Here’s a quick tid bit of trivia for you—what is one body part that tends to get cold the fastest? The answer—your hands! Now that’s not the case for everyone in the world, but for the many people who do struggle with keeping their hands warm—especially while participating in winter activities—cold hands can really make or break your day, and one of the best and easiest ways to combat that is having a great pair of mitts or gloves. But what should you be looking for in a mitt or glove that makes it super warm? I always recommend any kind of mitt or glove that has leather. 

Leather is one of the best insulators out there primarily due to its natural structure and density, which makes it effective at trapping in heat and blocking out the wind. Made from the natural hide of animals, leather contains a dense matrix of collagen fibers which contain tiny air pockets that trap in body heat; much like down feathers or wool—air is a poor conductor of heat, so these pockets help insulate by reducing heat loss. If you have ever owned a leather belt or sat on a nice leather couch, you know that leather is tight and has a smooth surface. Not only is that luxurious to sit on, but having that tight, smooth surface makes it naturally resistant to wind penetration blocking cold drafts from reaching your skin which is critical for maintaining any kind of warmth in windy conditions. Not only that, but leather is extremely durable when taken care of properly. When dry and well-maintained, it provides a barrier against snow, rain, and freezing temperatures.

The most popular and effective way to treat your leather mitts is using a leather balm—a favorite here at Sundance is the Hestra Leather Balm. Why Hestra Leather Balm? It’s a high-quality leather conditioner that has been specifically formulated to maintain and protect leather gloves and prolong their life. It’s made from natural ingredients, including lanolin, carnauba wax, neatsfoot oil, and beeswax, which are gentle on leather yet effective in providing hydration and protection. Hestra Leather Balm doesn't contain harsh chemicals or synthetic additives, making it safe for premium glove leathers like goat leather, cowhide, and deerskin. It will keep your leather mitts or gloves moisturized, preventing higher chances of drying and cracking that increase greatly in the winter time since in cold and wet environments, leather has a higher chance of drying out and becoming brittle. With beeswax being one of the key ingredients, it also helps improve your mitts or gloves water resistance, repelling water and snow. And best of all, it restores the appearance of your mitts and gloves, giving the leather a revitalized, slightly darker sheen that looks healthy and cared for.

Treating your leather mitts doesn’t have to be a long and complicated process, it can really be as easy as 1, 2, 3! Well, there are actually four key steps when it comes to treating your leather gloves. The first one being to clean your leather mitts or gloves using a mild soap(dish soap can work really well!)and lukewarm water to dampen a clean cloth. After dampening your cloth, gently wipe your gloves focusing primarily on the dirty spots. Make sure to be careful that you are not soaking the leather! Once you’re done wiping them down with the soapy water, use one more clean damp cloth just to wipe away any soap residue that might have been left. After your mitt or glove is clean, it is now time to apply the leather balm. You don’t need much, I always recommend using no more than a dime size amount of leather balm for each glove, and massage it into the leather either using a soft cloth or even your fingers. The next step is the easiest of them all which is to simply just let your glove sit and absorb the leather balm, allowing it to soak in—the recommended time for optimal results is to let it soak in overnight. Finally—and this last step is optional—buff if needed, you can gently polish the surface if you would like a smoother finish. If you’re ever unsure how often you should be treating your gloves, we always suggest at the end of your ski season or whenever you notice any kind of cracking, brittleness, or even stiffness. And there you have it! Your leather mitts or gloves are restored and ready for your next outdoor adventure! 

To this day, leather mitts are one of the most sought after pieces of winter gear for its durability and warmth while also being reliable and a stylish companion through many winters. Leather’s unique structure will not only keep your hands warm in cold, demanding environments, but also offers a timeless look and feel that synthetic materials just can’t compare to. And to ensure your leather mitts continue to perform well and look good for years to come, keeping up proper maintenance is the number one thing to be doing. Hestra Leather Balm will help you with your maintenance routine ensuring your leather’s flexibility, weather resistance, and overall longevity will stay in constant tip top shape.