Gloves or Mittens: Which is Better?

Gloves or Mittens: Which is Better?

Posted by Bianca Chang on Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Let’s talk about a classic winter debate: gloves or mittens. Ask anyone who skis or snowboards, and you’ll know right away which team they’re on. But honestly? There’s no one-size-fits-all winner. It totally depends on your style, your needs, and how cold your fingers tend to get. So let’s break it all down and help you find your perfect match.

Gloves

Gloves are great if you like a little more freedom for your fingers. They make it way easier to do stuff like buckle your boots, zip your jacket, or dig your phone out of a pocket. Because each finger has its own space, though, they don’t trap heat as well. So if you tend to run cold, that might be something to keep in mind. If you're looking for the best ski gloves for women that balance dexterity and warmth, there are lots of great waterproof, insulated options out there.

Mittens

Mittens are big on warmth. With your fingers together, they share body heat, which is kind of adorable and super effective. The trade-off? They’re not as nimble. You can still hold ski poles or adjust your snowboard bindings just fine, but small tasks like zipping pockets or adjusting helmet straps can be tricky.

Personally, I use mittens. I used to hate them as a kid, but as an adult, I made the switch and never looked back. My hands get cold fast, and mittens keep me warm without the bulk. Plus, in both gloves or mittens, I found myself taking them off to access a zipper pocket for chapstick or my phone, so less dexterity in the mittens doesn’t really bother me.

Three-Finger Gloves: The Best of Both Worlds

If you’ve tried both mittens and gloves and haven’t settled on one you like, try out a three-finger glove. Three-finger gloves, also known as trigger mitts or lobster claws, are a hybrid—your thumb and pointer finger are independent while the other fingers are together like a mitt. You get a bit more movement than mittens, but still get more warmth than gloves. These are a great option for women’s winter gloves that offer a perfect mix of function and comfort.

Sizing and Fit

No matter what styles you go with, getting the proper fit is key to staying warm, comfortable, and maintaining dexterity. Too big will feel bulky and cumbersome, and cause you to lose body heat. Ones that are too small restrict movement and expose you to the elements.

A good-fitting glove or mitten should have about a ¼ inch of material at the end of your fingers—just enough to pinch. When you make your hand into a fist, it shouldn’t feel tight or restrictive.

When trying to find the best gloves for cold hands, always check the sizing guide and try them on with your ski or snowboard gear to make sure they work with your jacket cuffs and layers.

Features to Look for When Buying Mittens or Gloves

Waterproofing:

When choosing waterproofing, think about where you ride. If you tend to be in wet, wavy snow or fall a lot, go for a higher waterproof rating or even Gore-Tex for ultimate water protection. If you’re in a dryer climate with light, powdery snow, you can get away with something lighter and more breathable. Whether you're skiing or boarding, waterproof gloves for skiing are a must to keep your hands dry and comfy.

Insulation:

Most gloves and mittens use synthetic insulation because it’s more affordable and does a good job of insulating, even when wet. The other type of insulation is down, which is warmer, more lightweight, and packable than synthetic insulation, but some cons to down insulation are that it’s more expensive and doesn’t insulate when wet. The good news is that in down gloves and mittens, the outer waterproof layer, you don’t have to worry about water getting in, unless you’re in super wet conditions. Look for insulated mittens for women that balance bulk with warmth.

Leather:

Leather gloves or mitts are super durable and offer more grip. Full-leather versions provide ultimate protection from he elements and trap more heat, but they’re not the most breathable. If you’re looking for a nice balance, look for styles with leather palms.

Cuff Style:

Long Guantlet: These extend over your jacket sleeve and cinch tight, keeping out the cold and trapping more warmth—great for deep snow or more extreme temps.

Under Cuff: These fit under your jacket sleeve and give a slimmer, more seamless look while still protecting you from the elements.

Other Handy Features:

Zipper Pocket: Pop a hand warmer in the small pocket on the top of your hand on extra cold days—or stash your RFID pass if your jacket sleeve doesn’t have a pass pocket.

Thumb/Nose Wipe: Soft fabric on the thumb for, well… wiping your nose without scratching your face.

Glove Leashes: These loop around your wrist so you can take your gloves off on the lift without fear of losing them. If your gloves don’t come with them, you can grab a pair separately.

At the end of the day, it’s all about what works best for you. Whether you’re team gloves, mittens, or lobster claws, just make sure they fit well, keep your hands warm, and match your riding style. With the right ski gear for women, including gloves or mittens that suit your needs, you’ll have cozy hands and way more fun on the mountain.

Categories: Fashion

Tagged: mittens, how to dress for winter, how to choose