Buying guide for Best winter gloves for kids
If you are a parent or spend time caring for kids, you know the routine when it comes to heading outdoors in the winter: bundle them up in cold-weather clothes, coats, hats, scarves, and boots. Winter gloves complete the ensemble.
In addition to being warm, kids need to feel comfortable when wearing their winter gloves. That's why it's important to get the right fit. For kids who can't wait to indulge in fun activities like building snowmen or slipping down snow-covered slopes on sleds, only insulated, waterproof gloves will do.
What to consider when selecting winter gloves for kids
The types of winters gloves available on the market are as varied as the kids who wear them. Here are some considerations to assist you in picking a practical pair.
How old is the child?
Winter gloves are worn by kids at all growth stages: babies, toddlers, pre-teens, teens. When shopping, be sure to check the age range for which the gloves are suitable.
Do you expect a growth spurt?
Even if you find a pair of winter gloves that fits your child perfectly, a sudden growth spurt could result in a tight fit before the season ends. Growth spurts can happen any time, but the toddler and early adolescent years are when sudden and noticeable growth spurts are more likely to occur. You may want to consider ordering a slightly larger glove size if you anticipate a growth spurt soon.
Does he or she like to wear gloves?
Some kids, especially the younger ones, aren’t fond of wearing gloves. If they find them uncomfortable, they will be more likely to pull them off. For kids who don’t relish the feel of gloves on their hands, it’s important to make comfort a priority. Winter gloves constructed of soft, flexible materials are typically more comfortable than those made of thick, bulky materials. However, they’re not always ideal for playing in the snow. For example, stretchy knit gloves and fashion gloves made of soft sherpa may feel nice, but they won’t necessarily keep out moisture and cold very well. Gloves made of water-resistant materials like PU leather or 3M Thinsulate do a better job protecting little hands from the bitter cold, but some are more comfortable than others. For the best of both worlds, look for sturdy waterproof gloves that have a soft, cozy lining.
What outdoor activities will your child be doing?
Kids who like to get out and play in the snow will need thicker, warmer gloves than kids who simply need something to get them from place to place. If protection from ice and melting snow aren’t priorities, you could consider a thinner pair of gloves, which are sometimes marketed as “fashion gloves.” For example, a teenager who drives himself to school in the winter might not want gloves of bulky fleece, but he might appreciate a pair of sleek leather driving gloves to keep his hands comfortable on the wheel.
Expert tip
I recommend having more than one pair of gloves in your child's size. Trust me, gloves get lost.
BestReviews Fitness Expert
Glove structure and materials
Just like gloves for adults, kids’ winter gloves consist of an outer layer or shell. Most, but not all, gloves for kids have linings. These two components — the shell and the lining — work together to keep hands protected from the cold and can be made of various materials.
When it comes to keeping little hands warm and dry, however, not all materials are created equally. The best shell and lining materials for your child depend on what she will be doing outside on cold winter days.
Nylon
Nylon is a durable shell material that is woven for longevity. Gloves made of nylon are often waterproof. These are great for kids who want to get out and play in the snow with their hands. They are also warm and durable enough for wearing while playing winter sports.
Leather
While most winter gloves for younger kids aren’t made entirely of leather, some do have leather fingers or palms for added reinforcement.
Silicone
Some kids’ winter gloves made for snow play have silicone on the fingers and palms to create a slip-resistant grip.
Knit
This material encompasses a broad range of fibers including cotton, polyester, and acrylic. Knit gloves aren’t ideal for playing in the snow, as they aren’t waterproof and are not extremely warm, either. However, they are attractive and flexible, and they provide a comfortable fit for everyday wear.
Fleece
This versatile material is used for the shell and lining of some winter gloves. It’s not waterproof, but it is warm, soft, and comfortable. Fleece gloves are perfect for kids who like a comfortable fit, and they’re suitable for wear during outdoor activities that don’t require direct contact with snow.
Wool
Wool is very warm, and like fleece, it is used for shells, linings, or both. However, it’s not waterproof and can make hands sweat when worn in temperatures that aren’t overly cold.
3M Thinsulate
This is the gold standard when it comes to winter glove lining, as it is made of fibers that provide excellent insulation. 3M Thinsulate is often found lining nylon gloves as well as those designed for activities like skiing.
Pile
Some winter gloves for kids are lined with pile filling, which is made of cotton or synthetic materials. It’s soft and warm, but it can be a bit bulky.
Expert tip
On the coldest winter days, a thin fleece liner glove worn under a “main” glove provides ultimate protection.
BestReviews Fitness Expert
Extras
Some winter gloves that are designed for kids have extra features that add to their comfort and wearability. Here are a few you may encounter as you shop.
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Special fingers for texting
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Hooks or clips to keep gloves together
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Spandex in the material for a stretchy fit
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Buckles, straps, drawstrings, or other closures at the wrists to keep gloves securely in place
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Lengthy wrists for extra protection in the snow
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Wrist cuffs with faux fur for a dressy look
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Fun graphics
Kids’ winter glove prices
All kids who experience cold winter climates need gloves. Fortunately, you can find them in a wide range of prices to fit nearly any budget.
Inexpensive
Economically priced gloves that offer comfort and decent wear can be found in the neighborhood of $7 to $10.
Mid-range
If you need a pair that provides a bit more warmth, you may need to spend $12 to $18.
Expensive
Top brands and those made for extreme temperatures fall in the $20 to $30 range.
"Winter gloves with a bulky structure are a good choice for toddlers and little kids who love to sled and play in the snow, as they provide added protection to little hands during active outdoor play."
STAFF
BestReviews
Tips
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If your child is active outdoors in the winter or has a tendency to lose items, consider a pair of winter gloves with built-in clips. The gloves can be easily fastened together when not being worn.
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Keep kids’ winter gloves clean and looking their best by following the care instructions that come with them.
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Many kids love bright, bold colors, so consider buying several pairs in different colors. Color choice adds a bit of fun when dressing youngsters to go outside.
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Choose a pair of gloves with drawstrings, elastic, or buckles at the wrists for children who play winter sports or love to go sledding. These features help keep snow and moisture out of the gloves and off little hands.
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Wearing winter gloves doesn’t have to be boring. Consider a pair with fun graphics or bright colors that fit your kid’s individual style.
FAQ
Q. What is the best way to wash gloves that are made of knit materials?
A. Whether made of cotton, wool, or synthetic materials, knit gloves are some of the easiest to wash. In most cases, you can safely wash them in cold water on the gentle cycle or by hand. It’s best to allow them to air dry to prevent shrinking or loss of shape and structure.
Expert tip
Gloves need to be washed too. I recommend using a sports laundry detergent to protect the fabric and then hanging the gloves to dry after washing.
BestReviews Fitness Expert
Q. Why are some kids’ winter gloves only available in one size, and will they fit most kids?
A. When gloves come with the description “one size fits all,” this means that they are designed to accommodate hands of various sizes. And because they are typically made of stretchy, knit materials, the single size is usually quite adaptive to hands of different shapes and sizes. While the exceptions may be kids with very small or very large hands, these gloves usually provide a good fit.
Q. My child loves to be outside in the winter, but they also love to text. Do gloves designed for texting really work?
A. Winter gloves with text, tech, or touchscreen fingers are designed with special materials that make is possible to navigate device screens while wearing them. Some are more effective than others, but they do make texting while wearing gloves possible. Therefore, this is a feature you definitely want to consider for a young texter.
