Handy Guide: How to Choose the Right Thinsulate™ Gloves
Thinsulate™ gloves have become a must-have for workers seeking supreme warmth, comfort and performance in both wet and dry conditions.
Originally made for the U.S. Army in the mid-1980s, Thinsulate™ has taken the place of down feathers and other materials as a top choice for insulating winter weather gloves.
Thinsulate™ gloves have earned a reputation among work crews for durable, dependable and comfortable warmth. Thinsulate™ gloves have become a must-have for workers seeking supreme warmth, comfort and performance in both wet and dry conditions.
In this post we are going to learn exactly what Thinsulate™ is and what you need to know when choosing a pair of Thinsulate™ gloves.
What is Thinsulate™?
Thinsulate™ is a fabric made from synthetic fibers woven together in various thicknesses to keep your hands warm at a range of temperatures.
Thinsulate™ works by trapping more air in less space, due to its lightweight microfibers. The more air it traps, the warmer the glove will be. This explains why winter gloves that used to be big and bulky can now provide both good dexterity and surprising warmth when constructed with Thinsulate™. Thinsulate™ works well with work gloves and also ski gloves.
Related: Protect yourself from the elements this winter. Check out our article on how to select the right winter work clothes for your job.
How are Thinsulate™ levels determined?
Determining Thinsulate™ thickness levels involves measuring both the weave and weight of the fabric. Thickness is expressed as grams per square meter (GSM). Thinsulate™ thickness levels range from 40 – 800 GSM.
The lower the GSM, the less protection the glove will give you in extreme cold conditions. A higher GSM means that the gloves will keep your hands warm in sub-zero conditions, but you may lose some dexterity because the fabric is thicker.
For example, 40 GSM Thinsulate™ gloves are ideal for working in mild temperatures. While Thinsulate™ gloves with a higher GSM will give you more thermal insulation in extreme cold conditions, they will also make your hands sweat more in mild conditions.
Your level of activity also affects the Thinsulate™ gloves you should choose. If you’re doing a lot of exercises or heavy work, a lower GSM may be sufficient, even in a cooler environment.
How does Thinsulate™ work?
A unique characteristic of Thinsulate™ is how it interacts with the wearer’s body temperature and activity level. Acting like a heat reflector, Thinsulate™ adjusts to body heat to deliver the right amount of insulation.
When working in snow, ice or rain, the fingertips of your gloves often get wet, making your hands feel even colder because the gloves never fully dry out. Cold or wet fingertips make for dangerous working conditions and put you at risk for frostbite or an on-the-job accident.
Thankfully, Thinsulate™ gloves retain their warmth even when they get wet or you sweat.
How do I choose the correct weight for my Thinsulate™ gloves?
Factors for determining which Thinsulate™ gloves are best for you:
- the outside temperature
- the amount of fine or large motor skill activity
- the insulation in the fingertips
- the manufacturer of the glove
- Mild days or work conditions: 80 – 100 GSM is perfect for the average winter day above 20°F/-6°C
- Cold days and work conditions: 100 – 200 GSM will be best when temperatures fall below 20°F/-6°C
- Extreme cold and arctic conditions: 200 – 800 GSM may be required for temperatures below -30°F/-34°C
What glove styles with Thinsulate™ does Conney Safety offer?
To browse our full line of Thinsulate™ gloves, check out all of our options on our website here and stay warm out there.
Endura® Winter Goat-Grain Driver Gloves made with Dupont™ Kevlar® Fiber and Thinsulate™ Lining
The soft and lightweight Endura® goatskin leather glove is made with DuPont™ Kevlar® fiber, offering ANSI level A4 cut resistance and level 4 puncture resistance. The cut-and-sewn construction provides optimal, tailored fit.
The high tensile goatskin provides outstanding abrasion resistance and durability. The keystone thumb provides extra durability and comfort. This winter glove also features a Thinsulate™ lining for great warmth without bulk.
- High tensile-strength goatskin provides outstanding abrasion resistance
- Keystone thumb for better durability and comfort
- Brushed jersey-fleece interior with 100-gram Thinsulate™ lining
- Winter protection down to 5°F/-15°C
- Elastic back for snug fit
- ANSI level 4 puncture resistance
When the conditions are crisp, your hands will be warm and dry inside these Thinsulate-lined split cowhide leather gloves. For added protection from cold temperatures, a long knit wrist is sewn into the safety cuff to keep snow and ice from falling inside the glove. Gloves get their durability and long wear from a full leather index finger, knuckle strap, leather fingertips and a leather pull patch. To ensure worker comfort, the gloves are designed in a wing thumb, gunn cut pattern.
MCR Memphis Artic Jack Grain Pigskin Gloves
These gloves are right at home in wet and blustery cold indoor or outdoor conditions. Thinsulate-lined pigskin combines abrasion resistance and breathability, making these gloves ideal for many general purpose applications. Gloves become softer with each use and withstand moisture without stiffening. They even retain their natural soft texture after laundering.
Related: Thinsulate is not the only type of winter work gloves we offer at Conney. Read our winter work gloves selection guide to learn more.
Where can I purchase Thinsulate™ gloves?
Conney Safety is a proud distributor of Thinsulate™-lined gloves from Superior Glove, MCR, Honeywell, and more. You can order from our complete supply of Superior Glove winter weather gloves at Conney.com.