Choosing the Right Leather Work Gloves

Leather work gloves are used to protect against injuries from cuts, abrasions, and exposure to heat. But which leather glove is right for you? Because there are so many options that go along with leather gloves, it could pose a challenge. Most glove manufacturers offer good information on their websites to help with selecting the glove that is most appropriate for your application.

Some of the most common leather glove options include leather types, linings, and features.

Leather Types:

Cowhide – the most commonly used leather in the industry because of its great abrasion resistance and attractive appearance. Cowhide is comfortable, breathable, and very durable.

Pigskin – offers the best abrasion resistance and breathability. In addition, pigskin tends to become softer with use and withstands moisture without stiffening. When laundered, this leather will return more to its natural soft texture than other leathers.

Goatskin – highly recommended for applications requiring tactile sensitivity. The natural lanolin produced by goats helps to create the softest, most abrasion-resistant leather. Independent tests have proven that grain goatskin is twice as durable as cow grain and pig grain leather.

Deerskin – has the highest tensile strength of all leather, with excellent dexterity and softness. Deerskin is known to be one of nature's most luxurious, softest leathers, providing all-day comfort and sensitivity to touch.

Lining Types:

Fleece – most commonly used glove liner, made of napped brushed cotton.

Cotton - maximum moisture absorption and best dexterity for cotton gloves.

Cotton/Foam - cotton layer for moisture absorption; Foam layer for heat protection and cold weather use.

Wool - designed for higher heat and cold applications.

Foam/Thermo - with the comfort of a fleece layer and an additional two layers of polyester and polyurethane foam, this lining offers the most value for warmth insulation.

3M Thinsulate - warmest thin insulation on the market. Thinsulate has about 1.5 times more warmth than down feather lining, and absorbs less than 1% of its own weight in water which allows it to retain its insulating ability even in damp conditions.

Cuff Types:

Safety Cuff - the most common cuff design, measuring 2.5 inches, protects the wrist area. Side split allows wearer to slide the gloves on and off easily in emergency situations.

Gauntlet Cuff - this longer cuff, measuring 4.5 inches, offers the same protection as a safety cuff, with increased protection to the upper wrist and forearm. This cuff holds a tucked sleeve in the glove.

Knit Wrist - the design holds the glove in place with a snug fit, while preventing debris from entering. Knit wrists keep cold air out and warmth in by fitting under clothing sleeves.

Plasticized - waterproof polyethylene layer laminated between two pieces of fabric.

Rubberized - two layers of fabric with a rubber material in between.

Written by: Carissa Kelley