Kinco 1927KW Gloves Review: Are Work Gloves Good for Skiing?
Insulated pigskin work gloves that ski towns adopted as their own. Why they outlast many ski gloves, and the wax they need first.
Mostly yes, for skiers who are hard on gloves and do not mind a little upkeep. The golden pigskin palm stays soft and flexible after getting wet [1], with Heatkeep insulation inside [1]. Skip them for someone who wants waterproof gloves out of the box, since they need a coat of wax first.
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated November 3, 2026 · Sources
Specs at a glance
| Palm | Golden premium grain pigskin [1] |
| Back | Otto striped cotton-blend canvas [1] |
| Insulation | Heatkeep thermal polyester [1] |
| Wrist | Snug polyester knit [1] |
| Water | Water resistant [1] |
| Sizing | Measure palm circumference below the knuckles [1] |
| Model | 1927KW [1] |
Pros and cons
- Canvas back is not waterproof on deep powder days
- Needs a coat of wax before heavy snow
- Sizing needs a palm measurement [1]
The work glove ski towns adopted
Walk through a ski town lift line and you will see tan leather work gloves on half the locals. Kinco built them for blue collar work, and Kinco says the 1927 line is the glove of choice for durability and affordability [1].
Synthetic ski gloves often tear at the fingertips after a season. Leather wears in instead of out.
Pigskin, canvas and Heatkeep
The palm is golden premium grain pigskin that stays soft and flexible after getting wet [1]. The back is Kinco's striped cotton-blend canvas for breathability [1].
Inside, Heatkeep thermal insulation uses fine polyester fibers to trap body heat [1], and a snug knit wrist keeps the warmth in [1].
Wax first, and a canvas back
Out of the box they are water resistant [1], not waterproof. Owners rub in a beeswax like Sno-Seal on the leather before the first trip. The canvas back will still soak through on a deep powder day.
Sizing matters: Kinco says to measure the palm circumference below the knuckles and check its chart [1].
A glove gift with a partner
Give them with the Atsko Sno-Seal from this guide and the gift is complete: gloves plus the wax that makes them last.
Add HotHands warmers for the coldest days; a packet slides inside the glove.
FAQ
Are Kinco gloves good for skiing?
Yes, for many skiers. The Kinco 1927KW has a pigskin palm that stays soft after getting wet [1] and Heatkeep insulation [1], and it is cheaper than most brand name ski gloves. Waxing the leather with a product like Sno-Seal makes it far more snow proof [1]
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Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for the Kinco 1927KW Premium Leather Work and Ski Gloves
Source check: Amazon prices and contents above were checked on November 3, 2026. We did not test these products hands-on. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, Amazon listings and the reasons people actually give these gifts.
As an Amazon Associate, GiftX earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change, so check Amazon for the current price.