Neoprene gloves are used for a wide range of tasks, some of which involve outdoor work in colder temperatures. Are neoprene glove warm enough to handle winter cold weather?
Unlined neoprene gloves will provide a lightweight to medium warmth that can handle mild to moderate winter conditions. The warmth will be dependent on the thickness of the material. For more extreme conditions, you will want to either buy neoprene gloves that have an added inner lining or choose a different type of glove material that offers more warmth (see alternative options).
Typically, cotton or fleece is used to line neoprene gloves. The warmth of neoprene gloves is also going to be affected by whether or not your neoprene gloves tighten around the wrist. Loose-fitting industrial neoprene gloves used for outdoor tasks like window-washing often don’t secure around the wrist, and can allow more heat to escape.
In this article let’s take a closer look at what makes merino wool socks a good option for winter. And let’s also compare merino wool socks to other types of socks so you can be sure you are choosing the right material for your winter needs.
How Warm are Neoprene Gloves?
In general, unlined neoprene gloves can provide a lightweight to midweight warmth. Neoprene is considered to be an effective insulator, and not only is it used commonly for wetsuit gloves and industrial work gloves, it is also a very popular material to use to insulated rubber work boots.
However, unlined neoprene gloves won’t be warm enough on their own to handle extreme conditions. If, for example, you are outside washing windows in colder temperatures and wearing chemical-resistant neoprene gloves, those types of loose-fitting, industrial-style neoprene gloves can be particularly ineffective at retaining warmth.
For colder conditions, you will want to buy a pair of neoprene gloves that have an inner lining for added insulation. Typically, cotton or fleece is used to line neoprene gloves.
Are Neoprene Gloves Breathable?
Many types of neoprene glove are breathable, which can help prevent hand sweating. However, thickness plays a role in breathability.
Thin insulating layers (0.35 mm) would feel more breathable and induce less sweating, while thicker ones (3.5 mm) would probably make you sweat a little due to their heavy weight.
The trick is to find the right amount of thickness that doesn’t make you sweat too much yet keeps you warm enough. This depends on the sport or activity that you’re doing with your gloves on, as the physical effort you make is the primary cause of sweating in the first place.
Are Neoprene Gloves Waterproof?
Yes, many types of neoprene gloves are 100% waterproof. There can be exceptions, and some options are only water-resistant, so be sure to check the product description for the gloves you are interested in.
Typically, if the thickness is 2-3 mm, your neoprene gloves will be weatherproof (but there are exceptions). This means that they’ll keep water out for a while and take longer to be soaked. Usually, the more water-resistant your neoprene gloves are, the less breathable they would be.
Pros and Cons of Neoprene Gloves
Advantages of Neoprene Gloves
The advantages of neoprene gloves can differ depending on what type of neoprene gloves you choose. For example, not all types of neoprene gloves are chemical resistant. With that said, below are some of the most popular reasons people choose neoprene gloves:
- Neoprene can be used to make chemical resistant gloves to use in chemical industry, food industry, laboratory, manufacturing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, etc. Again, not all types of neoprene gloves will be chemical resistant.
- Neoprene gloves are often waterproof and certain types of neoprene gloves are used in combination with wetsuits.
- As for flexibility, neoprene is well-known for its finger dexterity and superb pliability thanks to the fact that it’s highly elastomeric. This is a reason why it easily reverts to its original shape, even with above-average stretching. With those qualities, it’s one of the best options for outdoor activities that involve a lot of movement and require finger mobility.
Disadvantages of Neoprene Gloves
- Neoprene gloves can be more costly than other types of gloves.
- Neoprene gloves are not built to handle the coldest weather conditions.
- Neoprene gloves are usually not compatible with touch-screen devices.
Gloves That Are Warmer Than Neoprene Gloves
PVC-Coated Gloves – PVC coated gloves have a PVC outer shell that provides certain types of chemical resistance. These gloves are often insulated underneath with thick cotton or fleece and therefore might be a possible replacement and offer more warmth than neoprene gloves.
Latex-Coated Gloves – Latex-coated gloves are similar to PVC-coated gloves, but they usually do not offer chemical resistance. However, these types of gloves are popular for industries such as automotive repair, package handling, landscaping, plumbing, constructions, etc. Just like PVC-coated gloves, latex-coated gloves usually have a thermal lining for warmth.
Wool – Yes, wool gloves are warmer than neoprene gloves. That said, wool gloves are not waterproof or chemical resistant, so they rarely act as an appropriate substitute for neoprene gloves.
Polyester Gloves – Polyester gloves are not chemical resistant, but many types are water-resistant, and when they are combined with synthetic insulation (like 3M Thinsulate) they are very good for cold winter conditions.