To find the correct pair of mittens for you work, you have to understand the importance of the fit of the mittens. If the mittens is too tight, you will lose warmth from your mittens. If they are too loose, you will lose control of your tool.
Thus, using the size chart to find the proper size for your mittens will allow the mittens to properly perform it’s function of keeping your hands functional. In order to find the proper size of mittens for your hand, there are two step you must follow because the measurements of your hand will determine how well the mittens will fit for your hand. The circumference of your hand’s widest portion will determine how well the mitten will close around your hand.
How to Choose the Right Mittens for Work
The length from the base of your palm to the tip of middle finger will determine whether your fingers will reach the end of the mitten. By taking both measurements, you can ensure your mittens will not lead to stiff hand. Carhartt sells separate patterns for men’s and women’s mittens because men’s hands is not the same as women’s.
Men’s mittens have a wider palm box with longer fingers. Women’s mittens are narrower with shorter finger. Thus, if you are in between sizes, you can either opt for the women’s or men’s version of the mittens.
Some women will opt for the men’s version to allow more room for there work. The difference in the mittens while in the store can be subtle. However, once worn for several hour the differences in the mittens will be noticeable.
The model of the mittens you choose will depend on the specific weather condition in which you will wear the mittens. For instance, mittens with Arctic quilt lining are meant for temperatures below freezing. Mittens with waterproof inserts and gauntlet cuff are for driving in the snow.
Knit shells with grip dots allow you to hold onto your tools without the mitten twisting on your hand. Thus, choosing the correct model for the weather will allow your mittens to properly perform their function. The material used on the palm of the mitten will allow you to have a specific amount of grip on your tools.
For example, leather is good for working with lumber but you must condition it periodically. Synthetic materials do not change with the temperature but are easier to clean then leather mittens. Latex dots on a knit base allow for a good amount of traction when your mittens are wet and do not add to the weight of the mittens.
Thus, the type of material used on the palm of the mitten will allow you to decide if the mitten will act as your tool or if it may become a liability in the workplace. The cuff of the mitten can be either a gauntlet, knit wrist or feature a cinch strap. A gauntlet will cover the gap between your coat and your arm if you extend your arm overhead.
A knit wrist cuff allows for the mittens to be slipped on and off easy in case you need to use your phone. A cinch strap allows you to adjust the fit of the mittens to your bulky jacket. Thus, the different types of cuffs allow the mittens to solve different problems you may encounter in the workplace.
The thickness of the insulation of the mittens will provide you with warmth but take away from your dexterity. Thicker insulation will allow your hands to remain warm but prevent you from feeling small fasteners. To solve this, many workers wear a thin liner glove that will warm the hand and protect the skin from cold metal.
Thus, thin liner gloves will allow your mittens and your work tools to maintain their function. The care you use for your mittens will allow them to last for longer. For example, duck canvas mittens are very resistant to abrasions but may shrink if you clean them with a washing machine.
Leather mittens may crack if you do not condition them with wax periodically. The waterproof membrane on the mittens may fail if you expose the membrane to high heat. Thus, caring for the mittens properly will allow them to last longer and not fail in their function.
Using the chart provided by the manufacturer, you can make your decision on the pair of mittens you would like to purchase. First, you can measure your hand. Second, you can use those measurements to find the correct size on the chart.
Finally, you can choose your model based off your environment. By finding the correct pair of mittens, your mittens will keep your hands warm and you will be able to focus on your work without the distraction of your gear fighting with your mittens.
