Mitt vs. Glove — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 24, 2024
A mitt typically features a thumb slot and a large compartment for the fingers, ideal for catching balls in sports. A glove has individual finger slots, offering more dexterity for various activities.
Difference Between Mitt and Glove
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Mitts are designed with a specific purpose in mind, usually related to sports such as baseball or softball, where catching and holding onto a ball securely is paramount. They have a distinct structure with a thumb slot and a single large pocket for the fingers, which helps in absorbing the impact of the ball. Whereas gloves are made to fit more snugly on the hand, with separate slots for each finger, providing greater flexibility and dexterity. This design is beneficial in activities that require fine motor skills, such as driving, working, or in cold weather for warmth.
The construction of mitts is often heavier and more padded compared to gloves. This is because mitts need to cushion the blow of fast-moving balls, protecting the hand from injury. On the other hand, gloves can be made from a variety of materials, including leather, knit fabrics, and synthetics, each selected for specific uses, such as warmth, protection, or tactile sensitivity.
Mitts are almost exclusively used in sports settings. For instance, catchers and first basemen in baseball use specialized mitts designed to handle the specific demands of their positions. Gloves, however, have a much wider range of applications, from fashion accessories to essential gear for various professions, sports, and everyday tasks requiring hand protection or enhanced grip.
The choice between a mitt and a glove largely depends on the specific needs of the user. In sports like baseball, the mitt’s design helps in catching and securing the ball, making it indispensable for certain positions. Gloves are chosen for activities where more precise hand movements are necessary. This versatility makes gloves a common choice for many different applications, both recreational and professional.
Despite their differences, both mitts and gloves serve the primary function of covering and protecting the hands. However, the level of protection, dexterity, and specific design features are tailored to their intended use, highlighting the importance of choosing the right type based on the activity.
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Comparison Chart
Design
Thumb slot and single pocket for fingers
Separate slots for each finger
Primary Use
Catching balls in sports
General hand protection and dexterity
Material
Heavily padded materials
Leather, knit, synthetic, varies by use
Applications
Sports (baseball, softball)
Wide range, including work, sports, fashion, warmth
Flexibility/Dexterity
Less, designed for catching
Higher, designed for precise movements
Compare with Definitions
Mitt
Heavily padded for protection.
The padding in the mitt helps protect his hand from the impact of the ball.
Glove
Comes in various materials for different purposes.
Leather gloves are durable and offer good protection.
Mitt
A hand covering for sports with a thumb slot and single large pocket for fingers.
The catcher wore a specially designed mitt to handle the fast pitches.
Glove
Used for protection, warmth, or enhanced grip.
Driving gloves improve grip and control on the steering wheel.
Mitt
Primarily used in baseball and softball.
Finding the right mitt is crucial for a first baseman.
Glove
A hand covering with separate sheaths for each finger.
She put on her gloves to protect her hands from the cold.
Mitt
Designed for catching and holding balls.
His new mitt significantly improved his catching ability.
Glove
Essential for tasks requiring dexterity.
Surgical gloves allow doctors to perform delicate procedures.
Mitt
Offers less dexterity than gloves.
While mitts are great for their purpose, they don't offer much flexibility for other tasks.
Glove
Widespread use across activities.
From gardening to electrical work, gloves are essential for hand protection.
Mitt
A type of glove that extends over the hand but only partially covers the fingers.
Glove
A glove is a garment covering the hand. Gloves usually have separate sheaths or openings for each finger and the thumb.
Mitt
A mitten.
Glove
A close-fitting covering for the hand with a separate sheath for each finger and the thumb, worn especially as protection from the cold.
Mitt
(Baseball) A large, padded, protective leather glove, usually with one sheath for the thumb and one undivided sheath for the remaining fingers, used by catchers and first basemen.
Glove
A gauntlet.
Mitt
(Slang) A hand or fist.
Glove
An oversized leather glove used for catching baseballs, especially one with more finger sheaths than the catcher's or first baseman's mitt.
Mitt
A mitten
Glove
A glove made of leather and fabric having padding on the back and extending over the wrist, used in hockey and lacrosse.
Mitt
An oversized, protective glove such as an oven mitt or a baseball mitt.
Glove
A boxing glove.
Mitt
A hand.
Hey, get your cotton-picking mitts off my sandwich!
Glove
A close-fitting glove used to improve the grip, as in batting or in golf.
Mitt
A mitten; also, a covering for the wrist and hand and not for the fingers, usually worn by women.
Glove
(Baseball) Fielding ability
A shortstop with a good glove.
Mitt
A large glove, usually made of leather or similar material, with differing degrees of padding and usually some form of webbing in the large space between the thumb insert and the insert for the index finger; a baseball glove. It is used to assist in catching the baseball. The catcher's mitt has more padding and less webbing.
Glove
To furnish with gloves.
Mitt
A hand; - used mostly in slang expressions; as, keep your mitts off my box of chocolates!
Glove
To cover with or as if with a glove.
Mitt
The (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb;
He had the hands of a surgeon
He extended his mitt
Glove
To don gloves, as before performing an operation on a patient.
Mitt
Gloves worn by fielders in baseball
Glove
An item of clothing, covering all or part of the hand and fingers, but usually allowing independent movement of the fingers.
I wore gloves to keep my hands warm.
The boxing champ laced on his gloves before the big bout.
Glove
A baseball mitt.
Glove
The ability to catch a hit ball.
Frederico had a great glove, but he couldn't hit a curveball, so he never broke into the pros.
Glove
(slang) A condom.
Glove
(with definite article) A challenge from one to another.
To throw down the glove, i.e. to offer a challenge; to take up the glove, to accept it
Glove
To catch the ball in a baseball mitt.
He gloved the line drive for the third out.
Glove
(transitive) To put a glove or gloves on.
Maxwell gloved his hand so that he wouldn't leave fingerprints, then pulled the trigger.
Glove
(cricket) To touch a delivery with one's glove while the gloved hand is on the bat. Under the rules of cricket, the batsman is deemed to have hit the ball.
Glove
A cover for the hand, or for the hand and wrist, with a separate sheath for each finger. The latter characteristic distinguishes the glove from the mitten.
Glove
A boxing glove.
Glove
To cover with, or as with, a glove.
Glove
Gloves worn by fielders in baseball
Glove
Handwear: covers the hand and wrist
Glove
Gloves that are big and padded; worn for boxing
Common Curiosities
Is there a difference in protection level between mitts and gloves?
Yes, mitts typically offer more protection against impacts, especially in sports, while gloves provide protection from environmental factors and enhance grip.
Why do gloves have individual finger slots?
The individual finger slots in gloves provide greater dexterity and control, allowing for more precise movements and tasks.
Do mitts offer any warmth?
Although not their primary purpose, mitts can provide warmth due to their heavy padding, especially in cold weather sports settings.
What materials are mitts made from?
Mitts are usually made from leather or synthetic materials with heavy padding for impact protection.
Can you drive with a mitt?
Driving with a mitt is not advisable due to the reduced dexterity and control compared to gloves designed for driving.
Can mitts be used for activities other than sports?
While primarily designed for sports, some mitts, like oven mitts, are used in cooking to protect hands from heat.
Are gloves suitable for all types of sports?
Gloves are used in many sports for protection and grip, but specific sports like baseball or softball often require mitts for catching.
How do you choose between a mitt and a glove?
The choice depends on the specific activity and the need for either catching ability and protection (mitt) or dexterity and flexibility (glove).
Are there gloves designed for extreme temperatures?
Yes, there are gloves specifically designed for extreme cold or heat, offering protection and insulation or heat resistance.
Can gloves be used for fashion?
Yes, gloves are often used as fashion accessories and are made from a variety of materials to match different styles and occasions.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
