Below Deck

BY ANDREW HOGE

Deck out your digits for the next spring sail with these savvy glove selects from ANDREW HOGE.

The most versatile piece of apparel for those who spend a significant amount of time at sea might surprise you. Sure, we look forward to snagging the season’s newest jackets and keep several pairs of warm boots on hand, but these two pieces of regalia are often dependent on weather and occasion. However, a pair of sailing gloves are almost guaranteed to be used from the moment you arrive on deck. And, as we navigate the hard-to-predict weather that accompanies springtime in the Pacific Northwest, having a pair of mitts that offer equal parts flexibility, protection, and comfort will serve you well whether hoisting the sails or navigating choppy waters. From cold resistant neoprene to touchscreen ready materials, the designs in our roundup will work hand in glove with your boating lifestyle.

The Alpha SL Glove from the outdoor experts at Arc’teryx is made with state of the art materials that are lightweight and offer protection from the wind and weather. Not to mention the combination of thoughtful design details and seam work that make these gauntlets as dexterous as they come. ($99; arcteryx.com)

The folks at West Marine know a thing or two about preparing to set sail, so wearing the Sealskinz synthetic and goat leather gloves should be a no-brainer. Not only are they made with three different layers for warmth and waterproofing, the thumb and index finger are touchscreen friendly so you can switch between pulleys and your phone with ease. ($70; westmarine.com)

Looking to combine functionality with style? Look no further than Seattle-based gcoulee’s Monza Driving Gloves. Classic knuckle holes and rich brown leather offer some serious style cred, while the overall design guarantees an optimal fit with no lining and a handy elastic wrist. ($59.50; gcoulee.com)

Let’s face it, the only way for your fingers to achieve true flexibility is to avoid fully covering them up, but that doesn’t mean you can’t protect the rest of your hand. Pick up these Deckhand Gloves from Gill Marine with an exposed thumb and index finger to keep your hands nimble. The popular style also features double-layer Amara reinforcement that improves grip and provides up to 50 UV protection. ($29.95; gillmarine.com)

With hundreds of five-star reviews on Amazon, it’s not hard to see why these super affordable FitsT4 Sailing Gloves are a hit among those who spend time on water. Synthetic leather offers protection from blisters and calluses while a hook and loop closure at the wrist means this pair will fit…like a glove. ($14.99; available on Amazon)

Andrew Hoge is a Seattle-based fashion, beauty, and lifestyle writer who covers the Pacific Northwest’s evolving style and cultural scene. Follow his perspective on Instagram at @andrewhoge.