A timeless and essential fashion accessory, the glove can also be used for sport — but it’s not limited to that. Even though at Atelier du Gantier we focus on dress gloves, fashion gloves, and driving gloves, the world of gloves includes many other types. From washcloth gloves to surgical gloves to gardening gloves — as you’ve guessed — many designs exist, all with their own purpose.
Mittens: characteristics, advantages and disadvantages
Mittens are often considered a more feminine accessory, though there are more and more mittens designed for men. As mentioned earlier, mittens are cut off at the tips of fingers, which offers many advantages — and some disadvantages.
A source of warmth
First and foremost, the main advantage is protecting the hands from cold or other discomfort. Made with leather and wool in some cases, our mittens will keep your hands warm. Leather is perfect for retaining heat and acts as a windbreaker during cold winter periods. Water-resistant, your mitten’s leather will protect most of your hand.
Dexterity and freedom of movement
Protect your hands from cold while still being able to use the sensitivity at your fingertips. This benefit is increasingly appreciated, especially by smartphone users. Mittens also allow great freedom of movement in many situations: grabbing change from your purse or retrieving an item from the bottom of your bag. However, in winter especially, you’ll feel less warmth since the fingertip is uncovered.
A mid-season garment
There are many mittens adapted for numerous situations: indeed in summer or when temperatures are pleasant, crocheted mittens that are lighter than full leather mittens are more comfortable.
Mittens and sport
You’ll also find our driving mittens which combine retro and chic styles. Finally, mittens are very much used in sports like cycling. Riders wear them to protect from constant hand friction on handlebars while maintaining freedom in the fingers.
At Atelier du Gantier, we’ve made driving mittens one of our specialties: leather or mixed leather-and-crochet gloves that offer an incomparable driving experience.
The different styles of mittens
We create various styles of mittens for men and women to combine style and comfort. Handmade in an artisanal manner, choosing mittens from Atelier du Gantier means getting guaranteed comfort and durability.
- Leather-and-wool models: Some pairs have leather underneath, ideal for driving to get a good grip on the wheel. Their upper material is cotton crochet. Very elegant and pleasant to wear, our cotton crochet mittens come in different colors.
- All‑leather models: You can opt for an all‑leather mitten to develop a stylish, sporty, and chic look! These all‑leather pairs let you fully enjoy the qualities of the material. Warm, elegant, they are also very comfortable to wear. The exceptional plunging lambskin leather combines suppleness and structure.
- Custom mittens: Let your creativity speak and personalize your mittens! If you’ve chosen mittens, discover our customizable models. Pick the colors, the finger separators, the finishing touches, and even the snap button!
Glove: advantages and disadvantages
The glove is the mitten’s ancestor and comes in many models and uses. Historically, gloves date back to Antiquity when they were used for protection, often from bramble bushes.
Ornamental gloves appeared in Europe during the Middle Ages, specifically in the 13th century. They were then long, mostly made of linen, and worn by women. Because decorative glove‑making was largely reserved for women, though over time some kings wore them too. Now it’s a fashion accessory for all genders.
Compared to mittens, gloves protect the fingers better since the fingertips are covered like the rest of your hand. No drafts. Your hands are fully shielded. On the other hand, as you’ve guessed, gloves (with few exceptions) will make smartphone use harder.
In sports, gloves also have a major place. From boxing to horse riding to driving, each sport glove has a shape, protection, and material suited to its purpose. Needless to say, you wouldn’t ride a horse wearing boxing gloves!
But always the possibility to customize
At Atelier du Gantier, you’ll find a wide variety of gloves and mittens for city wear, fashion, and driving. And if despite this wide choice, you can’t find the pair of mittens that feels right for you, we offer customization. Choose what suits your style and design the mitten that reflects you.
Thus, beyond a visually pleasing model, you’ll own gloves of remarkable quality. All our products are handcrafted. All traditional craftsmanship steps required to get an authentic, comfortable result are of course honored.