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What is the Difference Between Mittens and Gloves?

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

While both mittens and gloves perform the same hand warming tasks, there are a number of differences between them. Perhaps the most obvious are style and design, but the differences go deeper than that. Those who must spend hours exposed to cold weather, such as skiers and forest rangers, do develop a preference between the two under various conditions and air temperatures. Some prefer the articulation provided by gloves, while others favor the warmer atmosphere inside a pair of insulated mittens.

There can be some trade-offs when comparing mittens and gloves. Mittens feature a pocket of warmth over the four fingers and a separate space for the thumb, but wearers often suffer from a lack of mobility. Gloves provide a covering for individual fingers, but wearers do not derive much benefit from natural body heat. If keeping all of the fingers warm during winter activities, mittens are usually considered preferable to gloves. If hand mobility is a priority, then gloves provide much more articulation.

Gloves have individual finger coverings, offering more mobility but less overall warmth than mittens.
Gloves have individual finger coverings, offering more mobility but less overall warmth than mittens.

One drawback with mittens is moisture. The wearer's fingers may begin to sweat as the day wears on, eventually creating a significant amount of moisture. This moisture build-up may not be noticeable during the day, but the mittens could become soaked with sweat by nightfall. The solution may be to wear glove-like liners to wick away the excess moisture and keep the main mitten material dry. Some mitten wearers notice their thumbs become much colder sooner than the fingers, which are nestled together.

Mittens hold the fingers in one pocket, which generates more body heat but limits finger movement.
Mittens hold the fingers in one pocket, which generates more body heat but limits finger movement.

Gloves can also be affected by moisture, but they are especially prone to losing body heat faster than mittens. Many glove wearers are willing to sacrifice insulation for improved mobility, which means gloves are often thinner and less insulated than mittens. The use of liners can improve the insulating level of gloves, but articulation is often affected. Those who must perform work outdoors may prefer gloves to mittens, but some learn to adapt to the confines of mittens in order to obtain more heat and insulation.

Mittens are a simpler option.
Mittens are a simpler option.

Both mittens and gloves offer protection from the winter elements, but many parents of younger children prefer the simpler design and improved insulation of mittens. Mittens are often designed to fit either hand, while gloves are designed with a definite right and left hand orientation. Gloves may be more difficult for younger children to put on, but older children may prefer the extra articulation of gloves to the restrictions of standard mittens.

Beginning skiers may find mittens to be preferable, while more advanced skiers may find gloves to be more useful.
Beginning skiers may find mittens to be preferable, while more advanced skiers may find gloves to be more useful.

In general, the decision between mittens and gloves comes down to personal preference. Some find that mittens provide more warmth at lower temperatures, but gloves perform just as well at warmer temperatures. Beginning skiers may find mittens to be preferable, while more advanced skiers may find gloves to be more useful for adjusting the grip on their ski poles during tricky maneuvers. There is no right answer when it comes to wearing one or the other, so consumers should feel free to experiment with various brands of both until they find an ideal combination of fit and protection.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular BeautyAnswered contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular BeautyAnswered contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

StreamFinder

I have to say, I've always been more of a gloves person when it comes down to winter wear. I just can't stand to not have full use of my fingers when I'm wearing mittens. Of course, mittens do give you a little bit more room for a pattern on the back, and they can look cuter, I suppose, but the lack of functionality sends me over to the glove side every time.

I have even tried those fingerless gloves and mittens combination items, you know, the ones that look like mittens but then you can fold the top back and expose your fingers? Those just ended up annoying me though, since my hands would get too cold every time I opened them up.

So when it comes down to the winter gloves and mittens debate, I am on the side of gloves every time. Increased functionality, same amount of warmth -- what more could you want?

googlefanz

Can anybody tell me if it's better to go for gloves or mittens for a baby? My sister is having a baby in the spring, and I somehow got designated to choose all the cold weather clothing.

The sweaters and socks and whatnot I can do fine, but when it comes to other accessories, I'm a bit lost. I mean, do they even make gloves for babies, and if so, is it really hard to get all the fingers in the right fingerholes? Do most moms go with mittens or gloves, or does it make a difference? Is there a best material for making baby mittens (wool, synthetic, etc?)

If anybody could give me more information on baby gloves and mittens, I would be forever grateful.

Thanks all.

rallenwriter

I'll tell you another difference between mittens and gloves -- how hard they are to knit! I knit a ton,and I've made a bunch of gloves and mittens for my friends, and even kids gloves and mittens for my nieces and nephews, and I can tell you, if you get the chance, go for the mittens.

Although knitting gloves can be fun, it can be so hard to get your fingers all the proper length and uniform diameter, and the sheer number of increases, decreases, knit two togethers and make ones could make your eyes cross.

So, if you're looking for a project, then by all means go for the Fair Isle knitted winter gloves with 18 different colors -- but if you're looking for quick and easy, then go for some mittens. With a chunky yarn, they knit up really quickly, and you can even knit them in two pieces and then sew them together if you're so inclined.

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    • Gloves have individual finger coverings, offering more mobility but less overall warmth than mittens.
      By: S_E
      Gloves have individual finger coverings, offering more mobility but less overall warmth than mittens.
    • Mittens hold the fingers in one pocket, which generates more body heat but limits finger movement.
      By: Artem Gorohov
      Mittens hold the fingers in one pocket, which generates more body heat but limits finger movement.
    • Mittens are a simpler option.
      By: Maridav
      Mittens are a simpler option.
    • Beginning skiers may find mittens to be preferable, while more advanced skiers may find gloves to be more useful.
      By: valeasca
      Beginning skiers may find mittens to be preferable, while more advanced skiers may find gloves to be more useful.
    • Younger children often wear mittens during the winter.
      By: Gajus
      Younger children often wear mittens during the winter.