What's Your Winter Glove Insulation?
If there's one thing Buffalonians will agree on, it's this - when the weather turns cold here in New York, we want to stay warm! Finding warm and form fitting winter gloves for industrial work or play to protect us against the lake effect winter storms can be a real challenge. But there is one key component that may help you in your search for warmth and comfort - it's the thermal insulation!
Finding the proper level and type of glove insulation can be tricky but it can mean the difference between a good or bad day. You don’t need so much insulation that you can’t move your hand but you also don’t want a glove that’s so thin that you get the chills or numb fingers. While a work glove may look pretty on the surface, it sometimes doesn't equate to warmth on the inside!
Insulation is designed to trap air, and air is a good insulator. By trapping it, thermal energy can't easily escape, which keeps you warmer, even when it's freezing. However, you also want to make sure that your insulated winter work gloves trap air without trapping moisture. But take note; if you are prone to overheating, buyng a glove with too much insulation can be as uncomfortable as buying a glove with insufficient insulation as you are more likely to remove it to allow the hands to breathe.
To help you select the glove with your best lining, below is an introduction to the different insulation offered today.
Thinsulate™
The most common (and most desirable) is 3M™ Thinsulate™. This combination of 'thin' and 'insulate' stays true to its name and it even comes in a variety of gram weights. From 80 gram Thinsulate™ which is perfect for the average winter day, to heavy duty 400 gram Thinsulate™ for workers in the Arctic or Antarctica, it strikes a good balance between providing warmth and not bulk. Thinsulate™ also allows moisture to escape. Gloves featuring Thinsulate™ will be more expensive but worth every penny if dexterity and warmth is what you seek.
WARMTH RATING: 9.5 BULK RATING: 2.5
Cotton Flannel
Cotton flannel is the most basic option for winter insulated gloves and the least desirable option because of its absorbency. This moderately good insulator is constructed of loosely intertwined fibers, between which air is trapped, but cotton absorbs 27 times its own weight, which will rapidly wick away body heat and can lead to serious complications in cold conditions.
WARMTH RATING: 5 BULK RATING: 4.75
Boa Acrylic
Boa acrylic is one of the warmest insulation options, but it’s bulky. If you don’t require good dexterity or you don’t work in sub-zero climates, boa acrylic is a reliable, cost-efficient option.
WARMTH RATING: 8 BULK RATING: 7
Foam Fleece
Fleece is a warm, fuzzy material that is very good at holding in heat and dries quickly. Fleece is loved by many as a comfortable alternative to pure wool. Fleece is made from a combination of wool and synthethic fiber and contains tiny air pockets that trap in heat.
WARMTH RATING: 7 BULK RATING: 5
Before you choose the best insulated gloves, consider these four factors:
- Age: people in their 20s to 40s generate more heat than people over 50
- Gender: In general, men generate more heat then women
- Activity Level: dtermines how you break a sweat
- Basal Metabolic Rate: determines how easily you break a sweat
There are many risks associated with choosing inadequate winter protection from frostbite to hypothermia but these serious health risks can be minimized by wearing the right protection. Decide how many layers you need and which insulation is best and keep your hands warm and protected. Click the button below to view our full line of crafted winter work gloves.
+Shop for Winter Work Gloves here
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