# Shopping for gloves is absolute HELL for me **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 14, 2011, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shopping-for-gloves-is-absolute-hell-for-me/602862 "2011-11-14T04:24:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Argent\_Towers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e8c25b/32.png) [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2011, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shopping-for-gloves-is-absolute-hell-for-me/602862/1 "2011-11-14T04:24:38Z")
And it’s not because of the size of my hands, or because I have an extra finger or something. It’s because I (for as long as I can remember) cannot wear anything made of that synthetic-micro-fleece material. When I say cannot, I really do mean cannot - the sensation makes it impossible for me to focus my mind on anything else. It makes me shiver; not a good kind of shiver, either. I really can’t put into words how unpleasant it is for me. It’s not unpleasant the way an itchy wool garment is. The physical sensation of that synthetic fleece stuff penetrates way deeper, going beyond just the skin, causing a feeling of _dread_ all over my body. This is especially problematic with clothes for outdoors and hunting, and cold weather gear. It seems like _all_ cold-weather clothing nowadays has some of that fake-fleece-micro-fiber stuff on it. There are several different kinds of the fabric I’m referring to. I’m not talking so much about the fake-sheepskin type stuff with the high-pile, curly texture, although I hate that too (though I love real sheepskin.) I mean like the stuff North Face jackets are made of. The stuff that nearly _ALL_ motherfucking gloves seem to be lined with. You have no idea how excruciating it is for me to have to wear a GLOVE lined with that shit, resulting in my entire hand being totally enveloped in it. So I naturally have to check every pair of gloves in the glove section to make sure it’s not lined with that stuff. This means having to touch the insides of the gloves, and coming into contact with the hell-fleece almost every single time - endlessly frustrating. Some gloves will be nearly perfect - perfect fit, perfect amount of grip on the front, look good, etc - and thankfully be free of the hell-fleece, at least on the inside - but then the CUFF of the glove will be made out of hell-fleece. Yes, even the cuff, I cannot tolerate - this part is wrapped around my wrist; I need to grab it to put the gloves on and take them off; this cannot be tolerated. It turns up in other things too. Let’s say I find a camo hunting jacket that I absolutely love; it fits well, it’s warm, it’s well-made, etc. It’s thankfully free of the hell fleece…or so it seems. Then I unbutton the side pockets, to check out how much space is in them, or whatever…and - BAM! Hell-fleece city, inside those fucking pockets. I guess most people _like_ this stuff, so the manufacturer of the jacket figures lots of people will love sticking their hands in the pockets on a cold day. And I’m happy for these people. Really. But I can’t do it. I also find all kinds of blankets, pillows, etc, made out of the stuff. Pet beds, too, often seem to have it. Am I totally alone in this? Or is there anyone else out there? ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2011, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shopping-for-gloves-is-absolute-hell-for-me/602862/2 "2011-11-14T04:53:24Z")
> [@Argent\_Towers](#): > > And it’s not because of the size of my hands, or because I have an extra finger or something. […] Some gloves will be nearly perfect - perfect fit, perfect amount of grip on the front, look good, etc - and thankfully be free of the hell-fleece, at least on the inside - but then the CUFF of the glove will be made out of hell-fleece. […] Am I totally alone in this? Or is there anyone else out there? No, you’re not alone. Every tiny-fingered man in the world who has never seen a pair of gloves that might fit him which didn’t incidentally feature a graphic of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is rolling their eyes at you. ---
**Author:** ![Girl\_From\_Mars](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3da27b/32.png) [@Girl\_From\_Mars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Girl_From_Mars)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2011, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shopping-for-gloves-is-absolute-hell-for-me/602862/3 "2011-11-14T07:08:23Z")
I bought a pair of very lightweight merino wool liner gloves to wear under cycling gloves in the winter - but no reason you couldn’t wear these with another pair of standard gloves so that you have no skin contact with the fleece you hate. Mine were from [Icebreaker](http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_Icebreaker-Glove-Liner_10034095_10208_10000001_-1_?cm_mmc=CSE-_-GoogleBase-_-na-_-Icebreaker-Glove-Liner&ad_id=GoogleBase) bought in Australia, but I’m sure you can find other brands in the US, and then take your pick of any other glove you like over the top. ---
**Author:** ![Argent\_Towers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e8c25b/32.png) [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2011, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shopping-for-gloves-is-absolute-hell-for-me/602862/4 "2011-11-14T07:42:44Z")
Oh, if only it were that easy. I can feel the texture of the hellfleece _through_ other layers of fabric. The vibrations of the fibers against the other fibers are eminently perceptible to me. Thank God I found a pair of decent Realtree fingerless gloves (with folding mitten flaps) at Wal-Mart lined with ordinary cotton cloth. I had to cut down the right index finger a little extra, but they’re otherwise fine, and they were only seven dollars. When it gets colder, I’ll wear Under Armour glove liners underneath them. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2011, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shopping-for-gloves-is-absolute-hell-for-me/602862/5 "2011-11-14T12:23:53Z")
You need to shop military surplus - look for the bunny fur lined leather ‘officer issue cold weather gloves’ They look like [this](http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220890806117&hlp=false), just with bunny fur instead of poly/wool blend. I can try to rummage around for a pair and get the stock number for them. We normally head over to the coasty academy and pick them up at the base exchange uniform store. I on the other hand hate wearing gloves, and wear fingerless leather gloves that many people use for driving, except mine have added padding for wheelchair use. I don’t like fuzzy linings of any sort. ---
**Author:** ![Sigmagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Sigmagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigmagirl)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2011, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shopping-for-gloves-is-absolute-hell-for-me/602862/6 "2011-11-14T15:07:04Z")
I have the same problem – I’m really allergic and have eczema, and fleece irritates my skin something awful. Even if it’s cotton fleece. I have bought plain white cotton gloves to wear as liners, and that works well for me. A lot of pharmacies sell them for people who put them on after applying cream or lotion. I also have a pair of silk-lined gloves, but those tend to be dress gloves and not very warm. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2011, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shopping-for-gloves-is-absolute-hell-for-me/602862/7 "2011-11-14T15:17:41Z")
Nordstrom has [leather gloves](http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/john-w-nordstrom-cashmere-lined-leather-gloves/2940944?origin=related-2940944-0-0-1) lined with cashmere. So soft and comfortable you’ll want to stick your schlong in them. ---
**Author:** ![GythaOgg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/49beb7/32.png) [@GythaOgg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GythaOgg)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2011, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shopping-for-gloves-is-absolute-hell-for-me/602862/8 "2011-11-14T15:35:09Z")
I can recommend [Overland Sheepskin](http://www.overland.com/) - high quality leather goods for men and women, including gloves, and no fleece in sight. I’ve got a wonderful pair of women’s deerskin gloves lined with cashmere knit from them, with fox fur cuffs. Looking at men’s accessories, I see a wide selection of gloves at different price points. They do have stores in some areas. ---
**Author:** ![FlyByNight512](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/82dd89/32.png) [@FlyByNight512](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlyByNight512)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2011, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shopping-for-gloves-is-absolute-hell-for-me/602862/9 "2011-11-14T17:56:09Z")
> [@Tom\_Tildrum](#): > > Nordstrom has [leather gloves](http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/john-w-nordstrom-cashmere-lined-leather-gloves/2940944?origin=related-2940944-0-0-1) lined with cashmere. So soft and comfortable you’ll want to stick your schlong in them. I have a pair of gloves almost exactly like that, and love them. The lining is starting to wear after six years of use, but they’re a long ways from dead still. I’d want something heavier if I were doing outdoor labor or dealing with sub-zero temperatures, but for keeping my hands warm from the bus station to the office building they’re great. ---
**Author:** ![Moonlitherial](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Moonlitherial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonlitherial)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2011, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shopping-for-gloves-is-absolute-hell-for-me/602862/10 "2011-11-14T19:00:28Z")
I have a pair of gloves from [these guys](http://www.shawcrossbros.com/)that I bought 3 years ago. Those replaced my 10 yr old pair which had streched a little sideways making the fingers too short for me. My daughter is still using them since they fit her perfectly. If you’re not the type to lose gloves these will last long enough to make them a great value AND they’re warm and lovely to look at. ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2011, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shopping-for-gloves-is-absolute-hell-for-me/602862/11 "2011-11-15T01:58:58Z")
By the way, you’re not alone – I know a few people who experience very strong revulsion reactions to certain textures (another example is the skin of peaches). ---
**Author:** ![emmaliminal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@emmaliminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emmaliminal)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2011, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shopping-for-gloves-is-absolute-hell-for-me/602862/12 "2011-11-15T02:12:59Z")
I have a vaguely similar but milder reaction to polypropylene long underwear. When I’ve been foolish enough to wear it, after I take it off I spend ten or fifteen minutes just scratching whatever skin it touched. Fortunately cheap silk long underwear became available in the 90s or so. You might check [Wintersilks](http://www.wintersilks.com/search.aspx?searchterm=gloves)’ stuff. And as mentioned above, leather gloves lined with cashmere or rabbit fur are common, though maybe more expensive than you’re thinking – in which case a targeted search on eBay is how I’d go. How do you feel about secondhand hand coverings? ---
**Author:** ![Miss\_Woodhouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/838e76/32.png) [@Miss\_Woodhouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miss_Woodhouse)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2011, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shopping-for-gloves-is-absolute-hell-for-me/602862/13 "2011-11-15T04:35:12Z")
Ah. My glove problem has to do with hand size. I have short stubby fingers. I usually just have to make do with those stupid “magic gloves” that stretch. not very warm, but better than having the fingers not fit right. If I have to have ski gloves I shop in the boys department and deal with them not quite fitting. You might look into having custom leather gloves made for you. There are good quality leather workers all across the country. I had a pair of lovely deerskin dress gloves custom made that I loved. I’m sure you could get a pair of fur lined ones made for you. Try Etsy or ask around or look in the yellow pages. You never know what you might find. ---
**Author:** ![Jennmonkye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/278dde/32.png) [@Jennmonkye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennmonkye)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shopping-for-gloves-is-absolute-hell-for-me/602862/14 "2011-11-16T02:03:26Z")
> [@](#): > > I can recommend Overland Sheepskin - high quality leather goods for men and women, including gloves . I totally agree with this…I’ve been wearing their gloves for years (leather with cashmere lining) and they are absolutely wonderful. I am asking for a new pair this year because mine have finally stretched out and are a bit too large (I am going to use them for my new work pair). A little pricey, but if you can fit them into your budget, they are definitely worth a splurge. ---
**Author:** ![papergirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/aca169/32.png) [@papergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/papergirl)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shopping-for-gloves-is-absolute-hell-for-me/602862/15 "2011-11-16T18:17:54Z")
I can knit you some if you send me a tracing of your hand. Not sure they’d be warm enough for hunting/hiking in super-cold weather, though. If you DID have an extra digit, I could send you the second glove I ever knitted, made in the flush of sucess and…well, without a pattern, obviously.