November Riding Gloves Guide: Cowhide vs. Deerskin, Insulated Options & Zip-Off Gauntlets

When November temperatures drop into the 40s and morning frost coats the asphalt, summer mesh and unlined shorty gloves won’t cut it. Cold hands slow down your reaction time on the throttle, clutch, and brake levers, making proper thermal protection essential for late-season safety.

If you want to stay on the road into late fall and winter, choosing the right pair comes down to four core elements: leather material, insulation, waterproofing, and cuff style.

Here is how to evaluate your setup, break down cowhide versus deerskin, compare insulated and non-insulated styles, and see why zip-off gauntlet cuffs deliver complete versatility on the road.

1. Gauntlet Gloves vs. Short-Cuff: Blocking the Sleeve Gap

At highway speeds in November, 45°F air combined with wind chill drops temperature exposure significantly. Short-wrist gloves leave an open gap between your jacket sleeve and wrist. Wind rushes straight up your arms, rapidly lowering your body heat.

• Gauntlet Gloves: Feature an extended cuff extending 2 to 4 inches past your wrist. Fastening the cuff over your jacket sleeve creates a seal against incoming wind.
• Short-Cuff Gloves: Ideal for summer and early fall, but allow cold air drafts to enter sleeves during late-fall riding.

To explore extended wrist coverage options for late-fall riding, browse our complete selection of men's leather motorcycle gloves.

2. Leather Comparison: Deerskin vs. Cowhide

Not all leathers perform the same when the temperature drops. Both cowhide and deerskin offer wind protection, but they differ in feel, flexibility, and break-in behavior.

Deerskin Leather: Flexibility & Grip Comfort

Deerskin is widely preferred by long-distance riders because it feels soft from the first wear. Its natural grain structure absorbs handlebar vibration while allowing your fingers to bend naturally over hand controls. If caught in late-fall moisture, deerskin dries out soft without stiffening.

Check out our soft, flexible choices in our men's deerskin motorcycle gloves collection.

Cowhide Leather: Dense Wind Protection

Cowhide is the traditional standard for motorcycle gear. It features a dense grain structure that blocks biting highway wind. While it requires a short break-in period, cowhide provides a thick outer shield against cold weather elements.

3. Insulated vs. Non-Insulated Gloves: Matching the Temperature

Choosing between insulated and unlined leather depends on your riding environment and ambient temperatures:

4. Waterproof & Weatherproof Membranes

Late fall weather frequently brings damp roads, fog, and unexpected rain. Standard leather is naturally water-resistant for short durations, but soaking rain will eventually penetrate the seams.

Waterproof motorcycle gloves feature an internal breathable membrane (positioned between the outer leather shell and inner lining). This layer stops water droplets from reaching your hands while allowing sweat vapor to escape, keeping your hands dry and warm. Combining a waterproof membrane with thermal insulation provides full protection for unpredictable November weather.

5. The Convertible Option: Zip-Off Gauntlet Deerskin Gloves

For riders seeking one pair to handle variable temperatures, zip-off gauntlet deerskin gloves offer a convertible 2-in-1 design.

These gloves feature an extended gauntlet cuff attached via a heavy-duty zipper system:

• Zip the cuffs ON: Use full gauntlet protection for cold morning commutes, highway speeds, or evening rides to stop wind from blowing up your sleeves.
• Zip the cuffs OFF: Remove the gauntlet cuffs during warm afternoon sun, converting them into standard short-wrist deerskin gloves for local riding.

Combining soft deerskin with convertible coverage, options like the Milwaukee Leather Zip-Off Cuff Deerskin Gloves provide adaptable performance across changing weather conditions.