Time to Upgrade: 8 Great Winter Gloves

Time to Upgrade: 8 Great Winter Gloves
Bundling up doesn't end at your wrists.

By all accounts, Old Man Winter has already put a hurting on us without waiting for the season to actually get into full swing. If you haven't started assembling your cold weather gear just yet, we strongly encourage you to get things together or else suffer the numbing effects of sideways sleet, six foot snow drifts and the kind of temperatures reserved for penguins and snowy owls.

You've probably got the coat, the scarf, the hat, the base layers and the boots but have somehow neglected a great pair of gloves. You tend to use what you have, even if they don't work all that well. You can't exactly shovel in a pair of cheap, uninsulated work gloves, and you certainly can't get to the company Christmas party with those knitted jobbies from good old Grammy.

It's time to be selective and get yourself some great gloves for the long winter ahead. We've selected ten of the best for various occasions, tasks and bank accounts. Your fingers will thank you.

a pair of grey and black infrared fleece gloves

Under Armour ColdGear Infrared Fleece Gloves, $30

If you insist on staying active when the temps drop, you'll want to get some great hand protection on your runs. Under Armour knows a thing or two about keeping you warm in winter with their ColdGear line. Their Infrared Gloves are thin to maintain tactility but also utilize a special thermo-conductive coating on the inside that traps body heat while still allowing moisture to escape. The palms are grippy, the Tech Touch print on the fingertips allow you to touch screen devices without taking your gloves off.

a pair of tan leather gloves

Timberland Nubuck, $130

Sometimes a little softness is all you need when the temperature drops. Nubuck is a great compromise between your standard leather gloves and knit versions. They're as good for everyday wear as they are for a country holiday outing. Buttery soft nubuck leather is lined with warm 100% polyester for a comfort level you'd wish upon your entire body. The elastic at the wrist keeps them in place, and the lobster clasps let you keep your gloves together when they're not parked on your hands.

a pair of brown leather gloves

ELMA Leather Gloves, $27

You grow weary of plunking down good money on mediocre leather gloves that don't keep your hands from chafing in the freezing cold. We don't blame you. For about half as much as high-end gloves, these sheepskin leather gloves from ELMA are lined with warm and super-soft cashmere or fleece. What's more, the supple leather has a pull on closure to keep your gloves secure. Ideal with a one of your more dapper outfits or even a suit, they're not just good looking, they're finger-loving.

warm winter gloves with etip technology for touchscreen devices

The North Face Apex Insulated Etip Gloves, $60

Just because you like to hit the slopes more than your average guy doesn't mean you have to look like you're building an igloo. The Apex Etip features a windproof bonded back of hand soft shell with fleece backer and a nosewipe for unpredictable weather conditions. The Etip functionality works with touchscreen devices, and has a non-PFC DWR finish for added water repellancy.

Filson leather gloves

Filson Original Lined Goatskin Gloves, $150

Work gloves shouldn't be crappy — in fact, they should be more protective than just about any other gloves you wear, considering the dangers involved. Filson's Lined Goatskin versions are tough but soft, made with resilient goatskin for good protection and lined with real Merino wool for warmth, even when things get wet.

leather winter gloves

Coach Leather Tech Gloves, $95

Unless you've got a heated steering wheel, you'll need to protect your hands while driving this winter. But throwing on a thick pair of gloves can be unsafe while behind the wheel, so a warm pair of dedicated driving gloves are ideal. These beauties from Coach are more fitted than average gloves for better feel on the steering wheel, and the lining is 100% merino wool for both comfort and warmth.

Fox River gloves

Fox River Four Layer Glove, $35

Though knit gloves aren't always the most practical, a good pair will keep your hands warm and comfortable if they're made from wool and come with leather palms and an insulated lining. Fox River's four layer glove is made with 85% wool with a 15% nylon outer shell, a thick deer leather palm for easy gripping and a Thinsulate insulation layer. They're even knit to be anatomically comfortable in your hands' naturally relaxed position.

a pair of black sport gloves

L.L. Bean Primaloft Therma-Stretch Fleece Gloves, $35

Having a great pair of go-to casual gloves that can pull duty between cold-weather errands and a game of winter football can make life that much easier. L.L. Bean's gloves fit that bill more than adequately with lightweight, breathable warmth, and moisture wicking and quick drying Primaloft fleece. They're warm without with weight of a full winter glove, which makes them a perfect pick for chilly spring or fall mornings, as well as a great liner under ski gloves for more frigid winter months.

Amos Kwon

Amos is an aficionado of cars, cigars, watches, whisky, tech, and style. He's written for Gear Patrol, Askmen, Inside Hook, and Fatherly. He's based in the Chicago area and lives with his wife and three children. Follow him on Instagram @wrathofkwon.