FAQ: Gloves
The Difference Between Mittens and Gloves
The fundamental difference between mittens and gloves is how the fingers are arranged. In a classic mitten, the thumb has its own compartment, while the other fingers are grouped together. A glove, on the other hand, has a separate compartment for each finger.
This difference has practical implications. When the fingers are grouped together in a mitten, they can share the heat generated by the hands more effectively. This makes mittens an obvious choice when warmth is more important than precision. Gloves, on the other hand, allow for better individual finger movement, making it easier to handle items such as zippers, ski poles, or other objects.
Which gloves work best for skiing and cold weather?
There isn’t a single type of glove that’s best for all kinds of cold weather. Your choice should depend primarily on temperature, humidity, activity level, and how much finger mobility you need.
For skiing, insulation is important because your hands need to stay warm while being exposed to wind and snow. If the gloves get wet, their insulating ability can also decrease. That’s why water-repellent or waterproof materials are important, especially if you expect a lot of contact with snow.
In very low temperatures, a mitten can be warmer than a comparable glove because the fingers are kept closer together. The downside is that you lose some of the dexterity that can be useful while skiing. A classic glove may therefore be a better compromise if you frequently need to handle equipment, while a mitten may be a good option if warmth is your top priority. A good pair of ski gloves doesn’t necessarily have to be the thickest. The most important thing is that the insulation is appropriate for the temperature, that the construction protects against moisture and wind, and that the fit provides enough room to retain heat without restricting movement.
STRØM sells and manufactures leather gloves with linings as well as knit mittens, so you can find the pair that’s both practical and stylish. The collection keeps your hands warm throughout the cold months, no matter which style you choose.
Are leather gloves or knit mittens better?
Leather and fabric have different properties, so it doesn’t make much sense to single out one material as universally the best.
Leather is an attractive material for gloves because it combines flexibility with good resistance to wear and tear. Our selection includes leather gloves with a cashmere lining, which helps them retain heat well.
Textile-based gloves give manufacturers greater flexibility to combine different layers and functions. For example, they can be designed with synthetic insulation or a membrane that limits water penetration while allowing some moisture to be wicked away from the hand. This makes textiles particularly popular in technical winter apparel. One particularly useful feature of textile-based gloves is found, for example, in our Hestra gloves, which have a touchscreen function that makes it easier to use your cell phone while wearing the gloves.
For everyday use, the choice can therefore also come down to style. A pair of smooth leather gloves fits naturally into a more classic wardrobe, while textile gloves are often associated with a more functional or sporty look. If the primary purpose is to keep your hands warm in the city, the material’s appearance and feel are therefore just as important as its technical properties.