Buying guide for best men’s winter gloves
Men’s winter gloves are a basic wardrobe item that can become a beloved favorite if you choose the right pair. A quality pair of gloves will serve you well during harsh, wet, icy, and cold conditions.
In order to find the best gloves for you, consider which activities you’ll be doing when you wear them. Some men want gloves simply for driving from place to place; others want gloves they can wear when shoveling, skiing, or ambushing the kids with snowballs. Regardless of what you’ll be doing, however, you most likely want a pair of gloves that is warm and durable.
Our shortlist features men’s winter gloves to suit a range of important purposes, from commuting in the car to performing outdoor winter activities.
Considerations
Glove style
Men’s winter gloves range in style from the casual to the professional. If you’re looking for something to wear while commuting, consider a low-profile glove with a lining but not a lot of excess padding. If you’re looking for something to wear while engaging in snow sports, especially those that do not require a fine grip, consider a thicker glove with padding for extra warmth.
Glove material
Leather is the most durable fabric for men’s winter gloves. This material provides a flexible fit and stretches somewhat for comfort. Leather tends to be a pricey option, however, and it’s not ideal for every use case.
There are many good synthetic gloves on the market, too. For example, polar fleece is a warm and soft material that many men love. Some polar fleece gloves have a leather, suede, or polyurethane external cover on the palm that provides extra grip.
Glove sizes
Men’s gloves sizes are based on the measurement (in inches) of the circumference of the palm just below the knuckles. So, if you wear a size ten, that means you measure ten inches around that part of your hand. The thumb is not included in this measurement.
Many men’s gloves come in standard S, M, L, and XL sizes rather than numbers. As a general rule, S is equal to a size 71/2 or 8. M is equal to a size 8 1/2 or 9. L is equal to a size 9 1/2 or 10. XL gloves would be suitable for someone who measures 10 1/2 to 11 inches around the hand. In addition, there are some gloves available in a size XS (7 inches) and XXL (11 1/2 inches).
Of course, this sizing structure is not guaranteed to be universal with all brands of men’s gloves. When in doubt, check the sizing chart provided by the company. Most glove makers provide this so their customers have a better chance of purchasing the correct size.
"The leather used for making gloves is generally a soft, pliable leather that stretches for comfort and dexterity."
STAFF
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Other features to consider
In addition to the basics of style, material, and size, you may wish to look for men’s gloves that have some of the following features.
Gathered wrists
A gathered and elasticized wristband offers a couple of advantages over open-wrist gloves. First, these gloves tend to be warmer. The reason: the gathered wrist allows the glove to fit closely to your wrist and hold in the natural warmth of your hand. This style of glove also prevents snow from getting inside your gloves — which could make you feel a chill in a hurry! Some gloves have an extra strap above the gathered wrist to offer even more protection from snow, ice, and dirt.
Waterproofing
A warm glove is most effective if it is also waterproof or water-resistant. In winter weather, your fingers will quickly get cold in a wet glove. Leather is a naturally water-resistant material. Some synthetic materials also do a good job of providing water-resistance.
Lining
The lining of the glove is nearly as important as its exterior. Options include fleece, which is warm but may hold water and sweat more easily than other liners. A moisture-wicking liner will wick water away from your skin and keep you warmer. Cotton may keep your comfortable, but it does not add a lot of warmth.
Extra grip material
Some mostly synthetic gloves have a leather or suede covering on the palm to increase grip. This can be important for a sport like skiing, where a good grip helps you hold the poles. It can also help you gain leverage on a snow shovel or ice scraper. Other grip materials include rubber and polyurethane, which can also be very effective.
Flexibility
Most men’s winter gloves are made with warmth in mind. Some are bulky and will take away some of your dexterity when you wear them. If you need to use your hands for fine motor activities while wearing your gloves, we recommend you focus on how flexible the fingers and palm are. Generally speaking, the thicker the glove, the less you will be able to use your fingers to pick up small items or perform tasks that require a delicate touch.
Men’s winter glove prices
When purchasing men’s winter gloves, you can get something to keep your hands warm for $5 to $15. These will usually be made from a soft and warm fiber like polar fleece or wool, but they may not be waterproof.
For $15 to $30, you can find a warm pair of gloves with some extra features, such as touchscreen tips on the fingers. You may find a good pair of leather gloves in this price range, too. These gloves are more likely to be waterproof than cheaper gloves.
If you want winter gloves made of a premium synthetic water-resistant material like GORE-TEX that can keep your hands warm in extreme conditions, expect to pay close to $50.
Did you know?
Gloves with a cotton fiber or foam lining will not be as warm as other options, but they may give you more dexterity, and they’re usually less expensive.
STAFF
BestReviews
Tips
If your hands are prone to sweat, consider gloves with a moisture-wicking liner. Because these gloves will keep your fingers drier, you are more likely to stay warm. If your hands are prone to overheating, it may be wise to choose a glove with a thinner lining.
If choosing a leather glove, a soft and supple leather will give you more ability to use your fingers and may also be more likely to work on a touchscreen.
Not all gloves are machine washable. Before you buy, consider glove care. After you bring your gloves home, be aware that some gloves will be ruined by exposure to hot water or the dryer.
FAQ
Q. What is the best type of leather for winter gloves?
A. Sheepskin is highly waterproof and offers extra warmth. Deerskin leather is considered a very comfortable leather. If you need to wear your gloves for a long period of time, deerskin is a good choice, but this material may not provide as much warmth as sheepskin.
Goat and cow leather can be soft and waterproof options. With the proper liner, these gloves are also very warm.
Q. Can a work glove be a good winter glove, too?
A. Most work gloves are made with safety in mind. While they may be made of a warm and water-resistant leather, they will likely lack the extra layers many winter gloves have that help combat cold. If you need the protection of a work glove and also want more warmth, consider adding a liner to your work gloves.
Q. Which synthetic fibers are the most waterproof?
A. GORE-TEX is a premium waterproof and breathable synthetic fabric found in many winter gloves. Polytex is another reliable material. Some less-expensive options may have a waterproof lining or a polyurethane cover that does an excellent job of keeping out water but doesn’t allow the hands to breathe. Thinsulate lining can provide warmth and preserve dexterity.
