There is something cozy about slipping your hands into wool mittens on a cold day. Wool is a natural fiber, and mittens keep your fingers together so they share warmth.
The International Wool Textile Organisation says wool can absorb up to 35% of its own weight in moisture vapour, which is then released into the air.[1] This guide covers wool mittens versus gloves, what to look for and six pairs.
Wool mittens at a glance
- IWTO says wool can absorb up to 35% of its own weight in moisture vapour and release it into the air.[1]
- IWTO says merino wool absorbs and releases twice as much moisture vapour as cotton and 30 times as much as polyester.[1]
- IWTO says wool is naturally odour and stain resistant.[1]
- The Wilderness Medical Society’s frostbite guidelines include changing from gloves to mitts to increase insulation, and avoiding wet extremities.[2]
- The six picks are four-ply, three-ply and two-ply knits, a merino mitten and a handmade pair.
Wool Gloves vs Wool Mittens
- Gloves – Gloves cover each finger and suit work and sports that need your fingers. They must fit exactly. They are not as warm as mittens, because the fingers are separate.
- Mittens – Mittens have one space for the four fingers and a separate thumb. Some have a flip-top that exposes your fingers. They give little dexterity, so they suit cold weather and activities with no fine tasks. The Wilderness Medical Society guidelines name changing from gloves to mitts as a way to add insulation and skin protection.[2][3] A snug fit stops them from falling off.
Choosing the Best Wool Mittens
Wool mittens come as single-ply, two-ply, three-ply or four-ply knits. The more layers, the thicker, heavier and warmer they are. The wool may be merino, Icelandic sheep wool or Austrian sheep wool.
Here are the properties that matter, from IWTO:[1]
- Breathable and Moisture Absorbent – Wool is hygroscopic. It can absorb up to 35% of its own weight in moisture vapour, which is released into the air.
- Moisture Management – Merino absorbs and releases twice as much moisture vapour as cotton and 30 times as much as polyester, which helps keep the air against your skin stable.
- Odour and Stain Resistant – Wool needs less washing, and airing releases odour.
- Soft Feel – Merino is softer and less prickly than coarser wool.
Wet mittens are a problem in the cold, so the guidelines advise avoiding wet extremities.[2] Dry wet mittens before the next use.
Features of a Good Wool Mitten
- Materials – Genuine sheep wool, such as boiled wool or merino, sometimes with a fleece lining for warmth.
- Design – A closed mitten for four fingers and a separate thumb. The cuff may be wrist length or longer.
- Care – Hand-wash and air-dry wool mittens unless the label says otherwise.
- Colors and Sizes – Many come in colors and prints, in men’s and women’s sizes.
How We Chose These Wool Mittens
These picks come from research. This is desk research. We compared the manufacturer specifications and product descriptions for each pick. We did not test the gloves ourselves, and we did not check stock this time.
We looked at these factors:
- Wool – Merino, boiled, Icelandic or Austrian.
- Thickness – Number of plies.
- Lining – Fleece or none.
- Care – Hand-wash or machine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Wool Mittens
- Are wool mittens warmer than gloves?
Yes. Mittens keep your fingers together, and the Wilderness Medical Society’s guidelines name changing from gloves to mitts as a way to increase insulation.[2] - What does the ply of a wool mitten mean?
It is the number of layers in the knit. More plies are thicker, heavier and warmer. - Does wool absorb moisture?
Yes. IWTO says wool can absorb up to 35% of its own weight in moisture vapour and release it into the air.[1] - Do wool mittens smell?
IWTO says wool is naturally odour resistant, and airing releases any odour.[1] - How do I wash wool mittens?
Check the label. The Jack and Mary pair is hand-wash and air-dry.
Our Picks: Wool Mittens
Here are 6 wool mittens, from merino to boiled wool.
We hope you love the wool mittens we recommend!
So that you know, we may earn a share of sales or other compensation from links on this page. This does not change your price.
1
Ojbro® Unisex Swedish Made Merino Wool Mittens
Currently unavailable
The Ojbro is a pair of thick, cozy mittens made in Sweden from genuine merino wool sourced in Sweden.
- It comes in a single neutral color.
- The knit is thick and made for winter.
2
Dachstein® Unisex 4 Ply Four-Ply Boiled Wool Mittens
Currently unavailable
The Dachstein four-ply mittens are heavy cold-weather mittens in four layers of boiled wool, made in the Dachstein mountains in Austria.
- The boiled wool is thick and heavy.
- They come in colors and prints.
3
Freyja® Unisex Canada Icelandic Wool Mittens
Currently unavailable
The Freyja is a pair of mittens in Icelandic sheep wool with a warm fleece lining, made in Canada, in a two-ply knit.
- The knit is thick and breathable.
- They come in unisex sizes and several colors.
4
Jack and Mary® Unisex Handmade Wool Mittens
Currently unavailable
The Jack and Mary mittens are handcrafted in the USA from genuine wool, with a fleece lining, in colorful designs.
- They come in several colors and sizes.
- Hand-wash them and let them air-dry.
5
Dachstein® Unisex Wool wear Three-Ply Wool Mittens
Currently unavailable
The Dachstein three-ply mittens are heavy mittens in organic Austrian wool, a durable three-ply knit.
- They are made for very cold weather and snow.
- They come in several colors and sizes.
6
Gilsa® Unisex Warm Genuine Wool Mittens
Currently unavailable
The Gilsa mittens are made of pure wool with a durable fleece lining that wicks away moisture.
- They come in several colors, prints and sizes.
- The knit is styled for everyday wear.
Index Table: Top Rated Wool Mittens
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ojbro Unisex Swedish Made - Merino Wool Mittens |  |
| Ojbro | - |
| 2 | Dachstein Unisex 4 Ply - Four-Ply Boiled Wool Mittens |  |
| Dachstein | - |
| 3 | Freyja Unisex Canada - Icelandic Wool Mittens |  |
| Freyja | - |
| 4 | Jack and Mary Unisex Handmade - Wool Mittens |  |
| Jack and Mary | - |
| 5 | Dachstein Unisex Wool wear - Three-Ply Wool Mittens |  |
| Dachstein | - |
| 6 | Gilsa Unisex Warm - Genuine Wool Mittens |  |
| Gilsa | - |
Sources
- International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO). Wool Notes: Wool Characteristics & Performance. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Wilderness Medical Society. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Frostbite: 2024 Update. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- American Family Physician (American Academy of Family Physicians). Frostbite: Recommendations for Prevention and Treatment from the Wilderness Medical Society. Accessed October 27, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around the IWTO wool notes and the Wilderness Medical Society frostbite guidelines, removed the unsupported wool claims (warm when wet, water repellent, high warmth to weight, itch treatment) and the old score tables, fixed the product notes, rewrote all product notes and added Sources
- Apr 2021: Published
