Best Mittens and Gloves for Kids
Little hands need big protection. Make sure your kids have the right mittens or gloves to stay warm and dry all winter, no matter how many snowballs they throw.
When it comes to kids, durability is key. A pair of mittens or gloves that you can trust to protect your little ones, no matter what winter throws at them, is just as important as having a warm jacket and sturdy boots. Cold hands can ruin a winter day in the blink of an eye so investing in quality hand protection is a must.
Check out our list of the best kids' winter mittens and gloves to get the whole family ready for the snow. From ski adventures to the perfect snow angel, find the best pair for your youngsters.
Best Kids’ Mittens Reviewed
Waterproof
Moisture wicking
Touchscreen compatible
Waterproof
Microfibre lining
Touchscreen compatible
Water and stain repellant
Extra long cuff
Waterproof
Knit lining
Reflective details
Reinforced palms
Quick drying
Adjustable cuffs
Waterproof
Moisture wicking
Touchscreen compatible
Waterproof
Microfibre lining
Touchscreen compatible
Water and stain repellant
Extra long cuff
Waterproof
Knit lining
Reflective details
Reinforced palms
Quick drying
Adjustable cuffs
Best Overall Mittens:
Made from a Gore-Tex membrane and DRYRIDE two-layer fabric, these mittens are windproof, waterproof and offer great protection without being bulky. They are also touchscreen compatible so your kids can check in throughout the day without having to pause their adventure.
Pros
Windproof and waterproof
Touchscreen compatible
Moisture wicking lining
Cons
Limited colour options
Warmest Mittens for Kids:
As the name suggests, these really are the warmest kids mittens! They feature Thermacore insulation to make sure hands stay nice and toasty all day long. The brushed microfiber fixed lining pulls moisture away to keep hands dry.
Pros
Waterproof
Touchscreen compatible
Moisture wicking lining
Cons
Limited colour options
Best Mittens for Toddlers:
These teeny tiny mittens for toddlers are a great option to keep your little ones warm while they explore winter. They feature a longer cuff to add extra protection and eliminate any gaps between the mittens and coat. A regular-length model is also available.
Pros
Water and stain repellent
Easy to put on
Wide selection of colours
Cons
One size fits all
Best Waterproof Mittens:
Kids don’t like to let snow or rain get in their way so a pair of waterproof mittens that you can trust to keep their hands dry in any condition is key. These mittens feature welded seams to keep water out.
Pros
Reflective details for added visibility
Made of recycled polyester fibres
Knit-lined
Cons
Not as warm as the other options on this list
Best Ski Mittens:
If your family is planning on hitting the slopes this winter then you have to make sure that everyone has what they need to stay safe and warm. These mittens have reinforced palms that offer easy grip for ski poles. The adjustable cuffs keep snow away from the skin while the elastic leash keeps the mitts secure so you don’t have to worry about them getting lost on the chair lift.
Pros
Quick drying
Reinforced palms
Many size options
Cons
Only available in black
Not waterproof
Best Kids Gloves Reviewed
Waterproof
Moisture wicking
Touchscreen compatible
Waterproof
Thermal reflective lining
Touchscreen compatible
Waterproof
Breathable
Durable
Flexible
Good grip
Heat pack pocket
Waterproof
Moisture wicking
Touchscreen compatible
Waterproof
Thermal reflective lining
Touchscreen compatible
Waterproof
Breathable
Durable
Flexible
Good grip
Heat pack pocket
Best Overall Gloves for Kids:
Like their mitten counterparts, the Burton Gore-Tex Gloves are the best gloves for kids. They are waterproof, warm and comfortable. They are also touchscreen compatible so your kids can use their phones on the go because if their adventure isn’t posted on Instagram did it really even happen?
Pros
Waterproof
Touch screen compatible
Moisture wicking lining
Cons
Limited colour options
Warmest Gloves for Kids:
These kids snow gloves feature a thermal reflective lining to keep little hands warm, no matter the conditions. With waterproof fabric and cozy insulation, your kids will be able to play all day. They also feature extra long cuffs for even more protection from the snow and cold. Some buyers have said that these run big so make sure to check the size chart.
Pros
Waterproof
Touch screen compatible
Lots of colours and patterns
Cons
Run big
Best Waterproof Gloves for Kids:
With a durable and waterproof outer lining, these are perfect for making snowballs, snowmen, snow angels or whatever other snow formation your kids can think of! They are warm but still breathable, so they can keep up with your little ones all day. One thing to look out for is sizing. These kids' waterproof gloves run small so you may want to size up to be safe.
Pros
Waterproof
Durable
Cons
Run small
Best Kids Ski Gloves:
Spyder is known for top-notch ski gear and these winter gloves for kids are no exception. They’re made with flexible material so your kids will have the range of motion they need to zig-zag down the hill. The palms offer good grip, they’re insulated for all-day warmth and are made from recycled materials.
Pros
Insulated
Touch screen compatible
Zippered heat pack pocket
Cons
More expensive than other options on this list
What to look for when buying kids' mittens and gloves
There are a few things to consider before buying a new pair of winter mittens or gloves for your kids.
Insulation Types
There are different types of insulations that are used in children’s mittens and gloves. The majority of the items on this list are made with synthetic insulation. For example, Burton uses Thermacore and Spyder uses Primaloft, which are both synthetic insulations. Another insulation option is down. Down insulation tends to hold its shape better and can also retain heat better however it stays wet for longer which can be a problem on snowy days. Synthetic insulation is more waterproof and affordable however it may not last you as long.
Shell Types
The outside of your gloves and mittens is just as important as the inside. There are various shells to choose from. Some shells are made from a material that is similar to rain jackets to add extra waterproof protection. Others are made to add an extra layer of warmth. If you are looking to add a shell to mittens or gloves, the best option is dependent on your local climate. If you live in a wetter environment, a waterproof shell can be advantageous. If you’re more concerned about the cold, then a warm shell is a better choice.
Size Charts
Sizes may vary from brand to brand so it’s always smart to check the size chart. You may also want to consider your child’s age. If they’re in the midst of a growth spurt you may want to size up. However, be careful not to go too big. Gloves and mittens that are too big will not keep hands as warm. If they are too small they can restrict movement and leave skin exposed at the wrist.
Waterproof Materials
Almost all the mittens and gloves on our list are made from waterproof materials. Other things to consider to make sure your kids’ hands stay dry are how long the cuff is and whether or not it is adjustable to keep snow and water out.
Canadian Brands
A great Canadian option for mittens and gloves is Deux par Deux. Their winter mittens are warm, water resistant and come in a variety of colours.
Liners
Some gloves feature liners which can increase their warmth and help with moisture wicking. They are often removable for easy washing.
FAQs for Kids Mittens and Gloves
Q: Are gloves or mittens better for kids?
A: It depends on the kid and the activities that they partake in. In general, mittens are warmer than gloves because fingers can share body heat. However, they offer less dexterity than gloves. Some children may have a harder time holding onto a ski pole with mittens and would benefit from using a glove. While it may seem like there’s a large debate about gloves vs. mittens, both have their advantages and it all comes down to what your child finds more comfortable.
Q: What are the warmest types of mittens?
A: Generally speaking, the warmest mittens are those made with down, however, when they are wet they are not nearly as warm. To ensure that down mittens provide maximum protection, a waterproof shell is a great idea. Gloves with synthetic insulation can be extremely warm too, especially if they are thick or feature a fleece liner.
Q: What temperature do kids need mittens?
A: Because children and toddlers are more susceptible to the cold, they should be wearing mittens in temperatures 5° C or colder (approximately 40° F). Every kid is different, so if your child tends to run cold it’s a good idea to pull out the gloves and mittens once temperatures drop to 10° C.
Conclusion
Whatever your family has planned for this winter, staying warm and dry is key. When selecting kids' winter mittens and gloves it’s all about what they’re more comfortable in so nothing gets in the way of their adventures.
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