Our Story

YESTERDAY

Swany’s legacy in glove-making traces back to 1893 when Elmer Little & Sons, a family-run company, began crafting high-quality dress and casual gloves. Decades later, Swany emerged as a leader in winter glove innovation, dedicated to creating gloves that could withstand the harshest conditions.

In 1987, Swany acquired Elmer Little & Sons, combining generations of expertise with a bold vision for the future. At the heart of this transition was Bill Dzierson, a passionate skier who saw a need for warmer, more durable ski gloves—gloves that could stand up to the rugged winters of Canada and beyond.

By 1990, Swany had launched its ski division, setting out to create the highest-performing gloves on the market. While other brands focused on mass production, Swany focused on premium craftsmanship, bringing together cutting-edge materials and advanced design techniques to meet the demands of serious winter athletes.

SWANY SKI GLOVES – THE EARLY YEARS

Breaking into the ski market wasn’t easy. Our gloves were priced higher than competitors, but they delivered unmatched warmth, comfort, and durability. To prove their performance, we put them in the hands of the experts—professional ski instructors, mountain rescue teams, and elite athletes who depend on their gear to perform in extreme conditions.

One of our biggest breakthroughs came in 1992 when Swany partnered with speed skiers pushing the limits of winter sports. Our gloves and suits were worn by some of the fastest skiers in the world, making their mark on the global stage as speed skiing debuted at the 1994 Winter Olympics.

That same year, we introduced a revolutionary new glove—the Flexor, featuring advanced finger mobility joints for unparalleled dexterity. Originally developed for aerospace applications, this design quickly became a bestseller for its precision fit and warmth.

Then came the Toaster Mitt, a game-changing innovation that combined the warmth of a mitten with the dexterity of a glove. With a unique finger-free access system, it allowed skiers and riders to use their phones or adjust gear without exposing their hands to the cold—a feature particularly useful in the frigid climates of Canada. Today, the Toaster Mitt remains one of the most popular gloves in the industry.
Through continuous innovation, Swany built a reputation for premium quality, earning the trust of winter athletes acrossCanada and around the world.

THE SPORTS UTILITY CROSSOVER GLOVES

As the new millennium arrived, Swany introduced another industry-changing innovation: theSport Utility Crossover Glove. Designed for skiers, snowboarders, and mountaineers, it combined rugged durability with all-weather protection.
With articulated fingers for improved grip, reinforced leather palms for durability, and a built-in ventilation system for temperature control, this glove became an essential piece of gear for winter enthusiasts.

The success of the Sport Utility Crossover Glove propelled Swany to new heights, solidifying our presence inCanada’s ski culture and beyond.

TODAY

For over 25 years, Swany has been at the forefront of winter glove innovation, combining cutting-edge textile technology with groundbreaking designs that deliver warmth, durability, and performance.

From the slopes ofWhistler, Banff, and Mont-Tremblant to the backcountry trails of theRockies and the Laurentians, Swany gloves have become a trusted companion for winter athletes and outdoor adventurers acrossCanada and the world.

With a commitment to quality and a passion for innovation, Swany continues to push the boundaries of performance-driven glove design. Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, or simply braving the cold, our gloves are built to keep you warm, dry, and ready for adventure—wherever winter takes you.