Full-gauntlet gloves provide additional wrist and lower-arm coverage and can overlap the jacket or racing-suit sleeve, which makes them common for track and high-performance riding. Short-cuff gloves provide greater convenience and wrist mobility for everyday sport-road use.

A palm slider is positioned around the heel of the hand to provide additional protection during a slide. Its hard, low-friction surface can help reduce the tendency of the palm to catch against the road surface.

Goatskin is widely used because it combines abrasion resistance with flexibility and good control feel. Kangaroo leather can provide high strength with a lightweight construction, while cowhide can also be used where greater thickness or durability is required.

The knuckles and back of the hand are exposed areas during an impact or slide. Hard or composite protectors help distribute impact forces and provide an additional protective barrier while the glove construction maintains hand mobility.

Pre-curved fingers follow the natural shape of the hand while gripping the motorcycle controls. This can reduce material bunching and resistance when operating the throttle, brake and clutch.

Sport gloves should generally fit closely without restricting circulation or finger movement. Excess material in the palm or fingertips can reduce control feel, while an overly tight glove can become uncomfortable when the rider closes the hand around the controls.

Perforated leather, ventilated knuckle components and airflow openings between or along the fingers can be incorporated to increase airflow while retaining the protective leather construction.