Outdoor work doesn’t stop because the temperature drops. Cold fingers and hands can make working in cold weather downright miserable. That’s why we created a guide to choosing the best winter work gloves.

First things first – there are a number of things you need to look for in winter work gloves. Depending on the type of work you’re doing this could vary, but in general you should look for four things: layers of insulation, breathability, grip and dexterity, and waterproofing. 

Four Things To Look For In Winter Work Gloves

1. Types of Glove Insulation

When considering which winter work gloves are best for you, always check the layers of insulation and the material of the glove. Insulated gloves can be made out of a number of materials including leather, nylon, spandex, and polyester. Leather gloves are thicker and will trap body heat, whereas synthetic materials tend to be thinner and more dexterous.

2. Glove Materials for Breathability

When your hands overheat inside gloves they can get sweaty and wet, which can cause your gloves to lose all of their insulation value. Winter gloves with some breathability allow air to escape keeping your hands from overheating. For the ultimate breathability, try natural fiber gloves like wool. 

3. Gripping Material

A good pair of gripping gloves allow you to be more dexterous and have more control in your work. Gloves with grip are typically made from latex, PVC, or nitrile rubber. All offer differing levels of grip and hand protection:

• Latex Dipped Gloves – These gloves come in a variety of styles and glove materials, offering great flexibility and grip.
• Nitrile Coated Gloves – A nitrile coating resists water, oils, and other chemicals, making it great for gripping in a multitude of environments.
• PVC Dot Gloves – Knit gloves can come with a textured, dot pattern made from PVC. This dot pattern is what gives knit gloves the extra grip they need to get the job done. 

4. Waterproof Materials

The best way for your skin and nerve endings to get damaged is to let your hands get soaked during cold weather. This is why waterproof gloves are imperative. When looking for waterproof gloves, look for rubberized gloves or gloves with an interior waterproof bladder. These will help keep your hands warm and dry.  

Now that you know what to look for, let’s talk through a few of our favorite cold weather work gloves and why. 

Our Favorite Winter Work Gloves

Ice Gripster High Visibility Gloves 

These gloves are ideal for winter working conditions when you need grip and dexterity. They’re water repellant and dipped in a black foam latex. Read more about these gloves here. 

Hot Rod Insulated Waterproof Gloves

Our Hot Rod gloves provide the best insulation and have a waterproof barrier to keep moisture out. Plus, these gloves come with a reinforced thumb and fingertips to help reduce hand fatigue. Read more about these gloves here. 

Gripster Sport Leather Insulated Gloves

These gloves are the ultimate mix between warm insulation and dexterity. They’re insulated with Thinsulate™ insulation, have PVC palm reinforcements for great grip, and an interior waterproof bladder to keep your hands completely dry. Read more about these gloves here.

If you didn’t find the gloves you’re looking for click here to check out all of our winter work gloves.