These 18 Best Leather Gloves Have Got You Covered

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No matter the occasion, there’s nothing more classy than a leather glove. The ultimate fall and winter accessory, a leather glove can transform your look with an elevated twist. From sleek city slicker to preppy equestrian to old Hollywood glamor, gloves boast an entire spectrum of style and we can’t stop swooning over the statement-making trend. “A glove is not just for warmth—it is and always will be a statement,” says expert Jeni Elizabeth. “Dating back to early glam Hollywood, gloves are worn as an accessory to an evening dinner, shopping, as well as just driving,” she adds, noting that leather gloves specifically have “so many functions” and are a great conversation starter.  

Meet the Expert

Jeni Elizabeth is a lifestyle reporter, network and celebrity wardrobe stylist, and commerce style expert at E! News.

From functional to fashionable and everything in between, there are loads of leather glove options to choose from, depending on color, style, and the vibe you’re going for. And, since leather gloves can be more of an investment piece (and one that should last you for seasons to come), finding the best pair can feel a tad daunting—that’s where we come in. We went on a major shopping deep dive to source the best leather gloves, including the most budget-friendly options and the best colors, materials, and linings.

Find the best leather gloves, ahead.

What to Look for When Shopping for Leather Gloves

Color 

When shopping for a pair of leather gloves, Elizabeth says to keep color top of mind as it is “such an awesome statement with gloves.” She adds that for everyday use “you might want to go darker” or more neutral but encourages some fun and flair, too. “For me, black gloves are a bit boring,” she explains.  

Softness

Leather can be a bit on the stiff side and, because of that, Elizabeth recommends buying “a soft leather [glove] that is comfortable but also thin enough to be able to use your fingers.” 

Length

Another thing to keep in mind is the length. Sure, you want your glove to fit well but the fit isn’t just about the fingertips and palms. “I always want to make sure I have a couple of inches in length up the wrist,” Elizabeth explains. “Nothing is worse than a gap that can’t be covered between the jacket and the end of the glove.”

FAQ

• How do you clean leather gloves?

  “There are two important things to remember when cleaning leather gloves,” says Elizabeth. “The first is everything [should be] gentle—from the amount of water to the brand and amount of soap,” she explains. “I always use a soft small rag or even a cotton ball and a small amount of organic soap,” Elizabeth says it is vital that you avoid ruining the color or stripping the glove, especially when spot cleaning. “If you're just spot-cleaning, just a dab of [water and soap] depending on how dirty the glove is will do the trick,” she explains, adding that “less is always more” when cleaning gloves. “If you need more of a deep clean, white vinegar is sometimes stronger than soap and more water is needed [for this method]. However, never completely soak the glove and always let them air dry, making sure to put them on a couple of times through the drying process.” 

• How do you break in leather gloves?

  Leather is always better with a little bit of wear, so breaking in leather gloves is key. “Rubbing alcohol is a great way to soften all leathers,” says Elizabeth. “You can use a cotton ball or soft cloth to cover the glove entirely [in the alcohol],” she adds, noting that it’s important to “put the glove on a couple of times as it is drying and bend your wrist and fingers around to work in the leather.” If you try this trick, Elizabeth says to always air dry and never “put your leather gloves in the dryer or the sun.” Another trick is to “boil the gloves,” says Elizabeth, warning that it can, however, be a "scary” method. “Again, make sure to pay dry with a towel and stretch out with your hands [while wet],” she adds.

Why Trust Byrdie 

Contributing writer Jessie Quinn has a bachelor's degree in fashion journalism. From working in the fashion closet and interviewing designers at NYLON Magazine to now writing about the best style trends for various publications—including, Byrdie, Brides, The Zoe Report, Bustle, and more—Jessie researches and sources the best fashion finds for readers. When researching the best leather gloves, Jessie went on a mission to find a variety of designs, styles, and materials that were fashionable yet functional. After all, gloves might be a statement piece but they are also a necessity in winter weather. 

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