If you are looking for the best outdoor swimming gloves, then you have come to the right place. We have a selection of the best swimming gloves on the market. Here we will go over the reasons for gloves, the technology and our recommendations. Outdoor swimming is a great exercise for the human body and mind. It is a low-impact activity that can provide a great workout all year round. However, swimming in cold water (winter and summer) can be quite uncomfortable, and even dangerous. (read out watersports safety guide). That’s why it’s important to have the right swimming gear for cold water swimming and that includes a good pair of outdoor wild swimming gloves. (Read our complete outdoor swimming guide)
Most swimming gloves are made from neoprene. Neoprene swimming gloves will help to keep your hands warm while you are out on your open water swimming session, and they will also provide a bit of grip on wet sharp surfaces (rocks, jetes, stony beaches etc) if needed. They are an essential piece of gear for any serious cold water swimmer, winter swimmer, or for those who get icy hands (conditions that may lead to poor circulation in the hands include atherosclerosis, anemia, and Raynaud’s disease.) So it’s time to get you a pair of swimming gloves for your swimming kit.
What Makes A Good Wetsuit Glove?
A good wetsuit glove should be made of a material that is both comfortable, durable and an effective insulator. The glove should fit snugly on the hand, but not so tight that it is uncomfortable. The material should also be thick enough to provide warmth in cold water, but not so thick that it limits dexterity.
The key material for cold water swimming gloves is neoprene, the rubber used in the manufacture of wetsuits. It is stretchy and a great insulator and will provide extra warmth to your hands. Read about how wetsuits work here.
Neoprene is a synthetic rubber material that is used in a variety of applications, including wetsuits, gaskets, and insulation. There are several different methods of stitching/sealing and or bonding neoprene, including flatlock stitched, blind stitched, glued and welded. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right stitching method for the specific application.
For open water swimming gloves, we want as little water ingress as possible, so we are looking primarily at gloves with blind stitched, glued or welded seams or ones with a combination of these techniques. Each of these techniques reduces or eliminates the amount of water that is available to pass through the seams onto the hands. The other key piece of technology here is at the cuff or wrist, as this is where the water will enter. A tight gasket or Velcro strap here is recommended to minimise water ingress.
Best Swim Gloves On The Market for Swimming in Colder Water
There are many gloves on the market that claim to be the best for swimming in colder water, but it’s hard to know which ones live up to their claims. I have tried several brands and can say with confidence that we have some of the best gloves for swimming in colder water. These include the Lomo Tri X glove, Zone heat tech warmth swim gloves, the Zone3 neoprene gloves and the Synergy Neoprene Thermal Swim Gloves. These are the best wetsuit gloves / open water swim gloves in the UK.
Swim Glove Technology
Swim gloves are a type of glove designed to be worn while swimming. Swim gloves can provide a number of benefits to swimmers, including helping to improve swimming technique, reducing drag on the hands, and providing warmth in cold water.
Neoprene Gloves
Swim gloves come in a variety of neoprene thickness from 1 mm to 5 mm, all the gloves here are between 2 mm and 3.5 mm for the best combination of flexibility, freedom of movement, ruggedness and warmth.
What is Blind Stitching?
Blind stitching is a method of sewing in which the needle and thread are not visible from the other side of the fabric. It only penetrates one side. This type of stitching is often used in neoprene watersports garments, as the needle does not penetrate all the way through, meaning the water can not enter through the stitching.
What are glued Seams?
Glued seams are a type of seam used in sewing and construction. They are made by applying glue to one or both sides of two pieces of fabric and then pressing them together. Glued seams are strong and can be used to join heavy fabrics. In wetsuit and swim gloves, glued seams are often combined with blind-stitched seams to make them super tough.
What are Liquid Seams on a swim glove?
A liquid seam is a type of stitching used to join two pieces of fabric together. It is often used in swimwear and other garments that need to be waterproof. Liquid seams are usually made with a special machine that uses heat and pressure to seal the stitches. This is the outer layer on the seams visible on the Lomo Trix glove and the Zone3 heat-tech warmth swim gloves.
What is a Wrist Gasket?
A wrist gasket is a type of seal that is used to prevent water or other liquids from entering through the opening at the wrist. The gasket is made of a flexible material, in this case neoprene, that can be compressed to create a seal around the wrist.
Cuff
Some glove manufacturers opt for a tight cuff with a velcro fastener instead of a gasket to minimise water ingress. After all, this is where both the hand and the water will enter the swimming glove.
Swim Gloves Benefits
The key to neoprene gloves for swimming is keeping your hands warm and functioning. As the body gets cold, the blood retreats to the core leaving the extremities vulnerable to the cold. So finding the best cold water swimming gloves is key if you are someone who gets abnormally cold hands whilst swimming outdoors in the winter. Finding the best neoprene gloves for swimming becomes very important if you move from summer swimmer to winter swimmer. If winter swimming in fridge water, we would recommend neoprene gloves and socks.
Best open water swimming gloves? Best Gloves for cold water swimming? Best Swimming Gloves?
Lomo Tri X Swimming Glove
These gloves are made from a 3mm neoprene material that is both lightweight and durable. They feature a snug fit that helps to keep your hands warm, even in the coldest of waters. When it comes to seams, there’s are blind stitched, glued and then sealed under the liquid seams, so there is no water entering through the stitching! Key to minimising water ingress is a tight gasket around the wrist. Almost no water entered the glove!! 20 minutes session, and I exited with dry hands! I have used them in low temperatures and my hands have never felt cold. Now the best bit, the Lomo Tri X gloves are only £22, compared to the competitors. This is where the Lomo Tri X swimming glove really shines. All the tech at half the price of the Zone3.
If you are looking for a pair of gloves that will help you enjoy your time swimming in colder water, then I would highly recommend the Lomo Tri X gloves.
1: Lomo Tri X Swimming Glove
- 3 MM Neoprene
- Glued, Blind Stitched & Liquid Sealed seams.
- Tight wrist gasket
- £22
Zone3 Heat Tech Warmth Swim Gloves
Zone3 heat tech warmth swim gloves are a great way to keep your hands warm while swimming. They are made of a material that is designed to absorb and retain body heat, and they also have a waterproof outer layer to keep your hands dry.
These Zone3 Neoprene Heat-Tech Warmth Swim Gloves share the responsibility of keeping your extremities warm, without restricting any movement during those colder off-season swims. At 3.5mm they are slightly thicker than Zone3’s standard gloves and come complete with a titanium lining to reflect the body’s heat and improve warmth. A fantastic pair of gloves to keep you warm in the water for as long as you can manage. The only downside is the price compared to the Lomo Tri X.
2: ZONE3 Neoprene Heat-Tech Warmth Swim Gloves
- 3.5 MM Neoprene
- Glued, Blind Stitched & Liquid Sealed seams.
- Tight wrist gasket
- £54
Zone 3 Neoprene Gloves.
The primary function of the Zone3 open water Swimming Gloves is to keep your hands insulated from the cold. The body’s extremities such as hands and feet always feel the cold the most so these gloves are designed to allow swimming in cold water be more manageable. These 2mm thick neoprene swim gloves come with few of the bells and whistles of their big sister. Yet still a decent glove, but not for the true cold, better for summer swims and those who have warmer hands.
ZONE3 Neoprene Swim Gloves
- 2 MM Neoprene
- Unique design with longer length and Velcro strap
- Gripped palm
- £40
Synergy Neoprene Thermal Swim Gloves
The Synergy Neoprene Thermal Swim Gloves are really good when it comes to preserving the heat around your arms and providing great tech at an affordable price! They’re made of neoprene at 2mm of thickness, which is enough to keep you warm at the hands in cold waters. The lengthened cuffs add to the heat retention of the gloves, and can be easily tucked into the wetsuit.
The gloves come with a little webbing between the fingers, the webbing will increase the surface area of the hands; catching more water and propelling you faster in the water. With its tough, double-stitched seams which are heat taped and vulcanized, you won’t worry about the gloves coming apart at the seams or water ingress. And at this price they are a great addition to your swim kit.
Synergy Neoprene Thermal Swim Gloves
- 2 MM Neoprene
- Lengthened cuffs for superior heat retention.
- All seams are double stitched, heat taped and vulcanize
- £25
Conclusion – Best outdoor swimming gloves
If you buy and use any of these gloves, your hands will thank you. For good swim gloves we need cutting-edge technology, great seams and great cuff to minimise water ingress. Enjoy your swimming adventure.
Thanks
Team Best Outdoors.
- Little Hotties Hand Warmers Disposable, Up To 8 Hours Of Natural Heat, Ideal For Outdoor Winter Activities, Black, Pack of 40
- £25
- THE HEAT COMPANY Insole Foot Warmers - 5, 10 or 30 Pairs - EXTRA WARM - 8 Hours of Warmth - Instant Heat -Air Activated - Purely Natural – Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
- £50
Can I Wash My Wetsuit Gloves In The Washing Machine?
Yes, you can wash your wetsuit gloves in the washing machine. Just make sure to use a gentle cycle and mild detergent. You should also air dry your gloves after washing them. But we would recommend hand washing with Milton.
How Do I Clean My Neoprene Gloves?
To clean your neoprene gloves, first remove any dirt or debris with a soft brush. Next, rinse the gloves in cool water and mild soap or Milton. Finally, air dry the gloves away from direct sunlight.
How to Choose The Right Size Neoprene Gloves?
There are a few things to consider when choosing the right size neoprene gloves for your hands. The first is the width of your palm. You’ll want to measure from the base of your palm to the top of your middle finger. The second is the length of your fingers. You’ll want to measure from the tip of your index finger to the base of your palm. The last thing to consider is the thickness of the gloves. If you’re not sure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and choose a thicker pair of gloves. Once you have your measurements, always consult the manufactures size guide for the best fit.
How to Prevent Water from Flowing Into My Wetsuit Gloves?
To prevent water from flowing into your wetsuit gloves, make sure that the gloves fit snugly on your hands and that there are no gaps between the glove and your skin. You can also put a small amount of petroleum jelly on the inside of the glove near your wrist to help create a seal. However, the key here is the stitching and the cuff or gasket. The wrist area is where the water will ingress, so purchasing gloves with a good cuff to prevent water ingress is key. Like the Lomo or Zone3.
What’s the best thickness for cold water swimming gloves?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on personal preference. Some people prefer thinner gloves for greater dexterity, while others prefer thicker gloves for more warmth. Ultimately, it is up to the individual swimmer to decide what thickness works best for them. However, a thicker neoprene glove will always be warmer.
How to get warm after cold water swimming?
How to get warm after cold water swimming? After exciting, the water getting warm as fast as you can be important. Using a dry robe or changing robe, a towel is essential in the first few moments after emerging from the water. Take a few minutes to dry your hair, drape yourself in a robe and then put on some warm clothing.
Are swimming gloves any good?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on personal preference. Some people find that swimming gloves help them to grip the water better (webbed fingers) and improve their swimming technique, but mainly they are worn to keep the hands warm. While others find that they are uncomfortable and prefer to swim without them. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether or not they think swimming gloves are any good.
How to Dry My Wetsuit Gloves?
To dry your wetsuit gloves, first remove them from your hands and wring out any excess water. Then, lay them flat on a towel and pat them dry. Finally, hang them up to air dry completely.
