The effect of shapes (gloves or mittens) and materials on the ability of thermal insulation was investigated. Eight gloves and four mittens which were made of different materials were used. The temperature on the surface of fingers and in the inner- and outer-parts of empty gloves and mittens was measured.
　The results are as follows:
　1. Mittens are superior to gloves in thermal maintenance.
　2. The difference of shapes (gloves and mittens) plays an important role on thermal maintenance at -10.0°C, while the difference of materials in addition to shapes becomes important at -20.0°C.
　3. Wearing a mitten over glove, we observe the improvement on the ability of thermal insulation; the lowest and mean temperatures rise by 7.6% and 4.4% respectively.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.6/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE