It’s hardly a secret that the right accessories can take a good outfit and make it exceptional. But what many overlook is the fact that wintertime is perhaps the very best time to accessorize. Sure, summertime lends itself to cool shades and bracelets adorning bare wrists, but colder weather demands that you layer up on extras if you want to stay warm.
That means scarves, thicker socks, and yes, gloves. You read the title – you knew where this was going. And look, we know that most of the time, you can survive by shoving your hands deep into your coat pockets, save for perhaps the most frigid temperatures.
But why aim to just survive this winter, when you can choose to thrive? Stylistically speaking, a good pair of gloves presents a golden opportunity to showcase an extra dose of class or ruggedness to your outfit, depending on what kind of vibe you’re going for. And what’s more, gloves are the kind of accessory that indicates the sort of careful planning and preparedness that makes a man into a gentleman.
And we certainly can’t forget their practicality, which is in fact, their primary purpose, after all. Whether you have sensitive skin prone to winter dryness or if you’re just looking to keep the cold at bay, gentlemen of every age ought to own at least once solid pair.
And so, we’ve compiled a definitive list of the best gloves a gentleman can buy for this winter. Bundle up, fellas.
The Best Budget All-Purpose Gloves: HEATTECH Lined Gloves | Faux Suede by Uniqlo
Uniqlo’s HEATTECH line is beloved by many for wintertime comfort, and these gloves live up to its reputation rather well. With two classic colors to choose from, the faux suede material looks and feels pretty convincing, while the inner fleece lining does the heavy lifting when it comes to heat retention.
A comfortable ribbed knit fabric at the wrist prevents cold air from leaking in, and the thumb and index fingers are touchscreen compatible – not bad at this price, which comes out to under $20!
The Best Budget Wool Gloves: Men’s Lambswool Gloves by House of Bruar
For everyday contemporary wear, you can’t beat a good pair of wool-knit gloves. They’re soft, will keep you warm, and work well for more casual outfits. This pair from House of Bruar comes in a shocking variety of colors (over a dozen!), so there’s a little something for everyone. Made from 100% British lambswool, it’s pretty impressive to see these priced so fairly, at only $33.
The Best Premium Wool Gloves: Merino Wool Knitted Gloves by Drake’s
If you’re looking for some wool gloves that bear a remarkable degree of quality and craftsmanship, Drake’s more than certainly has the right ticket for you. Although this pair from the renowned British-based brand doesn’t offer as many colors as our more budget-friendly pick, it more than makes up for that in other regards.
This pair is knitted in Ayrshire, Scotland from a soft merino wool, and features distinctive donegal flecking to add some extra visual interest. The interior cuff offers a bit of contrasting color as well, lending a dose of sophistication to what at first glance, appears to be a fairly simple pair of gloves. At $85, they’re a bit on the pricier side, but they’re sure to keep your hands toasty – and look good doing it, too.
The Best Budget Leather Gloves: Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves by J.Crew
There’s almost nothing as sophisticated as a sleek pair of leather gloves, but throw in some cashmere lining, like this pair from J.Crew, and somehow, it gets even better. With extensive sizing options and two classic colors to pick from, these gloves are crafted from sheepskin leather, making them incredibly soft and moldable to your hand.
The cashmere lining offers an even softer experience while wearing them, while keeping things warm and comfortable for day-to-day wear in the winter. These are guaranteed to look as good with a suit as they would with a more casual ensemble. And for under $100, they’re hard to beat.
The Best Premium Leather Gloves: Men’s Cashmere-Lined Napa Leather Gloves by Bergdorf Goodman
Say you’re looking to spend a bit more on some leather gloves – you want them to look even sleeker! This pair by famed luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman is exquisitely crafted in Italy from napa leather and features an ultra-soft, high-end cashmere lining that’s sure to delight.
A bit of the fabric that forms the wrist cuff peeks out from the leather body, adding a visual layer and profound detail. At $265, these aren’t exactly cheap, but you can expect the best from Bergdorf.
The Best Budget Suede Gloves: Cashmere-Lined Suede Gloves by J.Crew
J.Crew is back at it again with this delightful pair of suede gloves – in case you were interested in something with a little bit more texture. Suede ages in a beautiful and unique way, and like normal leather gloves, are worth the investment.
This pair is similar to the other ones by J.Crew, in that the suede is made from a sheepskin leather, and due to the fact that they also feature a super-soft cashmere lining. But in addition to black, this pair happens to come in a warm and vibrant orange-brown that adds a ton of much-needed color to the wintery landscape – particularly when it comes to outerwear. They’ll run you just under $100, sitting at $98.
The Best Premium Suede Gloves: Men’s Suede & Smooth Leather Gloves by Portolano
Founded in 1895, Portolano gloves has long been highly-regarded for their quality gloves, and this pair somehow combines the best of both worlds by fusing together a suede top with a traditional smooth leather bottom to create a glove that excels in style. These also come in a warm brown, which they call “Tobacco Saddle.”
They’re crafted from sheepskin leather and of course, feature a luxurious cashmere lining, but they also have three-point stitching for even better build quality. For $225, we think they’re a fine investment.
The Best Tweed Gloves: Men’s Harris Tweed and Leather Gloves by House of Bruar
For something a bit more rugged and adjacent to the styles of the English and Scottish countryside, you could do well with a sturdy and reliable pair of tweed gloves. This pair by House of Bruar comes in over a dozen distinctive patterns and colors, with a leather palm and an upper crafted from authentic Harris Tweed.
They include a fleece lining for extra warmth, not to mention an adjustable snap-button buckle to secure around the wrist. And hey – they’re only $40, which is a total steal in our book.
All Bundled Up
Winter and its low temperatures doesn’t have to be miserable – it really does present us with a fine opportunity to express ourselves in terms of tasteful accessories. Whether that’s a fine plaid cashmere scarf or, as we’ve explored a bit here, a sleek pair of elegant gloves, there’s no shame in getting oneself ready to face the icy elements.
Like we said, it’s that sort of preparedness that separates and distinguishes a proper gentleman. Always having the right equipment for any situation – right down to the gloves on your hands.
Hopefully, you found a pair here that speaks to your tastes and needs. And if not, there’s a whole world out there composed of fine accessories for the gentleman’s wardrobe. So, bundle up and get out there to explore!