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Best women’s gloves to keep your mitts warm and dry
Protect your mitts from the elements with our roundup of the very best women’s gloves to get your hands on this winter
By Annabel Ross | Last updated Apr 17, 2024
A winter wardrobe staple, a good pair of gloves can keep your hands warm and toasty on even the chilliest of days. As temperatures drop, hands can instantly feel the cold as they tend to be exposed while holding onto phones, bags, prams and dog leads, so many of us are searching for the best gloves to keep our hands toasty.
But which material is best for warmth and durability, and are sleek leather gloves or cosy mittens more your style? We’ve got you and your hands covered with our handy round-up - based on authentic reviews and expert opinions.
Whether you’re after some leather gloves, thermal gloves or warm gloves to stop your fingers from getting chilly when working from home, we’ve researched the best women’s gloves as recommended by Mumsnet users.
On the hunt for the cosiest accessories to keep out the chill this winter? Check out our guides to the best blanket hoodies, the best heated throw blankets and the best heated gilets to buy for winter 2022.
Here are the best women’s gloves to buy.
1. Best overall women’s gloves: Sealskinz Women's Fit Waterproof All Weather Insulated Gloves
RRP: £55 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs: Sizes: S to XL | Colours: Black, red/black or purple/black
Reasons to buy:
100% waterproof
Multi-layer breathable fabrics
Touchscreen Friendly
Reasons to avoid:
Not machine washable
Costly
What Mumsnet users say:
“Sealskinz. Expensive but worth it” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Polkadotties)
“Sealskinz are super warm. Waterproof too so feel warmer. They have small and extra small sizes” (Recommended by Mumsnet user TheSpottedZebra)
Our verdict
While more costly than some women’s gloves, Mumsnetters really rated Sealskinz gloves and felt they were certainly worth the investment. Warm, waterproof and suitable for all seasons, these gloves are well insulated without being bulky and are designed to protect you from the elements, leaving your hands and fingers dry and protected even on the wettest and windiest of days.
The goatskin leather palm ensures you maintain a good grip, whilst feature pads on the index finger and thumb mean you won’t have to remove them to answer your phone. If your fingers are long and slender, you’ll find them an excellent fit - otherwise, you may prefer to size down from your usual size.
2. Best budget gloves for women: Thinsulate Extreme Thermal lined knitted Gloves
RRP: £5.99 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs: Sizes: One size | Colours: Black
Reasons to buy:
Excellent value for money
Warm
Simple pull-on design
Reasons to avoid:
Non-waterproof
Not touchscreen compatible
Not the most stylish
What Mumsnet users say:
“Thinsulate gloves here... not too classy but very warm” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Passthecake30)
Our verdict
If you’re heading to Sunday morning football, walking the dog or simply facing the elements on the daily school run, gloves are a winter essential. If you don’t want to spend a fortune on gloves, however, this pair from Thinsulate are a practical and budget-friendly choice.
Costing less than a tenner, these gloves have a simple design but are surprisingly warm, with a snug fit that holds in the heat. The downside? You’ll need to whip them off to reply to your WhatsApp messages and they’re not waterproof - which is less ideal when you get caught in a torrential downpour.
3. Best women’s gloves for extreme cold: Reusch Women’s Hannah Gloves
RRP: £31.19 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs: Sizes: 6 - 8.5 (XS - M) | Colours: Black or white
Reasons to buy:
Mitten style ideal for extreme cold
R-TEX XT waterproof membrane to keep hands dry
Lightweight and non-restrictive
Reasons to avoid:
Less freedom and dexterity than with gloves
Costly
More suited to skiing and snow wear than an everyday winter option
What Mumsnet users say:
"I wore my ski gloves (I think they're Reusch) on a snowy walk last week and was amazed at how warm my hands were - I'd forgotten what they were like!" (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Laquila)
Our verdict
If you’re looking for an extra warm and waterproof pair of gloves to prevent chilblains or frostbite on those icy or snowy days, ski glove specialist Reusch is known for its excellent range of mittens; a practical accessory well suited for colder temperatures.
Whilst they offer somewhat less freedom than gloves, these well-insulated mittens are excellent at creating a pocket or warmth around your fingers. They’re lightweight and even repel moisture, whilst staying securely in place thanks to the adjustable strap around the wrist.
Kitting yourself out for a skiing trip? Check out our round-up of the best ski gloves for women.
4. Best leather women’s gloves: Marks & Spencer Leather Cashmere Lined Gloves
RRP: £45 | Buy now from Marks and Spencer
Key specs: Sizes: Small, medium or large | Colours: Navy or black
Reasons to buy:
Stylish, classic leather design
Cashmere lining for comfort
Smart style for work / formal occasions
Reasons to avoid:
Non-washable
Limited choice of colours (In previous years M&S have had a wider range)
Have to remove to work touchscreens
What Mumsnet users say:
“M&S do cashmere lined leather gloves. They look warm and I think they're stylish - more so than ski gloves, definitely!” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user OneStepMoreFun)
“I got cashmere lined leather gloves last year from M&S. Highly recommend.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Judystilldreamsofhorses)
Our verdict
With a modern, stylish and somewhat traditional design, these women’s gloves are made from responsibly sourced leather with a cashmere lining for additional comfort. Offering a smart look well suited to more formal occasions, they’re also surprisingly warm, with the lining feeling soft and cosy against your palms.
Whilst the colour selection is much more limited than M&S has offered in previous years, the navy and black are versatile enough to complement the vast majority of your winter wardrobe.
5. Best fingerless women’s gloves: Turtledoves Classic Cashmere Fingerless Gloves
RRP: £35 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs: Sizes: One size | Colours: Light grey, navy or black
Reasons to buy:
Made from sustainable 100% cashmere
Ensures freedom for typing, using phone or tending to children
Surprisingly warm l
Reasons to avoid:
Offers less coverage in extreme cold
Hand wash only
What Mumsnet users say:
“Turtledoves are without question the thing that keeps me functioning in cold weather. If my wrists are warm I can type, write, knit, sew. Fabulous things.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user TheFeistyFeminist)
“I have a couple of pairs of the Turtledoves fingerless gloves, they are so soft and light and come in gorgeous colours. Recycled cashmere so they are sustainable too.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user DareDevil223)
Our Verdict
If you’re working from home this winter but trying to save money on your energy bills, fingerless gloves can be a great option. They keep your wrists and hands cosy whilst allowing full freedom of movement for typing, writing, using touchscreen devices or curling your round a hot chocolate when the temperatures drop.
Turtledoves cashmere fingerless gloves have amazing online reviews and Mumsnetters couldn’t agree more. They not only look great, but they’re soft, luxurious and keep hands surprisingly warm despite their open top.
6. Best women’s touchscreen gloves: Coskefy Winter Knit Touchscreen Gloves
RRP: £9.34 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs: Sizes: Women’s one size | Colours: Black, black and white, grey or red
Reasons to buy:
Budget-friendly price tag
Ensure full access to smart and touchscreen devices
Thermal fleece lining for warmth
Reasons to avoid:
Not waterproof
Not the most stylish choice
What Mumsnet users say:
“I've just got these from Amazon. They're toasty warm, with silicone grips and touch screen tips” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user MsSquiz)
Our verdict
If you’re forever on your phone and find repeatedly having to take off your gloves frustrating, these Coskefy Touchscreen Gloves are the perfect solution. Despite their budget-friendly price tag, these warm gloves have smart conductive tips across the thumb, index and middle fingers and an anti-slip grip across the palm, giving you full control over your devices without being exposed to the cold.
With a choice of colours available, these high density wool gloves can protect against wind chill, whilst the soft fleece interior and double layer cuffs lock in heat to keep your hands toasty all winter.
Looking for gloves for children? Here's our guide to the best kids gloves for winter 2022.
7. Best women’s gloves for small hands: Dents Isabelle Women's Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves
RRP: £63.75 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs: Sizes: XS to XL | Colours: Choice of 6 colours including black, mocha, berry, charcoal, cognac and navy
Reasons to buy:
Available in smaller sizes for petite hands
Choice of colours
Cashmere lined for warmth and comfort
Reasons to avoid:
Costly
Button fastening can be fiddly to remove
What Mumsnet users say:
“My tiny, dainty mum and sisters all wear Dents” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user oohyoudevilyou)
“I have small hands and only buy Dents gloves as the fit is great for me. I’m XS.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Coffee4Queen)
Our Verdict
If you’re on the petite site, it can be quite a challenge to find women’s gloves that are comfortable, warm and stylish, with many Mumsnetters resorting to buying from children’s ranges instead.
Whilst they’re certainly an investment, these cashmere lined leather gloves look beautiful, with a classic design that buttons at the wrist. They also come in a wide range of colours, ideal if you want to add a splash of colour to your daily routine.
8. Best mittens for women: Heat Holders Ladies Thick Fleece Lined Mittens
RRP: £13.49 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs: Sizes: One size | Colours: Black, coral, light grey and purple
Reasons to buy:
Mittens style conserves heat
Thick and insulating fabric
Thermal lining that holds heat close to the skin
Reasons to avoid:
Need to remove to work touchscreen
Patterned design won't be to everyone’s taste
Not waterproof
What Mumsnet users say:
“My rheum told me mittens are actually better as keeping the fingers together conserves warmth. Heat Holders do good thermal ones.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user GlovesAndHatsAndFloofyCats)
Our Verdict
As a brand, Heat holders are well known for…. well, holding in heat and Mumsnet users rave about their thermal socks for use on colder days. These Heat Holders mittens are no exception, made from a thick insulating fabric and thermal lining that conserves heat and keeps your fingers toasty even on icy cold days.
Whilst the patterned mitten style won’t be to everyone’s taste, they’re an excellent choice for days where keeping warm is your highest priority.
9. Best cashmere women’s gloves: Uniqlo 100% Cashmere Gloves
RRP: £34.90 | Buy now from Uniqlo
Key specs: Sizes: One size | Colours: Choice of 8 colours including brown, black, off-white, red, beige, yellow, green and navy
Reasons to buy:
100% cashmere for warmth
Wide choice of colours
Simple, classic design
Reasons to avoid:
Not waterproof
What Mumsnet users say:
“I’ve got cashmere gloves from Uniqlo, they’re toasty warm.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user BornIn78)
Our verdict
Gloves don’t have to be boring, so if you’re after some warm cashmere gloves without adding even more black to your winter wardrobe, Uniqlos’ 100% cashmere gloves certainly stand out from the crowd.
They’re soft and comfortable, easy to pull on and have a wider rib cuff to keep heat securely trapped inside. We love the addition of brighter shades like yellow, red and olive green, ideal for bringing a splash of colour into darker days.
10. Best thermal women’s gloves: Rab Women's Forge Glove
RRP: £21 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs: Sizes: Small, Medium and Large | Colours: Ebony (black)
Reasons to buy:
Merino blend gloves for warmth
Can be used alone in warmer weather or layered under other gloves as a thermal base layer
Lightweight for dexterity and freedom of movement
Reasons to avoid:
May require a thicker top glove in extreme cold
What Mumsnet users say:
“Rab gloves are amazing” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user mellicauli)
Our Verdict
Thermal gloves are ideal for wearing all year around or as a base layer under cashmere or wool gloves during periods of extreme cold.
Don’t be deceived by their thin appearance, these Rab Forge Gloves are made from merino wool, which is well known for its warmth, temperature regulation and moisture-wicking properties. They’re also lightweight enough to be non-restrictive, allowing you the freedom to carry out your daily routine without the need to constantly remove them.
How to choose the best women’s gloves
There are hundreds of styles and materials to choose from, so when thinking of the ‘best’ gloves, this will never be boiled down to one type as everyone will differ in their opinions. Here are some things to consider when making your choice:
Fabrics - What kind of fabric do you prefer? Are you seeking a smart and stylish fabric such as leather or do you prefer the softer cashmere or woollen style?
Where are you wearing them? - The best style of glove will very much depend on what you’re using them for. If you are going to be in extreme cold, ski gloves or multi layered waterproof gloves are a must. For school runs and every day activities, leather and woollen gloves may be perfectly adequate, keeping you warm and comfortable without restricting your movement. If warmth is key and you’re less concerned about their overall aesthetic, mittens can be a popular choice for temperature regulation.
Do you need touchscreen access? - For many, the biggest frustration about gloves is not being able to access your phone. Some gloves come with conductive touchscreen capabilities, meaning you can swipe and select without needing to remove your gloves.
Colours and styles - Style is a very personal choice, but consider whether the colour choices and patterns suit your overall preferences. Some gloves are limited to traditional shades such as grey, black and navy, whereas others offer a wider range of brighter colours or striking designs.
Budget - The price variation for gloves is pretty huge, with pairs ranging from £5 through to more investment prices for high quality cashmere or leather. Sometimes it’s a case of ‘you get what you pay for’, but consider how often you will use them and determine whether it’s worth paying the extra.
What’s the best material for women’s gloves?
There’s no straight answer to this. It’s really about your individual needs. Do you require waterproof gloves? Or perhaps you need gloves lined with insulating fleece to keep you as warm as possible on early morning dog walks or wintry rambles. Leather gloves can fit snugly and are typically hard-wearing, cashmere gloves are super soft, wool gloves are cosy to wear and lightweight fleece is a good option for warmer weather.
How do you measure glove size?
Whilst they’re not necessarily the most attractive of gloves, mittens are renowned for trapping heat around the fingers and as such, can be very effective at keeping your hands and fingers warm even in extreme cold.
If you prefer to maintain full use of your fingers, multi layer gloves such as the Sealskinz are a great alternative.
What are the best women’s gloves to buy?
We love the Sealskinz Women's All Weather Insulated Gloves. Reliable, sturdy, warm and practical - in many ways, these really are a perfect fit. The three-layer construction means they’re tough enough to withstand a seriously cold winter and they’re subtly touchscreen-friendly, so you can check your phone messages while out without the risk of losing a discarded glove on your travels.
How we chose our recommendations
Because we know that there’s nothing like a real recommendation, we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out which women’s gloves users were recommending and had bought. We then did some research across the wider web, looking at which women’s gloves had been featured in ‘best buy’ lists across websites, and what customer reviews said about them. Having collated all that information, we then narrowed our list down to the top women’s gloves on the market.
Why you should trust us
Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in those years, we’ve seen, tried and reviewed thousands of products.
We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.
If you decided to buy something that we recommended as a result of our research, we usually (not always) get paid affiliate commission from the retailer where you make a purchase. But, if you weren't impressed with the product and decided to return it, we wouldn't make a penny.