The 14 Best Winter Gloves: Thoroughly Tested and Reviewed

When braving the winter chill, a warm jacket, hat, and boots are essential, but a quality pair of gloves can significantly enhance your comfort in cold conditions. Everyone has different preferences for ideal cold-weather gloves—some prioritize layered insulation and waterproofing for snowy adventures, while others seek flexibility, dexterity, and touchscreen compatibility.

Our team at Dinogo shared their favorite winter gloves and mittens to uncover the styles that endure through time. We evaluated each option based on comfort, warmth, water resistance, moisture control, durability, design, quality, and overall value. Our top selections feature plush fleece, soft leather, luxurious cashmere, warm thermal options, and advanced, water-repellent designs. Whether you need gloves for daily use, winter sports, or travel to frosty destinations, you'll discover the perfect pair here.

Our Top Recommendations

• TOP CHOICE: Head Unisex Ski Gloves at Costco.com ($24)
• LIGHTEST OPTION: L.L.Bean Women's PrimaLoft Packaway Gloves at L.L.Bean ($50)
• BEST FLEECE: Spyder Men's Speed Fleece Gloves at Amazon (See Price)
• BEST FINGERLESS: Smartwool Cozy Grip Flip Mitts at Amazon ($45)
• IDEAL FOR COLD WEATHER: Outdoor Research Men's Revolution II GORE-TEX Gloves at Amazon ($89)
• MOST FASHIONABLE: Ugg All Weather Quilted Gloves at Marshalls ($40)
• TOP LEATHER: Give'r Frontier Mittens at Give-r.com ($139)
• BEST CASHMERE: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Gloves at Onequince.com ($30)
• BEST INSULATED: Burton Women's GORE-TEX Mittens at REI ($85)
• OPTIMAL FOR WINTER SPORTS: B-Forest Lyna Winter Gloves at Amazon ($19)

Top Choice: Head Unisex Ski Gloves

Choosing the ideal winter gloves hinges on your intended use and activities. This unisex model from Head is likely to meet most people's expectations, making it ideal for snow sports, sledding, playing in the snow, shoveling, or long outdoor hours, including winter driving.

These gauntlet-style gloves come in five sizes (XS to XL) and fit perfectly. We found them easy to wear and incredibly comfortable. Their waterproof, wind-resistant, insulated design keeps your hands warm (we never felt the need for hand warmers, but the option was nice). Notable features include grippy palms and fingertips with screen-sensor capability. While they offer decent dexterity, they can be somewhat bulky for phone use. There’s also a "breathability insert," but our hands felt a bit clammy after a few hours due to the warmth.

After two years of use, our Head Ski Gloves remain in excellent condition. Given their very reasonable price, they are truly a worthwhile purchase.

Specifications: Twill, brushed polyester tricot, DuPont Sorona insulation | Waterproof | Touchscreen-capable fingertips

Top Lightweight Option: L.L.Bean Women's PrimaLoft Packaway Gloves

For a lightweight, easily packable option that fits into your coat pockets, we strongly recommend the L.L.Bean Packaway Gloves. They utilize aerogel technology developed by NASA, consisting of over 95 percent air, making it the "lightest solid material known to man," as stated by PrimaLoft. After several months of use, we found them remarkably warm, effectively wicking moisture to prevent clamminess, and they’re conveniently machine washable.

We appreciate that their sleek and functional design is not bulky like many winter gloves. Since they are not fully waterproof, they are more suited for everyday use rather than snow activities. The Packaway Gloves are available in three sizes, fit well, and are easy to put on and take off. This model is designed for women's hands, but L.L.Bean offers a similar style for men.

Specifications: Recycled polyester, PrimaLoft Gold insulation, silica aerogel | Water-resistant | Touchscreen-compatible fingertips

Top Fleece Option: Spyder Men's Speed Fleece Glove

The polyester fleece in these Spyder gloves features 360-degree stretch, allowing for full hand and finger movement. We found them to offer excellent dexterity. The silicone palms provide a strong grip, and the conductive material on the fingertips lets you operate your phone or dashboard screen without needing to remove the gloves.

While these gloves are not advertised as waterproof (or even water-resistant), they perform surprisingly well in wet conditions, keeping our hands mostly dry and comfortable. We do wish they had wrist adjustments to block out cold air and snow. Nevertheless, they’re a solid choice for cycling, hiking, or running in cold weather, as well as for everyday tasks like running errands or commuting. The Speed Fleece Gloves are available in four sizes and fit nicely. This pair is designed for men, but Spyder also offers them for women.

Specifications: Polyester fleece, silicone, conductive material | Touchscreen-capable fingertips

Top Fingerless Option: Smartwool Cozy Grip Flip Mitt

Fingerless gloves may not provide the warmth of full-fingered versions, but they are often more practical. We like this unisex pair from Smartwool, crafted from wool, recycled polyester, and elastane for added stretch and durability. After three years of use, they’ve only developed one hole, which was easy to repair.

The Cozy Grip Flip Mitts are perfect for everyday wear and casual activities such as walking, driving, sightseeing, or shopping. We found them exceptionally comfortable and warm enough for dry (or mostly dry) winter days. The thumbs feature touchscreen-compatible tips, so you can still use your phone. If your fingers do get chilly, you can easily pull on the attached mitts.

Specifications: Merino wool, recycled polyester, elastane, nylon | Touchscreen-compatible thumbs

Top Choice for Cold Weather: Outdoor Research Men's Revolution II GORE-TEX Gloves

The Outdoor Research Revolution II Gloves are an excellent choice for sub-zero temperatures. Tailored for winter sports and any outdoor activities involving ice or snow, they feature water-repellent shells, waterproof Gore-Tex membranes, lightweight EnduraLoft insulation to trap warmth, and cinchable gauntlet wrists to block out cold air and snow.

Additionally, they include hand warmer pockets for added heat, a wrist leash, and soft nose-wipe pads for dealing with a runny nose—an all-too-common issue in frigid weather. These gloves kept our hands dry and warm with minimal sweating, making them ideal to pack for a trip to Antarctica. Although some stitching came undone after two years of use, this is covered by the lifetime warranty. Keep in mind that processing a repair or replacement claim can take at least a few weeks. Outdoor Research also offers Revolution II Gloves for women.

Specifications: Polyester, polyurethane, EnduraLoft insulation, Gore-Tex membrane | Waterproof | Touchscreen-compatible fingertips

Most Stylish Option: Ugg All Weather Quilted Gloves

If you're seeking gloves that not only keep your hands warm but also enhance your outfit, UGG's Quilted Performance Gloves are a great choice. Insulated with faux fur, they feature genuine sheepskin trim around the wrists and water-resistant textile shells. Although they lack touchscreen compatibility, we appreciate that the leather palms and fingertips allow for easy gripping and handling.

After using these winter gloves for over a year, we found them to perform well in cold temperatures and wet conditions. They are available in two sizes but tend to run a bit large. If you have smaller hands, it's advisable to try them on before purchasing. UGG also offers stylish gloves for men, but this specific design is intended for women.

Specifications: Recycled polyester, leather, sheepskin, faux fur | Water-resistant

Top Leather Option: Give'r Frontier Mittens

For those who favor leather, Give'r Frontier Mittens are a great option. The exterior is made from genuine cowhide with a wax finish that shields the leather from harsh conditions. Inside, a waterproof membrane helps manage moisture that may enter. Featuring fleece liners along with Thinsulate (a down-alternative fiber) and foam insulation, these mittens ensure your hands remain warm in frigid weather.

We used Frontier Mittens for two ski seasons, and they performed remarkably well, proving to be the warmest we've tested over the years—no need for additional hand warmers. However, they trap heat so effectively that our hands tended to get quite sweaty. It's worth noting that dexterity is limited, as they don't feature grippy palms or touchscreen fingertips. Nevertheless, these unisex mittens fit comfortably and are available in seven sizes, ranging from XS to 3XL.

Specifications: Waxed cowhide leather, fleece, Thinsulate, foam, waterproof membrane | Waterproof

Top Cashmere Choice: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Gloves

Quince specializes in providing high-quality textiles at budget-friendly prices. If you’re new to the brand, these cost-effective gloves make a great starting point. As the name indicates, they are crafted from Grade-A Mongolian cashmere, renowned as the softest, warmest, and finest in the world. We’ve worn these gloves for over a year during everyday activities and leisurely winter outings.

As with most cashmere items, these require gentle hand-washing. (We did try putting them in the washer and dryer, and unsurprisingly, they shrank.) It's important to note that these gloves offer no water resistance. They’re certainly cozy, although our hands occasionally became sweaty. This unisex style is available in one size but comes in eight colors—making it tempting to buy multiple pairs at this price point.

Specifications: Grade-A Mongolian cashmere | Touchscreen-compatible fingertips

Top Insulated Choice: Burton Women's GORE-TEX Mittens

We put Burton’s Gore-Tex Mittens to the test and were impressed by their outstanding warmth. With water-repellent shells, soft microfiber linings, thick Thermacore foam, and waterproof membranes, our hands stayed warm and dry for hours. Additionally, they wick moisture away from the inside to keep palms from getting clammy.

After three years of use—through skiing and football games—these mittens still look and perform like new, except for slight wear on the thumb grips. They are backed by a lifetime warranty, although repairs typically take about a month. Available in five sizes, these gloves fit as expected. This pair is designed for women, but Burton also offers men's Gore-Tex Mittens.

Specifications: DryRide fabric, microfiber, Thermacore foam, Gore-Tex membrane | Waterproof | Touchscreen-compatible thumbs

Best for Winter Sports: B-Forest Lyna Winter Gloves

B-Forest’s Lyna Gloves feature flexible neoprene exteriors and a thin layer of thermal insulation. They are easy to put on and take off, though neoprene may stick to your skin, similar to wetsuits. As a thermal material, neoprene effectively keeps your hands warm in chilly conditions. The gloves also offer excellent dexterity with grippy palms and touchscreen fingertips.

After two years of use, we've found these gloves manage moisture reasonably well, although some minimal sweating may occur. They provide wind protection and a degree of water resistance but are not fully waterproof, making them less suitable for heavy snow or rain. The Lyna Gloves excel in outdoor winter activities like running, hiking, or biking.

The Details: Neoprene, thermal insulation | Water-resistant | Touchscreen fingertips

Best Liners: Hestra Wind Shield Liner Glove

Hestra Windshield Liners can be worn on their own as lightweight winter gloves in cold, dry weather or underneath thicker, water-repellent shells. They provide wind protection, but due to their lack of water resistance, we do not recommend using them in snowy or wet conditions without waterproof shells.

After using these liners for several months, we've found they effectively wick moisture away to keep hands dry. With grippy palms and touchscreen fingertips, they allow you to grip a steering wheel, pick things up, and use your phone without removing the gloves — making them ideal for a winter road trip. Plus, they're machine washable for added convenience. Available sizes range from six to 11; be sure to consult the brand's size guide to find your fit.

The Details: Polyester, spandex tricot | Windproof | Touchscreen-friendly fingertips

Best Quilted: The North Face ThermoBall Mitts

We also really like The North Face's ThermoBall Mitts. Their quilted style gives off a luxury ski lodge feel, but their functionality is just as impressive. These mittens feature waterproof shells that handle wet and snowy weather with ease. Inside each quilted section is lightweight insulation that effectively keeps your hands warm in freezing temperatures — you might even find your hands getting too warm at times.

Although they don't come with touchscreen fingers (or thumbs, since they are mittens), the grippy palms and thumbs allow you to easily hold onto items like railings, door handles, or leashes. After more than three years of use, these mittens have only developed one tiny hole, which was simple to repair with a few stitches. The unisex fit comes in seven sizes to cater to various hand sizes.

The Details: Recycled polyester, elastane, ThermoBall insulation | Waterproof

Best Cozy: Gordini Women's Wooly Mittens

If you're seeking warmth, the Gordini Wooly Mittens are a perfect choice. With fleece exteriors, suede patches on the palms and thumbs, and plush Megaloft insulation, they offer a delightful softness. We've used them for three winters, primarily for outdoor tasks and warmth. While they're excellent for activities like shoveling snow, their grip isn't ideal for driving.

These gauntlet-length gloves extend over the wrists and feature toggle closures for a snug fit that keeps out cold air and snow. Despite lacking finger separators, they’re easy to put on and take off. Surprisingly, even with their thick, insulated design, our hands remained sweat-free. This version is tailored for women, but Gordini also offers a similar style for men.

The Details: Sherpa, suede, Megaloft insulation, microdenier lining

Best Machine Washable: lululemon Women's Textured Fleece-Lined Knit Mittens

Crafted from a cotton-blend yarn with a touch of elastane, these Lululemon mittens are impressively stretchy. The ribbed design extends over the wrists but lacks an adjustable closure to seal out cold air. The inner fleece lining is luxuriously soft and warm.

They kept our hands so warm that we occasionally felt a bit sweaty. While they might not be the best choice for snowy conditions, they effectively kept out most moisture during light rain. Overall, we loved the combination of style and practicality. Plus, they’re machine washable — just remember to use a delicate cycle with cold water and let them air dry. This specific pair is designed for women, but Lululemon also offers unisex mittens in various sizes.

The Details: Pima cotton, polyester, recycled polyester, elastane, polyamide

Other Winter Gloves We Liked

During our review, we discovered some other impressive options, though a few drawbacks prevented them from making our top picks.

The North Face Montana Ski Glove: These gloves provide a snug fit and comfort for various activities, effectively wicking moisture. While their overall performance is solid, one of the wrist straps unfortunately broke.

Smartwool Striped Liner Glove: These liners kept our hands dry and free from sweat. They're great for winter strolls, outdoor runs, and relaxed activities, but you’ll want something more robust for snow conditions.

Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Mitt: These insulated mittens kept our hands warm and dry for hours while skiing. Although they come with a high price tag, they could be a worthy investment for serious skiers or snowboarders.

Fox River Double Ragg Mittens: These straightforward, lightweight mittens are perfect for daily tasks like walking or commuting. However, they aren't waterproof and can become quite soggy in the snow.

Kinco Premium Leather Work and Ski Mitt: These durable mittens have withstood several years of use, keeping our hands warm and dry. However, the insulation seems to be thinning over time.

Our Testing Process

We gathered feedback from the T+L team on their preferred winter gloves, having them rate each pair on comfort, warmth, water resistance, moisture control, durability, design, quality, and overall value. The gloves and mittens were tested in real-life situations over periods ranging from a few months to three years. After analyzing the ratings and feedback, we selected options that performed well and kept our hands warm. Above are the choices we believe are worth considering.

Tips for Buying Winter Gloves

Opt for materials that provide warmth and wick away moisture

When selecting winter gloves, choose warm, breathable fabrics that effectively manage moisture, such as polyester, wool, or nylon. Also, look for advanced materials. For example, PrimaLoft and DuPont Sorona insulation retain heat even when wet, while Thinsulate and Megaloft serve as lightweight alternatives to down. Gore-Tex keeps liquids out while allowing for breathability, and tricot fabrics provide excellent wind protection.

Think about waterproof capabilities

It's crucial to consider waterproofing, as wet hands make it difficult to stay warm in rain or snow. Waterproof gloves can be constructed from materials like nylon, polyester, or leather, often featuring water-repellent coatings and sealed seams to block moisture. Some may include Gore-Tex membranes that absorb and evaporate sweat or water that penetrates, ensuring your hands stay dry.

Choose based on your specific activities

When selecting winter gloves, think about your planned activities. Are you planning to ski, hike through the snow, camp in winter, run in gusty weather, or simply enjoy a stroll while sightseeing? Bulky, insulated gloves are essential for snow sports and frigid temperatures, while more streamlined, lightweight options are suitable for most other endeavors.

Common Questions

• What is the best way to wash gloves?

  Washing gloves depends on their material and design. Some are machine washable, while others require hand washing. Generally, it's best to lay them flat to air dry. Higher-end leather gloves often need professional cleaning. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions to avoid damage or shrinking.

• What should the fit of winter gloves be like?

  Gloves should fit similarly to shoes and boots, allowing about a quarter-inch of material at the tips of your fingers. This ensures maximum flexibility and a secure grip without feeling too tight or loose.

• Which gloves are the warmest for winter?

  The warmest winter gloves typically feature some insulation, whether that's lightweight down, down-alternative materials, thick foam, or neoprene linings. They should also have waterproof outer layers and possibly waterproof membranes to keep moisture out, as wet hands struggle to stay warm. Additionally, a gauntlet design that extends over the wrists and can be tightened helps prevent cold air and snow from getting inside.

Why You Can Trust Dinogo

Theresa Holland is a commerce writer focused on travel, lifestyle, recreation, and apparel. For this article, she analyzed feedback from the T+L team regarding their preferred winter gloves and selected those that excelled in performance, comfort, durability, and style.

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