Best waterproof and warm gloves for skiing, winter hikes or a snug style statement
While it's tempting to hibernate for the next few months, real life ploughs on. You'll have to venture outdoors at some point, and you can make the whole experience feel less daunting by investing in the right kit now.
A warm coat with enough coverage to shield you against the elements, a decent bag to hold all your stuff whether you're going to the office or heading away for the weekend and boots to protect your feet against the cold ground are three big things to add immediately to your shopping list. And of course, things like a good pair of gloves to keep your hands warm, working and in the game.
Small but necessary, a water-repellent and -proof pair of gloves will stand you in good stead not just this winter but for all the ones to come. Many are made with adventure sports in mind - think skiing and snowboarding - which means you can expect a high level of protection along with enough dexterity to grip ski poles, sunglasses, your ski instructor and more. The downsides? They tend to be bulky and ostentatiously sporty - not exactly great for city life.
Fashion-led gloves may feel more appropriate if you're only planning on wearing them in town, but waterproofability still has its place. Check carefully that the gloves you like are up to scratch before you fall too deep for them.
If you're looking for a great pair of gloves to see you through the cold season or complement your winter sports wardrobe, we've rounded up the best-performing and most aesthetically pleasing below. With options across price points, you're bound to find something that fits like a... well, glove.
Harness the power of GORE-TEX with gloves made from the hardwearing fabric. The unisex design is more than a match for cold weather conditions, resistant to water and wind while remaining blissfully breathable. Foam padding offers additional insulation and comfort while synthetic leather palms aid grip.
When it comes to chic extreme wear, those in the know make a beeline straight for The North Face. The brand has made its name offering cool kit for adventurous types, right down to the gloves. This pair, offered in brown and black, are designed for the slopes, making them hardy against light moisture and fabric saturation.
Synthetic insulation wraps around hands and fingers to keep them warm, meaning no frozen digits for you. They may be a bit cumbersome for urban wear, but if you're off on a hike, climb or skiing, don't leave home without them.
Ready to take Brat summer into winter? Sealskinz neon gloves lead the way with the bonus that the shade makes them particularly hard to lose in a drawer or cupboard. Available in S to XL sizes, they may be breathable but they're also waterproof and finished with a grip formation on the fingers that makes using touchscreens with them on easy peasy. Also available in bright blue and black options.
Proving you don't have to dig too deep into your pockets for a good pair of gloves, Mountain Warehouse presents this IsoTherm design. Originally designed for skiing, they can be used for any chilly conditions, from scraping ice off the windshield to bracing winter walks with the dog. A waterproof barrier and densely packed fibres ensure dry hands can continue to operate even when the mercury falls through the floor.
Whether you're fiddling with the car engine, raking the lawn or taking the weekly shop home, manage fiddly tasks without taking your gloves off in this waterproof Simond design. The back of the hands are covered with a membrane softshell fabric to keep your extremities warm while the adjustable wrists have a link to keep them together in storage. No losing one to the abyss at the back of the cupboard.
Outdoor specialist Forclaz knows all about thriving in the elements, from toe to the tips of fingers. It has designed these stretch gloves that keep hands tactile while shielding them from the worst of cold weather, freezing snow and rain showers included. They're available in plum, blue and green options with sizing from XS to XL to ensure a perfect fit.
Outdoor specialists Rab is all about performance pieces and that extends beyond its outerwear to the accessories too. The Vapour Rise Gloves provide dexterity for thrill seekers, so you can have free movement of your fingers while adventuring. They are cut from a Matrix fabric that is stretchy with a sweat-wicking lining and leather palm for durability. The waterproof gloves also have finger and thumb touchscreen compatibility.
We were drawn to these gloves for the fluffy detailing but they became a staple in our rotation for their lovely skin feel and five layers of insulation. Fashion and function in equal measure, they are made entirely from cotton with a synthetic layer that is thermoregulating and waterproof.
Slip your weather-worn digits into these fleece gloves from SEALSKINZ and you'll be prepared for whatever the winter throws at you. They have a three-layer construction in which one includes a waterproof membrane so they're as soft as they are practical. The gloves come in three colours and have touchscreen compatibility.
Some motorcycle gloves may tick all the boxes when it comes to safety but fall a little short when it comes to comfort. These Belstaff Clinch gloves ensure both sides of the coin are equally satisfied, with a softer design that places an emphasis on skin feel even on the very longest of rides.
They feature leather-covered flexible knuckle protectors, a padded heel and side of the hand for protection, touch-sensitive leather at the index fingers to keep them touch-phone friendly and a waterproof coating for rainy days.
Ultra-insulating and flexible, these fleece gloves from Patagonia are made with 100 per cent recycled polyester with 100 per cent recycled palm overlays. Perfect for casual wear or winter hikes, they'll keep you warm and dry without feeling bulky. They have a durable water-repellent finish but are also incredibly quick-drying.
