The best gloves depend on what you will be doing in them. A glove for the school run is not the same as one for a shoot day, a long drive or a wet dog walk. This guide covers the main types of gloves, what each is good at, and which to choose. Once you have picked a style, our glove size guide will help you get the fit right.
Leather Gloves
Leather gloves are a classic for smart wear, driving and winter days. Good leather is durable, shapes to your hand over time and looks better with age. Many are lined with wool, cashmere or fleece for warmth. Leather is not fully waterproof, so for heavy rain choose a waterproof style. See our Dents handsewn leather gloves with a wool and cashmere lining, or browse the full Dents gloves range.
Thermal and Winter Gloves
Thermal gloves use insulation such as Thinsulate, fleece or wool to trap heat. For very cold days, look for a lined glove and wear a thin liner underneath. Options include the Dents Durham Thinsulate knitted gloves. A merino liner such as the Icebreaker Oasis glove liners adds warmth without bulk. Our layering guide explains the same principle for the rest of your outfit.
Waterproof Gloves
Waterproof gloves use a membrane to keep water out while letting sweat escape. They suit walking, dog walking, cycling, shooting and any wet, windy work. Look for waterproof and windproof ratings on the product page. We stock waterproof styles from SealSkinz, including the Harling, the Anmer and the Warpole convertible mitt, and Gore-Tex gloves such as the Harkila Pro Hunter GTX. For more, see our waterproof gloves and hats guide and our SealSkinz guide.
Shooting Gloves
Shooting gloves need warmth and dexterity, so you can feel the trigger and handle cartridges. Many are quiet, so they do not rustle on the peg. Choices include:
- Dents Speyside water-resistant leather shooting gloves
- Dents neoprene fingerless shooting gloves
- Dents knitted shooting cap mitt gloves
- SealSkinz Broome waterproof shooting gloves
- Seeland Target silent gloves
- Deerhunter Muflon Light waterproof gloves
- Harkila Heat fold-back shooting mittens
- 5.11 Competition Shooting 2.0 touchscreen gloves
Our what to wear shooting guide covers the rest of the kit.
Driving Gloves
Driving gloves are thin, close-fitting leather gloves that give you grip on the wheel without bulk. The Dents Delta leather driving gloves are made from hairsheep leather. A snug fit matters more for driving gloves than for any other type.
Touchscreen Gloves
Touchscreen gloves have conductive fingertips so you can use your phone without taking them off. Options include the Dents touchscreen suede gloves and the 5.11 TAC A4 touchscreen gloves.
Waxed Cotton and Fingerless Gloves
For a country look and showerproof protection, try the Dents waxed cotton gloves. If you need your fingers free for fine tasks, the Dents fingerless knitted gloves keep your palms warm.
Quick Guide: Which Gloves Should I Buy?
- Wet and windy walks: waterproof gloves with a membrane.
- Smart winter wear: lined leather gloves.
- Shoot days: quiet, dexterous shooting gloves, plus a pair of mittens or liners for cold standing.
- Driving: thin, snug leather driving gloves.
- Extreme cold: thermal gloves with a merino liner.
- Using your phone: touchscreen gloves.
Glove FAQs
What are the warmest gloves? Lined or insulated gloves, ideally with a thin merino liner underneath. Mittens are warmer than gloves because your fingers share heat.
Are leather gloves waterproof? Not usually. Leather is naturally water-resistant to a degree, but heavy rain will soak through unless the glove is treated or has a waterproof membrane.
What gloves are best for shooting? Quiet gloves that keep you warm while leaving enough dexterity to use the trigger, such as dedicated shooting gloves or fingerless styles.
How do I find my glove size? See our glove size guide.
Shop Gloves at 4 Elements Clothing
Shop all gloves, or browse Dents gloves and SealSkinz.
