Best kids’ waterproof gloves 2024: 18 options for whatever the weather
Skiing? Throwing snowballs? Or braving the rain? The best kids' waterproof gloves are the finishing touch
With our pick of the best kids’ waterproof gloves, you can keep little hands warm and dry all season long. Along with a waterproof puddle suit, a pair of winter boots or Wellington boots, kids' waterproof gloves are all your child needs to get stuck into some serious outdoor fun. It's fair to say that waterproof gloves are an essential piece of outdoor kit come autumn, winter and spring as nothing stops outdoor playtime faster than when little hands are cold. So making sure your little explorers are protected against the elements is essential.
Protection is key, but so is personality. We've included a broad selection of designs, colourways and shapes across gloves and mittens to appeal to kids of all ages and temperaments, whether they're after playful prints or prefer something no-nonsense and functional.
We've listed a number of options with prices starting under £10, in styles and colours to suit everyone. Keep reading to discover the best kids' gloves on the market right now.
Best kids' waterproof gloves 2024
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RRP: £28 | Sizes: 3-4 years - 9+ years
Jack Wolfskin's Easy Entry gloves might not have the waterproofing wizardry of certain other options on our list, but with their open back and Velcro fastening, they're great for encouraging independent dressing while keeping fingers toasty. Other positives include wind- and water-resistance, TEXATHERM lining for warmth and adjustable toggles at the wrist. They come in three colourways (dark fuchsia, night blue and black) to appeal to all style sensibilities.
RRP: £18-£20 | Sizes: 6-8 years - 8-10 years
Keep little hands warm and dry in even the coldest of weather with these ski mittens made from recycled plastic water bottles.
They're fleece-lined and water-resistant, with elasticated cuffs to keep the cold out, as well as textured palms to help get a good grip on snowballs. We're confident the colour blocking design will brighten up any grey afternoons.
RRP: Was £25, now £17 | Sizes: Small - Extra Large
These 100 per cent recycled nylon kids' waterproof gloves in can't-go-wrong-black have an eye-catching logo detail, adjustable cuffs and a clip fastening which makes them easier for kids to keep track of. With a breathable, waterproof membrane to keep hands dry (inside and out), they're also made with patented insulation to keep little fingers from feeling frosty.
RRP: £20.49 | Sizes: 2-4 years
Unicorns are always trending hard with the toddler/nursery set and fans of the mythical creatures will love these cute and cosy mittens, which are ready for magical outdoor adventures no matter how cold it gets.
These fun, water-resistant mitts have a 100 per cent nylon shell, a PU palm for grip and are lined in a soft, moisture-wicking material with a comfortable, knitted cuff. Featuring a 'don't lose me' cord so you'll never misplace these handy new friends, these kids' waterproof gloves are the fun way to brighten a dull and drizzly day.
RRP: £14.99 | Sizes: 7-10 years
These ski gloves for older kids boast a nylon shell, adjustable cuffs to keep cold air out and an extra grip on the thumb and palm, making them ideal for winter sports - but it's not just their sleek design and water-repellent abilities which caught our eye.
Thanks to HEATWEAVER insulation, these gloves are ideal for any child whose hands get cold easily. The thermal lining has a fur-like texture and uses innovative knitting technology to maximise the amount of warm air kept inside the gloves. Bonus: they're machine washable, too.
RRP: £9.99 | Sizes: 12-18 months - 24 months - 3 years
Sledging for the first time? Available in blue with turquoise or damson, these sweet and brightly coloured mittens are designed to keep baby hands warm and dry.
Easy to pop on because of their wide opening and an elasticated wrist and cuff, they have a waterproof rating of 2,000mm and their 150 g/sqm polyester-based synthetic wadding traps air to retain vital warmth in the snow and on the slopes.
RRP: £8.99-£9.99 | Sizes: S, M
Who said you had to pay a fortune to warm your hands in style? These durable polyester gloves boast a hydrophobic (meaning water-repellent) layer to keep little hands dry and warm, making them ideal for outdoor snow activities. With a wear-resistant and anti-slip PU leather coating, they're perfect for skiing, snowboarding, sledging and skating. The warm lining, ribbed cuffs and elastic bands will help keep little hands warm.
They also have an anti-lost buckle to prevent either glove from going AWOL on the slopes and a cute dinosaur design to help them stand out when dropped in the snow. These waterproof gloves are sure to be a hit year after year.
RRP: £22 | Sizes: 6M - 4-6 years
For kids who don't want cutesy prints on their waterproof gloves, try these kids' mittens in a classy burgundy colour.
Windproof and waterproof (with a 12,000mm water pillar), they're pre-bent for a comfy fit with long, elasticated cuffs to keep water out and large, easy-grip patches on the palms. These also have abrasion-resistance (promising years of play), reflectors for visibility on cold, dark evenings and they'll fit under or over your child's winter coat.
Made with plastic bottles rescued from landfill, these win points since they can be traded back in to Polarn O. Pyret once your little one has outgrown them.
RRP: Was £26, now £19 | Sizes: 2-4 years - 9-12 years
For serious warmth, whether you're on the slopes or in the park, these pink-but-edgy machine washable Arctic ski gloves are insulated and have a waterproof rating of 5,000mm. Fans of Percy Jackson will appreciate the lightning bolt design and cosy feel; parents will note that these tick every inclement weather activity box since they come with reinforced rubber palms for better grip, a reflective logo and details for added visibility and longer-than-usual cuffs to stop any snow from getting in. A navy blue version with trapper hat motif is also available.
The fact these gloves come with a handy clip means they'll never be one glove down!
RRP: Was £32.50, now £16.50 | Sizes: 6-9 months
Calling all snow babies: Konges Sløjd's Nohr Snow Baby Mittens in a sleek olive green colourway ensure your little one is the cutest - and snuggliest - snow bunny on the slopes. (OK, fine, in the chalet.) Finished with an eco coating and insulted with recycled padding, these have an elasticated cuff so they won't fall off, a handy attachment clip and they're machine washable to boot.
RRP: Was £30.99, now £22.24-£23.99 | Sizes: 2-4 years - 8-10 years
Insulated with Thinsulate, Trespass' Ergon II ski gloves are waterproof, breathable, and lightly padded. There's an inner knitted cuff, adjustable cuff tab and adjustable wrist strap to ensure maximum comfort and a close-to-perfect fit, but our favourite feature has to be the coating that allows kids to wipe their noses without removing the gloves first, which we predict will be a winner with kids and parents alike.
RRP: Was £19.99, now £6.99 | Sizes: S-XL
The cute critter faces on these ski mittens will tempt even the most reluctant glove and mitten-wearers into trying them on! The only challenge will be in encouraging your child to take them off!
They're snowproof and water-resistant, and thanks to the textured patches on the palm, they offer good grip in even the slushiest or snowy of conditions.
RRP: £24.99 | Sizes: 6 years - 14 years
This design carries kids right through their early teens and is perfect for budding or experienced skiers, since the classic silhouette is both waterproof and flexible. With long sleeves and flexible cuffs, these gloves have a water-repellent treatment to prevent moisture from absorbing and a fine polymer film, which acts as a waterproof barrier against the elements.
RRP: £32 | Sizes: 2T - 5-6 years
Burton's ski- and snowboard-ready mittens come in solid hues as well as cute prints, like this rainbow zebra pattern. Lined in thick fleece, they've got a waterproof, quick-dry two-layer shell and ThermacoreECO insulation made from 95 per cent recycled materials. Rubberised palms keep little ones' hands from slipping, while the drawcord closure allows kids to slip them on and off themselves.
RRP: £22, members' price £10.50 | Sizes: M-L - L-XL
These polyester and PU mittens for kids feature lightweight insulation and waterproof membrane inserts. Adjustable cuffs and drawstring closures at the wrist ensure a nice fit, while a microfleece thumb acts as a handy nose wipe. These cute mitts are available in go-with-everything black or a bold purple colour.
RRP: £9.99 | Sizes: 6-7 years - 12-13 years
With a price point under a tenner and two colourways to choose from (pink and black), these Thinsulate gloves boast 3m 40g insulation lining to keep hands toasty warm, as well as a waterproof outer, with an adjustable Velcro closure and handy clips to keep them together when they're not being used to build snowmen. (Or worn while singing songs about building snowmen.)
RRP: Was £18, now £11 | Sizes: S-XL
If you're looking for waterproofing and warmth on a budget, then these kids' gloves from Trekmates are sure to tick every box. With DRY Shield™ technology (a minimum of 3,000mm), these Trekmates gloves are a value buy kitted out with 120gm/m2 polyester hollowfibre insulation to keep hands cosy. Plus, the polyamide outer promises these will withstand plenty of outdoor rough and tumble.
RRP: £15 | Sizes: 10-12 years
These water-resistant gloves with a microfleece lining offer a nostalgic blast from the 80s past. Sure, they'll protect small mitts from the wet and cold, but they'll also provide hours of fun outside since Freezy Freakies change colours and designs when it's cold out. And yes, adult sizes are also available - we checked.
How to choose the best waterproof gloves for your child
For the best protection in waterproof gloves, look for taped seams and a water-resistant outer layer, such as nylon and coated fabrics. A thicker insulating inner layer - such as fleece, cotton or Thinsulate - is ideal for keeping little hands extra cosy and warm.
In our guide, you'll see that the most reliable options for waterproof gloves come with a waterproof rating. Fabric waterproof rating is measured in millimetres. This refers to the pressure at which water is able to press through the fabric. Anything between 1,500mm-5,000mm is suitable for everyday adventures. For more exciting excursions - think skiing or sledging - opt for a higher rating of up to 10,000mm.
Are mittens or gloves better for toddlers?
When it comes to choosing kids' waterproof gloves, a key decision is whether to opt for gloves or mittens. Mittens are designed to keep fingers together, so they are more efficient at trapping warmth and keeping little hands warm. For babies and toddlers - and particularly cold days - mittens are the best option for keeping frosty fingertips at bay.
Mittens also tend to be easier to get on and off than gloves, which is something to take into consideration when you're bundling your child up and trying to get out the door - kitting out a baby or toddler in rain- or snow-ready gear can feel a lot trickier than getting ourselves dressed, but getting kids into the habit of wearing gloves when it's cold and wet from a young age can help kids from getting overly dry, chapped hands.
On the other hand, gloves give kids more freedom and the ability to do more with their hands, and tend to become more popular as kids start nursery and school, so for slightly older children - or for more hands-on outdoor activities - consider gloves.
If your little ones are always losing their gloves, it's worth organising your kid's wardrobe and arranging accessories in their own storage box. Or choose one of the pairs with handy clips so you can ensure your kids' gloves have something easy to attach to once you're back indoors. You definitely won't want to misplace any of the waterproof gloves included on this list.
Best places to buy kids' waterproof gloves
- AMAZON - Whatever kids need delivered directly to your door
- MOUNTAIN WAREHOUSE - Everything to keep kids warm and dry
- DECATHLON - High-performance gear designed for active kids
- MUDDY PUDDLES - Bold, high-performance kids' outerwear that's built to last
- SNOW + ROCK - The snow wear destination for all your cold-weather kit
- JOHN LEWIS - High-quality seasonal kids wear
- CHILDRENSALON - Designer kidswear: High-quality and trendy styles abound
- POLARN O. PYRET - Winter warmers in recycled fabrics (plus a buyback scheme)
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Heidi is a seasoned parenting journalist with over 15 years of experience. She has contributed to numerous UK national newspapers, including The Guardian, The Times, and The Telegraph. Her work has also appeared in a variety of print and digital magazines, such as Psychologies and Mother & Baby, where she was Shopping Editor for six years. In this role, she specialised in consumer features, including buying guides and baby gear reviews. Heidi is also a mum of three.
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