• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Modest Man

  • .
  • Topics
    • Fashion
    • Shoes
    • Accessories
    • EDC
    • Hairstyles
    • Cologne
    • See All
  • Reviews
  • Outfit Ideas
  • About The Modest Man
    • Start Here
    • Contact
Home / Blog / Clothing and Style
We earn a commission on some purchases you make through our site. Here's how affiliate links work.

Gloves VS Mittens: Which is Better?

Published on November 29, 2023 by Ryan Hallstrom · Clothing and Style

When the mercury heads south do you turn to mittens or gloves to keep your hands warm? In this article, we’ll explore which is best for you!

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • When Are Mittens Best?
  • The Glove Argument
  • Which is Better? It  Depends on the Situation (and Your Preference)
  • Brands for Gloves and Mittens
  • Mittens & Gloves: Why Not Get Both?

The age-old question of mittens versus gloves is one that still divides the public in the ever-evolving world of fashion, where trends come and go like the seasons. 

There have been many conversations on which of these two winter necessities is better, with each side adamantly supporting their position. 

Both mittens and gloves have special advantages, meeting different needs in terms of functionality and style.

So let’s go into this intense debate and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each, looking at well-known looks and labels along the way, in an effort to solve the age-old conundrum of which is actually superior.

When Are Mittens Best?

Mittens allow fingers to share heat. They provide optimal warmth thanks to their uniform inner area for all fingers. 

This design creates a warm haven for the hands by reducing the amount of surface area that is exposed to the cold.

The North Face Montana Ski Mitts

Mittens have a nostalgic appeal that makes one think of chilly nights by the fireside and childhood snowball fights. 

The insulation mittens provide is one of their biggest benefits. Mittens keep in natural warmth by drawing fingers together, which makes them the perfect option for extremely cold climates. 

For maximum utility, companies like The North Face and Canada Goose offer fur and down-lined mittens. 

The timeless, classic appeal of mittens is a big draw for style enthusiasts. A staple of the winter look, knitted mittens with elaborate patterns and whimsical designs have become legendary.

Furthermore, mittens provide unmatched comfort. Individual finger movement is unrestricted within the mitten, giving wearers’ fingers unrestricted and cozy. Outdoor enthusiasts who spend long periods of time outside in winter appreciate this, such as skiers, hikers, and snowboarders.

Photo by shalamov / Depositphotos.com

Mittens are an excellent option for enthusiasts of winter activities since they offer the required warmth without sacrificing practicality.

The Glove Argument

On the other hand (pun intended) gloves have their own set of benefits.

Gloves, as opposed to mittens, allow wearers to execute more precise finger movements, making it easier to accomplish complex tasks like typing, texting, and zipping clothes. This adaptability is a big lure for people who need their hands to be dexterous in chilly climates.

Flannel leather and wool

A vast array of fashion tastes is catered to by the variety of styles and materials available in gloves. Leather gloves are a classic accessory for formal events because of their sophistication and elegance. 

High-end leather gloves like Dents and Hestra are well-known for their ability to go well with fitted suits and winter jackets. 

In the digital age, touchscreen gloves have become incredibly popular. Gloves with unique fingers, such as those made by UGG and Isotoner, enable users to use tablets and cellphones without putting their hands in the freezing cold. 

Other brands, such as Fort Belvedere, offer gloves with specially tanned leather which gives the entire glove touchscreen compatibility, not just one or two fingertips. 

Gloves also provide a polished and elegant appearance. Style-conscious people tend to prefer gloves with a streamlined design, which improves the hands’ overall silhouette. 

Gloves have long been used to make fashion statements, appearing in everything from traditional black leather gloves to striking, attention-grabbing designs with embroidery and embellishments. 

Which is Better? It  Depends on the Situation (and Your Preference)

When it comes to the mittens vs. gloves debate, there is no obvious winner. Which option is best for you ultimately comes down to personal taste, way of life, and the particular situation. 

Mittens are a wonderful choice for outdoor activities in frigid weather since they are unmatched in terms of delivering optimum warmth and comfort. For those looking to add a hint of winter charm to their wardrobes, mittens’ warm, nostalgic vibe is especially appealing.

Conversely, gloves provide unmatched flair and adaptability. For those who need to use their hands a lot in cold weather and value utility, gloves are the preferred choice.

@ericnycstyle wearing a custom camel topcoat form Indochino

Whether you’re doing errands, heading to work, or attending a formal event, gloves provide a sophisticated appearance that goes well with a variety of ensembles.

Brands for Gloves and Mittens

Oiselle and Smartwool are well-liked options for mittens since they provide a large selection of patterns ranging from traditional knits to modern styles. 

Brands like Patagonia and Eddie Bauer offer Eco-friendly mittens made of recycled materials to cater to consumers who prioritize sustainability.

Check out this article for 9 of the best mittens on the market. 

When it comes to gloves, Fort Belvedere is well-known for its premium leather gloves, which have great craftsmanship and longevity. They are the best quality gloves that I’ve ever seen in person. 

The North Face and UGG provide a wide range of stylish gloves that are touchscreen compatible, perfect for today’s tech-savvy consumer.

Mittens & Gloves: Why Not Get Both?

Ultimately, the argument between mittens and gloves is not about stating which is better, per se. Mittens and gloves meet diverse needs and tastes, just as different clothes better suit different functions and events.

There are days when the cozy warmth of mittens is just what you need, and there are other times when gloves are a must.

Having both options in your wardrobe lets you tailor your look to the occasion, whether you’re going on a winter stroll through a dream world, attending a black-tie event, or tackling everyday obstacles. 

Do you wear gloves or mittens more frequently? Why? Let me know in the comments!

Clothing and Style

Related Posts
Man in Black Leather Jacket Sitting Inside Car
16 Style Tips That Help Shorter Guys Look More Dominant
A Man in Maroon Suit Sitting at the Table
How to Look Expensive in 16 Ways Without Spending Much
The man is wearing a brown jacket and eyeglasses.
Men’s Style Slip-Ups and How To Fix Them Easily
Two Pumpkin jack-o-lanterns glowing in the dark.
16 Halloween Costume Ideas for Couples
About Ryan Hallstrom

TMM's Senior Editor, Ryan Hallstrom is from Horseheads, NY, the only town in America named in honor of military packhorses. When he’s not writing about menswear, Ryan enjoys reading, whittling, running, and perfecting his penmanship.

Background: In 2021, Ryan graduated from Brigham Young University where he majored in American Studies and Russian. Before completing his schooling, he had a wide range of job titles including finish carpenter, usher, elevator operator (yes, that’s a real job), landscaper, tour guide, and more.

In January 2022, Ryan began working full-time as The Modest Man’s Senior Editor. In this role, he not only edits all articles prior to publication but also is a frequent contributor to the blog. He enjoys crafting in-depth product reviews (often testing items in extreme environments), helpful self-improvement articles, and detailed clothing guides.

His interest in men’s style stems from the examples of men in his family:

“Growing up, a lot of the men I looked up to dressed well. My dad is always clean-shaven and makes sure that he looks presentable before heading out the door, and my grandfather, who owned and operated a dairy farm, usually wore work pants with a sharp crease and a button-up work shirt.”

However, it wasn’t until the end of high school that Ryan began to care about how he looked. Gradually, over the next few years, he started to dress better and learn about style. “Finding clothes that fit helped me to become more confident. I find that when I try to dress well, I feel better.”

Expertise: Ryan has loved writing since an early age, and in college began contributing to and editing for university publications. After college, he began freelance writing and editing. He’s written from blogs and magazines such as Real Men Real Style, Life in the Finger Lakes, and Gentleman Within.

An avid traveler who spends plenty of time outdoors, Ryan appreciates clothes, footwear and accessories that can take a beating. His reviews often include long-term, thorough testing in extreme weather conditions.

Ryan has also spent more time in a suit and tie than most guys, so he's well qualified to write about classic menswear, business casual and formalwear.

More Articles by This Author

Facebook LinkedIn

Join the Club

Never miss a post, plus grab this free guide (instant download). No spam. Ever.

Subscribe Now

Reader Interactions

Ask Me Anything Cancel reply

Got questions? Want to share your opinion? Comment below!

Primary Sidebar

Join the Club

Never miss a post, plus grab this free guide (instant download).

No spam. Ever.

Subscribe Now

Trending Articles
A person's hands typing on a silver laptop displaying the Hulu streaming service interface with various show thumbnails.
12 Series Finales That Sparked Major Fan Backlash
Seiko 5 SNK805
35 Great Watches for Small Wrists
Men over 40 style
“Old Man Style”: Advanced Age Is the New Sartorial Prime
Fashion brands for short men
Stride in Confidence: Where To Buy Clothes For Short Men
Best Business Casual Shoes for Men
Business Casual Shoes for Men: The 8 Best Options to Step Out in Style
Topics
  • Clothing & Style
  • Outfit Ideas
  • Fitness
  • Product Reviews
  • Dating & Confidence
  • Grooming
  • Men of Modest Height
  • Income Reports
Top 10 Brands
  1. Uniqlo
  2. Nordstrom
  3. Warby Parker
  4. J. Crew
  5. J. Crew Factory
  6. Amazon
  7. Thursday Boot Co.
  8. Mr. Porter
  9. Banana Republic

Footer

The Modest Man logo

Home • Blog • Resources • Contact • Advertise

 

Privacy Policy & Affiliate Disclosure • Terms & Conditions • Sitemap

 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Copyright © 2026 The Modest Man (Registered Trademark)