People that live in cold regions know that their fingers go numb first when temperatures start to drop. You may assume that investing in gloves of great quality should be an important priority, yet this is often overlooked and also regarded as one of the afterthoughts when it comes to buying winter clothes.
A pair of gloves may not appear on your list of things to buy for the upcoming winter, but high-quality and durable gloves will serve you well for a number of years, especially in areas that suffer from the Siberian winters, as Highsnobiety’s Berlin HQ often does. If you are lucky enough that you do not have to endure these freezing and unbearable temperatures over a number of months, then you will probably still need gloves that will ensure your fingers stay warm for a month or maybe two.
If you are shopping for gloves due to the weather that has suddenly changed or when you need something that is more substantial that will last you for a few years, below are three important tips to consider before you buy your next pair of gloves.
1. Know What Your Glove Size Is
Gloves come in different sizes, and it is important to know what size will fit your hands. Similar to your belt size and your head size (which differs from your pant size, FYI), knowing what your measurements are will make your shopping experience a lot easier.
Dents is a leather glove-making company that has been in business since 1777 that offers a good sizing guide that you can find on their website. The glove sizes for men range from 7 to 11 ½ and the women’s sizes range from 6 to 8 ½. Similar to shoe sizes, there are differences that are slight between the sizes in association with converting, but Dent’s has thankfully eliminated the guesswork.
Gloves that fit your hands properly should feel snug and not constricting. They should also cover the tips of each finger without a lot of extra room.
Leather gloves should fit in the same way that a jacket made from leather fits the body. They should feel snug, but at the same time not too tight. You should also be able to close your hands into fists and still feel comfortable. When it comes to leather gloves, keep in mind that the skin is going to stretch slightly over time.
2. Find a Pair of Gloves That Matches up to Your Style
As with any new addition to your wardrobe, you need to make a decision on what you actually need from the latest purchase, before parting with your hard-earned money. If you love wearing sweatpants, hoodies, and tees, then sportier gloves would probably be a better option for you. If your wardrobe contains more tailored items of clothing, then dressier gloves will match up better to your style.
Gloves that are touchscreen-friendly are now available in most stores, and this is a common issue in regard to the amount of time that most of us spend on our phones every day. The versions of gloves that are more classic are usually a bit more old-school when it comes to “phone-friendliness”, which means they haven’t taken this into account. However, some of the heritage brands are now including touchscreen technology with a few of their offerings.
People who smoke may prefer fingerless gloves when it comes to this habit. It is not easy to use a lighter or matches when wearing mittens or gloves that cover the fingers. The convertible gloves are able to accommodate freeing your fingers when needed and then closing them up again to stay warm. However, these gloves might not be the most fashionable option. There are also specialist gloves such as driving gloves for ladies.
3. Decide on How Much You Are Prepared to Spend
It is pretty easy to find a pair of cheap gloves in just about any clothing store, particularly at fast-fashion outlets. Uniqlo provides budget-friendly options made from their signature Heattech fabrics, which also happen to be touchscreen compatible. These gloves will also last for a couple of seasons.
The Army surplus stores are also great places to shop for gloves that are warm at lower prices, especially if you are looking for fingerless versions. The heavy-duty leather gloves from brands like Filson are priced reasonable and made with durability and long-lasting quality in mind. In addition, the rugged and handsome appeal of these gloves also improves with wear over time.
The high-end brands that include Orley, WANT Les Essentiels De La Vie, and Thom Browne, offer more stylish and luxurious gloves that come at a price. These gloves often include extravagant details such as cashmere linings.
It all has to do with what your budget and what your needs are in a pair of gloves. We do suggest that when possible, you invest in a pair that will last for a number of years, which will save you money in the long run.