Wool gloves keep hands warm, dry, and comfortable when temperatures drop. Natural wool breathes, resists odor, and insulates even when damp. Pair them with a simple winter beanie for full cold-weather coverage.
Different wool types serve different needs: classic wool for rugged daily use, merino for softness and performance, cashmere for luxury feel, alpaca for lightweight warmth, and leather-cashmere for dressier occasions. All picks below use 100% natural fibers with no synthetic blends.
We chose gloves that earn consistent real-user praise for warmth, durability, and fit across years of winter use.
This blog is supported by the community. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. See our Privacy Policy.
The Best Wool Gloves at a Glance
Classic Wool Gloves
- Best everyday wool: BRUCERIVER Men’s 100% Wool Knit Gloves with Thinsulate
- Best fingerless wool: GI Wool Half-Finger Gloves – Made in USA
- Best rugged wool: Ragg Wool Gloves – Made in USA
Merino Wool Gloves
- Best touchscreen merino: Minus33 100% Merino Wool Touchscreen Glove Liners
- Best thin merino liner: ACUSHLA 100% Merino Wool Glove Liners
- Best merino fingerless: Minus33 Merino Wool Fingerless Gloves
Cashmere Gloves
- Best women’s cashmere: Fishers Finery Women’s 100% Pure Cashmere Gloves
- Best men’s cashmere: Lona Scott Men’s 100% Cashmere 3-Ply Gloves – Scotland
- Best touchscreen cashmere: VIKIDEER 100% Cashmere Touchscreen Gloves
Alpaca Wool Gloves
- Best full-finger alpaca: Evolution Knitwear Baby Alpaca 3D-Knit Gloves – USA
- Best fingerless alpaca: Evolution Knitwear Baby Alpaca Fingerless – USA
- Best handmade Peruvian alpaca: NOVICA Artisan 100% Alpaca Cable Gloves
Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves
- Best men’s leather-cashmere: Fratelli Orsini Giovanni Italian Lambskin Cashmere-Lined
- Best women’s leather-cashmere: Fratelli Orsini Isabella Italian Lambskin Cashmere-Lined
- Best touchscreen leather-cashmere: QOF Sheepskin Cashmere-Lined Full-Palm Touchscreen
Classic Wool Gloves
Outer shell is pure wool with Thinsulate + fleece lining for serious warmth. Elastic rib cuff blocks wind. Machine-washable care makes them practical for daily wear.
Key Specs:
Material: 100% Wool outer + Thinsulate/fleece lining
Touchscreen: Some versions
Sizes: M–XL
Best Use: Cold daily tasks, driving
Notable Feature: Machine washable
Made in USA military-spec 100% wool. Keeps palms warm while leaving fingers free. Works alone or as a liner.
Key Specs:
Material: 100% Wool
Touchscreen: No
Sizes: S–XL
Best Use: Precision work, shooting, typing
Notable Feature: USA military issue
Traditional ragg wool blend made in USA. Classic outdoor glove that lasts years. Elastic wrist keeps snow out.
Key Specs:
Material: Wool blend ragg
Touchscreen: No
Sizes: One size
Best Use: Work, hiking, chores
Notable Feature: Made in USA
Merino Wool Gloves
Full 100% merino with reliable touchscreen tips and silicone grip palms. Light enough to wear alone or layer under heavier gloves.
Key Specs:
Material: 100% Merino Wool
Touchscreen: Yes
Sizes: S–XL
Best Use: Running, hiking, liner
Notable Feature: Grip dots + touchscreen
17.5-micron Australian merino at 220 g/m². Extremely soft and stretchy. Machine washable.
Key Specs:
Material: 100% Merino Wool
Touchscreen: Yes (two fingers)
Sizes: S–XL
Best Use: Liner or mild days
Notable Feature: Ultra-fine 17.5 micron
90% merino fingerless design for dexterity. Great for hunting, fishing, photography.
Key Specs:
Material: 90% Merino Wool
Touchscreen: No
Sizes: S–XL
Best Use: Tasks needing fingertips
Notable Feature: Machine washable
Cashmere Gloves
Grade-A two-ply cashmere with extended ribbed cuff. Pill-resistant and responsibly sourced.
Key Specs:
Material: 100% Cashmere (2-ply)
Touchscreen: No
Fit: One size women
Best Use: Daily luxury warmth
Notable Feature: Extended cuff
Thick 3-ply Scottish cashmere for serious warmth. Larger men’s cut.
Key Specs:
Material: 100% Cashmere (3-ply)
Touchscreen: No
Fit: One size men
Best Use: Very cold days
Notable Feature: Made in Scotland
Pure cashmere with conductive thumb/index. Long ribbed cuff and gift box.
Key Specs:
Material: 100% Cashmere
Touchscreen: Yes (thumb + index)
Fit: One size women
Best Use: Phone use in winter
Notable Feature: Gift packaging
Alpaca Wool Gloves
Seamless 3D-knit baby alpaca made in USA. Exceptionally soft and lightweight.
Key Specs:
Material: 100% Baby Alpaca
Touchscreen: No
Sizes: S–M
Best Use: Daily wear, driving
Notable Feature: Seamless USA-made
Same seamless USA baby alpaca in fingerless version. Perfect for office or texting.
Key Specs:
Material: 100% Baby Alpaca
Touchscreen: No
Sizes: S–M
Best Use: Typing, phone use
Notable Feature: Seamless construction
Fair-trade hand-knitted in Peru with cable pattern. Authentic Andean craftsmanship.
Key Specs:
Material: 100% Alpaca
Touchscreen: No
Fit: One size women
Best Use: Casual winter style
Notable Feature: Artisan signed
Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves
Handmade Italian lambskin with 100% cashmere lining. Classic dress glove.
Key Specs:
Material: Italian Lambskin + 100% Cashmere
Touchscreen: No
Sizes: 8–11
Best Use: Dress coats, city
Notable Feature: Handcrafted in Italy
Women’s version of the Giovanni with pure cashmere lining.
Key Specs:
Material: Italian Lambskin + 100% Cashmere
Touchscreen: No
Sizes: 6.5–8
Best Use: Formal winter wear
Notable Feature: Italian artisanal
Full-palm touchscreen in soft sheepskin with cashmere-wool blend lining.
Key Specs:
Material: Sheepskin + Cashmere lining
Touchscreen: Full palm
Sizes: M–XXL
Best Use: Driving, commuting
Notable Feature: 360° touchscreen
How to Choose Wool Gloves
Understand the Different Natural Fibers
Classic wool is toughest and cheapest. It handles abrasion well and stays warm when wet, but can feel scratchy against skin. Merino wool uses fine 17–19 micron fibers that feel soft and never itch. It also resists odor for days, making it ideal for active use or travel.
Cashmere (12–16 micron) is the softest and lightest, perfect for daily luxury or dress coats. Alpaca is hollow-core, so it traps more air and feels warmer than wool at the same weight while staying hypoallergenic. Leather with cashmere lining gives the best wind protection and polished look.
Decide Between Full-Finger, Fingerless, or Liner
Full-finger gloves offer maximum warmth for outdoor time. Fingerless styles keep palms warm while leaving fingertips free for phone use, keys, or precision work. Thin liners (usually merino) add 5–10 °F of warmth under any heavier glove or mitt without restricting movement.
Many people own a thin merino liner plus one heavier pair. This combination covers everything from mild city days to deep winter.
Consider Touchscreen Compatibility
Pure wool and cashmere rarely work well with screens unless the maker adds conductive yarn to the thumb and index finger. Leather gloves with full-palm conductivity are most reliable. If you use your phone often outdoors, prioritize proven touchscreen models or keep a thin liner underneath.
Even the best conductive thread loses function when wet, so leather-cashmere or coated tips perform longest in real winter conditions.
Fit and Sizing Matters More Than You Think
Wool stretches slightly with wear, so choose snug but not tight. Fingers should reach the tips without excess fabric, and the cuff should cover your wrist or jacket sleeve. Most natural-fiber gloves run true to size, but cashmere and alpaca can grow a half size after the first few wears.
Measure your dominant hand around the knuckles (excluding thumb) and compare to the brand’s size chart. When in doubt, size up — you can always add a liner if needed.
Care Tips to Make Them Last Decades
Hand wash in cool water with wool shampoo or baby shampoo, press out water gently (never wring), and lay flat to dry. Merino and most modern wool gloves are machine-washable on delicate cycle. Cashmere and alpaca prefer hand wash.
Store folded, never hung. Use a wool comb or electric de-piller once a season. A well-cared-for pair of cashmere or alpaca gloves easily lasts 8–12 years.
FAQs
Which wool is warmest for gloves?
Cashmere and alpaca per weight, classic wool + Thinsulate for very cold.
Do wool gloves stretch?
Good ones relax to fit but keep shape. Cheap single-ply stretch out.
Are wool gloves waterproof?
No natural wool is. Leather-cashmere offers best wind/water resistance.
