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You may not have known, but mittens tend to keep hands warmer as compared to gloves since mittens keep your fingers together, not separated by fabric like gloves, which helps generate more heat overall. Thus, if you are looking to keep your hands warm for the long haul, a mitten is a great option.
Below are some excellent women’s mittens that are made to combat all types of cold weather from semi-cold to the most inclement of climates.
Choose from some colorful knit options that are ideal for everyday wear and lined with ultra-warm fleece or faux fur materials to keep your hands flexible and warm. We have also included some all-weather-style mittens, including ones specifically for any snow activity, rain, or icy winds, that also have specialty hand and finger grips to allow for most touchscreen control.
Comparing the Top Women's Mittens of 2024
Whiteleopard Mittens — Best Overall
These functional mittens are a wool and acrylic blend making them super soft and warm with an additional plush cuff. They also feature a crochet knit design on the outside with a fleece interior lining that will get you through the whole season.
Pros
- These gloves are available in a ton of color options
Cons
- There is only one size available
Tough Outdoors Ski Mittens — Editor's Pick
For those who like to ski, these weatherproof snow mittens are an ideal option. Able to withstand rain, sleet, or wind, these mittens have a tough black nylon shell with a reinforced leather palm to keep them waterproof and breathable while preventing moisture from getting in. Fleece lining, thermal insulation, and the all-over mitten design of the glove will also keep your hands dry and toasty all season long.
Pros
- These mittens have wrist leashes to allow your mittens to safely dangle from your wrists without worrying about losing them
Cons
- You cannot control your smartphone with these mittens
Gordini Wooly Mitt — Best Value for Money
These ultra-warm, cozy mittens have a fluffy outer shell with a suede-covered palm and thumb area for a sturdy grip. In addition to suede, these gloves have palm and thumb reinforcement for durability and a pull wrist strap ensures they stay on for the long haul.
Pros
- These mittens come in multiple sizes
Cons
- There is only one color option
MUK LUKS Mittens — Contender
Known for its warm and plush boots, this brand has also offered up some warm and whimsical potholder-style mittens. These classically shaped mittens have a few fun and unique designs to choose from and cool wood button detail accents on the wrist area. These mittens are also made from a soft knit and are lined with faux fur softness.
Pros
- These mittens are ideal for larger hands
Cons
- These may not be ideal for below zero temperatures
Under Armour Mitten — Also Consider
These mittens are a nice alternative to the regular-style mittens featured as they not only can be used as a full-coverage mitten but have the added bonus of a pullover mitt function that can be pulled down to expose the fingers. The durable stretch knit material provides comfort and flexibility, a soft fleece lining adds warmth and extended ribbed cuffs keep the mittens snug on your hand.
Pros
- The pullover mitt is held down by a secure button closure
Cons
- The button may be hard to manipulate with gloves on
Burton Gore-Tex Mitten — Excellent Quality
Another outstanding pair of snow mittens are made by the famous ski and snowboarding brand and are made with specialty gore-tex fabric to insulate from the worst weather conditions. These gloves also have a removable four-way stretch fleece liner that dries quickly and gives you options to wear alone for warmer climates and a special screengrab synthetic leather palm gives you full coverage touchscreen control when using any tech.
Pros
- These gloves offer a hidden heater & vent pocket that can hold a disposable handwarmer or provide ventilation
Cons
- The removable liner does not work on touch screens
The North Face Mitt — Another Option
These Gore-Tex lined mittens provide maximum dexterity, are waterproof, and give breathable protection. Their synthetic leather provides a soft yet durable palm area and they are equipped with special functionality that allows you to work with touchscreen devices.
Pros
- These gloves have a specific fit just for women
Cons
- There is only one color option
Buying Guide: Women's Mittens
Here is a comprehensive buying guide to help you find the right pair of mittens:
Some Popular Mitten Variations to Keep Your Hands Cozy
While mittens are the coziest article for keeping your hands warm, they are not the only option. Below we have discussed some other options.
Gloves
Gloves are another popular clothing article for both summer and winter wear. They have individual fingers that generally offer better dexterity than mittens making holding snow gear a lot less awkward to hold. However, they don't provide the same level of warmth.
Lobster
Lobsters look a lot like mittens but separate your index finger from others. They are a blend of mitten and glove having individual fingers for your thumb and index finger while keeping the middle, ring, and pinky fingers together.
They are a great compromise for people who find mittens clumsy but are not satisfied with the warmth gloves offer.
3-in-1
To keep up with the lobster trend, many manufacturers came up with 3-in-1 models that combine a shell and removable liner consisting of either mitten or glove styles. Some 3-in-1 units have a mitten shell with glove liner, others have a mitten liner and glove shell. A good thing about these is that you can separate both and use them individually during the warm season.
How to Choose a Good Pair of Winter Mittens
Below we have identified a few things to consider when purchasing pair of mittens:
Size and fit
The key to keeping your hands warm and comfortable is to choose the right size and fit. A mitten that is too big won't retain your body heat and also make it difficult to hold snow gear, operate zippers, etc. On the other hand, mittens that are too small not only restrict movement they most likely leave your wrists exposed to the cold.
You should first measure your hand to learn about your proper mitten size and then consult the manufacturer’s size chart to pick the one that suits your measurement.
Material
Considering the material of your mittens is also very important. Since you are getting them for winter wear, they should be warm and insulating against the cold.
Wool mittens are generally considered the warmest material, closely followed by nylon for its water resistance. But if you are getting a pair for snow sports, it's best to choose a leather pair with adequate insulation. They are both waterproof and heat-retaining keeping you comfortable in harsh conditions.
Touchscreen compatibility
Another important consideration in winter mittens these days is touchscreen compatibility. Since mittens don't have separate fingers, most manufacturers incorporate touchscreen responsive materials into the thumb so you can easily use your smartphone without needing to take them off.
If you use your phone frequently, it's best to choose a pair that is both dexterous and touchscreen compatible.
Gloves or Mittens
This is a big question that confuses many buyers. Many people choose to purchase gloves because they are more practical. However, when it comes to warmth, mittens are unbeatable. Here are some advantages of choosing mittens over gloves:
- Mittens offer better warmth by keeping your fingers together inside the lining.
- They are easier to put on.
- There is a large variety to choose from.
- They are made up of different components to keep you warm, dry, and protected.
- They have less total surface area for body heat to escape.
How to Wash and Care for Winter Mittens
The first thing you should know about winter mitten care is that they rarely need washing. Hence, you shouldn't be tossing your pair in the weekly laundry pile. However, there are times when a dirty mitten requires cleaning and a worn-out one needs some TLC. Here is how you should care for your pair:
- Spot cleaning: When it comes to washing mittens, it is always better to substitute the full wash cycle with a spot cleaning ritual. Take some mild soap and water and wipe the dirt or spots to remove them. Air dry.
- Wash the removable liner: If your mittens have a removable liner, you should remove and wash it regularly.
- Use Tech-specific cleaners: If the mitten needs absolute washing, use Tech-specific cleaners and wash on the delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry.
- Condition leather mittens: The right way to care for a leather mitten is to first rub it with a damp cloth to remove grit and then massage them with a leather wax to restore the shine.
Conclusion
Mittens are an important winter accessory that you should own. They come in a variety of styles, colors choices, materials, and designs. Choosing the right pair of mittens can be the difference between an enjoyable outing or a miserable one with frigid fingers. To help you out, we have identified the top winter mittens in 2022. Check them out and choose a suitable one for your needs.
