There’s no sitting on the fence when it comes to the question of mittens.
Camp one believes these childhood hand warmers belong in an adult wardrobe, offering a whimsical touch to wintry outfits. Camp two quite appreciates the use of individual fingers on tap and will stick to leather or wool gloves, thanks.
Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re a fully paid-up member of camp one and henceforth, we will focus on and celebrate the greatest mittens winter 2024/5 has to offer. We’re lovers, not haters.
A forebear to the modern glove, mittens have been used for millennia, with one pair found by archaeologists in Latvia dating back a thousand years. They're still a big part of the country's culture; you may have seen pairs doing the rounds at Latvian weddings, even in summer, or at traditional celebrations.
In the arena of winter wardrobes, it's mainly children who wear mittens since they're easier to put on than gloves and most come with a handy piece of yarn that can be threaded through coat arms and across the back so they're harder to lose, especially crucial in the excitement of the first snow falling (fingers crossed).
Adult mittens are still very much in play, with many designs sporting a finger encasement over a fingerless glove base. This offers the best of both worlds: dexterity when you want it, and a small puddle of warmth when you don’t.
They’re not just the preserve of high street brands either; luxury labels have added mittens to their AW24 offering crafted in everything from cosy wool to brushed cashmere.
We found the best options below, bound to leave you totally smitten.
Shop now
Max Mara Ombrat Mittens
Childhood nostalgia reigns in Max Mara's soft and cosy camel hair mittens, which stay connected with a wrist strap. The Italian-made pair are fully lined with 100 per cent wool, so no fear of sweaty hands when you take them off. They will require dry cleaning; something to factor in before you buy.
Buy now £180.00, Farfetch
Kurt Geiger marled mittens
Not all convertibles herald the start of a midlife crisis. In the world of winter accessories, a design that can transform from glove to mittens and back again offers peak functionality. Paired with a monochrome colourway and chic cream button fastening, Kurt Geiger's pair is a failsafe that will go with every outfit.
Buy now £49.00, Kurt Geiger
The White Company Recycled Faux Fur Mittens
Full disclosure: buying these ultra-soft mittens may leave you unable to do anything but stroke your own face.
The White Company's mittens feel ridiculously luxurious (especially at this price) and are so insulating that you won't mind the fingerless element. And you can find a matching scarf and earmuffs if you want to go the whole hog. Stay snug and smug all winter.
Buy now £35.00, The White Company
Jigsaw Faux Fur Leather Mitten
Block out Arctic winds on wintry commutes by donning Jigsaw's faux fur and leather mittens for days at the office. The leather palms keep your grip tactile for holding work bags and shopping. Available in S/M and M/L sizes.
Buy now £70.00, Jigsaw
lululemon Women's Cable-Knit Fleece-Lined Mittens
Thought lululemon was only good for yoga kit? Think again. The brand offers outdoor kit for the whole year round and this winter we've got our heart set on these cable-knit mittens. With ribbed wristbands for added security and lined with fleece, this plushy design comes with a foldover hood so you have full use of your fingers when you need them.
Buy now £48.00, lululemon
UGG Women's Atherson Embroidered Mitten
Best known for its cosy footwear, UGG has turned its attention to cold hands this winter. Its sheepskin mittens come beautifully decorated with embroidered cross stitching and cosy wide cuffs. Who cares if you can't use your fingers in these?
Buy now £150.00, UGG
PUCCI Appliquéd wool-jacquard mittens
Made to be seen, PUCCI's jacquard-knitted mittens are made from insulating wool that will keep your extremities toasty no matter how wild the winter gets. With lots of fun colours to pick out from the marbled pattern, you can coordinate a wealth of coats and scarves to the design.
Buy now £380.00, Net-A-Porter
LISA YANG Brushed-cashmere mittens
Lisa Yang has managed the nigh-on impossible and made mittens covetable. The brand’s designs are made from the softest cashmere, made even more touchable by brushing. Ribbed hems ensure this elegant pair will stay put on your paws.
Buy now £140.00, Net-A-Porter
Alpo Gloves Faux Fur Mittens
Crafted from polyester (but you'd never guess), these faux fur mittens come with a useful cut for fingers to slip out when they are required. They'll be perfect for keeping paws warm in chilly pub gardens and can be machine-washed when they get grimy.
Buy now £72.00, Fenwick
Dents Women’s Faux Fur Mittens
Make numb fingers a thing of the past this winter with a helping hand from Dents. The brand offers these charming mittens in a slew of colours with a finger opening, meaning you can have your cake and eat it too - sartorially speaking, anyway. They come in a universal size with plenty of wiggle room in the fleece-lined interior. Hand wash only.
Buy now £25.00, Dents
