Our Hestra Gloves buying guide is here to help the most common questions about Hestra Gloves that we receive here as the largest Hestra Gloves stockist in the UK.
Hestra make gloves, and no other clothing so their sizing runs very true using the traditional method of measuring the hand. Take a look at the size chart below to determine your size.
Quick answer: how to measure for Hestra gloves
Measure around the widest part of your palm, just below the knuckles, excluding your thumb. Measure in inches: an 8-inch hand circumference usually corresponds to a Hestra size 8. Use this as a starting point, then check finger length and the fit of the particular model.
How to work out your hand size for Hestra…
- Position your hand
Hold your hand in front of you with your palm facing towards you. Move your thumb out to the side at a right angle. - Measure around your palm
Wrap a tape measure around the widest part of your palm, excluding your thumb. You can also use a piece of string and measure it afterwards. The measurement in inches is your Hestra glove size. For example, an 8-inch hand circumference usually indicates a size 8 glove. - Check your finger length
For a more accurate fit, measure from the base of your palm to the tip of your longest finger and compare this with the Hestra size guide.
Hestra gloves should feel secure and close-fitting without compressing the insulation or restricting circulation. Your fingers should move naturally, with no pressure across the knuckles, fingertips or palm. A glove that is too tight can feel colder because it reduces both insulation performance and blood flow.
Hestra offers unisex and women’s-specific fits. Women’s models are generally slimmer, but hand shape matters more than the label. We regularly fit women into unisex gloves and men into women’s models, depending on which best suits their fingers, palm and wrist.
Material also affects the fit. Full-leather gloves may feel slightly snug when new but will soften, mould to the hand and can stretch by around 5%. Leather-and-synthetic gloves tend to change less, so they should feel comfortable from the start.
Finger length is as important as hand circumference. If the palm fits but the fingers are too long or short, try a different model or fit rather than simply changing size.
Frequently Asked Questions For Hestra Ski Gloves & Mitts
Why buy Hestra gloves from The Skiers Lounge?
We are the largest Hestra stockist in the UK and carry a broad in-store range of gloves, mittens, three-finger styles, liners and colours. Customers can compare fit, warmth and dexterity rather than relying only on photographs.
Should I choose gloves, mittens or three-finger gloves?
Mittens are normally warmest, gloves provide the greatest dexterity, and three-finger styles offer a useful compromise. The best option depends on circulation, destination, weather and how much finger movement you need.
Are all Hestra gloves waterproof?
No—not completely. Hestra uses different constructions across its range. Some gloves include a waterproof and breathable membrane, such as GORE-TEX, while others rely on water-resistant leather, technical fabrics and correct care.
Customers often ask for the GORE-TEX version because they assume it will automatically be “better” or more waterproof. The main advantage of GORE-TEX is the combination of weather protection and breathability. The membrane is designed to resist external moisture while allowing water vapour from perspiration to escape, helping reduce the clammy feeling that can make hands cold.
A GORE-TEX glove is therefore particularly useful if your hands tend to become sweaty or damp while skiing. If clamminess is not usually a problem, both standard and GORE-TEX models may be suitable. The best choice depends on the conditions you ski in, how warm your hands run, and whether you prioritise breathability, dexterity, leather feel or maximum weather protection.
One practical difference is that many GORE-TEX gloves do not have a removable inner liner. This helps protect the membrane and maintain consistent moisture transfer through the glove, but it also means the liner cannot be replaced in the same way as it can on some other Hestra models. You can still wear a separate thin glove liner underneath, provided the fit remains comfortable and does not become too tight.
Whichever model you choose, correct fit and proper care are essential. Leather gloves should be treated appropriately, and no glove will remain fully waterproof indefinitely if it is damaged, poorly maintained or used in prolonged wet conditions.
How should leather Hestra gloves be cared for?
Dry naturally away from direct heat and use Hestra Leather Balm on suitable goat leather or cowhide when the leather becomes dry. Balm may darken leather, so test carefully. Do not machine wash leather gloves.
Here is a handy video about Hestra ski glove care by Scott here at The Skiers Lounge
What is the Hestra warranty?
Hestra covers original manufacturing defects and material faults for two years, subject to assessment. Normal wear, cuts from ski edges, heat damage, incorrect care, washing damage, fading and dry cracked leather are not normally manufacturing claims.
What support do you offer after two years?
Issues are rare, and we regularly see and own Hestra gloves still working after 20 years. For gloves older than two years, The Skiers Lounge will still consider the issue and may work with Hestra to repair or replace at our discretion. This is goodwill support, not an extension of the formal warranty.
Are Hestra heated gloves and mittens any good?
Yes. Hestra heated gloves and mittens are an excellent choice for skiers who want reliable, controllable warmth throughout the day.
They combine Hestra’s established glove construction and premium materials with an integrated battery-powered heating system. Rather than relying on narrow heating wires, the latest Hestra system uses thermal heating tape to spread warmth across a larger area and around each finger, helping provide more even and consistent heat.
There are three adjustable heat settings:
- Low: approximately 8–10 hours
- Medium: approximately 4–5 hours
- High: approximately 2–2.5 hours
For many skiers, the low setting provides enough gentle, consistent warmth to last for a full day on the mountain. The heat can then be increased during particularly cold periods, such as exposed chairlift journeys or when temperatures drop later in the day.
It is important to understand that a high-quality heated glove is designed to help maintain a comfortable hand temperature rather than feel intensely hot. This means they may not feel especially warm when tested indoors. Their benefit becomes much more noticeable once you are outside in genuinely cold conditions.
The rechargeable batteries fit neatly into the cuffs and add very little noticeable bulk. A charger is included, and spare batteries and chargers are available for customers who want additional flexibility.
Hestra heated gloves and mittens are especially suitable for:
- Skiers who regularly struggle with cold hands
- Very cold resorts and exposed mountain conditions
- Long chairlift journeys and periods of inactivity
- Winter walking and outdoor sports
- Anyone wanting adjustable warmth without adding bulky glove layers
The mitten versions are an especially strong option for maximum warmth, as keeping the fingers together helps retain more natural body heat.
Here is a video guide to heated ski gloves we have made to help you:
As with all Hestra leather gloves, a small amount of care will help keep them performing at their best. Apply Hestra Leather Balm when new and after ski trips, allow them to dry naturally away from direct heat, and recharge the batteries occasionally during summer storage.
Overall, Hestra heated gloves and mittens are exceptionally well made and provide effective, adjustable warmth without compromising the fit, comfort or quality expected from Hestra. For skiers who find that cold hands can spoil a day on the mountain, they can make a significant difference.
