Which Glove Is Best For You?

When selecting the best type of glove for your specific application, several factors must be taken into consideration. This guide will help you understand the environmental variables and physical attributes necessary for making an appropriate glove purchase with confidence. For instance, handling heavy machinery requires a different type of glove compared to handling food.

Factors to Consider

By keeping the following key factors in mind before purchasing, you can confidently select the ideal material and design for your gloves. Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions! Trust Benchmark, your safety glove expert since 1946, to provide you with the best choice for your needs!

Task-Specific - Identifying the specific demands of your task is vital to choosing the right glove.

Hazards - Different hazards on the job may necessitate different types of gloves. Consider whether the main threats involve chemicals, cuts/punctures, or extreme temperatures.

Environment - Evaluate the conditions in which the task will be performed. Is there high moisture, potential contamination, or extreme temperatures to consider?

Compliance & Standards - It’s important to ensure that the gloves you choose comply with industry standards and regulations set by organizations such as ANSI or OSHA. When selecting a glove for high-risk tasks, familiarize yourself with the applicable regulations to choose a glove that meets these requirements.

Fit - A glove that fits correctly is essential, especially for more detailed tasks. We offer a wide range of sizes in all types of gloves to ensure a proper fit for everyone.

Grip - The amount of grip needed will vary based on the task. For handling smooth or slippery objects, a glove with a high grip, such as a palm-dipped glove, is ideal. However, when working with chemicals in a lab, the focus should be on hand protection, making disposable gloves a more suitable choice.

Dexterity - How much precision is needed for the task? Can a bulkier glove with more protection be used, or does the user need a thinner glove to be more specific with movements?

Thickness - The required thickness of a glove can significantly affect its performance and protection level. Thinner gloves may be more affordable, but they might not provide adequate safety. Always review the relevant standards and regulations when selecting the appropriate glove for your task.

Material - The material of the glove is one of the most critical factors to consider. Start by reviewing the specific needs of your task. We offer a diverse range of materials, from cotton to vinyl to leather.

Common Gloves & Applications

There are countless variations of gloves. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, but understanding the best applications and benefits will help in selecting the correct type. See below for a quick breakdown of different types of gloves Benchmark has in-stock today:

Disposable Gloves

There are three main types of disposable gloves: nitrile, vinyl, and latex.

Nitrile
Available in a wide range of colors, thicknesses, and sizes, nitrile gloves are one of the most common disposable glove types. Best used in chemical handling, laboratories, food prep, and health care; nitrile gloves are 100% latex-free which is a common allergy. Some of the benefits of nitrile gloves are listed below:

Comfort - The comfortability of single-use gloves is incredibly important and there are no gloves more comfortable than nitrile gloves. They are both latex and powder-free, which helps to avoid any allergic reactions or skin discomfort. As a material, nitrile is also incredibly breathable which means the gloves are comfortable even on a hot summer's day.
Tear & Puncture Resistant Gloves - When using single-use gloves in an industrial setting, it is incredibly important that they provide an element of safety to your hands. Nitrile is both tear and puncture resistant which offers a layer of protection to your hands while also ensuring you are not having to change gloves too regularly.
Great Touch Sensitivity - When wearing gloves all day, touch sensitivity is vital. Nitrile gloves offer very impressive touch sensitivity, allowing for the use of smartphones and smart devices without having to remove gloves prior.
Water & Chemical Resistant - Nitrile gloves are designed to protect the hands from chemicals, solvents, and harmful cleaners. In industrial environments, where exposure to hazardous substances is common, ensuring the skin on your hands is well-protected is essential.
100% Latex Free - Latex allergies are fairly common, which is why nitrile’s latex-free structure can help to avoid any allergic reaction or skin discomfort. This can therefore ensure that work efficiency is kept up and that health and safety standards are met.

Vinyl
Disposable vinyl gloves are another common type of glove, but the lower cost can be a benefit to many users. Most often, single-use vinyl gloves are used in food, janitorial, and medical applications. Some of the benefits of vinyl gloves are listed below:

Latex Free - These vinyl gloves are 100% latex-free. This helps them to avoid any latex allergies that could result in allergic reactions and skin discomfort. This therefore allows them to be a far more comfortable and allergen-friendly single-use option than other gloves.
High Puncture & Tear Tolerance - Vinyl gloves are designed to withstand the wear and tear of most industrial applications and have an extremely high tolerance to both tears and punctures. This allows them to be very protective and cost-effective.
Protection Against Low-Risk Chemicals - These phenomenal non-sterile vinyl gloves are phenomenally effective at protecting against low-risk chemicals and harmful cleaning products. This makes them incredibly effective for several different industries as well as a huge range of applications across these industries.
Cost Effective - When compared to nitrile gloves and latex gloves, they are a much more cost-effective option for disposable gloves. This is because they are made from PVC, which is a very cost-effective material to manufacture while also still being incredibly high quality and durable.

Latex
Disposable latex gloves offer great flexibility and durability. Though many people can be allergic to latex, disposable latex gloves are widely used in food service, medical, and healthcare applications. Some of the benefits of latex gloves are listed below:

Fit & Comfort – The high elasticity of latex gloves makes them very comfortable for the user. Fitting to the hand, these gloves provide high dexterity and range of motion which can be vital for high precision environments.
High Sensitivity – Having a highly sensitive glove is necessary in certain applications. Latex gloves make using technical machinery, screens, and handling sensitive items easy.
Durability & Puncture Resistance – Ensuring that the user's hand is protected from chemicals and sharp objects is important. Latex gloves are naturally durable and can protect the user from rips and tears while in use.
Biodegradable – Latex gloves are naturally biodegradable, which makes them one of the more environmentally friendly disposable gloves. Made from natural rubber, latex gloves can break down and compost over time.

Cotton/String Knit Gloves

Cotton or string knit gloves are a very versatile option. Whether your application is warehouse work, landscaping, construction, or something else, these are a great multipurpose glove. Below are some benefits of these gloves:

Comfort & Breathability – The knit properties of these gloves make them very breathable and comfortable for the user. String knit gloves are also generally soft and easy on the hands.
High Grip – Many string knit gloves come dotted or with an enhanced grip on the palm. This makes picking up and holding onto items easier.
Versatile Protection – Perfect for light-duty tasks, these gloves provide versatile protection from minor cuts, abrasions, and dirt. They also can be used as a layer underneath larger gloves for warmth and comfort.
Eco-Friendly – String knit gloves are made from cotton a lot of the time which is biodegradable. This can make them an eco-friendlier option versus other plastic and/or disposable gloves.

General-Purpose Palm Dip Gloves

General-purpose palm dip gloves are versatile and comfortable. This makes them perfect for use in construction, manufacturing, landscaping, warehousing, and general handling tasks. Some benefits of general-purpose palm dip gloves are listed below:

Enhanced Grip – The coating on the palm and fingertips of palm dip gloves improves grip on slippery or smooth objects. This improves safety and efficiency in a multitude of tasks.
Abrasion Resistance – Palm dip gloves easily protect hands from minor cuts, abrasions, and dirt. Some gloves can be resistant to certain chemicals, oils, and greases.
Breathability – Most palm dip gloves have a string knit base, making them highly breathable and comfortable for the user.
Flexibility & Dexterity – Perfect for use in tasks that require a wide range of motion. The highly flexible gloves also provide tactile sensitivity for use in technical tasks.

Cut-Resistant Gloves

Cut-resistant gloves are an exceptionally durable glove that protects against cuts and abrasions. This makes these gloves perfect for jobs such as glass handling, metal fabrication, construction, and manufacturing. Some of the benefits of these gloves are

Enhanced Safety – Most cut-resistant gloves are measured on an ANSI rating from A1 – A6 that displays the level of cut and abrasion resistance. This provides higher levels of safety for the user when interacting with sharp and heavy objects.
Durability – Built to withstand wear and tear, cut-resistant gloves are long-lasting and require fewer replacements.
Increased Productivity – Cut-resistant gloves provide confidence for the user when handling sharp tools or items. This in turn can lead to increased efficiency as the task can be completed more quickly.
High Grip – Most cut-resistant gloves are palm dipped or have a coating/texture that lets the user get a better grip on items reducing the risks of accidental slips and dropping.

Heat Resistant Gloves

Heat-resistant gloves provide protection against heat and burns. Designed to withstand high temperatures, heat-resistant gloves are perfect for applications such as welding, food processing, foundries, construction, and more.

Increased Safety – Heat-resistant gloves are made with durable heat-protective materials to ensure that the user does not get burned or scaled while handling hot items or machinery.
Comfort & Reduced Fatigue – Often made with moisture-wicking and breathable materials, heat-resistant gloves keep hands from becoming fatigued, improving productivity.
Versatile – Many heat-resistant gloves also protect against extreme cold, making them perfect for use in many different environments.
Grip & Dexterity – Heat-resistant gloves are made to be used in high-heat applications, providing grip even in high temperatures. This also assists with sensitivity and handling of hot items and machinery.

Insulated Gloves

Insulated gloves are designed to keep the user’s hands warm while working in cold environments without sacrificing flexibility. Perfect for use in freezer and cold storage, truck driving, and outdoor work, insulated gloves ensure safety in harsh conditions. Some of the benefits of insulated gloves are listed below:

Heat Retention – By trapping body heat with insulating materials, insulated gloves prevent frostbite and hypothermia in extreme windy or freezing conditions.
Moisture Control – Insulated gloves can also have moisture-wicking capabilities to ensure that the user’s hands do not become too sweaty. Moisture can cause more heat loss, so keeping hands dry in extreme cold conditions is vital.
Improved Grip & Dexterity – A lot of insulated gloves will have a textured surface or coating to make gripping easier in icy, freezing, wet, or snowy conditions. Insulated gloves also provide more flexibility and dexterity than traditional mittens.
Wind & Water Resistance – The outer layers of insulated gloves most of the time provide water and wind resistance. This is essential in harsh environments where exposure to wind and water can lead to frostbite and hypothermia.

Leather Gloves

Leather gloves are highly durable and comfortable making them perfect for truck driving, warehousing, construction, welding, and more. There are many types of leather gloves including cowhide, goatskin, and pigskin which each have their benefits. The overall benefits of all types of leather gloves are listed below:

Durability – Leather is a highly durable and long-lasting material which makes these gloves perfect for heavy-duty work conditions. This also provides abrasion, puncture, and impact protection.
Heat & Fire Resistance – Most leather gloves are naturally heat resistant, making them perfect for tasks that involve exposure to sparks and heat. Extra heat protection can be added to leather gloves as well.
Comfort & Dexterity – Over time, leather gloves can form to the user’s hand making them comfortable and custom to each person. Being highly flexible, these gloves make precise tasks easy to accomplish.
Breathability & Moisture Absorption – Leather gloves offer high breathability that helps reduce sweat for more comfortable wearing. Leather can also absorb moisture to help with slippage and retaining grip.

Shop Safety Gloves from Benchmark today!

In conclusion, selecting the right gloves for your specific needs involves careful consideration of various factors including task demands, potential hazards, and environmental conditions. Each type of glove offers unique benefits tailored to different applications such as chemical handling, food preparation, or medical use. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each material and ensuring compliance with industry standards, you can make an informed decision that prioritizes both safety and comfort. This article does not include all types of gloves, so if you're looking for something in particular, browse our whole Gloves Collection, or we can source a new item for you! Trust Benchmark to provide you with high-quality gloves that meet your requirements, ensuring optimal protection and performance for any task at hand. If you have any questions or need further assistance in making your selection, feel free to reach out to us via phone (844.BENCHMARK) or email (sales@benchmarkinc.com).