The Best Winter Work Gloves in 2025 - Tried & Tested

When working through the cold winter months, having the best winter work gloves available is essential - not just for comfort, but for meeting safety standards too. Designed to provide warmth, protection, comfort and dexterity, these gloves are indispensable for braving freezing temperatures, wet conditions, or handling tasks in cold environments. 

Ultimately, the right pair of gloves ensures your hands stay protected against the cold and other hazards like impact, abrasion, and water exposure.

At CTS UK, we offer a range of winter work gloves tailored to industry-specific needs, offering both compliance with safety standards and unmatched performance. Explore our work gloves or book a free workwear consultation to find the perfect gloves for your team.

 

Our Best Winter Work Gloves

Here are some of the best winter work gloves from our collection, offering warmth, protection, and durability for a variety of industries and conditions.

Product Name

Description

Price (excluding VAT)

Portwest Arctic Winter Glove

Insulated and water-resistant, ideal for general use.

£2.94

Portwest Fleece Lined Rigger Glove

Combines rugged cowhide leather with fleece lining.

£3.09

Portwest Thermo Pro Ultra

High-dexterity glove with superior grip and insulation.

£4.10

Portwest Vis-Tex Winter HR Cut Glove

Hi-vis, waterproof work glove with cut resistance.

£5.78

Portwest PW3 Winter Glove

Premium glove with touchscreen capabilities and impact resistance.

£8.23

Portwest Arctic Winter Glove

Designed for workers in cold conditions, these gloves provide excellent insulation to keep hands warm while maintaining dexterity. The water-resistant material ensures performance in wet conditions, making them a great choice for construction, logistics, or general winter work.

Portwest Fleece Lined Rigger Glove

This glove combines the rugged durability of cowhide leather with the warmth of a fleece lining. Perfect for handling heavy-duty tasks in cold weather, it’s ideal for roles in agriculture, construction, and any other job involving physical work.

Portwest Thermo Pro Ultra

Engineered for cold temperatures, this glove offers a perfect balance of grip, comfort, and insulation. Its high dexterity makes it suitable for industries where precision is required, such as mechanical work or cold storage.

Portwest Vis-Tex Winter HR Cut Glove

Combining cut resistance with hi-vis features, this glove is designed for jobs requiring extra safety in low-light environments. Its waterproof design and insulated fabric make it perfect for outdoor winter tasks like roadwork or logistics.

Portwest PW3 Winter Glove

This premium glove offers impact protection, touchscreen compatibility, and exceptional warmth, making it ideal for workers managing tools or devices in freezing temperatures. Suitable for industries such as construction, utilities, and technical work.

 

Key Standards for Winter Work Gloves

When selecting the best winter work gloves, it’s important to ensure they meet industry safety standards to provide reliable protection in cold conditions. Here are the key standards to look for when buying winter work gloves:

EN 511: Protection Against Cold Hazards

This standard is essential for gloves used in cold weather or freezing environments. EN 511 evaluates gloves based on:

Convective Cold Resistance: Measures how well the glove prevents cold air from penetrating.

Contact Cold Resistance: Tests the glove’s insulation when handling cold surfaces.

Water Permeability: Checks whether the glove repels water or absorbs it (0 = penetrates, 1 = waterproof).

EN 388: Mechanical Protection

This standard ensures abrasion resistance, tear resistance, and puncture protection. Many winter gloves provide both thermal and mechanical protection, making them ideal for handling tools or materials in cold temperatures.

EN ISO 21420: General Requirements for Gloves 

This standard covers basic requirements like proper fit, comfort, and ensuring gloves are made from safe materials. It ensures wearers maintain comfort and dexterity despite cold weather.

Recommended Guide: Safety Glove Standards

 

Key Features to Look for When Buying Winter Work Gloves

Selecting the best winter work gloves involves considering key features that provide the right balance of warmth, protection, and comfort for your specific needs. Here’s what to look for:

Insulation and Warmth

Good insulation ensures your hands stay warm in cold conditions, whether you're working outdoors or in a freezing environment like a freezer. Materials like fleece or thermal layers are ideal for retaining warmth without compromising dexterity.

Tip: Look for gloves rated under EN 511 for reliable protection against cold temperatures.

Waterproofing

For workers in wet conditions, waterproof gloves are essential. A waterproof layer prevents moisture from penetrating, ensuring hands remain dry even in snow or rain.

Tip: Choose gloves with waterproof membranes or coatings, especially for roles involving prolonged exposure to water.

Grip and Durability

Tasks requiring the handling of tools or materials benefit from gloves with enhanced grip and abrasion resistance. Features like textured palms or coated fingers improve grip, even in wet conditions.

Tip: Opt for gloves rated under EN 388 for mechanical protection and palm reinforcement.

Comfort and Fit

Ill-fitting gloves can lead to discomfort or reduced efficiency. Ensure the gloves fit snugly without restricting movement, and check for features like elasticated wrists or adjustable cuffs for a customised fit.

Tip: Measure your hands properly and consider women-specific gloves for smaller sizes.

Touchscreen Compatibility

For workers needing to operate touchscreen devices in cold weather, gloves with touchscreen fingertips are invaluable. They allow interaction with phones or tablets without removing gloves and risking cold hands.

Tip: Look for gloves like the Portwest PW3 Winter Glove with integrated touchscreen functionality.

 

Winter Work Gloves: FAQs

What Are the Best Winter Work Gloves for Extreme Cold?

For extreme cold conditions, gloves with high insulation and an EN 511 rating are essential. Look for gloves with fleece or thermal layers inside the glove.

Are They Waterproof?

Some winter gloves are specifically designed to be waterproof, making them ideal for tasks in wet conditions or snow. These gloves often provide excellent water resistance while also offering other protective features like cut resistance.

How Do I Choose the Right Size?

Measure your hand’s circumference and length, and compare it to the sizing chart provided by manufacturers. For a snug fit, consider gloves with adjustable cuffs or elasticated wrists.

How Often Should Winter Gloves Be Replaced?

Winter gloves should be replaced when they show signs of wear, a loss of insulation inside the glove, or decreased grip. Regular inspections ensure they continue to provide effective protection in cold temperatures.

Are Leather Gloves Suitable for Winter Work?

Yes, leather work gloves are highly durable and often feature fleece linings for additional warmth. They are particularly good for heavy-duty tasks like construction or other physical work in cold conditions.

 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best winter work gloves is essential for staying safe, comfortable, and productive during the cold winter months. The right pair of gloves not only provide warmth and protection against cold conditions but also ensures compliance with safety standards like EN 511, for example.

Investing in the best winter work gloves not only protects your hands but ensures performance in even the harshest conditions. For personalised recommendations, book a free workwear and PPE consultation to find the perfect fit for your team, or explore our range of work gloves.

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