What are the best leather gloves for women?
Women’s fashion isn’t always practical, but women’s leather gloves are an exception to that rule. Not only do women’s leather gloves complement almost any wardrobe, but they also offer practical benefits to the wearer. Leather gloves are durable, protective, and often warm enough for cool temperatures. If you’re looking for a pair of leather gloves with a classic design that are also practical to wear, check out our top pick, the Isotoner Women’s Classic Stretch Leather Gloves.
What to know before buying women’s leather gloves
Length
Leather gloves for women generally come in three varieties: wrist, cuff and coat lengths.
- Wrist length: Wrist-length gloves reach the wrist bone and cover the heel of the hand. These gloves are the shorter option, although they can be an inch longer or shorter.
- Variety of glove: These gloves vary in length, but most of them go beyond the wrist of the wearer to about halfway down the forearm. Gauntlet length gloves offer great protection from the elements. They also make practical driving gloves.
- coat length: These gloves are generally as long, if not longer than gloves with cuffs. What makes them different is that they have a wider opening.
Cut
To determine the correct size for a women’s leather glove, the first step is to measure the circumference of the widest part of your hand. Once you have this measurement, round it up to the nearest half inch. For example, if your hand is 6.5 inches around, you should round it up to a size 7 glove.
Women’s gloves tend to be between 6 and 8.5 inches. Specific sizes may vary from brand to brand, but are generally as follows:
- Extra small gloves: 6 inches
- Small gloves: 6.5 inches
- Medium to medium-large gloves: 7 to 7.5 inches
- Large gloves: 8 inches and more
Some leather gloves have extra padding on the inside which may affect the fit of the glove. If a glove has extra padding, it may need to be increased in size.
Material
Although women’s leather gloves are made from leather, there are different types of leather available. The type of leather will determine the softness, durability and flexibility of the gloves.
One of the most common types of leather in women’s gloves is cowhide. Cowhide is generally thicker than other types of leather, which means it is also quite strong and durable. Cowhide leather gloves are puncture resistant and ideal for casual wear and general protection. In contrast, cowhide leather gloves have limited breathability, especially if they fit snugly.
Lambskin, on the other hand, is much softer and finer than cowhide. This type of leather glove may take some getting used to, but it’s a great choice for women who want a softer glove. Lambskin is lightweight and durable and is most often used in high-end leather gloves and other products. However, it stains easily and is not recommended for casual wear.
Another cheaper alternative to lambskin is goatskin. This material is coarser than lambskin, but more durable. Deerskin is another sustainable alternative to lambskin.
For those who want something that looks like real leather but isn’t, there are also faux leather gloves for women.
What to Look for in Quality Women’s Leather Gloves
Color
Leather gloves for women are often available in shades of brown, beige or gray. This is due to the type of leather used in the glove, as well as how the manufacturer chooses to dye them.
Leather dyeing requires multiple steps and can result in chic color options ranging from orange and scarlet to purple and blue. Some people prefer dyed leather because it offers more variety and the ability to mix and match the gloves with other parts of their wardrobe. However, if you want something that looks more authentic, stick with gloves that haven’t been dyed.
Garnish
Trim refers to specific design elements within the glove. These can range from simple stitching along the seams to zippers, buttons or fur adorning the glove. Trim is important because it can dramatically change the style and function of the glove.
For example, women’s leather gloves lined with cashmere or fleece provide extra warmth and comfort. They are perfect for winter as they help insulate the hands and protect from the cold. However, they can be uncomfortable to wear indoors or in warmer temperatures.
Other leather gloves have additional fabric that is sewn together in strategic places, especially around the fingers and palm. This provides extra reinforcement to the glove, as well as durability and grip.
Additional Features
- Lining: Some women’s leather gloves have liners for fashion and an extra layer of comfort. Common liners are made from real fur or faux fur, both of which are ideal for protecting hands and wrists from the cold or wind.
- Cuff: Some women’s gloves have cuffs with buttons, a strap or are elastic. Usually these features allow the wearer to adjust the fit of the gloves.
- Full or fingerless gloves: Although most leather gloves for women offer full coverage, a few options are fingerless.
- Touch screen compatibility: Many modern gloves come with a conductive fabric patch that allows the user to use their smartphone or other touchscreen devices without removing the gloves. This is especially useful in cooler temperatures or where it would be difficult to take the gloves off and on multiple times.
- Reinforced palms and fingers: This added feature provides extra grip. It can also help the wearer feel the road better while driving.
How much you can expect to spend on women’s leather gloves
Women’s leather gloves are priced between $20 and $200, although some luxury gloves can be more expensive. A standard pair of inexpensive leather gloves will cost around $30, while mid-range options with more unique designs and extra features can cost upwards of $65.
Women’s Leather Gloves FAQ
How do I care for my leather gloves?
A. Still let the gloves air out after wearing them. Although some leather gloves are water resistant, moisture can still discolor or damage them if not properly ventilated. However, never use direct heat on the gloves, as this may cause the leather to crack. For extra care, use a leather conditioner on the gloves to protect the surface from stains and increase their longevity.
How can I avoid stretching my gloves?
A. One of the best ways to keep leather from stretching is to buy the right size gloves. If the glove is too small or too big, it can cause stress on the material in certain places, thus causing wear of the seams.
What are the best leather gloves for women to buy?
Top leather gloves for women
Isotoner Women’s Classic Stretch Leather Gloves
What do you want to know: These stylish gloves are made with 100% genuine leather in the shell and are perfect for casual wear, especially in winter.
What you will love: This pair of leather gloves features smarTouch technology, which allows the user to easily operate any touch screen device. The fleece lining offers extra softness and warmth for cooler temperatures. With three colors to choose from, these gloves go well with most outfits.
What you should consider: Spandex material provides a snug fit, but can snag.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
Top women’s leather gloves for the money
Alepo Genuine Sheepskin Leather Gloves
What do you want to know: These genuine sheepskin leather gloves are supple and comfortable, making them ideal for outdoor jaunts and driving.
What you will love: In addition to being flexible, these gloves have cuffs that prevent cold air from entering. The gloves themselves are lined with cashmere and come in five different colors.
What you should consider: Glove dye may transfer to clothing during the first two uses
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
FOWNES Women’s Cashmere Lined Lambskin Leather Gloves
What do you want to know: Available in multiple colors, these 100% lamb leather gloves are touchscreen compatible, soft and comfortable for extended wear.
What you will love: They are lined with soft cashmere and are extra long for those who want fuller coverage. These gloves are also great for driving or casual outings.
What you should consider: They are not waterproof and should not be exposed to moisture.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
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Angela Watson written for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their buying decisions, saving them time and money.
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