Waterproof work gloves are an absolute must for those who find themselves working in conditions that bring them in contact with water or other liquids. Whether that means working outdoors in inclement weather or working in or around water, a good pair of waterproof work gloves can be a literal lifesaver. Waterproof gloves can help you keep a tight grip on your tools while working and are an essential piece of equipment in cold or inclement weather.

Plumbers, commercial fishermen, and construction laborers can all testify that liquid protection is vital, as they encounter the need for it every day. And those who work in indoor freezers need waterproof options that also work to keep their hands warm. Waterproof gloves are not restricted to workers either. Outdoor activities such as cycling, hunting, sport fishing all require waterproof gloves. Also, those who ride a motorcycle or own a boat know that having a waterproof glove around is helpful in the rain or wet conditions.

This article handles all the details you need to know about waterproof gloves, including what to look for when choosing waterproof work gloves; the differences between waterproof, water-repellent, and water-resistance gloves; waterproofing technology; and more.

Waterproof vs. Water-Repellent vs. Water-Resistant

• Water-resistant – as the name suggests, this means the material can resist penetration by water, but only to a limited degree. This term is often used to describe protective clothing. Most gloves that you put over your hand will initially resist water to some degree. However, once the glove is submerged in water, the glove will succumb to wet forces.

• Water-repellent – refers to material not easily breached by water, especially due to being treated with a protective coating. Water-repellent coatings repel water, making them hydrophobic and providing slightly more protection against water than water-resistant items. Due to the popularity of water-repellent styles, MCR Safety is even now making styles that are oil-repellent too. However, like water-resistant gloves, both water-repellent and oil-repellent will not hold up to water submersion. The water-repellent coating only adds an extra layer of defense over water-resistant gloves.

• Waterproof – means the glove is impermeable, and its protection cannot be easily breached by water. Almost any fully coated glove with a polymer, such as nitrile, PVC, or latex, will provide a waterproof barrier. However, as you'll read next, there are different technologies and features found across all these options.

Waterproof Technologies

Waterproofing technology comes in four standard modes: treatment, waterproof barrier, disposable, and lined solutions. Here is a look at each one:

Treatment

The most basic form of waterproofing involves treating the outside of a material with a water-repellent barrier. However, applying this type of treatment yields relatively short-term results as the treatment tends to wear out and quickly becomes less effective as a waterproof barrier. The treatment approach to waterproofing is best used in environments where the waterproof feature is not the primary protective feature. MCR's Ninja® Ice gloves and some additional non-insulated styles use a Hydropellent Technology (HPT) treatment to repel water. It's an outstanding feature that complements the cold protection users seek, especially when it's snowing outside.

Waterproof Bladder

Many of MCR's gloves offer a waterproof bladder to help guard against water. These hipora-lined options feature a breathable 3-layer microporous membrane that prevents water from entering. The inserted liner is like a lightweight, highly flexible sandwich bag protecting your hands from water and liquids.

Disposable Gloves

High-dexterity waterproof gloves are essential for those who need an excellent sense of touch. By their nature, disposable gloves are super-thin, essentially skin-tight gloves that provide the most dexterity and tactile sensitivity of all forms of waterproof gloves. Since they are inexpensive, once soiled, disposable gloves are meant to be thrown out. With no liner beneath the polymer, these gloves are not intended to last very long, and the waterproof feature can quickly become useless if the glove is ripped.

If you need an increased sense of touch but want a longer-lasting disposable glove, try a glove style made with a higher millimeter thickness, allowing for more extended wear without sacrificing dexterity or sense of touch. Six mil and 8 mil are designed to last longer than your traditional 4 mil style, often worn across industries.

Read this article in its entirety here to learn more about the different styles of waterproof gloves available from MCR Safety.

This article was previously featured on MCR Safety's blog.