Short Answer: The Legendary USA Classic American Whitetail Deerskin Gauntlets are full gauntlet-length riding gloves made from 100% domestic Whitetail deerskin. The deep cuff covers the wrist and lower forearm, eliminating the sleeve gap that lets cold air and wind enter at highway speed. Unlined, reinforced at the palm, thumb saddle, and fingertips. Made in USA. Available in XS–2XL.
What Makes the Gauntlet the Right Glove for Highway Riding
The sleeve gap is one of the most underappreciated problems in motorcycle gear. At highway speeds, the gap between the end of a short-cuff glove and the beginning of a jacket sleeve becomes a wind funnel. Cold air, rain, and road debris enter directly at the wrist. In summer, this is an annoyance. In cold weather or rain, it becomes a reason to cut rides short.
The gauntlet design solves this problem at the source. A true gauntlet extends well past the wrist — the Legendary USA Classic Gauntlets cover the wrist and lower forearm with a deep cuff that seals against the jacket sleeve whether worn over or under it. There is no gap to manage. No sleeve adjustment required at each stop. The glove and jacket work together as a sealed system.
This is why gauntlet gloves have been the standard choice for long-distance touring riders, vintage motorcycle enthusiasts, and anyone who rides in variable weather. The form predates modern short-cuff gloves and remains functionally superior for any ride where conditions change or distances are long.
The Legendary USA version of this design is built from 100% American Whitetail deerskin — the same domestic hide used across the entire Legendary glove lineup. Deerskin is approximately half the weight of cowhide and naturally more flexible. This matters especially in a gauntlet, where a stiff leather cuff would restrict wrist movement and make the glove fatiguing to wear over long rides. The Legendary gauntlets have none of this stiffness — the deerskin molds to the rider's hand and wrist progressively and becomes more comfortable with every ride.
Construction and Materials
Outer shell: 100% American Whitetail deerskin. Domestically sourced, not split leather or imported hide. Deerskin's natural grain structure gives it flexibility that cowhide cannot match at equivalent thickness, and it molds to the grip over time for a custom fit.
Gauntlet cuff length: The deep cuff extends past the wrist to cover the lower forearm. This is a true gauntlet — not a short wrist glove marketed as long. The cuff eliminates sleeve gap at highway speed and provides additional forearm coverage in a slide.
Unlined: These gauntlets are unlined, which means maximum direct feel on the throttle, brake, and clutch. The deerskin alone provides warmth adequate for three-season riding. For below-freezing conditions, see the Legendary Insulated Mittens.
Reinforced stitching: The palm, thumb saddle, and fingertips — the highest-wear zones on any riding glove — receive reinforced stitching. These are the points that fail first on cheaper gloves.
Wear flexibility: The cuff is designed to be worn either over or under the jacket sleeve, giving the rider control over coverage and fit depending on conditions and preference.
Sizes: XS through 2XL.
Made in USA: Manufactured domestically using A&E industrial-grade thread.
Over or Under the Jacket Sleeve: Which Is Better?
This is the most common question gauntlet glove riders ask, and the answer depends on conditions and preference.
Over the sleeve: The gauntlet cuff goes on top of the jacket sleeve. This creates a rain-shedding overlap — water running down the jacket sleeve sheds onto the outside of the gauntlet rather than running down into the sleeve. Better for rain. Slightly bulkier look.
Under the sleeve: The jacket sleeve goes over the gauntlet cuff. This creates a more streamlined profile and slightly better wind sealing at the cuff edge. Better for cold, dry conditions. Preferred by many touring riders for appearance and fit under tight jacket cuffs.
The Legendary USA Classic Gauntlets are cut to work well in either configuration. The deerskin cuff is flexible enough that it does not create uncomfortable bunching when worn under a jacket sleeve.
Three-Season Versatility
The unlined construction makes these gauntlets genuinely versatile across spring, summer, and fall riding. In summer heat, deerskin breathes better than cowhide and the unlined construction keeps bulk minimal. In cooler conditions, the extended coverage of the gauntlet cuff adds warmth without requiring a separate liner or insulated glove for temperatures above freezing.
For riders who want one glove that handles most riding conditions, the gauntlet is a more complete solution than a short-wrist glove. The trade-off is that for extreme cold, the insulated mitten is the better tool. For hot-weather airflow, a perforated glove adds ventilation the gauntlet doesn't have. But for the widest range of conditions in a single glove, the gauntlet wins.
Who Should Buy the Legendary USA Classic Gauntlets
Touring and long-distance riders who cover miles across changing conditions and want a glove that seals against the jacket sleeve reliably without mid-ride adjustments.
Vintage motorcycle riders who appreciate the correct classic silhouette — gauntlets are the historically appropriate glove for pre-1980s motorcycle aesthetics and remain the most authentic choice for vintage bike builds.
Riders who frequently ride in rain. The gauntlet-over-sleeve configuration creates a rain-shedding overlap that short-cuff gloves cannot replicate.
Cold-weather three-season riders who want forearm protection without committing to an insulated glove. The deerskin gauntlet adds meaningful warmth over a short-cuff glove simply through coverage area.
Adventure and dual-sport riders who encounter unpredictable conditions on long routes.
Sizing and Fit
Order your standard size — these gauntlets fit true to the Legendary USA size chart. Measure your dominant hand around the knuckles (excluding the thumb) to determine size. Deerskin stretches slightly with break-in and will conform to your hand and wrist shape over the first several rides. XS through 2XL.
The cuff is designed to fit over or under standard motorcycle jacket sleeves. Riders with larger forearms or very close-fitting jacket cuffs should try the under-sleeve configuration first before sizing up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a gauntlet glove and a regular motorcycle glove?
A gauntlet glove extends past the wrist to cover part of the lower forearm. A standard short-cuff motorcycle glove ends at or just below the wrist. The gauntlet design eliminates the sleeve gap — the space between glove and jacket cuff that lets in cold air, rain, and wind at highway speed. Gauntlets are the traditional touring and long-distance riding glove for this reason.
Can I wear these gauntlets over my jacket sleeve?
Yes. The Legendary USA Classic Gauntlets are designed to be worn either over or under the jacket sleeve. Over the sleeve provides better rain protection as water sheds off the glove onto the jacket rather than running down inside. Under the sleeve provides a tighter fit and better cold-air sealing. Both configurations work well with the flexible deerskin cuff.
Are these gauntlets lined?
No. These are unlined gauntlets. The deerskin outer provides three-season warmth and natural flexibility. For below-freezing riding, consider the Legendary USA Deerskin Insulated Mittens for maximum cold-weather protection.
Does deerskin work well in wet conditions?
Deerskin has natural water resistance but is not waterproof. For prolonged rain riding, applying a leather water-resistant treatment before use will significantly improve performance. Deerskin that gets wet should be allowed to dry naturally and then conditioned. It will not become stiff or crack from occasional wet-weather use the way some leathers do.
How do I break in deerskin gauntlets?
Deerskin breaks in faster than cowhide and requires no aggressive conditioning to soften. The leather will begin conforming to your hand and grip shape within the first few rides. The cuff will flex progressively more freely as it breaks in. Light leather conditioner application after the first few rides can accelerate the process and maintain suppleness.
Are the Legendary USA Gauntlets made in America?
Yes. The Legendary USA Classic American Whitetail Deerskin Gauntlets are made in the USA using domestically sourced Whitetail deerskin and A&E industrial-grade thread. Legendary USA is one of very few manufacturers still producing leather motorcycle gloves domestically.
What sizes are available?
XS, S, M, L, XL, and 2XL. Measure your dominant hand around the knuckles (not the thumb) for accurate sizing. Order your standard size for bare-hand use. The deerskin will stretch slightly with break-in to conform to your hand shape.
Where to Buy
The Legendary USA Classic American Whitetail Deerskin Gauntlets are available at LegendaryUSA.com for $154.99. Browse the full motorcycle gloves collection to compare gauntlet and short-cuff options across the complete American-made Legendary lineup.