About Mittens
Mittens are a style of glove that covers the entire hand but does not have separate finger sheathes. Mittens are popular in cold areas, because bundling the fingers together in a single sheath increases warmth. Mittens are also very popular with children as their design makes it easy to get on their hands.
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Function
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The primary function of mittens is to keep your hands warm in cold weather. However, many children will tell you that mittens also have several secondary purposes. Because of their unique shape, mittens are perfect for creating rapid-fire snowballs. The single sheath is perfect for quick scooping action, and ensures that no snow particles are left behind because of gaping areas between the fingers.
History
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Although the official history of mittens is unknown, popular American lore states that the mitten was first invented by George Washington at Valley Forge. Although there is no proof that the mittens were created there, it is certain that they were used during the campaign, and some of these historical mittens can be seen on display at various museums. It is also speculated that when George Washington invented mittens, he used them for two purposes--to warm his hands and teeth!
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Types
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Although mittens only come in one shape, there are several different styles. The most popular is the wool or yearn style. This is usually handcrafted and is made out of a spun fabric. These mittens are great for general use, but if you are planning on handling snow, they can get soggy. Sport mittens are usually made of water-resistant material and often have warm insulation material inside. These mittens are somewhat expensive, but well worth it if you build snowmen.
Misconceptions
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Many people believe that mittens are primarily for small children and are generally not available from adult retailers. However, this couldn't be further from the truth as several prominent brands such as L.L. Bean and Land's End all sell adult-sized mittens.
Sizes
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Most wool mittens come in one-size fits-all increments for both adults and children. Sports mittens often come in more specific sizes and have small to extra-large sizes.
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Resources
- Photo Credit library.drexel.edu
