Hand Protection Headquarters

A glove that features a coating is a good indication that the glove offers extra protection. Coatings can include latex, nylon, nitrile, polyurethane, and more. Each coating-style provides abrasion-resistance, improved grip, and durability when working in wet or oily conditions.

The most popular materials for work gloves include leather, nylon, polyester, HPPE, and cotton. There are many combinations and of materials depending on use-case. Leather gloves are best for heavy-duty work in colder weather. Nylon gloves are best for tasks that require dexterity. Polyester gloves are a common glove for general purpose tasks indoors or outdoors. HPPE gloves are cut-resistant gloves that offer exceptional protection, yet are lightweight. Finally, cotton gloves are best for light-duty tasks and allow for breathability and skin protection on the job.

The most popular thumb styles in work gloves are keystone and wing. A keystone thumb is the most ergonomic style. It provides a natural fit because the thumb fabric is a separate piece, allowing for a better fit and reduced fatigue. A wing thumb offers greater durability because there are no seams from the thumb to the palm, and it provides flexibility due to the angled design.

The lining type of your work glove depends on the job at hand. Gloves with an insulated lining are ideal for cold weather conditions, while unlined gloves provide better dexterity and are lighter weight.

Different cuffs serve different purposes. An elastic cuff is ideal for keeping debris and dirt out of the glove on landscaping and construction worksites. A safety cuff covers more of the wrist for added protection.

To find your work glove size, measure around the widest part of your dominant hand, excluding the thumb. Compare that measurement to the manufacturer’s glove sizing chart, since sizing can vary by brand and glove style. Work gloves should fit snugly without restricting movement or leaving excess material at the fingertips.

The right ANSI cut-resistant glove level depends on the type of work and the sharp materials you handle. ANSI/ISEA 105 uses cut levels A1 through A9, with higher numbers indicating greater cut resistance. A1–A3 are generally associated with lighter cut hazards, A4–A6 with more demanding applications, and A7–A9 with high-cut-hazard work. Always match the glove's protection level to the hazards of the specific job.

Nitrile-coated gloves offer strong abrasion resistance, durability, and grip and are a popular choice for general work and material handling. Latex-coated gloves typically provide excellent grip and flexibility, especially for handling rough materials. Polyurethane (PU)-coated gloves are lightweight and flexible, making them a good choice when dexterity and precision are important. The best coated work glove depends on the job, working conditions, and level of protection needed.

Nitrile disposable gloves provide good durability, puncture resistance, and resistance to many oils and chemicals. Latex disposable gloves offer excellent flexibility, fit, and tactile sensitivity but may not be suitable for people with latex allergies. Vinyl disposable gloves are generally best suited for short-duration, lower-risk tasks where frequent glove changes are needed. Always verify that the glove material is compatible with the chemicals or hazards involved.

Depending on the pesticide, the label may require waterproof gloves or specific chemical-resistant materials such as nitrile, rubber, neoprene, barrier laminate, or other approved materials. Do not assume that any nitrile glove is suitable for every pesticide; check the label and glove manufacturer's chemical-resistance information before use. EPA guidance also advises against leather gloves for pesticide handling because leather can absorb pesticides and cannot be adequately cleaned.

Waterproof work gloves are designed to prevent water from reaching your hands under the conditions for which the gloves are rated. Water-resistant gloves provide limited protection against light moisture, splashes, or brief exposure but are not designed to keep hands dry during prolonged contact with water.

Choose leather work gloves based on the job, required durability, dexterity, and type of leather. Cowhide is a versatile option for general-purpose and heavy-duty work, while goatskin is typically softer and more flexible for jobs requiring dexterity. Pigskin is durable and remains relatively flexible after getting wet, making it useful for outdoor work. Also consider features such as reinforced palms, cuffs, insulation, and lining based on your working conditions.

Replace work gloves when they can no longer provide the protection required for the job. Look for holes, tears, worn coatings, thinning material, damaged seams, loss of grip, chemical degradation, or other signs of excessive wear. Protective gloves should also be replaced if they become contaminated and cannot be safely cleaned. For PPE used with pesticides specifically, EPA guidance says to check gloves before use and discard gloves showing wear, holes, leaks, or other defects.