From leather to synthetic fabrics, each material brings its unique set of properties and advantages. In this guide, we will explore the most common materials used in working gloves, delving into their strengths, durability, flexibility, and resistance to different hazards. Whether you work in construction, mechanics, gardening, or any other industry that requires hand protection, this guide will provide you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and select the optimal material for your working gloves.
Leather Material Used in our Gloves
Goat leather is renowned for its exceptional durability and unparalleled comfort, making it a top choice for various glove applications. The natural grain and structure of goat leather provide superior strength, ensuring that the gloves can withstand rigorous use and maintain their integrity over time. Additionally, goat leather offers excellent flexibility, allowing for unrestricted hand movement and a comfortable fit. Its soft and supple texture molds to the shape of the hand, providing a snug and personalized feel. Whether you’re engaging in outdoor activities, working in demanding environments, or simply seeking a luxurious touch, gloves made from goat leather are a reliable and comfortable option that combines durability with a delightful tactile experience.
Sheep leather is renowned for its unparalleled softness and timeless style. Its inherent suppleness allows gloves to conform to the shape of your hands, providing a comfortable fit and unrestricted movement. Additionally, sheep leather retains its shape and elasticity, ensuring durability even with frequent use. With its elegant aesthetic, sheep leather gloves add a touch of sophistication to any outfit, making them a popular choice for those seeking both comfort and style.
Cow leather has long been recognized for its versatility and durability, making it a trusted choice for crafting high-quality gloves. With its thick and robust nature, cow leather offers excellent resistance to abrasion, punctures, and wear, ensuring long-lasting performance in demanding conditions. Whether you’re engaging in heavy-duty work or outdoor activities, cow leather gloves provide reliable protection and stand up to the test of time. Additionally, cow leather possesses a natural grain that adds a distinctive texture and aesthetic appeal to the gloves. Its versatility extends to various glove styles, from rugged work gloves to fashionable accessories. Embodying strength and reliability, cow leather gloves are a go-to option for those seeking durable and versatile hand protection.
Split leather is an economical and durable option for gloves, offering a balance between affordability and resilience. It is derived from the lower layers of animal hides, making it thicker and more robust compared to other leather types. The split leather undergoes a splitting process, where the top grain layer is separated from the lower split layer. This split layer is then used to create gloves that can withstand heavy use and provide adequate protection. While split leather may not have the same luxurious feel as full-grain leather, it compensates with its excellent resistance to abrasion and toughness. Gloves made from split leather are ideal for tasks that require sturdiness, such as construction work, gardening, or industrial applications. If you’re looking for gloves that offer durability at an affordable price, split leather gloves are an excellent choice.
Amara synthetic leather is a cutting-edge material that offers a remarkable alternative to traditional leather in the realm of performance gloves. Constructed from a blend of microfiber and polyurethane, Amara synthetic leather provides exceptional durability and flexibility. Its synthetic composition allows for precise control over its properties, resulting in a material that is resistant to abrasions, tears, and punctures. Moreover, Amara synthetic leather offers an excellent grip, even in wet or oily conditions, making it an ideal choice for sports, outdoor activities, and professional work environments. This innovative material also boasts quick-drying properties, ensuring comfort and breathability during extended wear. With its combination of strength, flexibility, and performance-enhancing features, Amara synthetic leather is revolutionizing the world of gloves and providing a reliable alternative for those seeking high-performance hand protection.
Fabrics Used in our Gloves
Polyester fabrics are prized for their versatility and durability, making them a popular choice for a wide range of applications, including working gloves. With their exceptional strength and resistance to abrasion and tears, polyester fabrics ensure long-lasting performance even in demanding work environments. These fabrics are also lightweight, breathable, and possess moisture-wicking properties, keeping hands comfortable and dry during extended use. Whether you’re working in construction, manufacturing, or any other industry, gloves made from polyester fabrics provide reliable protection and comfort for all-day wear.
Cotton is a popular material for working gloves due to its natural comfort and breathability. With its soft and breathable properties, cotton gloves provide a comfortable fit and allow air circulation, keeping hands cool and reducing perspiration. The absorbent nature of cotton also helps in managing moisture, enhancing overall comfort during prolonged use. Additionally, cotton gloves offer flexibility and dexterity, allowing for precise movements and tasks that require a gentle touch. Whether you’re engaged in light assembly work, handling delicate objects, or working in industries that require breathability and comfort, cotton gloves are a reliable choice for everyday hand protection.
Spandex is a highly elastic and stretchable material that brings exceptional flexibility and dexterity to working gloves. Known for its remarkable ability to expand and retract, spandex allows gloves to conform to the shape of the hand, providing a snug and comfortable fit. This stretchability enhances freedom of movement, allowing for precise finger and hand dexterity required in tasks that demand fine motor skills. Whether you’re working in industries such as electronics, assembly, or precision work, spandex-infused gloves offer a superior level of flexibility and tactile sensitivity. Additionally, spandex helps in maintaining the shape and longevity of the gloves, ensuring long-lasting performance. With its stretch and flexibility, spandex is a key component in working gloves that enhance grip, comfort, and overall hand functionality.
Neoprene is a versatile material that offers excellent protection and durability, making it a popular choice for working gloves. Known for its exceptional resistance to chemicals, oils, and abrasion, neoprene gloves provide a reliable barrier against various hazards in the workplace. Additionally, neoprene is highly flexible and stretchable, allowing for a snug and comfortable fit that does not compromise dexterity or range of motion. This makes neoprene gloves suitable for tasks that require precision and fine motor skills. Furthermore, neoprene exhibits excellent thermal insulation properties, keeping hands warm in cold environments. Whether you’re working in laboratories, automotive industries, or any job that involves exposure to chemicals or extreme temperatures, neoprene gloves offer reliable protection and versatility to get the job done safely.
Lycra, also known as elastane, is a highly elastic and stretchable material that adds flexibility and comfort to working gloves. With its remarkable stretch and recovery properties, Lycra allows gloves to conform to the hand’s shape, providing a secure and snug fit. This ensures that the gloves stay in place during work activities, reducing the risk of slippage or discomfort. Lycra also enhances the overall flexibility and range of motion, allowing for precise finger movements and dexterity. Additionally, Lycra is lightweight and breathable, ensuring comfort during extended use and allowing for moisture-wicking properties. Whether you’re engaged in tasks that require agility and grip, such as assembly work or precision handling, Lycra-infused gloves provide a comfortable and flexible solution for enhanced performance.
Thermoplastic Rubber, commonly referred to as TPR, is a versatile material known for its excellent protective properties and impact resistance in working gloves. TPR is a synthetic blend that combines the flexibility of rubber with the durability of plastic. This unique combination makes TPR gloves highly resistant to impact, abrasion, and punctures, providing enhanced hand protection in rugged work environments. TPR is often used in the design of protective elements such as knuckle guards, finger guards, or palm pads to safeguard hands against potential hazards. Furthermore, TPR offers a comfortable fit and excellent flexibility, allowing for unhindered hand movement and dexterity. Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, or any industry that involves heavy-duty tasks, TPR gloves offer reliable protection and peace of mind in challenging work conditions.
Microthan is a synthetic textile composed of extremely fine fibers, typically with diameters of less than 10 micrometers and denier weights below 0.7 D. In comparison, a single strand of silk has a denier of approximately 1 D, highlighting that microfiber stands out as one of the most exceptionally delicate textile fibers globally.
Others
Kevlar is a remarkable synthetic material renowned for its exceptional strength and cut resistance, making it an indispensable component in high-performance working gloves. Originally developed for use in bulletproof vests, Kevlar offers unparalleled protection against cuts, punctures, and abrasions, ensuring the safety of hands in hazardous work environments. Its extraordinary tensile strength allows Kevlar gloves to withstand high levels of stress and strain without compromising their integrity. Moreover, Kevlar is lightweight and flexible, providing a comfortable fit and allowing for dexterity and precision in tasks that require handling sharp objects or working with machinery. Whether you’re working in construction, manufacturing, or any industry where hand protection is paramount, Kevlar gloves provide the ultimate level of protection, giving you peace of mind and confidence to tackle even the most demanding tasks.
Hipora is a cutting-edge technology that revolutionizes the waterproof capabilities of working gloves while maintaining breathability. Constructed with a microporous polyurethane (PU) membrane, Hipora acts as a reliable barrier against water and other liquids, keeping hands dry and protected even in wet or rainy conditions. This waterproof feature is crucial for industries such as construction, plumbing, and outdoor activities that involve exposure to moisture. Despite its excellent waterproofing properties, Hipora remains breathable, allowing moisture vapor to escape from within the gloves, preventing discomfort and perspiration buildup. This ensures that hands stay comfortable and dry throughout the day. Hipora technology is a game-changer in all-weather working gloves, offering a combination of waterproof protection and breathability to enhance performance and keep hands protected in any challenging work environment.
Thinsulate is a highly regarded insulation technology known for its exceptional warmth and comfort in working gloves. Developed by 3M, Thinsulate utilizes microfibers that are incredibly thin yet efficiently trap and retain body heat. This means that gloves with Thinsulate insulation provide superior warmth without adding excessive bulk or sacrificing dexterity. Whether you’re working in cold outdoor environments, construction sites, or other occupations that require protection against low temperatures, Thinsulate keeps hands comfortably warm and functional. Additionally, Thinsulate insulation is breathable, allowing moisture vapor to escape, preventing hands from becoming damp or sweaty. With Thinsulate, you can rely on your working gloves to provide reliable insulation, ensuring optimal comfort and performance in chilly conditions.
EN Marking
The CE (Conformité Européene) standard is a set of regulations and requirements that govern the safety and performance of various products, including working gloves, within the European Union. The CE marking on a product indicates that it complies with the essential health, safety, and environmental protection standards defined by EU legislation.
For working gloves, the CE standard ensures that they meet specific criteria related to factors such as protection against mechanical risks (e.g., cuts, punctures), resistance to chemicals and microorganisms, thermal insulation, and ergonomics. Gloves that meet the CE standard have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation to demonstrate their compliance with these requirements.
By adhering to the CE standard, manufacturers ensure that their working gloves provide a certain level of protection and performance, giving users confidence in their safety and reliability. It is important to look for the CE marking when selecting working gloves, as it signifies that the product has been tested and meets the necessary standards for use in various industries and work environments.
EN 388 is a European standard that specifically focuses on the mechanical protection provided by working gloves. It assesses the gloves’ performance and resistance against various mechanical risks such as abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture.
The EN 388 standard assigns a numeric rating to gloves based on their performance in each of these categories. The higher the number, the greater the level of protection provided. For example, a glove with an EN 388 rating of 4543 signifies excellent resistance to abrasion (4), moderate resistance to cuts (5), good resistance to tear (4), and high resistance to puncture (3).
By using the EN 388 standard, employers, workers, and safety professionals can easily compare and select working gloves based on their specific mechanical protection needs. This standard ensures that gloves meet minimum requirements for different types of mechanical hazards, helping to reduce the risk of hand injuries in various industries and work activities.
It is important to note that while EN 388 focuses on mechanical protection, other standards may apply for gloves designed for specific hazards such as chemicals, heat, or electrical risks.
EN 420 is a European standard that sets out the general requirements for working gloves. It focuses on aspects such as ergonomics, sizing, comfort, and labeling of gloves to ensure their overall quality and safety.
The standard covers several key areas, including:
- Sizing and Fit: EN 420 provides guidelines for glove manufacturers to ensure that their products come in a range of sizes that fit properly. Proper sizing is essential for comfort, dexterity, and overall hand protection.
- pH Value and Allergenicity: The standard includes requirements for the pH value of glove materials to ensure they are non-irritating to the skin. It also addresses potential allergenic substances, such as latex, to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
- Dexterity and Flexibility: EN 420 specifies criteria to assess the gloves’ dexterity and flexibility, considering factors such as finger movement and grip performance. This ensures that the gloves allow for proper hand movement and control.
- Marking and Information: The standard mandates that gloves must be properly labeled with essential information, including the manufacturer’s name, glove size, and any applicable warnings or instructions for use.
By conforming to the EN 420 standard, glove manufacturers ensure that their products meet these general requirements, promoting comfort, safety, and usability for the wearer. When choosing working gloves, it is advisable to check for the EN 420 marking to ensure they comply with these essential guidelines.
EN 407 is a European standard that focuses on the performance of gloves in protecting against thermal hazards. It assesses the gloves’ resistance to heat, fire, and other related risks. The standard assigns a specific rating to gloves in several key areas related to thermal protection.
The performance levels assessed in EN 407 include:
- Burning behavior: This measures the time it takes for a glove to ignite and continue to burn once exposed to a flame.
- Contact heat resistance: It evaluates the glove’s ability to withstand contact with heated surfaces and provides a rating based on the duration of heat resistance.
- Convective heat resistance: This assesses the glove’s ability to withstand heat transfer through convection, such as exposure to hot air or gases.
- Radiant heat resistance: It measures the glove’s ability to protect against radiant heat sources, such as intense heat radiation.
- Resistance to small splashes of molten metal: This assesses the glove’s resistance to small splashes of molten metal and assigns a rating based on the number of splashes it can withstand.
- Resistance to large splashes of molten metal: This evaluates the glove’s resistance to larger splashes of molten metal and provides a rating based on the number of splashes it can withstand.
By conforming to the EN 407 standard, glove manufacturers ensure that their products meet the necessary requirements for thermal protection. This helps users in industries such as welding, foundries, and other environments with thermal hazards to select gloves that provide the appropriate level of protection against heat and flames. When choosing gloves for thermal hazards, it is important to look for the EN 407 marking to ensure they comply with the relevant standards.
EN 1186 is a European standard that specifies the requirements and testing methods for materials and articles that come into contact with food. The standard aims to ensure that these materials do not transfer harmful substances to the food and are safe for use in food-related applications.
EN 1186 covers a wide range of materials, including plastics, rubbers, metals, ceramics, paper, and more. It sets out various requirements related to migration of substances, such as heavy metals, organic compounds, and other potentially harmful substances from the material to the food.
The standard includes specific test procedures to assess the compatibility of the materials with food contact, including tests for overall migration, specific migration of certain substances, and sensory analysis.
By conforming to EN 1186, manufacturers of materials and articles in contact with food ensure that their products meet the necessary safety requirements. Compliance with this standard helps to ensure that the materials used in food preparation, packaging, and serving do not pose a risk to consumer health and safety.
It is important for businesses involved in the food industry to consider the compliance of materials and articles they use with EN 1186 to ensure that they are in line with the relevant regulations and requirements for food safety.
Cut Levels
Cut levels, often referred to as cut resistance levels, are a standardized system used to assess and classify the level of protection provided by gloves against cuts and lacerations. The cut level of a glove indicates its resistance to a defined cutting hazard, such as a sharp blade or edge.
The most commonly used cut resistance classification system is the EN 388 standard, which assigns gloves a rating from 1 to 5 based on their performance in a cut resistance test. The higher the number, the greater the level of cut protection provided by the glove.
Here is a general breakdown of the EN 388 cut levels:
- Cut Level 1: Provides the lowest level of cut resistance. Suitable for tasks with minimal cut hazards.
- Cut Level 2: Offers low to moderate cut resistance. Suitable for light-duty tasks involving some sharp objects.
- Cut Level 3: Provides moderate cut resistance. Suitable for medium-duty tasks involving sharp objects and materials.
- Cut Level 4: Offers high cut resistance. Suitable for heavy-duty tasks with significant cut hazards.
- Cut Level 5: Provides the highest level of cut resistance. Suitable for tasks involving highly sharp objects or materials.
It’s important to note that different standards or testing methods may use slightly different cut level systems. However, the higher the cut level, the greater the level of protection against cuts and lacerations. When selecting gloves for tasks involving cut hazards, it is essential to consider the appropriate cut level based on the specific risks and requirements of the task at hand.