When the cold winds blow and frost is in the air, every man needs a good pair of leather gloves to keep their hands warm and protected. Quality leather gloves provide unbeatable insulation against wintry temperatures while also emanating classic style. Nothing beats the look and feel of fine leather gloves for men’s outerwear.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll recommend the top men’s leather gloves on the market right now. We’ll also share insider tips on how to select the perfect pair to suit your needs. Let’s get right into our top picks!
Top 5 Men’s Leather Gloves
1. The North Face Men’s Montana Etip Gloves
The North Face is renowned for their premium outerwear, so it’s no surprise their Montana Etip glove is a top choice for cold-weather functionality and comfort. Made with a supple, yet durable goatskin leather shell, these gloves provide excellent dexterity and grip. The 5 Dimensional Fit ensures a comfortable contoured shape, while the Etip technology allows you to use touchscreen devices without removing your gloves.
Pros:
- Soft, flexible goatskin leather
- Great grip and dexterity for fine motor tasks
- Touchscreen compatible fingertips
- Water-resistant HyVent liner
- Heat-trapping fleece cuff extends under jacket
Cons:
- Slightly expensive
- Not fully waterproof
Best For: Active men needing warmth during winter sports and outdoor activities with touchscreen convenience.
With their outstanding blend of warmth, flexibility, and smartphone compatibility, it’s easy to see why the Montana Etip gloves are a favorite for active winter adventures.
2. Carhartt Men’s Leather Driver Glove
From the workwear experts at Carhartt comes the Leather Driver glove. It’s designed to keep hands toasty while allowing full manual dexterity. The supple cowhide leather shell is paired with a cozy fleece lining and fast-drying internal insert.
Pros:
- Durable cowhide leather exterior
- Quick-drying wicking interior
- Stretchable spandex cuff for snug fit
- Reinforced palm and thumb
- Touchscreen compatible fingertips
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Lining may pill over time
Best For: Driving, construction, farming or any demanding work in cold conditions.
With their rugged build and stay-dry interior, Carhartt’s Leather Driver gloves are equipped for hard work outdoors or in cold vehicles. The premium cowhide balances toughness with comfort.
3. Hestra Fall Line Three-Finger Glove
Hestra is renowned for their premium ski gloves constructed from the finest leathers. The Fall Line Three-Finger glove delivers their signature quality in a lightweight, low-profile design ideal for fall and milder winter days. The soft goat leather exterior is windproof and dexterous. The Bemberg lining adds lightweight insulation.
Pros:
- Soft, supple goat leather
- Excellent breathability
- Allows great freedom of movement
- Snug elasticized wrist
- Touchscreen compatible
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Lacks heavy insulation for extreme cold
Best For: Active men who want a high-quality, lightweight glove for fall and mild winter conditions.
For style and performance without the bulk, Hestra’s Fall Line gloves deliver. Their streamlined, deerskin leather build makes them perfect for laid-back wear or outdoor activities in cool to cold weather.
4. Canada Goose Men’s All Season Gloves
When temperatures plunge, you need serious insulation. Canada Goose brings their cold-weather expertise to these All Season gloves. With a 625-fill power duck down interior, your hands stay toasty in even arctic chills. The soft goatskin shell is durable yet pliable.
Pros:
- Ultra-warm down insulation
- Soft, supple exterior goat leather
- Excellent snow protection
- Long gauntlet cuff
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Bulky and less dexterous
Best For: Extreme cold and snow. The perfect gloves for frigid winter pursuits like mountaineering.
Canada Goose’s All Season gloves may cost a pretty penny, but your hands will thank you in harsh winter elements. They offer some of the best insulation on the market.
5. Warmen Men’s Italian Leather Dress Gloves
Beyond rugged outdoor gloves, many guys need a refined, stylish pair of leather gloves for business or formal occasions. Warmen’s Italian Leather Dress Gloves fit the bill with their sleek, sophisticated look and feel. Made from premium lambskin nappa leather from Italy, they have a supple hand-fit and elegant aesthetics.
Pros:
- High-quality Italian lambskin
- Classic, dressy look
- Cashmere-lined for softness
- Snug, comfortable fit
- Allows dexterity for finer tasks
Cons:
- Dry clean only
- Thin; not very warm
Best For: Guys needing that refined, dressy finishing touch for their outfit when heading into the office or a night out.
For a sophisticated glove that feels as good as it looks, Warmen’s Italian leather offering is a fine choice. Slipping them on elevates any ensemble.
How to Choose Men’s Leather Gloves
Now that you know some top-rated men’s leather gloves, let’s go over what to consider when picking your ideal pair.
Determine Your Needs
First, think about when and where you plan to wear your leather gloves. This determines factors like:
- Warmth level – Are you looking for gloves to protect against bitter cold and winter activities? Or do you just need something for fall and milder weather? The insulation and warmth rating should align with the coldest temperatures you plan to use them in.
- Water protection – How water-resistant do they need to be? If you’ll only wear them when dry, waterproofing isn’t crucial. But for wet wintry conditions, look for a waterproof membrane or treatment.
- Dexterity – What level of fine motor control and grip do you require? Tight-fitting leather enhances dexterity and grip but can restrict movement. Looser-fitting leather sacrifices some dexterity for easier flexibility.
- Intended uses – Will you use them for sports, outdoor work, driving, casual or formal wear? Certain features cater to different uses.
Considering these factors beforehand ensures your new gloves meet your personal criteria.
Select the Right Leather
Many types of leather are used for gloves, and they differ significantly in durability, softness and aesthetics.
Cowhide – Extremely durable and protective leather, but less soft and pliable. Great for work gloves.
Deerskin – Supple, soft and comfortable leather that’s also fairly tough. A versatile option.
Goatskin – Offers an excellent balance between softness and strength. A popular choice.
Sheepskin – Very soft and flexible, but less durable than others. Ideal for lightweight gloves.
Lambskin – The softest, most luxurious type of leather. Makes incredibly soft, refined gloves.
Elkskin – Nearly indestructible. Very protective but not as flexible as others.
Consider which leather characteristics are most important for your needs. Softer leathers like lambskin provide more comfort and pliability, while tougher leathers like cowhide offer supreme durability.
Seek Out Useful Features
Consider what extra features would enhance your glove’s performance:
- Touchscreen fingertips – Allow using smartphones and devices without removing gloves. Useful for most people today.
- Reinforced palm – Extra grip and abrasion-resistance in high-wear area. Great for work and sports.
- Vents – Allow breathability and moisture control. Ideal for high-exertion activities.
- Long cuffs – Provide extra protection and overlap with coat sleeves. Help seal out snow and wind.
- Smart fabrics – Linings like GORE-TEX add weatherproofing and breathability.
- Compressions straps – Customize and secure the fit around your wrist.
- Modular liners – Allow adding or removing insulation layers as needed. Versatility for variable conditions.
Mind the Fit
An ideal glove fit is snug enough to maximize dexterity, while allowing flexibility and layering room if needed. Consider these fit tips:
- When possible, try gloves on in-person before buying.
- Consult sizing charts and measure your hand circumference.
- Err towards a larger size if you’ll wear liner gloves underneath or want a very roomy fit.
- The right fit should remove the need for tightening straps or elastic wrists.
- For work gloves, a tighter fit enhances grip and control. For casual gloves, loose fits allow easier layering.
Getting the optimal fit makes all the difference in achieving hand comfort and dexterity. Don’t settle for a size that feels restrictive or sloppy.
Set Your Budget
Leather glove pricing spans a wide range depending on quality. Well-constructed leather gloves with premium materials and detailing will cost $70-100+ generally. More basic leather gloves can run $20-50. Consider:
- Higher price often (but not always) means better quality materials and construction. These should last longer.
- Cheaper gloves may use lower-grade leather that wears out quicker.
- Division of labor impacts cost. Hand-sewn and local production costs more.
- Unique features like touchscreen fingers or GORE-TEX liners add cost.
For leather gloves, splurging for quality often pays off via durability and performance. But excellent gloves are also available at lower price points, so set a budget that works for you.
Read Reviews
Researching buyer reviews provides valuable insight into real-world glove performance and sizing. Look for these clues:
- Consistent praise for warmth, comfort and durability? Positive indicator of quality.
- Many complaints about defects, sizing issues or lack of durability? Major red flag to avoid those gloves.
- Lukewarm middle-ground reviews could still be fine. Read details.
- Is satisfaction consistent across people with different hand sizes? Range of fit may be good.
- Do people mention receiving compliments on the style? Sign they look nice.
Reading glove reviews before buying helps you zero in on pairs praised for keeping hands toasty in real winter use. This boosts your chances of satisfaction.
Factor In Aesthetics
Beyond functionality, gloves are part of your style and image. If color and visual appeal matter to you:
- Black, brown or tan leather gloves align with most coats and outfits.
- Distinctive leathers like bison or exotics make a style statement.
- Sheepskin and wool linings add visual flair.
- Contrast stitching and fabric accents provide pop.
With quality construction and proper fit, you can focus the rest of your decision around which leather gloves align with your personal style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about choosing the ideal leather gloves? Here are answers to some common FAQs.
Q: Are leather gloves much warmer than normal fabric gloves?
A: Generally yes, leather gloves provide noticeably better insulation against cold and wind than typical fabric gloves. Leather’s innate density traps warm air effectively. But extremely thin, cheap leather may not outperform high-tech synthetic glove liners. Quality matters.
Q: Should leather gloves fit very tightly or loose?
A: For maximum dexterity and grip, leather gloves should fit snugly around the fingers and palm without constricting. But those prioritizing warmth may want a looser fit to allow wearing thick liner gloves inside. Find the right balance between snugness and flexibility.
Q: How can I make leather gloves last a long time?
A: Protect them by applying leather conditioner regularly, allowing to fully air dry before storage, and handling gently when putting on and taking off. Proper storage and avoiding moisture are also key. With care, high quality leather gloves should provide years of use.
Q: Can leather gloves get wet without ruining them?
A: You should avoid submerging leather gloves in water, which can cause drying, discoloration and cracking over time after repeated soaking. Light moisture or snow is fine, but sustained wetness damages leather. For heavy wet conditions, choose waterproof leather gloves.
Q: If my hands sweat a lot, should I avoid leather gloves?
A: Not necessarily – some quality leather gloves feature moisture wicking liners and vents to allow airflow and control sweat. But very heavy sweating can shorten the lifespan of leather through salt damage. In that case, gloves with synthetic, breathable liners may be best.
Q: Are cashmere-lined leather gloves worth the extra cost?
A: Cashmere glove linings provide unparalleled softness and warmth for hands. The premium comfort may justify the higher prices to some buyers. But other plush linings like fleece or wool can also deliver comfort at a lower cost. Determine if your hands are worth cashmere!
Conclusion
We hope this detailed guide helps you zero in on top-quality leather gloves to keep your hands stylishly warm this winter. While many options exist today, paying attention to critical factors like intended use, fit, leather quality and features ensures you end up with the ideal pair.
Some final tips:
- Properly conditioning quality leather gloves regularly extends their lifespan substantially. Don’t neglect this care.
- Allow wet gloves to fully air dry before storage to avoid damage.
- Handle leather gently and avoid stretching it when wet. Be patient breaking gloves in.
- For especially cold conditions, wearing liner gloves underneath is key for sufficient warmth.
With knowledgeable glove selection and proper care, your investment should return dividends in many winters of cozy hands ahead. So pick your perfect pair, get ready for winter, and keep those hands happily toasty all season long!