Hestra

Hestra Size Guide

Hestra is a Swedish glove specialist with a heritage spanning decades in winter sports and outdoor hand protection. The brand's sizing system is rooted in the traditional French glove-sizing method, developed centuries ago by measuring thousands of hands to establish proportional relationships between palm circumference and overall hand dimensions. Hestra gloves are engineered for performance in cold climates and mountain environments, with particular attention to fit precision. Unlike many apparel brands, Hestra does not offer a margin for stretch in sport gloves; therefore, accurate measurement and correct size selection from the outset are essential. The brand produces gloves across multiple categories—unisex sport gloves, men's and women's specialist ranges, junior/kids' sizes, and dress gloves—each with distinct sizing logic and fit expectations.

How to Measure

1. Hand Circumference: Use a soft tape measure and wrap it around the widest part of your hand, just above the knuckles and beneath the thumb. Measure fairly loosely without pulling the tape tight. This is the primary measurement for Hestra glove sizing.
2. Hand Length: Measure from the base of the thumb to the tip of the middle finger, keeping your hand flat. This provides a secondary reference for fit.
3. Hand Width: Measure across the palm of the hand, excluding the thumb. This ensures the glove will not pinch or restrict movement.
4. Measure Both Hands: Repeat the process on both hands and always use the larger of the two measurements for size selection.
5. Use Correct Tools: If you do not have a soft tape measure, use a length of string placed around your hand, then measure the string against a ruler for accuracy.
6. Consider Layering: If you plan to wear wrist guards or thermal base layers beneath your gloves, choose one size larger than your measured hand circumference.

Glove Size Charts

Unisex Gloves

Men's Gloves

Women's Gloves

Junior/Kids' Gloves

Product-Specific Guidance

Sport Gloves (5-Finger, Mitts & 3-Finger)

Sport gloves for skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering, and other winter activities do not stretch over time and must fit correctly from purchase. A small gap between hand and glove is desirable, as it allows air to be trapped and retained for insulation. A glove that is too tight will feel colder and restrict circulation. When choosing between two sizes, select the larger size if you are between measurements. Mittens provide superior warmth to 5-finger gloves because they create a larger internal air pocket and allow fingers to warm one another; choose a mitten if you frequently experience cold hands. A 3-finger glove offers a compromise between a mitten and a 5-finger glove, providing additional warmth whilst retaining some dexterity.

Dress Gloves

Hestra dress gloves, particularly those made from fine materials such as cashmere, wool, or silk, and especially unlined or thinly lined styles, are designed to stretch over time and should fit snugly from the outset. Half-sizes are available in many dress glove styles to provide a more precise fit. If you fall between two sizes, choose a half-size rather than moving up a full size.

Wrist Guards & Base Layers

If you intend to wear integrated wrist guards within the glove, measure your hand size normally and order your standard size—no size increase is necessary. However, if you plan to wear separate wrist guards or thermal base layers beneath your gloves, select one size larger than your measured hand circumference to accommodate the additional bulk without restricting blood flow.

Sizing Tips

• Measure with assistance: Ask another person to help measure your hand circumference for the most accurate result. Self-measurement often results in inconsistent tension on the tape measure.
• Measure both hands: Hand sizes often differ slightly. Always use the measurement from your larger hand to determine your glove size.
• Palm circumference is the key metric: The traditional French sizing system is based on palm circumference measured just above the knuckles. This single measurement predicts all other hand proportions and is the primary reference for Hestra sizing.
• Sport gloves do not stretch: Unlike many winter accessories, Hestra sport gloves are engineered without stretch and will not conform to your hand over time. Ensure an accurate fit at purchase rather than anticipating future give.
• Do not confuse junior and unisex sizes: A junior size 7 and a unisex size 7 are not equivalent. Junior sizes are calibrated to age and hand development, whilst unisex sizes follow a different scale. Always check the product label and size chart for the specific category.
• Waterproof inserts affect breathability: Hestra produces gloves with and without waterproof membranes. A waterproof insert reduces breathability and may cause moisture accumulation during high-activity pursuits. Choose a breathable, moisture-wicking glove for intensive exercise and a waterproof style for low-activity, wet-weather conditions.
• Returns are straightforward: If you order an incorrect size, Hestra permits returns within 100 days, so you may order two sizes and send one back without penalty.
• Layering affects fit: Account for thermal base layers, liner gloves, or wrist guards when selecting your size. An otherwise perfect glove will feel restrictive if worn over thick underlayers without an upsize.