The Best Women’s Leather Gloves

Buying Guide

When you start shopping for leather gloves, one thing becomes immediately clear: There are many different types of leather. If you want a pair of gloves that will hold up over time, quality leather is essential. But with so many different options, how can you tell which leather is the best quality?

High-quality leather resists cracking and stretching. The top three types when it comes to quality are hairsheep, deerskin and peccary. All three types combine softness and flexibility with strength, so they resist wear and tear without being stiff and therefore prone to cracking.

The interior of your glove is just as important as the exterior when it comes to keeping your hands warm. Cashmere is a favorite due to its breathability and warmth. But wool is a classic. This type of lining will often be a little less warm and soft than cashmere but still a great option. Lastly, there’s shearling, which is warmer than both cashmere and wool but, unfortunately, bulkier, so you might not get the comfort and flexibility you need.

The materials are only part of the equation. Make sure you choose a pair that features quality construction. Drum-dyed leather tends to retain the original properties of the leather best, but table-cut and hand-sewn gloves are also top quality.

• Although gloves are typically sized to fit a range of sizes, it’s best to know your glove size and check before you buy. Gloves will likely feel a little on the tight side when you first put them on, but as you wear them, they’ll stretch for a more comfortable fit.
• Caring for your gloves is just as important as choosing the right pair. This starts by buying a leather cleaner and setting them out to dry if they get wet. You should also remove them by loosening all five fingers of each glove, then pulling them off.
• If you have a good pair of leather gloves, they should last for years. But in some cases, the lining can wear out first. You can get your gloves relined every few years to get more mileage out of them.
• Touchscreen use has become an ongoing problem for glove wearers in recent years. For that reason, many gloves are now built for using touchscreens.
• How you’ll be wearing the gloves is an important consideration, as well. If you’re only going to be wearing them for driving, a pair you can quickly slip on and off will be useful. However, those who spend a great deal of time outdoors in winter weather need a pair of gloves that prioritize keeping your hands and fingers warm. You can even buy fingerless gloves if keeping your fingers free is a priority.