Carpokes

For better steering wheel grip……or, to keep skin oils and perspiration off the leather…….or, just to look cool? (Maybe, not a cool look? )

Grip is mostly fine for me without gloves and certainly more comfortable for street driving unless hands are very sweaty or wet or lathered in hand lotion/sunscreen of some kind. Would likely be hot and uncomfortable for general driving summer use too. And in winter, the wrong gloves might not have sufficient grip - slippery even - plus you lose the feel of the wheel which is much more important in my opinion. If any gloves are used, no matter the season or the reason, then very, very thin, grippy leather driving gloves.

But, to cover all bridges, one could also say all of what you wrote in the OP, including the maybe or maybe not "cool look", could apply. (How's that for a waffling non-answer...)

I have a couple of pair of these ancient, lightweight, mesh-backed, relatively breathable, casual m-cycle gloves that I carry in a couple of cars. I never wear them but they're available if needed. Maybe something similar might be good for what you seek?


For track or competition driving, a definite yes for proper racing gloves for many reasons - a requirement by sanctioning if a race. Otherwise, necessary to protect leather and, especially, alcantara if running a DE in our nice street Porsches. A lot of sweat and wet when driving on track - it will ruin steering wheels. Also, racing gloves will be FIA certified to protect your hands from fire. One never knows...

DocJay wrote: Tue Sep 17, 2024 12:16 pm For better steering wheel grip……or, to keep skin oils and perspiration off the leather…….or, just to look cool? (Maybe, not a cool look? )

I love driving gloves. Keep my hands from sweating on the steering wheel, and it feels nice to boot.
I get mine from here https://hungant.com/ or for a real treat I got a pair of these as well (when they had a 40% sale, mind you):
https://www.theoutlierman.com/collectio ... ugello-red

M

When doing Time Trials or Racing I prefer Sparco ( or similar brand ) racing gloves. Surprisingly one can pick up a set of golf gloves or baseball gloves at your favorite Sporting Goods store, and for track time they really work well for those a bit more on a budget.

WillyDaP wrote: Mon Mar 31, 2025 4:58 pm When doing Time Trials or Racing I prefer Sparco ( or similar brand ) racing gloves. Surprisingly one can pick up a set of golf gloves or baseball gloves at your favorite Sporting Goods store, and for track time they really work well for those a bit more on a budget.

True, but the OP's post was really about street driving gloves, rather than track (racing, AX, TT, DE, etc.). Those kinds of track uses fall into another category, most especially if a sanctioned racing event where there are strict FIA requirements.

Back to street use, there are also the concerns for ways to protect Alcantara steering wheels that will degrade from sweat and skin oils.

I have always wanted a pair of driving gloves. I bought these at Amelia Island this year. www.acabas.fr Made in Portugal

Stormy_Monday wrote: Mon Mar 31, 2025 6:07 pm I have always wanted a pair of driving gloves. I bought these at Amelia Island this year. www.acabas.fr Made in Portugal

20250331_210316.jpg

They look like they'd be unobtrusive and comfortable - the leather looks soft too.

PS: The link goes to an "Artistes" gallery site - French yes, but not the gloves?

Yeah that’s a strange site for driving gloves. It’s all art!

M

This is the site not on the card inside the glove bag.

https://acaba.fr/?lg=en

The buy experience was very cool. You normally buy stuff based on size, S-M-L.... I was asked to hold my hands out and open them. The gentleman behind the table looked at my hand, touched them, then went to a "pile" of gloves and pulled these that fit perfectly. I was amazed. The lady next to me was the owner. She explained some more about the gloves and the proper fit, like a second skin. Pretty neat. My wife just rolled her eyes.....