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What’s the Difference Between Waterproof and Water Resistant and Should I Care?

What Makes a Pair of Gloves Waterproof?

When a pair of gloves or mittens are labeled Waterproof, it means they come with two layers of protection. The first, and most important is an internal lining in the glove – almost like a “baggie” that prohibits water from getting on the inner lining of the glove. The only moisture that is inside the glove would be sweat from your hands. The second layer of protection comes in the form of a seal on the external shell of the gloves or mittens. This sealers causes water to bead up on the outside of the glove and roll off the glove – almost like wax on a car.

What Does it Mean if Gloves are Water Resistant and not Waterproof?

If a pair of gloves are Water Resistant, they offer a single layer of protection for your hands. This layer comes in the form of a seal on the external shell of the gloves or mittens. This sealers causes water to bead up on the outside of the glove and roll off the glove – almost like wax on a car. However, if your gloves or mittens are exposed to a heavy amount of water (snow), the sealer will not be able to make all of the water roll off the glove allowing some to penetrate the seams of the glove.

So, What Do I Need – Waterproof or Water Resistant?

Ultimately, that depends how you plan to use your gloves or mittens or for whom you are buying them. If you are buying the gloves or mittens for kids to play in the snow, we highly recommend that you purchase Waterproof gloves or mittens. If you intend to engage in heavy outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowball fights, snow shoveling, etc., we also recommend Waterproof gloves. However, if you do not intend to engage in heavy physical activity involving snow, e.g., going to work, light snow removal from car windshields, or a night out on the town, Water Resistant gloves are perfectly acceptable.

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