When the weather is cold you don’t want to skimp on the essentials. And when you think about it, what’s more essential than gloves when winter really starts to bite? What can perhaps initially seem like a wardrobe luxury can actually be both an extremely comfortable accessory and an out and out sartorial power move.
So, whether you need technical fabrics and serious insulation or something sleek and refined, here’s our pick of the best brands when it comes to the humble mitt.
Dents
Think of Dents as the glove equivalent of the Northamptonshire shoemakers: built on craftsmanship, long-standing heritage and a guaranteed mark of quality. The brand has been making the finest leather gloves in the UK since 1777 and was awarded a Royal Warrant in 2016 by His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales.
Involving as many as 32 stages and taking up to eight hours to make, each of the brand’s hand-cut and stitched gloves are made using premium grade leather combined with unique materials optimised for comfort and use. Dents’ Lando leather embossed glove, for example, uses hair sheep leather that allows you to operate your smartphone touchscreen without sacrificing the style and comfort of a classic driving style.
Barbour
The Northumbrian brand do outdoors extremely well, imbuing each of their pieces with that authentic countryside aesthetic. Its gloves are no exception, running the gamut from leather utility styles to more substantial woollen designs made from rugged Donegal yarn. There’s also neoprene and insulated options for outdoors sports and the more treacherous of walks.
For something instantly identifiable, consider a pair in signature Barbour tartan.
Aspinal of London
With a knack for crafting beautiful things out of hide, it’s no surprise that Aspinal of London produce some of the best leather gloves on the market. Whether you want to channel your inner Ryan Gosling in Drive with some traditional driving gloves, or experience pure luxury with a cashmere-lined pair, the brand offers something for every kind of gent. A true investment you will get your money’s worth from.
Hestra
For 80 years Hestra have been developing and producing the finest gloves from their Swedish headquarters. A master of its craft, the company has been family owned the entire time, passing down its expertise from generation to generation. Today, Hestra is a one-stop shop for gloves that would keep your hands warm on an Arctic expedition but also looking smart when knocking around the city.
Gucci
Outlandish? Yup. A statement? Definitely. That same iconic Gucci horsebit clasp that’s used on its loafers? Of course. If you’re going to make a hand statement, do it in Gucci. The Italian brand’s gloves are pure luxury with striking prints, odes to the house’s equestrian history and a cashmere lining for comfort and warmth.
Loro Piana
Established in 1924, Loro Piana is a world-renowned textiles and fashion brand with a commitment to quality. The family-owned company sources only the very finest of raw materials from across the globe, so expect exquisite gloves crafted in its homeland of Italy from the highest quality leather, cashmere and suede. The epitome of luxury.
Brunello Cucinelli
Sitting at the pinnacle of the luxury glove market is Brunello Cucinelli, where a pair will set you back a substantial amount well into the three figures. Dripping in opulence, the Italian brand’s unlined 100% cashmere rib knit gloves come with a reinforced suede palm and are crafted from the finest yarn money can buy, produced in the hamlet of Solomeo, Italy.
Arc’teryx
On the outdoors-orientated side of the glove spectrum sits Arc’teryx who you’re probably already familiar with thanks to its excellent range of technical jackets and outerwear. This penchant for GORE-TEX, fleece and advanced materials also extends to its gloves with a highlight being the brand’s line in moisture-wicking liner gloves that work with your smartphone.
The North Face
Outdoors, but make it fashion. That’s The North Face all over. Advanced garments that would see you up and down a mountain but also garner kudos on the streets. Its gloves are no different. Expect extremely comfortable designs that are built to withstand the harshest of climates yet look just as good with your everyday wardrobe.
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