So you’re halfway through gearing up. Boots? Buckled. Helmet? Snug. Goggles? Clear. Gloves? Well… that’s where it falls apart. You tug them on, and suddenly realize the strap that’s supposed to tighten around your wrist is dangling uselessly. Or maybe the little clip that kept the pair together is gone, leaving you with two orphans flopping around in your bag.
It’s a small problem that feels massive in the cold. Because those straps and clips? They’re not just “extra.” They keep snow out, keep gloves attached, and stop you from losing them in a lodge full of identical black mitts.
Honestly, I’ve lost more glove clips than socks in a dryer. And you know how impossible that feels. But here’s the good news: replacing glove straps or clips is way easier than you’d think. With a few simple tricks (and maybe a bit of duct tape for emergencies), you can bring your gloves back to life.
Why Straps and Clips Matter
Think about it. Ski gloves aren’t just insulation — they’re gear.
- Straps (Velcro or elastic) keep gloves snug at the wrist and seal out snow.
- Clips keep gloves together or attach them to your jacket, so you don’t lose them.
Lose one? Suddenly you’re fiddling nonstop, snow sneaks in, and your annoyance level skyrockets. On kids’ gloves, straps and clips are basically survival tools for parents.
Step 1: Identify What’s Broken
Before fixing, figure out what failed:
- Velcro strap detached? Probably just loose stitching.
- Elastic strap snapped? Needs a replacement piece.
- Plastic buckle cracked? Swap in a new one.
- Glove clip missing? Add a fresh one — they’re cheap.
Pro tip: snap a quick photo before you start. You’ll thank yourself when it’s time to reassemble.
Step 2: Gather Supplies
Here’s a simple kit that’ll cover most repairs:
- Heavy-duty needle + polyester thread (or dental floss in a pinch)
- Replacement straps (elastic or Velcro webbing)
- Plastic buckles or glove clips (Amazon, REI, or gear shops)
- Scissors
- Seam Grip or fabric glue (for reinforcement)
- Lighter or candle (to seal strap edges)
Traveling? Even a shoelace and a safety pin can save the day until you’re home.
Method 1: Re-Sew a Detached Strap
If the strap pulled loose from stitching:
- Thread your needle with heavy-duty thread.
- Line the strap up with the original spot.
- Sew a box or X-pattern stitch for strength.
- Seal stitches with Seam Grip for waterproofing.
From my experience, this hand-sewn repair often lasts longer than the factory stitching.
Method 2: Replace Elastic Straps
Elastic loses stretch or snaps after a few seasons.
- Cut out the old strap.
- Measure a replacement piece (same length, or slightly shorter for snugness).
- Thread the new strap through the loop/slot.
- Stitch securely.
- Melt cut edges with a lighter to stop fraying.
No elastic handy? Nylon webbing works too — less stretch, but super durable.
Method 3: Replace Velcro Straps
Velcro gets fuzzy and useless over time.
- Buy new Velcro strips.
- Cut to size.
- Sew one half to the glove body, the other to the strap.
- Reinforce with a dab of fabric glue if needed.
I once swapped an entire strap on my Burton gloves using Velcro salvaged from an old ski bag. Looked mismatched, worked like a charm.
Method 4: Swap a Buckle or Clip
Cold temps make plastic brittle, and buckles love to crack.
- Buy a replacement buckle or glove clip.
- Cut off the broken one (if sewn in).
- Thread the new piece onto the strap.
- Sew or knot securely.
No needle? Even tying the strap into a loop works until you get home.
Method 5: Emergency Fixes
No tools? Try these quick hacks:
- Shoelace — tie around your wrist as a strap.
- Duct tape — wrap around the cuff to seal it.
- Carabiner — replace a missing glove clip, attach to your jacket loop.
On a college ski trip, I once used a bread twist-tie as a glove clip. Ugly, but my gloves stayed together all weekend.
Step 3: Test the Repair
After fixing, tug hard on the strap or clip. If it slips, redo with stronger stitching or reinforcement. Better to fail at home than mid-slope.
Step 4: Prevent Future Breaks
A little care goes a long way:
- Don’t yank straps too aggressively.
- Keep Velcro free of lint and fuzz.
- Don’t dry gloves on high heat — it weakens plastic.
- Always clip gloves together for storage.
Story Time: The Lift Line Disaster
In 2016, I was in Utah, lining up for first chair on a powder day. My right glove strap snapped clean off as I pulled it tight. Snow crept in with every pole plant. I ended up borrowing a shoelace from a snowboarder in line, tying it around my wrist like a kung-fu wrap. Looked absurd, but it worked.
The moral? Improvise when you must — but fix it properly later.
FAQs
Q: Can I glue straps instead of sewing?
You can, but sewing is stronger. Glue is best as reinforcement.
Q: Where do I buy replacement clips or straps?
Outdoor gear shops, Amazon, sewing supply stores. Some ski brands sell repair kits too.
Q: Can I use paracord for straps?
Yes. Strong, durable, a bit stiff — but it works.
Q: Is it worth repairing kids’ gloves?
For cheap pairs, maybe not. For pricier ones, yes — and it’s a great way to teach kids about simple repairs.
Final Thoughts
Replacing ski glove straps or clips isn’t rocket science. It’s stitching, swapping, or sometimes just improvising with what you’ve got. And once you know how, you’ll never let a tiny strap ruin your ski day again.
But here’s the real question: will you go for the quick duct-tape fix, or will you sit down with a needle and thread, giving your gloves the proper second life they deserve?
Either way, the mountain’s waiting — and your gloves are ready to join you.
