Wool gloves are a great way to keep your hands cozy and warm. The best models are lightweight, breathable and insulating so that your hands don’t feel cold even when they’re damp from sweat or snow.
Whether you’re looking for fingerless or full-finger winter gloves, our selection of the best wool gloves will have something to suit every style and budget. Our favorites include wool/nylon blends with a soft fleece liner and long cuffs, as well as more luxurious options made from 100% merino wool.
Breathability is an essential feature for gloves in cold weather because it allows your hands to breathe while limiting the cooling effect of cold air. Many gloves also have a brushed or fleece-lined interior, which can absorb moisture without feeling damp, helping your hands to stay dry and comfortable.
Thermal insulation is another important feature to look for in your winter gloves and mittens. It can come in the form of fleece lining, synthetic insulation, or both. It’s also common to find battery-powered heated gloves, which can give extra heat to the whole hand in very cold conditions.
Thinsulate, polyester hollow fibers, and Kevlar are a few popular types of synthetic insulation for gloves. They’re insulating but are also soft and comfortable, allowing for good dexterity while you’re working or hiking in cold weather.
Waterproof and windproof are other features to look for when choosing a winter glove or mitten. Waterproof fabrics are better for use in rain or snow, while windproof materials will keep the elements out and make it easier to handle gear.
A good pair of wool gloves should also be durable enough to stand up to frequent washing. They should not be too abrasive, and they should be able to be machine washed without pilling or cross-staining.
Temperature-sensitive gloves are a must for cold weather activities and will provide the necessary warmth for your hands at a temperature range of -19degC (-66degF). These gloves can be used to do everything from hiking and skiing to shoveling snow, shooting, or even handling equipment like a tripod.
Gloves and mittens made from wool are an excellent choice for chilly weather because they naturally insulate, wick moisture, and prevent the buildup of odor. They’re softer than synthetic gloves and liners, and they’re also more durable when it comes to wear and tear.
Heated gloves are a must for extreme winter days, and they’re an especially useful option if you have arthritis or other joint issues. They’re typically more expensive than non-heated gloves, and they’re bulkier and heavier, but the extra warmth they offer can be worth it if other winter gloves aren’t enough.
Functionality is a vital factor when it comes to winter gloves and mittens, so they should be easy to operate and allow for the dexterity you need to grip your boots, zippers, or other gear. They should also allow for layering in order to improve your cold weather hand protection.
A great example of a functional pair of winter gloves is the Minus33 Merino Wool Glove Liner, which is a lightweight and versatile design that can be layered under other gloves or mittens for additional insulation. If you’re on a tight budget, the SmartWool Liner Glove is a good option that offers great comfort and versatility for less than $30.