Numb fingertips and a ruby red rose are a sure sign that winter has arrived. Many of us tend to leave exchanging our summer clothes for the winter layers left in storage until the last possible moment, as we remain in complete denial that darker nights and grey frostbitten mornings are ahead of us.
This is especially the case when it comes to investing in new cold-weather gear to help us tackle the changing seasons. “I’ll just buy it when I need it,” we say to ourselves. Then one morning, without warning, we’re forced to brave the commute like a warrior in an Arctic storm who has lost all external protection in an avalanche.
Preparation, however, is the key to surviving weather changes in this country. Having all the gear on hand - we’re talking a waterproof winter coat, woolly scarf, thermal layers and a lovely cashmere beanie - ensures you can arrive at your heated office smug and snug as a bug in a rug when the mercury suddenly drops overnight.
There’s a strange sense of disbelief that, after enjoying months of summer sunshine, the UK could possibly return to a dreary, grey sub-zero environment. Yet like clockwork, as soon as we enter into the early days of October, autumn arrives with a mighty cold breeze.
One incredibly underrated cold-weather accessory is a pair of thermal gloves. Let’s be real, those chic woolly rainbow gloves don’t really do anything to keep the heat in and tend to have a rather itchy finish. Technical wear has come a long way in the last few decades, with advances in moisture-wicking and insulating materials being put to work in essential accessories ranging from the top of the head to the tips of the toes.
What to consider before investing in a pair of thermal gloves
- Insulating material: Consider whether you’d prefer a cashmere, merino or polyblend synthetic lining to keep your digits warm. While cashmere is luxuriously soft, it can be hard to wash. Merino is a moisture-wicking natural material known for its marvellous insulating properties, while synthetic linings are a reliable and non-irritating option.
- Waterproofing: Insulating gear will only keep you warm as long as it’s dry. Torrential rain is commonplace during the British winter, and sodden woolly gloves will do more harm than good. It’s important to invest in a pair of thermal gloves with a decent waterproof coating, especially if you’re cycling to work.
- Touchscreen compatibility: If you’re the type of commuter who simply must go through emails during a chilly morning commute, you’ll likely want a pair of insulating gloves that have touchscreen capability on one or more fingers.
- Versatility: High-tech thermal gloves can be pricey, so it’s important to consider whether you can take your brand-new mittens on your next ski trip while also wearing them during particularly cold days at home. Have a look at the tech specs before taking the plunge and buying a fashion-forward pair of gloves that may not be suitable for an outdoor adventure.
We’ve curated a selection of the warmest thermal gloves on the market. Winter is coming.
Shop now
Montana Utility Gloves
The perfect insulating pair of gloves for the outdoorsy type, the Montana Utility Gloves by The North Face are completely waterproof and designed to create an impenetrable barrier to rain and snow. They’re windproof yet breathable and made with Heatseeker synthetic insulation for warmth even in the dampest conditions. The Dryvent insert helps to keep hands dry, while eTip functionality means you’ll be able to use your touchscreen device.
Buy now £50.00, The North Face
Patagonia Retro Pile Gloves
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.
Buy now £0.00, Cotswolds Outdoor
Alpha SL Glove
Designed for alpine climbing, these highly dextrous gloves from the tech wear specialists over at Arc’Teryx are incredibly lightweight and insulating with fantastic grip.
Buy now £90.00, Arc’Teryx
Heat Holders Ladies Leather Gloves – Black
Chic, sophisticated and fabulously insulating, these leather gloves from Heat Holders have a fuzzy, ultra-soft faux fur lining that will keep your digits toasty all winter long.
Buy now £9.99, Heat Holders
Uniqlo Heattech Lined Touchscreen Gloves
Uniqlo’s Heattech range is renowned for its near-magical ability to insulate bodies in the coldest of climates without overheating. These uber soft and cosy gloves are no different and are lined with fleecy heat absorbent lining.
Buy now £19.90, Uniqlo
RAINS Gloves
Rains has become the go-to outerwear brand when wet conditions strike - an all-too-frequent occurrence in wintry London. Keep hands warm and dry whether you’re battling mist or a torrential downpour with these coated black slip-on gloves, which feature neoprene on the palm side for insulation. The thumb and forefinger is touchscreen compatible.
Buy now £45.00, RAINS
Rapha Brevet Reflective gloves
An upgrade and update of the Explore reflective glove, these have improved comfort and a lighter weight. Aimed at those of us who prefer a longer ride where comfort and protection from the elements is paramount, the palms now use strategically positioned memory foam pads which not only offer ample cushioning but claim to guard against nerve damage. Having carpal tunnel syndrome, I found this especially beneficial.
The palm and thumb areas are also made with an abrasion-resistant suede that is perforated to increase ventilation and insulate your hands against the wind chill, a thin layer of Polartec’s Power Shield Pro fabric has been introduced.
The Brevet bands across the top of the hand are fully reflective for added visibility at night or in low light and the wrist section features a well-designed and streamlined bonded hem with a Velcro closer.
Buy now £85.00, Rapha
Rab Mens Vapour Rise Gloves
Outdoor specialists Rab is all about performance pieces and that extend 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, a sweat-wicking lining and leather palm for durability. The waterproof gloves also have finger and thumb touchscreen compatibility.
Buy now £50.00, Snow + Rock
Nike Therma-FIT Tech Fleece
These are some of the bestselling gloves at Nike - and for good reason. They are constructed with the sportswear label’s signature thermal fabric, a lightweight material that is also fleecy. The thumb and finger are touchscreen-compatible.
Buy now £43.00, Nike
M&S Knitted Gloves with Thermowarmth
A value-for-money pair of gloves with M&S’ signature Thermowarmth lining? Sign us up. We’re big fans of how the ribbing gets more snug around the wrist to ensure proper protection against the elements and the pop of colour.
Buy now £12.00, M&S
Elmer Deep Pile Gloves
Stylish, practical and subtly touchscreen-compatible, these deep pile gloves from Elmer come in an array of delightful colour combinations. Like wearing miniature high-tech fleeces on each hand, the gloves have a 100 per cent wool shell for supreme warmth and a 100 per cent polyester lining for durability and sweat-wicking.
The elasticated ribbed cuff ensures that if you find yourself in snowy and/or rainy conditions, none of that inclement weather can find its way into your mitts. Be warned, only the thumbs on these gloves are suitable for use with a touchscreen. Taking photos on a snowy hike will be a breeze, but typing lengthy texts might be slightly more difficult.
Buy now £39.95, END
Icebreaker Sierra Real Fleece 260 Glove
For a pair of gloves that can fold up compactly to stuff into your pocket so they’re always on hand, look no further than Icebreaker. The brand is likely best known for its Merino ski-ready base layers and the Sierra Real Fleece 260 Glove can either act as an additional thermal layer under a thicker pair or be worn solo. They too are cut from Merino wool so are highly insulating, odour-resistant and a touch of elastane gives them good stretch.
Buy now £37.00, Snow + Rock
