5 Steps to Choosing a Leather Work Glove

Grain or split leather? Clute or Gunn cut? Safety or gauntlet cuff? Lined or unlined?

The wide variety of choices in leather work gloves means that there is almost always “the perfect” one for any given application. Finding that glove, however, may not always seem so easy. By understanding the differences between available features, you can narrow the playing field and make an educated decision.

Follow the 5 steps below and you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect leather glove:

Step 1: Choose a Type of Leather

Leather is made from the tanned hides of various animals. Leather quality varies because it is a natural product. The most common types of leather used for work gloves are:

• Cowhide
  • Cowhide is the most common and popular type of leather used for gloves. It creates a moderately priced, comfortable, durable glove with excellent abrasion resistance. It is warmer than pig or goatskin and more heat resistant.
• Pigskin
  • Pigskin offers the greatest breathability due to the porous texture of the hide. It becomes softer with use and withstands moisture without becoming stiff. And the material can be laundered without losing its shape or function.
• Deerskin
  • Deerskin is soft, more comfortable, longer wearing and more flexible than cowhide. It is also the warmest of leathers.
• Goatskin
  • Goatskin is the strongest and most durable type of leather. Its natural lanolin in the skin makes the glove very supple, waterproof and abrasion resistant. The material is excellent for tasks involving fine dexterity.

You should also pay attention to what part of the animal’s body the hide comes from and what side of the skin is processed.

Full or top grain leather comes from the external side of the hide. It is typically smooth, but can be lightly sanded or processed after tanning to feel like suede or velvet. The area where the hide is cut determines durability:

• Leather cut from the sides and shoulder of the animal offers the greatest durability.
• Belly and neck cuts are less durable, and are often used for “economy grade” gloves and trims.

Split leather or suede comes from the underside of the hide. This leather has no natural grain and is not as strong as grain leather. The area from which the glove is cut determines durability and dexterity:

• Belly split leather is the most economical, but it is not consistent in texture or appearance. It is the least durable.
• Shoulder split leather is economical, but less durable than side split leather because the additional movement in the shoulder area creates less dense fibers and more visible differences in texture.
• Side split comes from the rib area. It is very durable and consistent with dense fibers. Of split leathers, this is the best quality.

For greatest longevity, choose grain leather gloves. For temporary workers or sporadic, incidental jobs, split leathers will likely “do the job” and offer a greater cost savings.

Step Two: Choose a Pattern

The way a glove is cut helps determine the dexterity and comfort you’ll receive.

• Gunn Cut
  • A single-piece, seamless back with fine seams set away from the working area of the palm. The two middle fingers are sewn separately into the palm to help minimize bulk in those fingers, increasing dexterity. This design provides better wear and greater comfort. The design also minimizes stress on the glove for longer wear and provides natural gripping action for handling tools.
• Clute Cut
  • A one-piece palm with no seam at the base of the fingers and a straight thumb. Seams are along the inside of each finger. The design gives the glove a roomier fit and makes it more economical than gloves requiring more sewn seams.

Step Three: Choose a Thumb Design

Sometimes, a seemingly small detail like thumb design can make a big difference in the comfort or functionality of a glove that is worn all day.

• Straight Thumbs
  • Designed for non-rigorous activities. Least effective because they do not allow for natural thumb motion, but are the most economical style because they require little stitching.
• Winged Thumbs
  • Designed with an angled construction that allows for greater flexibility and efficiency than straight thumbs. Good for pushing and pulling applications, often found on mid-priced gloves and can be worn for extended periods of time.
• Keystone Thumbs
  • Designed for superior movement and overall comfort. Ideal for applications where there is extreme wear in the thumb webbing area, such as pulling wires or handling small pipes. Most expensive thumb option due to extensive sewing.

Step Four: Choose a Cuff Style

Application plays a large role in choosing a cuff style. Cuffs can add warmth, help prevent abrasion from particles falling into the glove, increase safety by doffing when caught in a machine and allow sleeves to be tucked.

• Knit
  • Stretch-knit fabric, usually 2″ to 3″ long. Designed to protect the wrist and help prevent particles from falling into the glove.
• Slip-On
  • Ends just at the wrist with no cuff. Easy to don and doff. Typically the most economical.
• Safety
  • Usually about 2″ long, allowing covering for the wrist. Designed with a slit at the side to enable the wearer to throw the gloves off easily if they get caught.
• Gauntlet 
  • Same features as the safety cuff, but longer (typically 4″ vs. 2″). Protects the forearm and allows sleeves to be tucked into the glove.
• Shirred Wrist
  • Help gather the leather at the wrist providing a more comfortable fit. Commonly found on gloves with safety cuffs.

Step Five: Choose a Lining

Although they are traditionally added for warmth, linings can also help make gloves more comfortable for long-term wear.

• Cotton and Jersey 
  • Helps prevent chaffing.
• Wool and Pile 
  • More durable than cotton or jersey and warmer.
• Thermal 
  • Best choice to use in low temperatures.

The Perfect Glove

Like all personal protective equipment, gloves will wear out over time and need to be replaced, but choosing the glove most appropriate for the task will help ensure the greatest longevity and help avoid unnecessary spending.

Keep your workers protected with a reliable pair of leather work gloves.

Previously Featured on New PIG's blog.