How to Buy the Best Winter Gloves at the Best Price

When it comes to winter cold weather gear one of the most overlooked and skimped on articles of clothing are the gloves. A good set of winter gloves should keep your hands warm and dry, and, if necessary, be stylish as well. Here are some things to look for when buying a new pair of winter gloves.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Style. Whether we like it or not wearing big bulky ski gloves to a business lunch or out on a date may not be the most appropriate thing to wear. A dressier leather winter glove would be a better choice. On the other hand, that same leather glove would be a poor choice when out shoveling the snow. Choose a winter glove appropriate for the situation.

2. Material. Without a doubt one of the most important features to consider when buying winter gloves is whether they are waterproof or not. In my opinion, a waterproof winter glove is a must, it makes no sense to wear a winter glove that lets the wind, snow and rain through. For dress, leather is tops. For a work winter glove any waterproof material will work.

3. Lining. Often overlooked is the lining. Just as snow and rain can penetrate from outside, it's important to have a lining that wicks away moisture on the inside. This will be apparent when you remove your winter glove to shake someone's hand for example. Any natural material is best here. An insulating liner is great for dress winter gloves, but less important for gloves that you will wear when shoveling the snow since you will be exerting yourself and staying warm anyway.

4. Coverage. An additional area to consider is coverage. Winter gloves can either go to the wrist or a few inches up with some styles having straps to tighten them down. It can be quite annoying to have your wrists unprotected and the wind and snow go up your arm. Get a winter glove that can be sealed against your coat. For work winter gloves make sure they go up a few inches and secure tightly since you will be moving around.

5. There are some winter gloves out there with unusual features, such as being heated, finger flaps so you can use your phone or smoke, or even with built in squeegees for motorcycle riders. I've linked a few of the unusual ones in the resource section below. I'd recommend looking at the heated ones since they are quite affordable and do a great job especially if you'll be outside for a long time.

Tips & Warnings

• Get the right winter glove for the job
• Don't wear unlined gloves, your own sweat will make them quite uncomfortable
• Don't bother with cotton knitted gloves {sorry Grandma} the wind and rain will go right through them

Resources

• Lectra Battery Heated Gloves Medium
• The North Face
• Freehands® Stretch Gloves for IPhones and Cell Phones