Wanten

Wanten are mitten-style hand coverings commonly associated with Dutch-speaking regions. In Dutch usage, wanten are a type of glove that keeps the four fingers together in a single pocket while the thumb remains free, offering warmth with less dexterity than individual-finger gloves.

Materials and designs vary. Traditional wanten are knitted from wool and may be plain or patterned. Modern versions include fleece-lined knitwear, synthetic fleece, and leather or heavy-duty fabrics intended for outdoor work. They appear in everyday winter wear, children's clothing, and traditional or festive outfits in folk or regional costumes.

Etymology and usage: The term is Dutch and refers to mittens. The exact origin of the word is not fully settled, but wanten belongs to the family of Germanic-language terms for hand coverings; cognates exist in neighboring languages. Mittens as a concept appear across many cultures, and wanten reflect this broader history in Dutch-speaking areas.

Care and maintenance: Wanten are usually washed according to material—gentle cycle for knitted wool or fleece, and leather wanten may require specific leather-care products. They should be air-dried flat to maintain shape, and repaired or reinforced at the cuff if worn.

See also: Glove, Mittens, Winter wear.