Women's gloves and scarves for winter

Gloves, mittens or liners?

Women's gloves keep your fingers free: they're great for the city, driving or using a phone. Mittens keep your fingers together in one compartment, warming each other up: they remain the warmest choice for freezing temperatures and mountain outings.

Liners, thin and close-fitting to the hand, can be worn alone in mild weather or under mittens when it gets really cold. A two-layer system allows you to remove the mitten for handling without exposing your skin.

Etip touchscreen gloves

The Etip range allows you to use a touchscreen without taking off your gloves, thanks to conductive fingertips. Handy for replying to a message in the street or checking a map while out and about.

There are several versions: the Apex Etip, made from soft windproof fabric, the Apex Insulated, lined for cold days, and the Etip Denali in fleece, which is more relaxed.

Mittens and gloves

Elmer offers the essentials for warm gloves in the department. Its Teddy mittens in wool and Cuddly Cub, with a soft lining, retain warmth for freezing temperatures. The Antler or Chino gloves are suitable for more everyday use.

For rain and snow, the Line version from Elmer adds a waterproof and breathable membrane, which is invaluable for a full day outside.

Choosing the right glove size

A glove that is too tight cuts off circulation and cools the hand, while a glove that is too large lets cold air in at the wrist. Measure the circumference of your hand at the base of your fingers, excluding the thumb, and compare with the sizing guide.

Try making a fist: the glove shouldn't pull at the knuckles, and the fingertips shouldn't feel loose.

What material for warm gloves?

• Wool: warm and breathable, ideal for dry cold.
• Fleece: lightweight, soft, and quick to dry.
• Technical lined fabric: windproof, for damp or windy days.
• Waterproof membrane: for rain, snow, and skiing.

The scarf, the complement to the glove

A women's scarf in thick knit wraps around the collar of a coat and limits heat loss at the neck. Stefanel scarves add a splash of colour or texture to a plain winter outfit.

Simply tie it once around your neck over a straight coat, or let it hang freely over a peacoat for a more relaxed look.

Matching beanie, scarf and gloves

A perfectly matched outfit can look a bit stiff. It's better to pick the same colour for two pieces, such as a beanie and gloves, and allow the scarf to provide a different touch.

A matching set of materials, wool with wool, fleece with fleece, is enough to create a cohesive look. Check out the women's headwear section for beanies.

For sports and the mountains

For running or walking in cold weather, a fleece headband, like the OH Mega from The North Face, keeps your ears warm without overheating your head. Thin, breathable gloves are often enough, as the heat from exercise does the rest.

For winter hiking, combine liners and mittens, and consider brands from the Aigle section for the rest of your outfit.

Gloves for the city and the mountains

In the city, a thin, touchscreen glove is usually sufficient, tucked away in your coat pocket. It keeps your hands warm on the commute without hindering your ability to pull out a map or phone. Choose it in a dark shade, which shows less dirt.

Caring for your gloves

Wool gloves should be hand washed in cold water and dried flat. Technical gloves often can go in the machine on a low temperature, check the label to be sure. Never dry them on a radiator, as it hardens leather and damages membranes.

Completing your winter outfit

To go with your gloves, check out the women's warm socks, or all the women's accessories by type.

Frequently asked questions

Mittens or gloves, which are warmer?

Mittens, because the fingers warm each other. Gloves, however, provide more freedom for precise movements.

Do touchscreen gloves work on all screens?

On most smartphones and tablets with capacitive screens, thanks to the conductive fingertips.

How do I choose my glove size?

Measure the circumference of your hand at the base of your fingers, excluding the thumb, and refer to the size guide on the product page.

Can you wash wool gloves in the machine?

It's better to wash them by hand in cold water with mild soap, then dry them flat.

What gloves for cycling in winter?

Windproof lined gloves, which still maintain enough flexibility for braking and changing gears.