How should leather motorcycle gloves be stored?

Store leather motorcycle gloves flat or loosely stuffed with tissue paper to maintain shape, in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid plastic bags that trap moisture and cause mold.

Can I leave leather gloves in my motorcycle's saddlebags?

Short-term, yes. For extended storage, avoid saddlebags as they can become very hot in sunlight, accelerating leather drying and cracking. Temperature extremes are among the biggest enemies of stored leather.

How should I store leather gloves for the winter off-season?

Clean and condition thoroughly before storing for the off-season. Store in a breathable bag or cotton pillowcase in a cool, dry indoor location. Check and re-condition every few months even during storage.

Does sunlight damage stored leather gloves?

Yes. Prolonged UV exposure causes leather to dry out, fade, and crack over time. Always store leather gloves away from windows and direct sunlight. Even indirect light can cause gradual UV damage over months of storage.

How to Store Leather Motorcycle Gloves

jamesjordan

Jun 26

2 min read

Updated: Sep 28

How to Store Leather Motorcycle Gloves the Right Way

Disclosure: MotoGearRater and Legendary USA have the same owner. Links to legendaryusa.com in this article go to our owner’s store, and are marked as sponsored. How we make money

Proper storage is just as important as regular cleaning and conditioning for the long-term health of leather motorcycle gloves. The wrong storage conditions can do more damage in a few months than years of hard riding.

Legendary USA classic longer-cuff deerskin motorcycle gloves, made in the USA

The Three Enemies of Stored Leather

Heat, moisture, and UV light are the three forces most likely to damage leather gloves during storage. Heat dries out natural oils and causes stiffness and cracking. Moisture (especially in a sealed bag) promotes mold growth that destroys leather. UV light oxidizes and dries the surface. Your storage solution needs to address all three.

Where to Store Your Gloves

The best storage location is cool, dry, and dark — a drawer, shelf, or closet away from exterior walls. Avoid leaving gloves in your garage in summer (too hot), car (extreme heat), or basement with humidity issues (mold risk). A climate-controlled indoor storage area is ideal.

How to Store: Shape and Packaging

Store gloves flat or loosely stuffed with crumpled tissue paper to help maintain their three-dimensional shape. Avoid packing them tightly or folding fingers. Never store in sealed plastic bags — leather needs to breathe. Cotton pillowcases or breathable fabric pouches are excellent storage options.

Before and During Off-Season Storage

Before putting gloves away for the off-season, clean thoroughly and apply a full conditioning treatment. The leather will benefit from sitting with fresh conditioner applied during storage. Check on the gloves every 2–3 months during long storage and apply another light conditioning coat if the leather begins to feel dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should leather gloves be stored?

Flat or loosely stuffed, in a cool dark dry location, in a breathable container — not a sealed plastic bag.

Legendary USA fleece-lined deerskin motorcycle gloves for cold riding

Can I leave gloves in my saddlebags?

Short-term yes; extended storage in saddlebags exposes leather to heat extremes that cause cracking.

How to store for the winter off-season?

Clean, condition, and store in a breathable bag in a cool dry indoor location. Re-condition every few months.

Does sunlight damage stored leather?

Yes — prolonged UV exposure dries and cracks leather. Always store away from direct sunlight and windows.

Protect Your Investment Year-Round

Proper storage keeps your American-made leather motorcycle gloves in peak condition season after season. Shop our collection and invest in gear built to be cared for and enjoyed for decades.