For many of us gloves are so often an afterthought. They’re an accessory that you only remember you need when you’re walking around in the middle of January and you go to reach for your phone and realize you can’t because your hands are like blocks of ice. In those instances, the best gloves are simply those that are closest to your person and can prevent you from losing an extremity. With just a little bit of foresight, you can avoid this situation entirely. Here are our picks for the best looking and most functional touchscreen gloves because, let’s face it, you need a pair of gloves that enable you to check your phone without going to the trouble of shedding your gloves to do so. All seven of our picks are stylish, warm, and fully tech-friendly so you can stay connected and cozy at the same time.
The North Face Men’s Apex+ Etip Glove
Stay connected wherever your path leads all while keeping your hands warm with The North Face Men’s Apex+ Etip Glove. These lightweight soft-shell gloves are constructed of 100% windproof fabric with 5-finger Etip functionality that allows you to use your favorite touch-screen devices without pulling off the gloves. The soft shell on the back of the hands will block wind and moisture, while the silicone gripper on the palm enables you to hang onto your smartphone or trekking poles with ease. Designed with superior performance and functionality in mind the glove’s Radiametric Articulation keeps the hands in their natural relaxed position, while the Five-Dimensional Fit ensures consistent sizing. Available in black and dark gray heather, these gloves will serve you well during the winter months.
Smartwool Liner Tech-Compatible Gloves
Smartwool, the pros behind some of the best socks out there, are using the same expertise that has made their socks so popular by creating a line of equally great gloves. The Smartwool Liner Tech-Compatible Gloves are made from a blend of merino wool and acrylic making them warm and durable. These light-weight tactile gloves keep your fingers insulated without limiting mobility. And touch-screen-compatible material is knit right into the thumbs and index fingers so you can use your phone at will whether you are out on the trail or running errands in the city. Whether donning them under waterproof mittens while hiking in sub-freezing temperatures, or by themselves around the city on cold days, they will keep your hands toasty all day long. The wool itself is naturally moisture-wicking, antibacterial, and antimicrobial, so they won’t smell when you take them off. Available in three colorways including black, silver gray heather, and military olive heather.
Dents Men’s Buxton Touchscreen Leather Gloves
If you spend your commute catching up on correspondence, Dents Buxton Gloves are a smart choice. The gloves are made from black leather and are compatible with touchscreen devices, so you can wear them while checking emails on the go. Dents Buxton Gloves provide the look of a driving glove, but without the chill due to the comfy insulating knitted lining and warm knitted cuffs. Dents has been crafting top-shelf leather goods since 1777 so they know a thing or two about how to construct a handsome, durable glove. Made with hairsheep leather, which is generally considered as the best leather for gloves, and with touchscreen-friendly fingertips, you can count on the supple Dents Buxton’s for long lasting comfort, utility, and style.
Arc’teryx Rivet Gloves
The versatile Rivet Gloves from Arc’teryx are great standalone gloves on cold dry days and layer easily under a shell in more demanding conditions. The Rivet Gloves are made with breathable and durable Polartec Power Stretch with Hardface Technology for breathability, wind-resistance, and snow-shedding protection. The conductive polyurethane pads on the thumb and index finger allow you to easily snap shots of your backcountry buddies on your phone without having to take your gloves off. Also, the reinforced leather palm provides a good grip on ski or trekking poles. The trim fit of the Rivet Gloves with their low-profile cuffs reduces layering bulk, while the fleece inside adds warmth and comfort against your skin.
Keep your fingers nimble when the temperature drops in the lululemon Men’s Cold Terrain Run Gloves. Touch screen-friendly thumb and forefinger mean you can switch up your music mid-run without freezing your hands. Reflective strips on the outside of the gloves keeps you safe in low light. The company patented Rulu fabric is a super soft, breathable, and stretchy fleece fabric. Not only are these insulated running gloves touch-screen friendly, but they are also constructed from fabrics that repel snow and light rain, so the weather won’t stop you from perfecting your pace. Not necessarily just for running, lululemon has added silicone grips to the palm, which come in handy when you’re cycling. They can also be snapped together and conveniently stowed in a pocket or belt when you’re not using them.
The North Face Etip Salty Dog Knit Tech Gloves
Given The North Face’s reputation for providing the best outdoor gear around, it’s not surprising that the brand offers yet another option in their ETip Glove line. The Salty Dog Etip Gloves are rugged knit gloves comprised of soft 100% acrylic melange yarn which feature a suede palm patch that enhances durability and provides perfect gripping capability. The Salty Dogs are touchscreen-capable due to the use of Etip functionality, so you’ll never have to shed your gloves to check your email while on the go. Available in grey, black, and khaki, these warm and robust gloves are built to last regardless if you are a city dweller or spend time out on the trails.
Hestra Men’s John Touchscreen Primaloft Leather Gloves
For over 80 years, Sweden-based Hestra has been recognized for its skilled approach to glove-making. The brand brings this expertise to the Men’s John Touchscreen Primaloft Leather Gloves, a glove made for men who frequent the outdoors during the colder months. Whether it’s waiting for a train or taking long walks in chilly weather, the Hestra glove will keep your hands toasty warm. The gloves are pre-curved and crafted from hairsheep leather — a thin, soft material with high gloss — and insulated with Primaloft, a soft down-like insulation with breathable and warming properties. The glove’s index finger and thumb are touchscreen compatible so you can work on your mobile devices and smartphone without bothering to remove your gloves. As an added bonus, the wool knit cuffs at the wrists helps the gloves stay put and keeps cold drafts out. The Hestra gloves are available in black, cork, navy, loden, and brown.