The Best Women’s Mittens

Buying Guide

Many people like to huddle in front of a blazing fire during the coldest months of the year, while others prefer to enjoy the snow and frigid air doing activities outside – and many others don’t have a choice and need to be out and about, no matter the weather. To make the cold more comfortable and enjoyable, it’s important to have the right gear, and that includes a warm pair of women’s mittens.

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a pair of mittens is the insulation. There are two main options, which are down and synthetic. Down is a great insulator and will keep your hands and fingers toasty. However, it’s costly and doesn’t work as well when it gets wet. If it’s in a pair of waterproof mittens, then the down will insulate really well. Many people choose mittens with down insulation for outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding. Synthetic insulation is less expensive than down, and it also insulates well when it gets wet. Plus, it also dries faster than down. It’s a good choice for those who have allergies to down or those who are keeping a close eye on their budgets. Keep in mind that synthetic insulation isn’t as warm as down and can be bulkier as well.

If you’re going to be doing any activities in the snow or rain, waterproof mittens are a must. Opt for ones that use waterproof materials like Gore-Tex, which is excellent for keeping out both moisture and wind.

• These days, many people are glued to their smartphones, even in the cold weather. If you need to be able to check your phone when outside, get a pair of women’s mittens that accommodates it. Look for convertible fingerless mittens so you can remove the top section off the mitten to expose your fingers while keeping the rest of your hand warm. Once you’re done using your phone, you can simply place the top section back on.
• Many mittens say they are one-size-fits-all, but it’s best to check sizing to make sure it’s right for you hands. Mittens that are too big won’t be able to keep your hands warm while those that are too small will be uncomfortable and restrictive. The right size mitten gives you about a quarter inch of extra material at the end of your fingers when they are fully outstretched. Check the sizing charts if they are available online.
• If you’re doing a lot of activities in the snow, opt for women’s mittens that have a wrist cinch. This way, you can close it tight to prevent any snow from getting into your mittens.
• Having leather or textured palms on the mittens is handy for those who like to have a bit of extra grip. This is useful for driving or holding on to things without them slipping out of your palms.
• Some mittens come with zippered pockets on the back of the hand. These can be used for storing essentials like keys or credit cards, but they are also a good place to put in disposable hand warmers on those especially cold days.