A good pair of gloves aren’t just a winter accessory; they’re a seasonal essential.
When bitter temperatures hit, it’s crucial to keep every scrap of skin covered to save it from frostbite. Okay, so we’re not in Arctic temperatures yet, but that doesn’t mean incoming chilling winds won’t make it feel like sub-zero: remember the Beast from the East?
Hand coverings come in all forms, from Hygge-promoting mittens and retro mufflers to gloves in wool, down and leather. Cave drawings point to humans wearing primordial versions for protection in the Ice Age and even Pharaohs were fans: the oldest existing gloves were found in Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922.
Leather gloves not only look more elevated but they seem better at blocking out gales and errant raindrops. They also possess a near-alchemic ability to raise any outfit’s game, no matter how basic.
Before we dive into this year’s selection for men’s and women’s leather gloves, you’ll need to ensure you get the right size for a glove-like fit (sorry, easy puns cannot be helped).
When measuring your hands for gloves, there are a few steps to keep to. Find the circumference of your dominant hand measuring around the widest part - below the knuckles at the base of your thumb. Record the measurement in inches, and round upwards if you’re at a halfway mark: for example, 7in means you’ll need a size 7 glove.
Now you’ve discovered your size, all that’s left is to find your next pair of winter gloves, either leather or a synthetic equivalent. We’ve gathered the nicest, high-quality styles across the price spectrum so there’s something for everyone.
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Aspinal of London Men’s Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves
Considering that Aspinal of London’s leather goods are of the highest quality, it’s always a surprise to see such a reasonable price tag. Cut from supple nappa leather with a cashmere and wool blend lining, they’re a timeless pair of gloves that will last you a lifetime.
Buy now £110.00, Aspinal of London
Belstaff Clinch gloves
Some motorcycle gloves may tick all the boxes when it comes to safety but fall a little short when it comes to comfort. These Belstaff Clinch gloves ensure both sides of the coin are equally satisfied, with a softer design that places an emphasis on skin feel even on the very longest of rides.
They feature leather-covered flexible knuckle protectors, a padded heel and side of the hand for protection, touch-sensitive leather at the index fingers to keep them touch-phone friendly and a waterproof coating for rainy days.
Buy now £110.00, Belstaff
Heat Holders Ladies Leather Gloves – Black
Chic, sophisticated and fabulously insulating, these leather gloves from Heat Holders have a fuzzy, ultra-soft faux fur lining that will keep your digits toasty all winter long.
Buy now £9.99, Heat Holders
Mulberry Men’s Biker Gloves
With a nod to classic motorcycle styles, Mulberry’s iteration of the leather hand-warmer is a stylish design that adds a dash of cosiness thanks to the visible cashmere lining. Made using a smooth nappa leather that’s coated to improve durability, they’re an enduring pair of gloves that will gain further charm as the patina develops over time.
Buy now £235.00, Mulberry
Hermes H Stamp Gloves
As the holy grail of leather goods, Hermes’ offering is a masterclass in luxury. Crafted using smooth glossed lambskin with a cashmere lining, as soon as you slip these on you’ll never want to take them off.
Buy now £1000.00, Hermes
Cos Leather Gloves
On the hunt for elevated classics at a great price? Look no further than Scandi high street label Cos. Made using a soft leather with a luxurious cashmere lining and a ribbed cuff, these are a reliable addition to any winter wardrobe.
Buy now £65.00, Cos
Bottega Veneta Intrecciato leather gloves
If you like your money where you can see it (i.e: your accessory wardrobe), say hello to Bottega Veneta’s luxury leather gloves. Sporting the same intrecciato weaving as you’ll find on the brand’s bags, hands will be encased in smooth silk and ultra-soft strips of lambkin. Wrists are elasticated to stop the designs from sliding off.
Buy now £600.00, Net-A-Porter
PRADA Pouch-embellished leather gloves
In the Prada or nada camp? Add some designer candy to your outerwear with the fashion house’s gloves, available in orange, purple and peacock shades. Wrists are secured with a button fastening and there’s even a small pouch on the reverse of the left hand to keep very small valuables like headphones or cash.
Buy now £850.00, Selfridges
Cornelia James Clémence | Leather Glove with 2 Points
Need more glove for your money? Head to Royal warrant holder Cornelia James where these elbow-grazing beauties are up for grabs. Available in seven pretty colours and lined with silk, these statement gloves are made to be seen and come with matching stitching for a seamless finish.
Buy now £220.00, Cornelia James
Burberry Leather gloves
Set your traditional checked coat off with a pair of Burberry’s supple and soft leather gloves, available in cream, black, cranberry red and cobalt blue. The Italian-made gloves are finished with a debossed Equestrian Knight Design and come lined with cashmere silk for an extra special finish.
Buy now £390.00, Harvey Nichols
Jigsaw Knitted Leather Glove
Good luck to any gust of wind hoping to get to your hands in this design from Jigsaw. They offer double defence with a cosy pair of mittens layered over leather gloves.
Buy now £70.00, Jigsaw
Toast Hestra Megan Leather Gloves
If you’re partial to wrapping yourself in black or grey outerwear all winter, the right accessories can add a pop of colour to your ensemble. Toast’s olive green pair promises to give all-black some dimension. They’re made from hairsheep leather and lined with wool, keeping hands wrapped in natural warmth. They require some maintenance though: since the hide has been drum-dyed, they are sensitive to humidity so shouldn’t be worn in the rain. If they get wet, allow them to air dry on a flat surface away from heat.
Buy now £85.00, Toast
Paul Smith Women's Tan Leather 'Signature Stripe' Gloves
Bring Paul Smith’s timeless stripes into your cold-weather wardrobe with these gloves, crafted from premium lamb leather. The British designer’s stripes add interest along finger edges and at the wrist, and are more suited to milder winter temperatures.
Buy now £190.00, Paul Smith
