All too often, we don’t realize we need gloves until it’s much too late, and a blisteringly cold day has forced us into the nearest big-box clothing store to panic buy a pair that’s random at best, and downright ugly at worst. This is a shame. Because the right pair of gloves communicates that you’re a man in command of his universe, and is also the only item of clothing you’ll literally be touching the whole time you’re wearing it.
Overlooking them is a mistake in our eyes. Gloves should be, and are quickly becoming, something as considered as your scarf and hat choices during the winter months. Below, the best winter gloves for men worth your consideration, whether you want to feel suited and booted in leather, coddled in wool, or gorp’d out in Gore-Tex. Though read closely: A few of the below picks are a satisfying blend of each.
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Leather Gloves
The material of choice for American Psychos and British spies alike, leather gloves come in many forms, but always convey class. From heritage suede styles that would poke handsomely out the sleeve of a waxed jacket or barn coat, to sleek black leather options that truly suit tailoring to a tee (pun admittedly intended), leather gloves are a still-warm option that will wear in as you wear them.. Perfect for short commutes from the subway to the office, or quick walks in the neighborhood, we’d only suggest something warmer (like wool or fleece) for multiple hours outdoors.
Hestra
Bernard Glove
Hestra is an iconic name in glove manufacturing. Founded in Stockholm, the brand draws on a long-earned legacy of functional use meeting beautiful design, and are even known for slightly curving their gloves to match the natural curve of the human hand.. This pair’s lamb’s fur lining is insulating and comforting, and hand made.
L.L.Bean
Deerskin Gloves
Same color, less fur: L.L.Bean is not only a favourite among vintage grail-hunting menswear shoppers, it also makes accessories that are just good, pure and simple. These ultra-soft, lined leather gloves would work perfectly as an option if your style is more on the workwear end, as they’re designed with outdoor chores in mind.
Dents
Guildford Flannel Glove
Dents have the accolade of supplying gloves to two separate James Bonds, a stylistic co-sign that is hard to beat. (The brand has also been making men’s gloves for almost 250 years, so knows its way around a hand.) It’s why Todd Snyder carries them: This flagship style is leather-based, with a touch of warming wool on the outside.
Dents
Cambridge Cashmere-Lined Deerksin Gloves
Of course, if you want a full leather outer from Dents, these are supposedly the exact same pair worn by Bond in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The soft grained leather is not only sleek, but is matched with an equally soft cashmere lining to keep your digits snuggly under the hood.
Our Legacy
Shearling Mittens
A totally different shape (mittens!) from a brand known not to follow anyone but themselves. If you don’t need to flex your fingers on the go, no other options on this list will feel quite as cozy (or inspire as many compliments) as these lambskin, shearling lined joints.
Arc’teryx
Rope Glove
Expectedly, Arc’teryx’s glove offering is as functional as it is undeniably cool. The brand that brought us the most viral raincoats, have designed these with just as much care, from the leather palms to softshell wrists and even touchscreen-friendly index fingers. Truthfully, they’re intended for short roping and rope rescue work, but that just means they’re really good at holding subway poles too.
Wool Gloves
The amount of wool that snuck into the section above shows just how unignorable a glove fabric wool is. Wool gloves are kind of the platonic ideal of a winter warmer — comforting, cosy and casual, the options for wool gloves range from budget-friendly basics to truly indulgent luxuries. The knitted sweater of the accessories world, wool gloves can tread the line of formality well, though for dressier commitments, bringing in a more premium wool like cashmere really dials things up.
Dries Van Noten
Ribbed Gloves
Turns out, Dries Van Noten’s color expertise isn’t exclusive to its main clothing line. These soft, rust-hued wool gloves are a combination of alpaca, merino and polyester, and warm your forearms as much as your fingers.
Muji
Wool Blend Touchscreen Gloves
These Muji gloves are available in a few versatile colors (although we love this orange pair) and feature a touchscreen compatible weave that allows you to keep your fingertips warm while maintaining fully operational scrolling.
Mr. P
Ribbed Wool Gloves
Mr Porter’s in-house line is no stranger to taking everyday staples and elevating them to something more elegant. This is certainly the case here: Check that teal hue, and little lip on the ribbed cuffs.
Drake’s
Navy Cashmere Knitted Gloves
On occasion, only dark cashmere will really do the job. Like when it’s sub zero temps out, and the winds are whipping around you on your commute or errands, but you also need to be dressed up. . These also have the particular accolade of being handmade, in Scotland by a family-run mill that started operating in the 1870s.
Hestra
Basic Wool Glove
The most affordable option from the iconic Hestra is no less powerful. With the level of warmth this option brings (thanks to a Shetland wool outer layer and Thinsulate lining) it’s unlikely you’ll feel even a breath of chill.
Smartwool
Liner Gloves
Far more technical leaning than some on the list, this option from Smartwool’s merino savants relies on a combination of natural and synthetic fabrics to make for a lightweight accessory that packs a punch in terms of functionality. Much like the Mujis, these are also touchscreen compatible.
Gloves With Function & Form
Given how constantly we use our hands, sometimes you want a glove that’s a little more adaptable. For these moods, the below styles aren’t just technically interesting, but also offer a little more visual drama than the selections above.
Barebones
Leepa Garden Glove
Designed for the specific actions of weeding, pruning and planting, these hardwearing, function-forward gloves still don’t lack in the Department of Good Looks. Sturdy enough to hold up against years of use, these gloves will make sure your green thumbs stay protected—they’re also made with vegan suede, which is nice.
Black Diamond
Mission Gloves
Complete protection is the name of the game for these gloves. They’re basically an armored tank in glove form, with durability, PrimaLoft warmth and GORE-TEX waterproof credentials that make them probably the best pick on this list if you’re known to put your mitts through the ringer. Nice colors, too.
Stone Island
Black Embroidered Gloves
Stealth Stoney! Stone Island is often heralded for its combination of advanced textiles and cool design, and these are no exception. Synthetic, long lasting materials and a cinched cuff design make for a low-key and effective package. And don’t worry: The iconic logo badge is also factored in.
Wacko Maria
Black NANGA Edition Polartec Gloves
Leopard palms, baby. Wacko Maria has taken a glove and almost turned it inside out, putting the soft textile on the exterior and the pattern on the palm. Don’t fret though, despite appearances, these gloves still bring the heat (literally) thanks to their Polartec fabrication.
Beams Plus
Brown Fingerless Gloves
If you want to zoom in on memes without any lag, or simply want something less trapping fingertip wise, then a fingerless glove is likely the best option for you. And, if you’re going to go fingerless, you might as well give the rest of your hands the cashmere treatment.
MHL.
MHL. Chunky Fingerless Gloves
Or go merino wool, which is less soft, but more breathable. These made-in-Scotland fingerless gloves come in a simple but versatile mossy color — not statement by any means, but the kind of gloves you can bring out every winter, with every outfit.
Brittany Galvan is a writer for Jim Plack News. She covers sports, education, and tech news. She's also a big football fan and loves to spend time with her family.
