When it comes to mittens, one color reigns supreme: yellow. If you grew up in snowier regions—like Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Maine, Canada—it was pretty much common knowledge that yellow mittens, otherwise known as “Choppers,” were the champions of winter wear.

But what makes these sunshine-colored accessories superior isn’t really their color. Well, it is. But also it isn’t. Keep reading.

The Arctic origins of the yellow mitten

Long before they were called choppers, Inuit tribes made double-layered, fur-lined mittens called “pualuuk” designed to withstand harsh Arctic temperatures while remaining movable and breathable for everyday use. Traditionally, they were constructed using sealskin on the outside for water resistance, and caribou hide on the inside for insulation.

Various tribes would use different animal skin combinations: deer, beaver, moose, elk, etc. Buckskin was particularly beneficial since its........

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