I'm usually met with a deadpan expression when I say winter is my favorite season, but it's true. I'll take cooler temps and crisp air over sweltering heat any day. That said, my hands don't always agree. While the rest of my body can stay comfortable with a heavy T-shirt layered under a wool coat, down jacket, or even a cable-knit sweater, my hands need the best gloves to keep warm, block wind, and help avoid dry or cracked skin.
Gloves are one of those cold-weather essentials we don't often think about (cue the perennial gift), yet they're crucial in late fall and winter and far more specialized than they come across. As an editor, I've tested countless gloves and learned there's rarely a one-size-fits-all option. You're likely not wearing ski gloves to a fancy dinner, just as cashmere gloves won't cut it on the slopes. In colder climates, that usually means owning a specialized pair or two and having one reliable go-to you reach for regularly.
The best winter gloves below excel in their respective categories, whether for specific activities or daily wear. Some are softer-than-heck cashmere; others are waterproof; some are rugged leather; others are touchscreen-compatible. But all of them will help keep your hands warm and protected. Below are 17 exemplary, functional, and stylish winter gloves to brave the elements this season, plus answers to common questions to help you find the best pair(s).
For women's sized gloves, you can find our guide to the best women's winter gloves here.
Best overall: Hestra John Leather Gloves
A premium everyday leather glove made from soft yet durable leather, insulated with Primaloft Gold, and lined in brushed fleece. Thoughtful details like a pre-curved fit and touchscreen compatibility make it an all-arounder that easily justifies its price.
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Durable yet soft water-resistant leather? Check. A super-comfy, insulating PrimaLoft-and-fleece lining? Check. Pre-curved construction that naturally conforms to your hand? Check. Touchscreen compatibility without a techy look? Check. Hestra's whole MO is making some of the best gloves on the planet, and the John hits the sweet spot of wearability, warmth, and versatility in a premium leather glove that more than justifies its price.
When I first slipped these on, they felt special right away (I was briefly worried they might be too bulky, but that concern disappeared fast). The way they naturally curve allowed for easy movement while still having a pronounced protective layer. It tracks: the John is made from leather sourced from high-altitude sheep and tanned in Italy, resulting in hides that are thin, strong, and highly durable. Primaloft Gold down-like insulation paired with a brushed fleece lining delivers warmth without bulk, while the ski-inspired pre-curved shape makes movement a breeze. I also love the ribbed cuff detail, which adds a subtle, retro-leaning design touch.
Having touchscreen capability in such an elegant leather glove is rare, and John pulls it off via a discreet touchscreen layer on the thumb and pointer finger. (As Hestra explained to me, proper fit is key for it to work well.) I had no trouble handling most basic phone functions (I wouldn't type an essay in them), and after wearing them on a 20-degree day here in NYC, my hands stayed incredibly warm and comfortable, to the point that I kept catching myself glancing down to admire how great they looked, too. Is the John built for the slopes or Arctic winds? No, and it's not trying to be. As an everyday winter glove that looks and feels fantastic, keeps your hands warm in all but the coldest conditions, offers touchscreen access, and is built to last for many seasons, the John earns its best-seller status for very good reason.
Best tech-friendly/screen compatible: The North Face Etip Trail Gloves
The North Face’s Etip delivers touchscreen precision, pairing a streamlined build with a sleek, second-skin fit. Clever touches, like a wind-resistant stowaway mitten layer and silicone palms, elevate this everyday glove.
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Raise your gloved hand if you've ever used a touchscreen-compatible glove that left a lot to be desired. We all have. The reality is that no glove will let you text or fire off emails with the same precision as bare fingers (that's the tradeoff, folks), but The North Face's cult-classic Etip comes impressively close. In general, touchscreen gloves have to sacrifice some heft to register taps accurately, yet these kept my hands comfortable in the high 30s and above (in colder temps, fingertips will likely need more insulation) and allowed for reliable, precise phone use. They slide on like a sleek second skin and deliver functionality without screaming "tech," making them just as at home with a puffer as with a topcoat. Form, meet function.
I also admired the thoughtful details. There's a tuck-away, extra-lightweight layer that folds into the glove and pulls out to act like a mitten-style shield when the wind picks up, while a silicone palm grip helps keep your phone secure. With a sleek profile, the Etip nails the core task at hand: keeping your hands warm (enough) while letting you use your device with ease.
Best winter work gloves: Give'r 4-Season Give'r Gloves
Give’r’s 4-Season Waxed Work Gloves combine buttery leather with serious protection, including a beeswax-treated exterior, a waterproof breathable membrane, and Thinsulate insulation. They’re tough enough for winter work but refined enough to wear beyond the job.
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The folks at Huckberry, one of my favorite curated apparel/lifestyle sites, put me onto Give'r - a glove brand rooted in artisanal, hard-wearing craftsmanship. The 4-Season Waxed Work Gloves felt like giving my hands a second layer of armor, with reinforced Grade A cowhide leather that's surprisingly buttery out of the box yet tough enough to handle whatever winter work you throw at them. I helped clean up my neighbor's heavy branch-ridden yard with protected ease and plenty of warmth. They're layered with purpose, too: a natural beeswax coating for weather resistance and durability, a waterproof yet breathable membrane beneath with 40 grams (!) of Thinsulate, and a super-cozy fleece lining.
What really sets them apart IMO is that they don't look like traditional work gloves. The retro butterscotch leather, red ribbed cuffs, and thoughtful detailing toe the lifestyle line, making them as easy on the eyes as they are hard-wearing. Fair warning: they'll take a few wears to break in, like a great pair of boots, but the payoff is worth it. Whether you're hauling wood bundles or heading out for a cold-weather coffee run, these rugged Give'r gloves will handle it all with ease.
Best fleece: Patagonia Synchilla Fleece Gloves
Patagonia’s Synchilla Fleece Gloves use the brand’s iconic double-sided fleece to deliver soft, reliable warmth without bulk. With an elastic cuff, reinforced wear points, and touchscreen capability, they’re a reliable go-to for light to moderate cold.
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Fleece gloves don't get enough credit. They're cozy but straightforward workhorses, unfussy and easy to throw on in moderate to light cold. Beyond being soft to the touch, fleece's superpower is its ability to deliver impressive insulation for its weight without sacrificing dexterity or breathability. And when it comes to the best fleece gloves, it's hard not to go with the OG: Patagonia's Synchilla gloves. The brand's renowned double-sided fleece is durable, warm, and classic.
On hand, they're incredibly comfortable and malleable, with thoughtful details like an elastic cuff that cinches snugly to keep out wind, abrasion-resistant reinforcements on the fingertips and palms, and touchscreen capability works well enough for quick taps or basic tasks. While they won't protect you in a downpour or extreme cold, there's a refreshing simplicity here that's tough to beat, and feels great to wear, especially given the quality and iconic status Patagonia brings to the table.
Best for running: Brooks Fusion Midweight Glove 2.0
Brooks’ Fusion Midweight Glove 2.0 is designed for cold-weather runs with its spot-on balance of warmth, breathability, and dexterity. Touchscreen-friendly with subtle reflective details, they’re a stylish, runner-approved essential for cold (but not freezing) miles.
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One activity I keep up all winter long, as long as it's not icy or bone-chillingly cold, is running. Brooks sits firmly in my top three brands for stylish, functional running gear, from shorts and shirts to shoes and, come winter, gloves. The Fusion Midweight 2.0 hits that sweet spot of warmth, dexterity, breathability, and tech-friendly performance, all wrapped in a sleek design purpose-built for moderately cool weather.
Every runner knows the dread of hand sweat, and these gloves allowed perspiration to escape as I ran while keeping my hands warm, especially at the fingertips, which always seem to take the brunt when temps drop. (I wouldn't wear these in super windy or Arctic conditions, but I also wouldn't run in those conditions, and on moderately cool days they more than kept my hands comfortable.) I always exercise with my iPhone for music, and flipping through Spotify was a breeze. Factor in the subtle reflective hits for night miles, built-in nose wipe on the thumb (cold-weather runners will get it), and that they're machine washable, and you've got a top-tier, stylish, cold-weather performance glove that's tough to outrun.
Best mountain grade ski glove for harsh conditions: Marmot Ultimate Ski GORE-TEX® Glove
Marmot’s heavy-duty ski gloves are built for serious cold, pairing a rugged leather-and-fabric shell with GORE-TEX waterproofing and PrimaLoft Gold insulation for serious warmth and protection. Finished with a snow-sealing cuff and a breathable lining that manages moisture, they’re made for long days on cold slopes.
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Some categories are broad enough to warrant options, and here I wanted to highlight two ski-glove lanes: one very heavy-duty and one more resort-friendly. First up is the heavy hitter from Marmot. Right out of the box, these feel incredibly substantial, with an ultra-durable, waterproof shell that combines a rugged leather-and-nylon upper with a GORE-TEX insert. Slipping them on feels like a hybrid of a work glove and a ski glove, delivering impressive grip, tons of warmth, and the feeling that they could handle any extreme cold-weather scenario.
The technical chops keep coming. PrimaLoft Gold insulation delivers serious warmth and, crucially, continues to insulate even when wet. Marmot's NanoPro waterproof-breathable membrane keeps moisture at bay while still allowing the gloves to breathe and dry quickly. A drawstring cuff seals out snow, and the latest update adds a DriRelease wool lining that manages sweat without feeling clammy. Despite their burly build, they remain malleable enough to grip ski poles or wear in extreme conditions with fair ease. I put them to the test during a recent snowstorm, and the warmth and protection were next level. No, these aren't touchscreen-friendly, and yes, they're an investment. But if you spend time on cold slopes or deep winter terrain, this is a durable, insulated, weatherproof final boss—level ski glove you'll keep reaching for.
Best resort ready (or everyday) ski gloves: Burton GORE-TEX Gloves
If you're looking to survive subzero conditions with all your fingers in tact, Burton Gore Tex gloves are the way to go.
If you're not hitting the slopes with total fervor and want a waterproof, GORE-TEX-imbued ski glove that shines from the mountain to the resort (at a great value), these Burton GORE-TEX gloves are a stellar choice. They're ideal for skiers who want dependable protection sans the bulk, without sacrificing comfort, warmth, and style.
Right out of the box, you'll notice the optional removable liner, which you can wear on colder days or leave out if just hopping on the lift. I liked how soft and flexible these felt, and Burton's breathable ThermacoreECO insulation kept my hands warm without any clamminess. The devil is in the details here: leather-like palm reinforcements for extra grip, a handy zip pocket up top for keys or a room card, and touchscreen compatibility that works well enough for big-button tasks like snapping a quick photo. Waterproof, breathable, and finished in a handsome design with a pop of color, these swerve effortlessly from the slopes straight to the lounge.
Best wool ragg: Filson Full Finger Knit Gloves
Filson’s Full-Finger Knit Gloves update the classic wool ragg glove with a durable wool blend that’s warm, resilient, and easy to wear. Naturally insulating and moisture-tolerant, they’re a versatile staple for moderate winter conditions.
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I love anything Filson, from their tough-as-nails weekend bags to waxed tin accessories. Everything carries that authentic, built-to-last attitude, so it is no surprise their take on a classic wool ragg glove is just as solid. A good wool glove is a winter staple, and these are made mostly of wool with a touch of nylon for added durability and structure. They felt robust yet pleasantly spongy when I slipped them on, keeping my hands warm in moderate winter conditions while still looking effortlessly cool.
Thanks to wool's natural properties, they can handle some rain and continue to insulate well, and they also work nicely as a liner under ski gloves when temperatures really drop. Versatility-wise, the speckled wool look adds a retro, artisanal authenticity that pairs well with just about anything.
Best washable wool knit: Snow Peak Washable Wool Knit Gloves
Snow Peak’s Washable Wool Knit Gloves offer a more discreet take on winter knits, crafted from ultra-soft 100% wool that feels plush yet lightweight. Subtle ribbing, dialed-in colorways, and washability make them an understated staple.
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Snow Peak is another brand that speaks equally to the style set and the technical crowd, and where the Filson wool gloves lean rugged and durable, these ultra-soft, washable wool knit gloves feel more discreet and refined. They glide on easily, are made from 100% wool, and balance plenty of warmth and wearability with a substantial feel that's still lightweight. I liked that my fingers felt just as warm as the rest of my hand, which isn't always a given with knit gloves.
The ribbed cuff brings subtle retro vibes, the colorways are all home runs, and the discreet Snow Peak logo is IYKYK flaunt-worthy. What I really dig, though, is the washability: hand-wash them once they inevitably pick up some grime, let them air-dry, and you've got stylish gloves ready for more wear.
Best heated: Outdoor Research Sureshot Heated Softshell Gloves
Outdoor Research’s Sureshot Heated Gloves deliver serious, sustained warmth with three adjustable heat settings in a design that balances insulation with flexibility. Well-constructed, intuitive, and sensibly priced, they’re a practical choice for long days in frigid conditions
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Unless your hands run very cold (circulation issues are common) or you're about to spend most of a brutal winter day outside, it's not often you'll reach for a pair of heated gloves—but when you do, the warmth is unrivaled. After testing several options and having my hands feel like they'd spent two days in a sauna, Outdoor Research's Sureshot Gloves take the cake for a few key reasons. First, they come in below many competitors' prices in what's already an expensive glove category. Second, they're legitimately warm winter gloves even with the heat turned off. And third, the three heat settings range from "nicely toasty" to "hot damn," a level you'll likely never need since the first two settings will probably do the trick. Still, it's nice knowing the option is there.
Comfort-wise, they slip on easily and feel substantial thanks to a thick, yet malleable nylon shell packed with generous synthetic insulation, a super-cozy fleece liner, a stretchy spandex upper, and a leather palm patch for added grip. They're wind- and water-resistant (not waterproof - these aren't ski gloves per se), and the touchscreen functionality works for basics like answering a call. Battery life clocks in at six to eight hours on low, three to four on medium, and two to three on high, and crucially, the heat warms not just the palm but the fingertips too. There are heavier-duty options out there, but for overall value, ease of use, solid construction, and just how warm these can get, Outdoor Research really did the research here.
Best affordable cashmere: Naadam Signature Cashmere Gloves
Naadam’s cashmere gloves offer standout softness and a sleek fit at an accessible price. Best suited for milder winter days, they add easy polish and comfort for everyday wear.
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If you're in the cashmere game, you know Naadam, and I own several of their knits I swear by. It's hard to beat cashmere at $88, and these no-frills, ultra-soft gloves are an easy winter essential you can toss in your pocket to elevate any ensemble. I found they kept my hands comfortable in the 40-degrees-and-up range (any lower and you'll want something more substantial), with a sleek, form-fitting feel and a softness that easily outshines the price.
And while the site doesn't explicitly call it out, the subtle color-blocking on the thumb, backed up by plenty of reviews, suggests touchscreen compatibility—I had no problem handling basic iPhone tasks. Will they last a decade? Probably not, but with softness that keeps you warm enough, comfortable, and stylish at an excellent value, they're easy to refresh and well worth a spot in your winter rotation.
Best value: L.L.Bean Windproof Gloves
L.L.Bean’s Windproof Gloves punch well above their price, combining a performance blend fabric with PrimaLoft lining for warmth and durability that allows for movement. Suede-like palm grips add polish, making them an excellent value.
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L.L.Bean has a long track record of delivering trusted gear at a great value (Bean Boots, anyone? Still the unrivaled winter OG), so I was curious to put their gloves to the test. While I liked the PrimaLoft Therma-Stretch Fleece Gloves for moderate temps or liner duty, it was the slightly higher-priced (but still very reasonable) Windproof Gloves that impressed me. They're warm as heck, thanks in large part to Bean's Wool-Tek fabric, a performance blend of wool, polyester, and nylon that delivers natural warmth and breathability along with durability, moisture-wicking, and easier care than traditional wool.
The lining is packed with a hefty 40-gram PrimaLoft insulation, and the moment I slipped them on, I could feel the dense, high-quality construction and serious warmth. The fit isn't too bulky, and I also appreciated the suede-like grip on the palms, which adds traction and a more elevated feel. They're not waterproof, and there's no touchscreen compatibility, but at $50, between the warmth, materials, thoughtful details, fit, and herringbone pattern, it's hard to complain.
Best leather: Shinola Lined Leather Gloves
Shinola’s lined leather gloves exemplify the brand’s craftsmanship, with great hand feel, durable stitching, and a fleece lining for warmth. Made from untreated bovine leather that breaks in and patinas beautifully, they’re a character-rich winter staple.
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Nowadays, Shinola is just as well known for its stellar leather accessories as it is for its watches, and these lined leather gloves prove why. You can feel the craftsmanship immediately, from the durable stitching to the excellent hand feel. They're fleece-lined, versatile, and impressively warm for most winter weather. They aren't overly rugged or dressy, but land comfortably in between, with an easy, lived-in character that works in a wide range of settings.
What I like most is that, like a great pair of selvedge denim or a leather jacket, these gloves naturally break in and mold to your hand over time. They're made from untreated, all-natural bovine leather that will patina beautifully and develop its own character. (FYI, I'd recommend sizing up, as they fit a bit snug). They don't have touchscreen compatibility, and I wouldn't wear them in a downpour, but they're not trying to be that kind of glove. Instead, they're an everyday, exemplary leather option with authentic character that wears just as well for the office as for a night out.
Best technical gloves: Arc'teryx Venta Gloves
Arc’teryx’s Venta Gloves combine a sleek, minimalist look with technical performance, featuring a wind-blocking GORE-TEX INFINIUM shell, soft fleece interior, reinforced palms, and touchscreen capability.
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Few brands sit at the intersection of technical performance and lifestyle as effortlessly and earn as much respect from streetwear-savvy set and outdoor aficionados alike, as Arc'teryx. So, it tracks that for an everyday performance glove that pairs just as well with your Arc'teryx parka as it does with a hoodie and coat, the Venta Gloves are the move. They're wind-busting, warmth-capturing, durable, and impressively sleek.
The first thing I noticed was how spongey and lightweight they feel as they mold to your hands in a way that's oddly fun to wear. But these aren't just aesthetically technical; they have the goods to back it up. The GORE-TEX INFINIUM shell blocks winds while still letting your hands breathe. The light fleece interior is super soft, reinforced palms and fingertips add durability, and touchscreen capability handles basic phone tasks with ease. These won't replace full ski gloves in brutal cold or heavy downpours, but for everyday durability wrapped in a drool-worthy design, the Arc'teryx Venta is technical enough for the trail and stylish enough for coffee afterward.
Best luxury tailored gloves: Todd Snyder Suede Cashmere-Lined Glove
These gloves pair soft, warm suede with a cashmere lining for reliable cold-weather comfort without bulk. Subtly tailored and refined, they embody elevated wearability.
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Leave it to one of menswear's reigning maestros, Todd Snyder, to deliver gloves that are impeccably chic, beautifully made, and seriously sumptuous and warm. The first thing you notice is just how buttery soft they are, thanks to the fine Italian suede the house is known for. Inside, the cashmere lining feels like slipping your hands into a soft sweater, plush without feeling precious. Subtle piping nods to classic glove design, while the warm cognac tone adds a layer of elevated richness without tipping into flashy territory.
These are luxury gloves that look right at home on city streets or countryside strolls, equally at ease with a camel-hair coat as with an elevated hoodie and selvedge denim. Super soft, form-fitting, and very warm, this is understated luxury done properly: quiet, confident, undeniably well made, and worth every penny, just don't forget them in the back of an Uber.
Best fingerless gloves: Line of Trade Whitman Fingerless Gloves
Line of Trade’s Whitman Gloves combine a soft, heavy-gauge wool knit with reinforced leather palms for added grip. Warm enough for moderate temperatures, they’re an effortless way to inject some style into cold-weather dressing.
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I know it feels like an outlier category with a bit of Breakfast Club rebel energy, but I'm a full-on fingerless glove aficionado, provided it's not absolutely freezing out. I love the look, how they mold to my hand, and that I can use my phone freely, indoors or out, without looking out of place. There are plenty of versions out there, but these Line of Trade fingerless gloves from Bespoke Post caught my eye, and after wearing them for a few days, I can confidently say they're among my favorites.
Made from a soft wool blend, the heavy-gauge knit feels spongy yet flexible, allowing for easy movement (and phone usage). They kept my hands surprisingly warm for this category, look especially cool in olive green with a slight Donegal fleck, and feature a leather palm patch for reinforcement and grip, a detail you rarely see on fingerless gloves. The versatility is baked in, too. I've been wearing them with everything from a tweed overcoat to a technical parka, or a chunky cable-knit sweater and scarf. Rock these in moderate temperatures for a subtle style flex.
Best mittens: Smartwool Ridgeway Lined Mitten
Smartwool’s Ridgeway Lined Mittens prioritize warmth without leaning into bulky ski styling, thanks to a leather outer that leans more workwear and a cozy wool-blend lining. Durable and unexpectedly touchscreen-friendly, they’re a stylish, practical option even for mitten skeptics.
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We know: it's not exactly a glove, but technically a mitten is still a glove, and it warrants inclusion here for one simple reason: warmth. Keeping fingers together improves circulation and traps more heat. That said, if we were only going to include one pair in a glove list (and not a dedicated mitten roundup), it had to fit in with the rest of the pack. Knit mittens can skew a bit, "A Christmas Story," and puffy iterations feel redundant when ski gloves already own that lane. Smartwool may be best known for its premium performance-driven merino wool, but its cold-weather lineup is just as strong, and the new Ridgeway Lined Mittens are a chef's kiss blend of function, warmth, and lifestyle good looks.
First, the leather outer looks more like a work glove than a snow-day novelty, especially in the handsome tan colorway. Inside, the wool-polyester lining is warm and very comfortable. I wore these in 30-degree weather, hauling heavy boxes, and I dug how grippy and durable they felt. A bungee cuff seals out the cold, and touchscreen access (in a mitten!) actually works for swiping or tapping larger apps. All in all, these are stylish, well-made, and warm mittens for folks who might not vibe with the category, which alone earns them a spot on this list.
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