How to Care for Premium Leather Gloves
Updated: Sep 28
Quick answer: To care for premium leather gloves: wipe off dirt and salt, clean lightly with a damp cloth (no soaking), let them air-dry away from heat, then condition a few times a year to keep the leather supple. Deerskin gloves like Legendary USA's are forgiving — they dry soft — but conditioning still extends their life for years.
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Premium leather rewards a little maintenance with years of extra life. The routine is simple and takes minutes. Here's how to keep deerskin and other fine glove leathers in top shape.
After every ride
Brush or wipe off road dirt, bugs and salt, which dry out leather.
If the gloves got wet, blot excess water and reshape them.
Let them air-dry at room temperature, never on a heater, radiator or in direct sun.
Cleaning
For routine dirt, wipe with a slightly damp cloth. For heavier grime, use a dedicated leather cleaner sparingly. Never soak gloves, run them through a washing machine, or use harsh detergents — these strip natural oils and can stiffen or crack the leather. Deerskin tolerates moisture better than most leathers but still shouldn't be saturated and force-dried.
Conditioning
A few times a year, work a small amount of quality leather conditioner into the gloves and buff off the excess. This replaces oils lost to sweat, sun and rain, keeping the leather soft and crack-free. Don't over-apply — a thin coat is enough.
Do
Explore the best motorcycle gloves from Legendary USA — American-made deerskin and cowhide riding gloves built for serious riders.
Don't
Air-dry at room temp
Dry on heat or in sun
Wipe with damp cloth
Machine wash or soak
Condition 2-3x/year
Over-saturate with oil
Store shaped, ventilated
Store damp or crushed
Storage
Store gloves dry, away from direct sunlight, ideally laid flat or lightly shaped so the fingers keep their form. Avoid sealed plastic bags, which trap moisture and invite mildew.
Keep them riding for years
Premium deerskin from the Legendary USA gloves collection rewards simple care with seasons of extra life.
Frequently asked questions
How do you clean leather motorcycle gloves?
Wipe off dirt with a slightly damp cloth and use a dedicated leather cleaner sparingly for heavier grime. Never soak them, machine-wash, or use harsh detergents, which strip oils and stiffen the leather.
How often should I condition leather gloves?
A few times a year, or whenever the leather starts to feel dry. Apply a thin coat of quality leather conditioner and buff off the excess.
How do you dry wet motorcycle gloves?
Blot excess water, reshape them, and let them air-dry at room temperature away from direct heat or sun. Deerskin dries soft; forced heat can stiffen and crack leather.
Can deerskin gloves get wet?
Yes — deerskin is water-resistant and dries soft, unlike many leathers. Just avoid saturating them and never force-dry with heat.
Shop the full selection of best motorcycle gloves at Legendary USA, handcrafted in the USA with premium leather for every riding style.
