Winter Gloves Buying Guide

To get our hands on the best gloves — for active wear, everyday casual, and dress wear.
Gloves for outdoor winter activities should be constructed with three layers - a waterproof outer shell, an insulation layer all the way to the fingertips (down feathers or a synthetic like Primaloft), and an inner liner that can wick away moisture. If gloves will be used in active pursuits like skiing or shoveling snow, look for a liner that can be removed in case you start to sweat.
For everyday casual gloves, polyester, spandex, and fleece offer warmth plus dexterity. Glove construction should have at least two layers (an outer shell and a lining) to trap air for warmth. When trying gloves on, be sure the elastic at the wrist is snug but not tight, and the glove is long enough to go under or over your jackets' cuffs.

Selecting winter gloves or mittens is a task that will vary, depending on the severity of cold weather within the area, the types of tasks that must be performed while wearing the gloves, and the personal taste of the individual who will wear the gloves. If you are wondering how to choose the best winter gloves for your situation, here are some tips that will help you find exactly what you need.
There are few basic requirements that will apply in all situations. The most obvious is the size of the winter glove itself. It is essential that the gloves have a proper fit, one that is snug but no so tight that they limit the range of motion for the fingers or wrist. Gloves that do not allow the wearer to perform necessary tasks may keep the hands warm and toasty, but they will also be a source of frustration. As a result, the gloves may spend more time at home than out traveling with the owner.
The choice of material for the shell and the lining is also very important. Depending on the type of winter weather common to your area, different materials will be more appropriate than others. Locations with generally humid winter conditions are likely to require winter gloves that are made with a waterproof shell. This makes them much more practical while shoveling snow or cleaning a frosty windshield. In areas where the winter weather is cold but dry, the focus should be on the type of insulation found in the lining of the gloves. In both situations, the goal is to keep the hands warm and comfortable regardless of the prevailing weather conditions.
One other practical consideration is the amount of coverage offered by the gloves. Some are tailored to barely cover the wrist, while others progress a couple more inches. An advantage to the longer winter gloves is the elongated wrist section will fit snugly under the cuff of a jacket. This is especially important in climates where cold weather is often accompanied by icy winds that would cause discomfort to even a small amount of exposed skin.
Choosing the right winter gloves involve employing a mixture of practicality, function, and style. By addressing each of these three basic elements, you have a good chance of finding just the right gloves for your needs.