Swany Rising Star Glove (2010)

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It’s no wonder cowgirls use leather for their chaps, boots, and gloves. The stuff lasts forever. My last pair of leather ski gloves lasted four seasons. Even female superheroes prefer leather product (think Kate Beckinsale’s boots and pants in Underworld). I recently tested Swany’s Rising Star, a women’s glove with a leather exterior that’s compact and moisture absorbent.When it comes to sustainability, the Rising Star is aptly named—the gloves boast a renewable bamboo charcoal lining material. Soft, hypoallergenic, and naturally resistant to bacteria, the liner will help keep your gloves smelling better than the bootfitter’s shop. The liner fits snuggly around your hands, like a wetsuit one size too small. With short neoprene cuffs, you won’t have to worry about getting unnecessary material to fit under your jacket sleeve. No zippers, straps, or cords make the Rising Star easy, comfortable, and hassle-free. Bummer: Due to a thin liner, the gloves aren’t ideal for those negative temperature wind chill days, but they’re perfect for warmer spring days. Plus: Swany doesn’t break the bank, offering the Rising Star for $95. If the exterior leather is taken care of, that $95 could go a long way. [swanyamerica.com] ——Molly Baker