You’ve been dreaming of days on the slopes ever since you were a kid. Unfortunately, most people’s dreams don’t match up with reality. The problem is that there’s no standard measurement for ski gloves, so you’ll never know if you’re getting the right size or not. We’re going to tell you exactly how to measure for an ideal pair of ski gloves so you can finally get out on the slopes and enjoy yourself.
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The Different Types Of Gloves
Whether you’re a skier or a snowboarder, you’ll need different types of gloves for different situations. There are three specific types of ski gloves that you need to know about:
Adjustable Dressing Hands
These are your standard ski gloves, which you’ll use in all forms of skiing. They’re made of a soft leather or textile and have a velcro strap attached to the back so you can adjust the size according to the situation. One downside is that adjustable dressing hands are usually a bit warmer than the other types of ski gloves, which can make it harder to regulate your body heat.
Rocker’s Gloves
These are the standard issue for rock climbers, as they’re designed to protect their knuckles from getting chapped by the dry, gritty dust on which they’re often working. However, the same versatility that makes them great for rock climbing makes them very useful for skiing, as well. If you’re feeling frisky and want to try some tricks, these are your answer. They’re made of a thin layer of synthetic fleece on the inside and are lined with an anti-slip fabric on the outside. If you take care of them properly, they’ll last for years of heavy use. One downside is that they’re not as warm as other types of gloves, so if you wear them for a while, you might get cold.
Scratch Glove
This type of glove is designed to protect the knuckles from getting scratched by the sharp rocks that you run into while skiing. Made of a synthetic fiber and a plastic sheath, these gloves are ideal for both beginners and experts, as they’re easy to use and light. However, if you have sensitive skin and hate irritating it with synthetic fibers, then steer clear of these gloves. One downside is that they’re not as warm as other types of gloves.
Now that you know the different types of gloves that you need for skiing, let’s talk about how to measure for them.
How To Measure For Ski Gloves
As we mentioned above, most ski gloves are either made of a synthetic fiber or a leather. The former are light and easy to use, while the latter are more durable and warmer. Regardless of which type you choose, you need to know how to measure for them so you can get the right size or fit. Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to do, and here’s the right way to go about it:
1. Find The Perfect Match
First, you need to find the perfect match between you and your ski glove. To do this, stand in front of a mirror and hold a pair of your favorite gloves in front of you. You’ll want to make sure that the size is suitable for your hand and that the fit is snug but comfortable. Once you’ve found the pair, you can begin to compare it to the other items on your list (such as the ski helmet, goggles, and ski boots). If the glove is a bit large, you’ll want to get a smaller size. On the other hand, if it’s a bit small, you’ll want to get a bigger size. This is the best way to ensure that you get the right fit every time.
2. Measure The Length
Once you’ve found the perfect match between you and your ski glove, you need to measure the length. You’ll first want to stand in front of a mirror and hold the glove at eye level so you can get a good view of it. From the tip of the middle finger to the end of the index finger, write down the value that you obtain. This value will be the length of the palm of your hand. Most of us have smaller hands than usual, so this value will be smaller than you’d normally measure. Don’t worry though, you’ll still fit perfectly. For example, if you have a 7 inch glove, your hand is approximately 16.5 inches long. Your smaller size might be 7-inch, whereas the bigger size could be 8 or 8.5 inches. This is a crucial measurement to take, as it will help you determine the right size of your glove. If the length of your hand is smaller than 16 inches, then you need to get a smaller size.
3. Check The Width
Once you’ve found the right size of your glove, you need to check the width. This measurement is simpler than the length, as it’s just the width of your hand. Hold your glove as we did in the first step, but this time, we’re going to measure from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the index finger. Regardless of your hand size, you want to make sure that the width of your hand is accommodated by the width of the glove. If it’s not, then you need to go down a size. If it’s wider than your hand, then you need to go up a size. Of course, this is assuming that the width of your hand is smaller than the width of the glove. Otherwise, you’re going to have a difficult time using the glove, as the material will be too thick and uncomfortable.
4. Shape Your Hand For The Perfect Fit
Now that you have the perfect match between you and your ski glove, you need to shape your hand for the perfect fit. Begin by taking a pair of scissors and snipping the tips of your fingers. Then, grab a pencil and draw a line across your palm from one corner to the other, creating four equal sections. Now, you can cut the four corners of your hand (the knuckle area is no exception) so that it forms a perfect square. You want to make sure that the gloves fit snugly but comfortably around your hand, so take some time and do your nails too. This is important, because nails are sensitive and can get chipped or broken by the rough surface of ski equipment. This is why almost all ski gloves are made with uppers that are designed to be non-skid on wet or dry surfaces. This is also why you need to be extra careful in cases of extreme cold or wet snow, as the combination of the two can be very dangerous. Don’t worry though, you’ll be safe as long as you wear the right equipment. When trying on the gloves, make sure that the tips of your fingers are tucked in and that the palm of your hand is facing upwards, so that it’s easier for the fit to be snug. This is a crucial step, as it will help you get the right fit without any problems. You can also use this method to take in the other items on your list (such as the ski helmet, goggles, and ski boots).
Once you’ve found the right size and shape for your glove and other items on your list, it’s time to celebrate! Go out there and have some fun on the slopes. Just make sure to wear your helmet, goggles, and gloves, and follow the rules and safety measures of the sport you love so much.