Gloves have been around for centuries. They’ve long been worn as fashion statements as well as for functional, practical purposes. They protect the wearer’s hands from the cold and elements, as well as from friction and rough or sharp materials that may cause scrapes, cuts, or bruises—functions that haven’t changed since they were first invented. Some people also use gloves to prevent germs from traveling between surfaces. In other words, there are plenty of good reasons to invest in a warm, sturdy, and stylish pair of gloves.

What to Consider in a Pair of Gloves

Here’s what to think about before buying new gloves:

• Material: Most gloves are made of some sort of fabric, most commonly cotton, wool, fleece, or synthetics. Wool is generally the best choice for warmth, cotton for breathability. Synthetics like polyester are great if you want gloves that tend to have features like water resistance. Leather gloves are great if you want something with maximum toughness and durability. They’re also naturally windproof. Consider which type of material is best suited to your needs.
• Color and Design: Gloves can come in just about any color or pattern you might want, especially fabric or cloth gloves. Some gloves may also have decorations such a ribbing, raised knit patterns, frilled or furred edges, or sewn with beads or buttons. No matter what color or shade your favorite coat or outfit is, you should have no trouble finding a pair of gloves that match it perfectly.
• Features: Simple and straightforward as gloves might be, there are actually some extra elements that some may feature. Some gloves may be water- or wind-resistant. Some are lined with fleece, faux fur, or cashmere if you’re looking for extra warmth and softness. There are also more gloves than ever with touchpads on the fingers so you can text and use your phone without taking your gloves off. Some gloves for cold weather will have two layers: a liner and outer shell for extra warmth. Others will have Velcro straps or drawstrings to help adjust the glove to best fit your hand. Consider what extra features you might want in your new gloves, and keep an eye out for those.

Best Water-Resistant Gloves: OZERO Insulated Polar Fleece Gloves

If you’re outside a lot to work, cycle, hike, ski, or do any other outdoor sport or activity, especially in cold weather, this is the perfect pair of gloves for you. They’re made of soft, flexible, durable deer-suede leather for comfort, warmth, and a secure grip, with a combination of thermal polar fleece and Heatlok thermal cotton lining that adds extra warmth and keeps body heat in your hands without adding unnecessary bulk or sacrificing breathability. These gloves will keep your hands warm even in subzero weather and are water-resistant and windproof for additional protection; the waterproof and TPU membrane between the lining in the back of the hand helps protect against precipitation while the thick cotton around the fingers helps keep the wind out and lock in more body heat. Other features include an easy pull-on elastic closure, a shirred and flexible wrist that keep the gloves in place against your hand, and the 2.5-inch knit cuffs that offer yet more protection against wind and snow. Choose between two shades, denim black and gray-black.

Best Leather Gloves: REDESS Winter Leather Gloves

This pair of leather gloves will provide you with the perfect balance of warmth, strength, and style all in one. These high-quality PU leather gloves with wool fleece lining and cuffs pull on and off easily over your hands and wrists. The leather provides a firmer, steadier grip and works better with a touchscreen than a cloth or fabric glove, while the wool lining adds more warmth and helps to block out even the strongest, most biting winds. The leather also has multi-directional flexibility to allow you to participate in activities like cycling while wearing these gloves. The inner lining is absorbent and dries quickly for your comfort. You have the choice between five different sizes and six subtle, stylish colors to choose from, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a shade that suits your look and a size that fits you just right.

Best Cable-Knit Gloves: ViGrace Women’s Warm Cable Knit Gloves

Cable-knit gloves are a staple pair to have as many people enjoy the unique, raised texture they bring to the table. This pair is made of 100% suede chenille that is lightweight, buttery soft, and comfortable. You can buy a pair in black, dark gray, pale watermelon red, or beige, or as a pair in black and dark gray or black and beige. They pull on and off easily and are stretchy enough to fit most women’s hands. The thermal properties will keep your hands warm even in extremely cold weather with the elastic cuff that makes them windproof as well. The moisture-wicking prevents your hands from sweating and the gloves from shrinking or deforming. The tips on the thumbs, forefingers, and middle fingers make it easier to use your smartphone touchscreen while keeping the gloves on.

Best for Texting: TRENDOUX Touch Screen Gloves

As smartphones and other touchscreen devices have become more popular, gloves that are designed specifically for texting have as well. The idea is that you can operate the touchscreens without needing to take off your gloves. This pair of gloves was made with this function in mind, with new and improved texting features that set them apart from others of its type. The thumbs, forefingers, and middle fingers of both gloves all work on your devices’ touchscreens without needing to take off your gloves and expose your hands and fingers to the frigid air. Each fingertip has 50% more conductive yarn added to give you a better and more sensitive touch that will work on smartphones, tablets, and your car’s screen if it has one. The triangle silicone covers the entire palm for a non-slip grip on your devices or car wheel, so you can hold your smartphone firmly in hand as you text, dial, or surf the web. Made of acrylic with a dash of spandex and a napping wool inner lining, these gloves are comfy and snug, providing warmth without the bulk or chunkiness. They’re stretchy with three sizing choices (refer to the sizing chart) to give you the best fit possible. The thickened elastic wrist keeps them firmly on your hand. With 11 solid and speckled colors to choose from, there’s sure to be a perfect color whether you buy these gloves for yourself or as a gift for a family member or friend.