Cycling Gloves Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product (Half-finger and Full-finger), By End-user (Male and Female), By Distribution Channel (Online and Offline), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global cycling gloves market size was valued at USD 3.26 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 3.41 billion in 2024 to USD 5.49 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.12% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the cycling gloves market with a market share of 34.36% in 2023.

Key players operating in the market are investing heavily in R&D activities and adopting advanced technologies to develop innovative glove materials and designs that improve comfort and performance for cyclists. This allows them to differentiate their products and stay ahead of the competition, thus increasing the market share in the near future.

Bicycle gloves are specialized handwear designed to enhance the comfort, performance, and safety of cyclists. They are made from a combination of synthetic materials such as polyester, spandex, and leather for durability, flexibility, and breathability. Moreover, cyclists prioritize hand protection to avoid injuries, blisters, and numbness during long rides, making gloves a necessary accessory.

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Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Increasing Popularity of Cycling as a Recreational Activity to Foster Product Demand

The rise in recreational cycling, driven by the demand for fitness, outdoor activities, and eco-friendly transportation, has expanded the base of cycling enthusiasts. As more people take up cycling as a hobby, the demand for cycling gear, including gloves, has surged. Furthermore, the increasing interest in competitive cycling, from amateur races to professional events, has created a demand for high-performance gear. Competitive cyclists require specialized gloves that offer enhanced grip, comfort, and durability, which drives innovation and premium product sales, fostering market growth in the long run. For instance, according to the Global Wellness Institute, in 2023, the U.S. and China were recorded as the two largest national consumer markets for recreational physical activity worldwide, collectively representing ~45% of global expenditure.

Technological Advancements in Cycling Accessory Products to Drive Market Growth

New materials such as gel inserts, memory foam, and silicone pads offer better shock absorption and pressure distribution, reducing hand fatigue and discomfort during long rides. Cyclists increasingly prioritize comfort, leading to a higher demand for gloves with advanced ergonomic features. Some gloves feature fabrics that provide temperature regulation, keeping hands cool in hot weather and warm in cold conditions. These advancements improve the grip of cyclists and allow long-term use, driving continuous demand for gloves suitable for different climates.

Therefore, brands are focusing on creating gloves with ergonomic features that reduce hand fatigue, prevent nerve damage, and improve overall comfort during long rides. For instance, in 2024, GripGrab, a cycling accessories producer, launched a series of new cycling gloves. These gloves feature Ride Comfort Max padding, a high-end microsuede palm, and are made with up to 90% recycled materials for enhanced comfort and durability.

Market Restraint

Cost Sensitivity and Affordability Factors May Hinder the Market Growth

High-performance or technologically advanced gloves can be expensive, limiting their accessibility to budget-conscious consumers. Besides, some cyclists are also not willing to invest in premium gloves, particularly casual riders or those new to the sport, which can constrain market growth. Additionally, in developing markets, where cycling is often used as an affordable means of transportation, the demand for expensive, high-tech bicycle gloves may be limited. Therefore, consumers in these regions may prioritize basic gloves or forego them altogether due to financial constraints, reducing the sales of the global market.

Market Opportunities

Growing Branding and Marketing Initiatives by Key Players to Boost Market Growth

Effective branding strategies enhance visibility and recognition among consumers. Companies that invest in marketing campaigns, such as social media promotions and influencer partnerships, can reach a broader audience. For instance, brands such as HandUp Gloves have successfully built a community around their products by focusing on lifestyle and engagement rather than just product features, which fosters brand loyalty and attracts new customers.

Increase in Social Media Platforms to Propel Market Growth

Social media platforms provide brands with a powerful avenue to increase their visibility. Companies showcase their cycling gloves through visually attractive content, including images and videos, which can attract potential customers. Besides, brands leverage social media to engage directly with consumers, allowing for real-time feedback and interaction. This engagement helps companies understand consumer preferences, fostering market growth.

Market Challenge

Upsurge in Counterfeit Products to Limit Market Growth

The popularity of cycling gloves has resulted in a rise in counterfeit products. These inferior-quality gloves damage the reputation of established brands and pose safety risks to consumers. The presence of counterfeit products lowers consumer confidence in the authenticity of cycling gloves. Therefore, customers may become hesitant to purchase from renowned brands, fearing they might receive fake products, hindering cycling gloves market growth.

Cycling Gloves Market Trends

Growing E-bike Adoption to Fuel Market Growth

E-bikes are attracting a broader demographic, including individuals who may not have considered traditional cycling. These cycles offer a convenient and eco-friendly alternative for urban commuting. Therefore, as more people switch to e-bikes for their daily transportation needs, they seek accessories, such as gloves, for added comfort and safety. Besides, e-bikes enable riders to travel longer distances with less physical effort compared to traditional bikes.

With increased riding time comes the need for enhanced hand comfort, making gloves a crucial accessory to prevent hand fatigue, numbness, and discomfort over extended periods, propelling the market growth. For instance, according to data provided by the Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry, ~5.1 million e-bikes were sold in EU 27 and the U.K. in 2023. This, as a result, also surged the demand for cycling gloves in the region.

Increasing Demand for Customization and Ergonomic Designs to Boost Market Growth

Recently, cyclists have been seeking gloves that cater to their individual preferences and needs. Therefore, key trends in the market include customizable options and the development of ergonomic designs that cater to the specific needs of different cycling disciplines and rider preferences. Brands are offering a wide range of color and design choices, allowing cyclists to express their style and match their gloves with their cycling kits, intensifying market growth. For instance, Monton, a cycling clothing company, offers a service to create personalized cycling gloves, allowing teams, companies, and individuals to design gloves with their colors, logos, or slogans.

Impact of COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, similar to many industries, the cycling accessories market also faced challenges in manufacturing and distribution due to factory closures, supply chain issues, and raw material shortages in many regions. However, in the post-pandemic situation, there was a stronger focus on health and outdoor activities, continuing the demand for bicycle gloves. Cycling became more popular as a safer alternative to public transportation and a way to maintain physical health. This led to an increased demand for cycling gear, including gloves.

Segmentation Analysis

By Product Analysis

Protection of Entire Hand from Abrasions to Drive Full-finger Segment Growth 

On the basis of product, the market has been divided into half-finger and full-finger.

The full-finger gloves segment is expected to lead the market during the forecast period. These gloves offer complete coverage, protecting the entire hand from abrasions, blisters, and injuries. This makes them popular among cyclists such as mountain bikers, downhill riders, and commuters who prioritize safety. Many full-finger gloves are designed with weather-resistant materials that protect against wind, rain, and cold, making them suitable for all-weather riding.

The half-finger segment is estimated to gain a substantial share of the market during the coming years. These gloves are favored for their breathability, especially during hot weather. The open-finger design allows for better airflow, reducing sweat build-up and keeping hands cool, making them ideal for summer riding and warm climates.

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By End-user Analysis

Prevalence of High-Intensity Road Cycling Activities Among Males to Expand Segment Growth

Based on end-users, the market has been segregated into male and female.

The male segment is projected to dominate the market during the forecast period. The male population is often more involved in high-intensity cycling activities such as mountain biking road racing, and extreme sports such as downhill cycling. These activities require specialized gear, including full-finger gloves that provide protection, grip, and performance enhancements. The participation of men in these areas boosts segment share.

The female segment is likely to hold a significant share of the market in the near term. Nowadays, more females have been taking up cycling as part of a growing interest in fitness and health awareness activities. Further, the increasing demand for cycling events, clubs, and group rides has encouraged more women to participate in cycling. These initiatives create a supportive community, boosting the confidence and interest of women in the sport, which in turn drives the demand for cycling accessories.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Availability of Personal Recommendations to Boost Offline Segment Growth

In terms of distribution channel, the market is divided into offline and online channels.

The offline segment is anticipated to capture a dominant share of the global market. Many consumers still prefer the in-person shopping experience, specifically when it comes to purchasing sports accessories such as cycling gloves. They value the ability to interact with sales staff, get personalized recommendations, and ensure a proper fit before making a purchase.

The online segment is predicted to hold a significant share in the coming years. Several online retailers offer innovative features such as virtual fitting tools, customer reviews, and detailed product descriptions, which enhance the shopping experience. Additionally, some brands provide customization options for gloves, allowing consumers to select colors, materials, and features that suit their preferences, further driving online sales.

Cycling Gloves Market Regional Outlook

Asia Pacific

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In 2023, Asia Pacific attained a 34.39% in the global cycling gloves market share. Emerging markets in Asia, such as China and India, present vast growth potential for the market. As these countries continue to develop their cycling infrastructure and promote the sport, the demand for cycling accessories, such as gloves, is expected to rise significantly in the region.

Besides, the Chinese government has implemented policies to promote cycling and sustainable transportation. This also includes investing in green cycling arrangements and launching initiatives to encourage citizens to cycle more. These efforts indirectly boost the cycling gloves market in China by expanding the consumer base during the forecast period. For instance, according to the China Bicycle Association at the 2019 China Bicycle Industry Conference, Chinese citizens possess nearly 400 million bicycles and approximately 300 million e-bikes, making China the leading country in the world for bicycle ownership.

Europe

The European cycling gloves market is projected to achieve significant growth in the coming years. Cycling has become popular in urban areas across European countries, driven by a growing emphasis on health, fitness, and environmentally friendly transportation. This trend has led to a significant rise in cycling participation, which in turn boosts the demand for bicycle gloves in the region. For instance, according to a paper published by Science Direct in ‘The Journal of Transport Geography’ in January 2022, cycling in Germany has surged by over 40%, primarily driven by well-educated individuals in medium-sized and large cities who have altered their cycling habits, representing an increasingly significant portion of the population.

North America

In North America, governments of various cities and states have been taking development initiatives to promote cycling as a sustainable and reachable type of transportation, which also boosts the demand for cycling gloves in the region. For instance, in February 2024, the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, a public transportation provider located in Austin, Texas, launched an initiative for the expansion of its bike-share program with the city of Austin. The transit company announced a collaboration with PBSC Urban Solutions Inc. aimed at the expansion and replacement of 80 MetroBike stations, 1,000 docks, and 800 bicycles focused in downtown Austin. The move would help triple the size of the bike-share system. The contract is a significant part of the planned USD 20.6 million expansion for the bike-share program.

The demand for cycling gloves in the U.S. market has been growing in recent times due to the increasing number of cyclists and the popularity of cycling clubs. Besides, the introduction of electric bicycles has also spurred interest in cycling as a regular exercise activity, further driving the American cycling gloves market growth. Besides, many U.S. residents nowadays have been opting for bicycles as a sustainable alternative to cars, which has led to an increase in bicycle sales and, consequently, a higher demand for related accessories, including gloves.

South America and Middle East & Africa

The rise of e-commerce platforms in South America and the Middle East & Africa has significantly expanded the market reach for bicycle gloves. Consumers can easily compare, review, and purchase a variety of gloves online, increasing accessibility and convenience. This shift has been particularly beneficial in both the regions where online shopping is prevalent, driving the market growth. According to the International Trade Administration (ITA), in November 2023, UAE was the e-commerce leader among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, where the market jumped by 53% in 2020 with a record of USD 3.9 billion in e-commerce sales, which constituted 10% of the total retail sales.

Competitive Landscape

Key Market Players

The competitive landscape of the global cycling gloves market offers insights into various competitors. This includes an overview of each company, their financial performance, revenue generation, market potential, investments in research and development, new initiatives, strengths and weaknesses, product and brand portfolios, product launches, mergers and acquisitions, and their applications. The data provided focuses specifically on the companies' engagement within the cycling gloves market.

Major Players in the Cycling Gloves Market

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GIRO, Trek Bikes, Rapha, Assos, and GripGrab are some of the major players in the market. The global market is highly fragmented, with the top 5 players accounting for ~5% of the market share.

List of Key Companies Profiled In The Report

• GIRO (U.S.)


• Trek Bikes (U.S.)


• Rapha (U.K.)


• Assos (Switzerland)


• GripGrab (Denmark)


• Altura (U.K.)


• Specialized Bicycle Components (U.S.)


• Pearl Izumi (U.S.)


• Endura (Scotland)


• Showers Pass (U.S.)

Key Industry Developments

• December 2023 – Fox Racing, a U.S.-based sports equipment manufacturing company, launched ‘Defend Pro Winter Gloves.’ This range is known for its warmth and weatherproofing and incorporates insulated materials and touchscreen compatibility for convenience during rides.


• January 2023 – GIRO, a sports goods company, introduced the Rodeo MTB Glove, featuring the cutting-edge D3O 'Ghost Knuckle' Protection. This launch implies a significant advancement in the market. The innovative technology provides enhanced safety for cyclists and improves grip while ensuring comfort and flexibility during rides.


• January 2023 – DHB, a cycling equipment manufacturing company, launched a new range of lightweight cycling gloves. These gloves offer touchscreen compatibility and breathable stretch mesh fabric, making them suitable for various cycling conditions.


• April 2022 - Prologo, a bike accessories company, relaunched its line of gloves featuring proprietary technology, introducing the Energrip series. This collection includes three models, ranging from short-finger mitts to winter gloves, all designed to maximize comfort through vibration-absorbing technology. The gloves provide optimal ventilation and superior grip, ensuring a comfortable and secure experience for cyclists.


• September 2020 – Saris, a manufacturer of exercise and fitness equipment, partnered with the U.S.-based indoor specialist eSports recycling team from its parent company, Zwift Inc., to enhance its presence in the cycling market targeted at fitness enthusiasts.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Increasing Brand Investments and Collaborations with Different Stakeholders to Provide Growth Opportunities

Partnerships with technology providers or material suppliers enable manufacturers to incorporate advanced technologies into their products, providing profitable opportunities for the market. Innovations such as improved padding materials, breathable fabrics, and touchscreen compatibility enhance the functionality and grip on the handlebars in terms of bicycle gloves, driving the market growth. Therefore, joint research and development efforts between manufacturers and suppliers or brands can lead to the creation of new and improved bicycle glove designs. This collaboration allows for the exploration of innovative features and materials that meet evolving consumer needs and preferences, augmenting market growth.

REPORT COVERAGE

The cycling gloves market report analyzes the market in-depth and highlights crucial aspects such as prominent companies, regional and market segmentation, competitive landscape, product types, distribution channels, and application areas. Besides this, the report provides insights into the market trends and highlights significant industry developments. In addition to the aspects mentioned earlier, the report encompasses several factors contributing to the market growth over recent years.

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Report Scope & Segmentation