How To Buy And Maintain Leather Gloves, According To Experts

While winter won’t officially be here for a few more days, the temperatures have already started to drop enough where we pulled out our coats and boots. However, just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fashion!

There are many ways to enhance your winter clothing look with fun and trendy accessories like hats and scarves. But there is another piece that brings it all together: the gloves. Specifically, leather gloves.

Whether you’re heading back to the office or making snowmen with friends and family, a quality leather glove can make your outfit effortlessly chic while keeping your hands warmer than ever. We asked experts for their advice on buying a quality pair of leather gloves and how to take care of them so they last for years to come.

What to look for in quality leather gloves

What do you use them for?

One of the first things to consider when purchasing a quality leather glove is its intended use, as this will determine the style and longevity you are looking for, explained Melissa Hernandez, Founder and Owner of Minneapolis. MH style advice, and shoemaker and leather specialist Marcell Mrsan. If you want to use leather gloves outdoors in the snow or in more difficult conditions, you will have to look for something more durable. But if you’re just looking for something stylish to complement the rest of your winter clothing on your commute, you can go for something a little more delicate and lightweight.

Are they water repellent?

Mrsan says the quality of winter gloves is determined by their waterproofness. “If you plan to use your gloves to strongly touch wet materials, including snow, you definitely want to research the thickness of the glove you buy and how much it can insulate the cold from your hand,” he told us. he says.

He explained that typical stylish leather gloves are made with leather with a thickness of 0.5-0.8 millimeters, which is very thin, as you can imagine. For those looking to wear gloves for more practical activities, you’ll want to look for something much thicker than this.

How well are they adapting?

Once you’ve figured out what kind of gloves you need, it’s time to move on to the fun part – trying them on! Hernandez stressed the importance of looking for a more fitted glove for an elegant, fashionable and functional look. She added that leather tends to stretch, so picking a tight-fitting pair of gloves early on is the best approach for long-term use.

What type of materials to look for?

As you try on gloves, take note of the stiffness of the leather. “Softer leather gives the gloves longevity and comfort while limiting the amount of cracking and damage,” said the stylist. stacee michelle.

Another thing to note is the material of the liner. Michelle recommends looking for sheepskin, suede and peccary leather for the exterior leather. For the interior lining, she and Hernandez both recommend cashmere, wool, and sheepskin as high-quality options. Based in the Midwest, Hernandez understands firsthand the importance of having a glove with a high-quality lining that will keep your hands warm in extreme weather and temperatures.

How much should you spend?

Buying leather items can be intimidating due to the price, but Hernandez says you can also find quality pieces that won’t break the bank. “I normally work with clients who want to spend money on gloves, but at the same time I maybe have clients who don’t want to break the bank and I can find them for around $ 30 to $ 50. “she said.

However, for those willing to spend a bit more, you’ll see price tags closer to $ 100 and up, Mrsan and Michelle added. In most cases, the more you are willing to pay, the better the quality you will get. “You can’t expect to buy a very, very cheap glove of exceptional quality because it usually doesn’t go together,” Mrsan said.

The advantage of buying leather gloves over any other textile, he continues, is that the quality can be maintained for longer.

There are materials on the market that can help you drive moisture away from leather, causing them to deteriorate along with all the other chemicals they come across. But what else should you know about caring for leather gloves?

How to clean and care for leather gloves

“Leather gloves will last you for years if you take care of them,” Michelle told us. Curing them comes in two main forms: avoiding water damage as much as possible and keeping them hydrated.

“Water always means damage to the leather,” Mrsan said. Hernandez tells customers to store their leather gloves in a cool, dry place when not in use. If they do get wet, she recommends setting them on a flat surface to air dry.

Like our skin, leather can become dry and dehydrated. Things like cold, humidity, and even sweat can damage gloves. “You have to moisturize the leather with Saddle soap or some kind of moisturizer made specifically for leather, ”advised Mrsan, describing it as a process similar to moisturizing the skin.

While you might be tempted to use a leather shoe cleaner on your accessories, Mrsan doesn’t recommend it as most brands are made with pigments, which can leave a mark on your skin. Instead, he recommends choosing something colorless and made from beeswax and fat to make sure it’s soft enough to actually hydrate your glove. “If you’re not careful to keep your gloves wet, even if it’s expensive, it might only last a season or two,” he said.

If you try a new cleanser or moisturizer on an accessory and are concerned about any potential damage, Mrsan says to test it first on a small patch that is not exposed, in the same way you would test a new treatment. skin. product on a small area of ​​skin before applying it all over the face.

Leather gloves to buy, based on expert recommendations

J.Crew leather gloves with cashmere lining

Hernandez called J.Crew and Lands’ End two of his go-to brands for leather gloves. This all-black pair is lined with cashmere and is crafted from fine sheepskin, two qualities Michelle recommends. They feature “friendly fingertips” that allow you to easily use your phone without having to put on and take off your gloves every time.

Bloomingdale’s cashmere lined leather gloves

These Bloomingdale’s exclusive gloves have a cashmere lining and are available in luxurious colors like caramel, black, brown and blue. They’re a bit longer than a standard glove to the wrist, which Hernandez recommends to prevent snow from getting inside.

Lands’ End EZ Cashmere-Lined Patchwork Leather Gloves

The patchwork trend isn’t just for bigger pieces like pants and coats; it also works on gloves! Made with a cashmere-wool blend interior and 100 percent leather exterior, these technical gloves are the perfect addition to any winter wardrobe.

Signature isotoner touchscreen leather gloves

Hernandez calls isotoner one of his favorite brands. “I’ve known them since I was a kid. They’ve been around forever.”

With a brand history Going back to the 1800s, it is not too far into this claim. This means they’ve had plenty of time to perfect their formula for high-quality leather gloves, like this pair of genuine leather mixed with spandex to give you a little extra wiggle room.

If this is your first time buying a pair of leather gloves, Michelle recommends going for a black pair with touchscreen capabilities. “The neutral color will complement any outfit and your hands will stay warm while using your cell phone,” she said.

Overland Wintersweet Cashmere Lined Lambskin Gloves with Sheepskin Trim

Discover fun details like rows of contrasting topstitching and sheepskin trims at the cuffs with these lambskin gloves. Inside you will find a cashmere lining which will keep your hands very comfortable.

Coach signature sculpted technical leather gloves

These Coach gloves are made from 100% leather and lined with 100% merino wool, qualities that meet both Hernandez and Michelle’s recommendations for a quality pair. In addition, they are available in three classic colors: black, brown and wine.

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