Neoprene Swim Gloves

Neoprene swim gloves keep your hands warm while swimming in cold(er) water. Cold hands are one of the first complaints among open water swimmers who continue training in spring and autumn: the feeling quickly disappears from your fingers, your grip on the stroke weakens and concentration drops. Neoprene gloves solve that by retaining the warmth around your hands, so that you can keep swimming longer, more comfortably and more effectively.

The gloves are made of the same neoprene as wetsuits, fit closely on the hand and are fastened at the wrist with a velcro closure so that they do not slide off and minimal water enters. They are available in different sizes for men and women. The most important selection criteria are the water temperature at which you swim, the desired thickness of the neoprene and the right fit around your hand.

Which neoprene swim gloves suit you?

The right choice depends on the water temperature at which you swim and how quickly your hands get cold. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You regularly swim in open water and suffer from cold hands at temperatures below 15 degrees: Neoprene swim gloves are exactly what you need. They retain the warmth around your hands and fingers, so that you keep feeling and control in your stroke movement. A thickness of 2 to 2.5 mm is sufficient for most swimmers in this temperature range.

You swim in extremely cold water or do ice swimming: Choose a thicker model of 3 mm or more. The colder the water, the faster you lose warmth via your hands and wrists. A thicker glove limits the freedom of movement slightly but offers significantly more insulation at low water temperatures.

You also want to protect your hands against sharp objects or rough surfaces in open water: Neoprene swim gloves also offer physical protection when swimming along rocks or rugged coast. That is an additional advantage with coastal swimming or swimming in lakes with a stony bottom.

You want complete protection with cold open water swimming: Combine your gloves with neoprene swim socks and a neoprene swim cap. Hands, feet and head are the places where you lose the most body heat in cold water. By combining the three with your wetsuit you considerably extend your swimming season.

What to look for when purchasing?

Thickness of the neoprene

The common thickness for neoprene swim gloves is between 1.5 and 3 mm. A thickness of 2 to 2.5 mm is the most suitable for water temperatures between 10 and 16 degrees: sufficient warmth with retention of feeling in the fingers. At water temperatures below 10 degrees or with ice swimming a thickness of 3 mm is recommended. Keep in mind that a thicker glove limits the sensitivity in your fingers and the accuracy of your stroke slightly.

Fit and velcro closure

A good fit is essential for the insulating effect. The glove must fit closely on your hand: sitting too loosely means that too much water can flow around, which causes the insulation to disappear. Too tight hampers the blood circulation, which is counterproductive in the cold. The velcro closure around the wrist ensures that the glove stays in place and that less water enters via the wrist.

Choosing the right size

For the right size, measure the width of your hand over the knuckles (without thumb) and the length of your hand from wrist to the tip of your middle finger. As a rule of thumb: size S for women with small hands or children, size M for women with medium-sized hands or men with small hands, size L for women with large hands or men with medium-sized hands, and size XL for men with large hands. Preferably use the specific size chart of the brand for the most accurate choice.

Use in competitions

Neoprene swim gloves are not permitted at all official triathlon competitions. Always check the competition rules of your specific event before you purchase them for competition use. For training and recreational swimming they are always usable.

Our advice: Always combine neoprene swim gloves with swim socks and a neoprene swim cap if you swim at low water temperatures. Hands, feet and head are the three places where you lose warmth the fastest. Addressing all three makes a bigger practical difference than replacing one single item with a thicker model.

Who are neoprene swim gloves suitable for?

• Open water swimmers who continue training in spring and autumn and suffer from cold hands at lower water temperatures.
• Triathletes and swimmers who want to extend their swimming season and want to keep swimming comfortably even at temperatures below 15 degrees.
• Ice swimmers and athletes who are active in extremely cold water and need maximum warmth protection around hands and wrists.
• Coastal swimmers who, in addition to warmth, also want protection against sharp rocks or rough surfaces in open water.

Neoprene swim gloves are less suitable if you only train in the pool or swim at water temperatures above 18 degrees. In warmer conditions they limit the sensitivity in your fingers without the insulation providing a practical advantage.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy neoprene swim gloves but are not sure which ones suit your wishes and needs best? Then we are happy to help. You can reach our specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about neoprene swim gloves

At what water temperature do you use neoprene swim gloves?

Neoprene swim gloves are most used at water temperatures below 15 degrees. How cold the water exactly needs to be before you need them differs per person: one swimmer loses feeling in his hands faster than another. A good rule of thumb is that as soon as cold hands affect your stroke movement or disturb your concentration, gloves are a useful addition. For ice swimming or water below 10 degrees they are almost always recommended.

How do I choose the right size of neoprene swim gloves?

Measure the width of your hand over the knuckles without your thumb and the length from wrist to the tip of your middle finger. Size S is suitable for women with small hands or children, size M for women with medium-sized hands or men with small hands, size L for women with large hands or men with medium-sized hands, and size XL for men with large hands. Use the brand's size chart for the most accurate size comparison. The glove must fit closely but not hamper the blood circulation.

May I wear neoprene swim gloves at a triathlon competition?

That depends on the rules of the organisation. At most official triathlon competitions neoprene swim gloves are not permitted during the swimming section. Always check the specific competition rules of your event before you purchase them for competition use. For training and recreational swimming there are no restrictions.

What is the best combination with cold open water swimming?

For maximum warmth protection with cold open water swimming you combine neoprene swim gloves with neoprene swim socks and a neoprene swim cap. Hands, feet and head are the three places where you lose the most body heat. By protecting all three in combination with your wetsuit you keep your core temperature better up to par and you can swim longer and more comfortably. Also view our range of neoprene swim socks and neoprene swim caps.

What is the difference in thickness with neoprene swim gloves?

A thickness of 2 to 2.5 mm is suitable for water temperatures between 10 and 16 degrees: sufficient warmth with retention of feeling in the fingers. With water below 10 degrees or with ice swimming a thickness of 3 mm or more is recommended for more insulation. A thicker glove limits the sensitivity in your fingers and the accuracy of your stroke slightly, but gives a clear warmth advantage at low temperatures.