Winter Glove Materials Explained: Linings, Shells and What "Water-Repellent" Really Means

Outer shells

• Soft-shell polyester: stretchy, windproof and usually given a water-repellent finish. Light and flexible, so it suits cycling, running and commuting gloves.
• Faux suede (microfibre): a soft, brushed surface with a casual look. Warm and comfortable, but it absorbs water in heavy rain, so it is best for dry cold.
• Woven nylon or polyester: the typical ski glove shell. Tough and water-repellent, often combined with padding.

Linings and insulation

• Brushed fleece: thin, soft and breathable, giving warmth without bulk. Common in touchscreen and cycling gloves.
• Plush: a deeper, softer pile that traps more air. Warmer than fleece, slightly bulkier.
• Polyester padding: a separate insulation layer used in ski gloves and mittens. More padding means more warmth but less dexterity.

Water-repellent or waterproof?

This is the most important wording choice in a glove listing. A water-repellent finish makes water bead and roll off the shell; it handles light rain and snow, but water eventually soaks through seams and in heavy rain. A waterproof glove has a membrane insert and a construction that keeps water out under pressure, and that claim should be backed by a test report.

Our standard ski and winter gloves are water-repellent, and we describe them that way. If your channel needs a waterproof claim, ask for a membrane version and we will arrange a water-penetration test before you list it.

Touchscreen fingertips

Touchscreen gloves have conductive yarn or a conductive print on the thumb and index fingertips. They work best on clean, dry screens and with a light touch. Thick ski gloves are less precise, so we recommend open-tip or fold-back styles for customers who use their phones a lot.

Quick comparison