Brand · Gloves, umbrellas & cold-weather since 1918

Isotoner

The stretchable glove that named itself — isometric toning, in leather and nylon, from Cincinnati.

Isotoner
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The ISOTONER name traces to 1918, when French glovemaker Paul Chanut and American reseller Larry Stanton founded the Aris Glove Company and developed the first stretchable nylon glove with leather coverings.

They named the design 'ISOTONER' — a portmanteau of 'isometric' and 'toning' — to spell out its selling points. Sara Lee Corporation bought Aris in 1974, renaming it Aris Isotoner. In 1997 it merged with Totes Inc., the Cincinnati firm whose foldable 'totes' overshoes and collapsible umbrellas had made it the world's largest umbrella supplier, to form Totes Isotoner Corporation.

Today the company, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is an international supplier of umbrellas, footwear and cold-weather accessories, regularly billed as 'the world's largest marketer of umbrellas,' with divisions in the US, Canada, the UK and France.

Isotoner shopping FAQ

Are Isotoner gloves worth it?+

For everyday warmth and a snug fit, many shoppers say yes. Isotoner grew out of a glove that was engineered to stretch and fit comfortably, and that close, flexible fit is still the brand's calling card. They are a practical, repeat-purchase accessory rather than a luxury splurge, which is exactly what most buyers want from them.

Are Isotoner slippers good quality?+

They have a long reputation for cozy, cushioned house slippers, and the brand's Toasties slipper socks have been a staple since 1988. As with any long-running line, the experience can vary by style, so check recent reviews for the specific model you want. For a warm, easy indoor slipper from an established maker, they remain a popular pick.

Why is the brand called Isotoner?+

The name describes the original glove. When the Aris Glove Company created the first stretchable nylon glove with leather coverings, they coined ISOTONER as a portmanteau of isometric and toning to highlight its stretch and comfortable fit. So the name is essentially a description of what the glove does.

Were the famous O.J. Simpson trial gloves Isotoner?+

Yes. Isotoner gloves allegedly worn by O.J. Simpson were presented by the prosecution in his 1995 murder trial, which became one of the most widely watched moments in American legal history. It is the brand's most unexpected brush with fame, though it stems from the trial rather than from any marketing.

What is Isotoner best known for?+

Cold-weather and comfort accessories. The Isotoner name is most associated with its stretch-fit leather and nylon gloves and cozy slippers, sold widely across major national retailers. The brand's focus has always been comfortable, practical pieces rather than high fashion.

Is Isotoner an American brand?+

It is part of a US-headquartered company. Isotoner sits within Totes Isotoner Corporation, an international umbrella, footwear and cold-weather accessory supplier headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. The wider company has divisions in the United States, Canada, the UK and France.

How old is the Isotoner glove business?+

Its roots run deep. The Isotoner line traces back to the Aris Glove Company, founded in 1918 by French glovemaker Paul Chanut and American glove reseller Larry Stanton, who developed the first stretchable nylon glove with leather coverings. That early innovation is the foundation of the brand.

How did Isotoner come to be paired with totes?+

Through a merger. In 1997, Totes Incorporated merged with Aris Isotoner Incorporated to form Totes Isotoner Corporation, with the combined name showcasing the flagship products of each: the totes umbrella and the Isotoner glove. The two heritage names have shared one company ever since.

Does Isotoner make anything besides gloves and slippers?+

The wider Totes Isotoner range is broad. Alongside Isotoner gloves and slippers, the company is famous for totes umbrellas and also offers rubber footwear, ponchos, rain hats and travel bags, and is regularly billed as the world's largest marketer of umbrellas. So a single company sits behind a lot of everyday rainy-day and cold-weather gear.

Does Isotoner offer vegan options?+

Yes, at least in some markets. By 2020, totes UK had launched a range of vegan slippers, reflecting a broader move toward more accessible material choices within the company. It is worth checking the specific product description, as ranges differ by region.

How should I care for Isotoner gloves and slippers?+

Keep it gentle to protect the stretch and lining. Many Isotoner gloves hand wash well, so a careful cold-water wash and air drying away from direct heat usually keeps the fit and any touchscreen finish intact. For slippers, spot clean where possible and let them dry fully between wears to keep them fresh.