When the weather cools off, our mental floodgates open wide and we’re suddenly shopping for all kinds of accessories we normally wouldn’t give a second glance. Scarves, thermals, and long underwear suddenly take up a far larger part of our budget than normal. Gloves, of course, become something worth thinking about. And, as anyone accustomed to cold weather knows, they make life a lot easier than just cramming your hands in your pockets.
Today we’re talking about fingerless gloves, a weird niche in the world of accessories, but a valuable necessity in any wardrobe. For those of us who need to stay dexterous and active, even in cold weather, the fingerless glove is a must-have. And, like any niche, there are different kinds of fingerless gloves to choose from, each one specific in its intention. So, we’ve compiled this list featuring a variety of different fingerless glove types so you can figure out what works best for you.
The Classic
Outclass gloves. Image via Lone Flag.
Let’s start with something classic. You can find fingerless gloves in all kinds of materials, but the tried-and-true wool version is the most common. These Outclass gloves are made in Canada from a soft garment-dyed lambswool. They have ribbed cuffs and minimal branding; just a small Outclass label on the left wrist. These navy gloves will look great with just about anything and that lambswool should reduce the itch-factor.
Available for $26 from Lone Flag.
Leather Palms
Wool gloves with deerskin patches. Image via Upstate Stock.
For dexterity with added grip, a fingerless glove with leather palms might be your choice. Holding on to your camera or cell phone can be a slippery affair, especially if you choose a pair of fingerless gloves made with finer wools. Add a leather palm into the mix, however, and you can rest easy. Made in Green Point, Brooklyn, Upstate Stock’s version uses American Ragg wool, a blend of wool and nylon that is traditionally used in gardening and workwear garments. The resulting blend accentuates much of what makes wool great, namely its odor resistance and waterproof qualities. The folks at Upstate add the deerskin patch with the help of a vintage Singer machine, which should give you better grip.
Available from Upstate Stock for $39.
Fingerless Mittens
Gloves by Barena Venezia. Image via Lost and Found.
Though technically not a glove, fingerless mittens still offer warmth to your hands with an even better fit. And if you find the feeling of fabric in between each of your fingers annoying, fingerless mittens provide that freedom. But, this obviously comes with a price since the larger opening will leave you more vulnerable to the cold. Pick your poison. These gloves from Barena use a blend: 80% wool and 20% polyamide, which like the other blends seen so far, should increase both comfort and water-resistance.
These are available from the Lost & Found Shop for $61.07.
Wristlet
Wool Wristlet. Image via Lost and Found.
When you find that your sleeves are a bit short, leaving your wrists cold, you might want to try out something a little different than your average fingerless glove. The wool wristlet from The Real McCoy’s is 100% wool and made in Japan and should help your wrists retain their precious warmth. This glove variant appears to give even better articulation because it cuts off below the knuckles.
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Available from Lost & Found for $95.39.
Long Gloves
Kapital Long Gloves. Image via Blue in Green.
So if cold wrists aren’t your issue, but your whole forearm feels like it’s freezing, then you should grab these very long gloves from Kapital. Another wool blend, the 5G Wool Gloves have some nylon and polyurethane in the weave to reduce some of the wool’s natural itchiness. At twelve inches long, these gloves can cover a substantial portion of your forearm, giving you a fun witchy vibe and tons of comfort.
Available from Blue in Green for $95.
Convertible Gloves
Patagonia. Image via Patagonia.
Who says you can’t have it all? Convertible gloves give you the freedom of fingerless gloves with complete coverage of regular gloves. You can leave your fingers cozy and warm right up until the time you need them. Sacrificing even just the tips of your fingers to the wintery weather doesn’t have to be a thing. These Better Sweater Fleece Gloves from Patagonia are both mittens and fingerless gloves. Pop off the top of the gloves and you have all the dexterity you need to use your phone or buzz into your apartment, but if your hands get cold, you can reattach the outer part and boom, instant Gumby hands.
Available from Patagonia for $49.
