consider how the gear will fit over other clothing or layers.
- Seasonal Adjustments: Ensure there is room for adjustments like adding or removing liners for different weather conditions. During spring/summer focus on gear with ventilation and moisture-wicking properties to keep cool. Fall/winter opt for gear with thermal liners, windproofing, and waterproofing to stay warm and dry.
By following this detailed guide, you’ll be better equipped to find the right fit for your motorcycle gear, ensuring both comfort and safety while riding.
Authoritative Sources
To read the full history of AGV Helmets and AGV Sports Group, click here.
For more information about AGVSPORT, see the Wikipedia page here
