The Roeckl Brand
Roeckl is a family-owned German company that has been making fine gloves in Munich since 1839, making it one of the oldest and most respected glove makers in the world. Now in its sixth and seventh generations of family ownership, Roeckl combines nearly two centuries of leather craftsmanship with modern technical materials to produce gloves for fashion, cycling, skiing and equestrian sport. The brand's riding gloves are particularly well regarded, valued for a precise fit, excellent rein feel and the kind of durability that comes from generations of glove-making expertise. For many riders, Roeckl is the benchmark against which other riding gloves are measured.
Roeck-Grip and Grip Lite
The Roeck-Grip is Roeckl's most famous riding glove and the most searched model in Australia. It's made from a single-piece, stretchy synthetic material that fits like a second skin, with strategically placed grip on the palm and fingers for excellent rein control. The seamless construction means no rubbing or pressure points, and the breathable fabric keeps hands comfortable through long rides. The Grip Lite is a lighter, more breathable version designed for warmer weather, offering the same renowned grip with a thinner, cooler feel. Both are unisex and available in a wide range of sizes and colours.
- Roeck-Grip - the flagship all-rounder. Seamless stretch fabric with superb rein grip, suitable for year-round riding.
- Roeck-Grip Lite - a thinner, more breathable version for hot weather and summer riding.
- Roeck-Grip Winter - a fleece-lined version of the classic for cold-weather riding.
Leather Riding Gloves: Madrid and Chester
For riders who prefer the feel and appearance of leather, Roeckl offers several premium leather models. The Madrid is a soft, supple leather glove with a classic look favoured for showing and dressage, offering a refined rein feel and an elegant finish. The Chester combines leather with stretch panels for a closer fit and added flexibility. Roeckl's leather gloves benefit from the brand's long heritage in fine leatherwork, using quality hides that soften and mould to the hand over time.
- Madrid - soft leather glove with a classic look, popular for showing and dressage.
- Chester - leather with stretch inserts for a closer, more flexible fit.
Winter Riding Gloves
Roeckl's winter range keeps hands warm without sacrificing rein feel. Models like the Warendorf offer waterproof, insulated protection for riding in cold and wet conditions, while fleece-lined options such as the Roeck-Grip Winter and Polartec-lined gloves balance warmth with the grip and dexterity riders need. Good winter riding gloves are thin enough to maintain contact with the reins while still protecting against the cold, and Roeckl's winter models are designed with exactly that balance in mind.
Summer and Mesh Gloves
For hot Australian summers, Roeckl offers lightweight and mesh-backed gloves that maximise breathability. The Grip Lite and mesh models use ventilated panels to keep hands cool and dry during warm-weather riding and competition, while still delivering the grip Roeckl is known for. These are popular for summer competition days when heavier gloves would leave hands hot and sweaty.
Roeckl Glove Sizing
Roeckl gloves use European sizing, typically ranging from size 6 (extra small) through to size 11 (extra large), including half sizes for a precise fit. To find your size, measure the circumference of your dominant hand around the widest part of the palm, just below the knuckles, in centimetres. That measurement in centimetres roughly corresponds to your Roeckl glove size. Roeckl gloves are designed to fit snugly for the best rein feel, so if you're between sizes and prefer a closer fit, size down; for a roomier fit, size up. Check the size chart on each product page, as fit can vary slightly between leather and stretch-fabric models.
Commonly Asked Questions About Roeckl Gloves
Read customer Q&As
What size Roeckl gloves do I need?
Roeckl gloves use European sizing from 6 to 11, including half sizes. Measure around the widest part of your palm (just below the knuckles) in centimetres, and that number roughly corresponds to your glove size. Roeckl gloves fit snugly for the best rein feel, so size down for a closer fit or up for a roomier one. Always check the size chart on the specific product, as leather and stretch models can fit slightly differently.
What is the difference between Roeck-Grip and Grip Lite?
The Roeck-Grip is the classic all-round riding glove, with a seamless stretch construction and excellent grip suitable for year-round use. The Grip Lite is a lighter, thinner and more breathable version of the same glove, designed for warm weather and summer riding. If you ride mostly in hot conditions, the Grip Lite keeps hands cooler; for general year-round use, the standard Roeck-Grip is the popular choice.
Are Roeckl gloves good for riding?
Yes. Roeckl is one of the most respected riding glove brands in the world, with a glove-making heritage dating back to 1839. Their riding gloves are valued for excellent grip, a precise fit, good rein feel and long-lasting durability. The Roeck-Grip in particular is a benchmark riding glove used by riders at every level, from beginners to Olympic competitors.
Can you machine wash Roeckl gloves?
Many of Roeckl's synthetic stretch gloves, including the Roeck-Grip, can be hand washed or gently machine washed in cool water, then air dried away from direct heat. Leather models like the Madrid should not be machine washed; instead, wipe them clean and treat occasionally with a leather conditioner. Always check the care instructions on the specific glove, as care varies between materials.
Where are Roeckl gloves made?
Roeckl is a German company founded in Munich in 1839 and is still family-owned today. The brand combines its long heritage in fine leather glove-making with modern technical materials. Roeckl gloves are designed in Germany to the brand's exacting quality standards across their fashion, cycling, ski and equestrian ranges.
