Best Work Gloves FAQ
Determining the best set of work gloves for you is largely dependent on the job or project you are planning to tackle. There are many gloves out there specifically designed for both light and heavy duty work. There is no universal work glove because additional protection for your hands always comes with a tradeoff of reduced dexterity and breathability. Work gloves designed for winter use can be bulky and inhibit your ability to perform delicate tasks. You never know what kind of jobs can pop up at your home or in your vehicle, so it’s important to have several pairs of good quality work gloves available.
When you’re shopping for the best work gloves, it’s important to make a list of the types of jobs you’ll be doing. Cut-resistant gloves are important for individuals who will be handling sharp blades or glass. Breathable, water-resistant gloves are good for individuals who need hand protection for gardening. Knuckle protection and shock absorption on the palms is important for individuals who will be working in construction. Always evaluate the important features before making your final selection. Here are some common questions to keep in mind.
1. What Are the Best Work Gloves?
The best work gloves offer protection for your hands without becoming so cumbersome that they prevent you from performing your task. Keep in mind that some jobs are very dangerous and in those cases, it’s important to trade off dexterity for complete protection. Never assume that a pair of gloves is adequate for handling chemicals just because it has a rubberized coating. Always check the safety recommendations of the tools or products you are working with to ensure you have the proper hand protection.
2. Are Work Gloves Touch Screen Compatible?
Some work gloves do come with material on the thumb and fingers that make it possible to operate a touch screen. This can be a very useful feature if you work in a garage and need to key in information every time you perform a task. However, keep in mind that touch screen compatibility only allows you to operate your touch screen and does not provide any protection to your screen. If you are working with corrosive materials, you could cause expensive damage to your screen if those are transferred to your smart device by your work glove.
3. Do I Need a Shock Absorption?
Some of the best work gloves feature shock absorption material on the palm of the hand. This material reduces impact vibrations if you are working with a hammer or vibrating power tools. Shock absorption can also reduce work fatigue if you have to apply force to a wrench to loosen a rusty bolt. Shock absorption material can be bulky, so only choose work gloves with this feature if it applies to your work.
4. Are Work Gloves Puncture Resistant?
Most work gloves offer some protection against cuts and abrasions. However, direct cuts and/or nail points will puncture most gloves. Even with the best work gloves, it is important to practice good safety measures to ensure you don’t sustain a serious injury while working.5. Is a Secure Fit Important?
Many of the gloves in our list have some sort of a strap or a clasp on the wrist to secure the glove to the hand. Also, many of the gloves feature an elastic or spandex construction so they are form-fitting. If you work with power tools with spinning components, it is important that no part of your clothing becomes entangled in the machinery. Form-fitting gloves are a safety measure that prevents you from sustaining an injury by being pulled into a machine.
How We Reviewed
We reviewed the products in our best work gloves list on a variety of features. We noted the price and then subjected the gloves to a variety of tests. We paid attention to the overall fit, comfort level, cuff, and the clasp system for providing a secure fit. Many of the work gloves in our review use a velcro strap, but some have an elastic band, and others relied on a long cuff. We noted if the gloves had shock absorption on the palm and protection on the knuckles. We also discussed breathability, insulation, and water resistance when it was relevant.Overall Price Range
The prices of the products we reviewed for our best work gloves list ranged in price from $7 to $35. The more expensive gloves featured more safety features including shock absorption on the palms and knuckle protection. More expensive gloves also used genuine leather as a construction material instead of imitation leather. Take note that some prices refer to packs that contain two or more pairs of work gloves in the package.What We Reviewed
- CLC Custom Leathercraft 125M Handyman Flex Grip Work Gloves
- Mechanix Wear – Material4X Original Gloves
- Superior MXBE Clutch Gear Synthetic Leather Mechanics Gloves
- NoCry Cut Resistant Gloves
- 5.11 Tactical TAC A2 Gloves
- Handlandy Men’s Work Gloves
- Mechanix Wear – Original Work Gloves
- JORESTECH Work Gloves Multipurpose
- American Made Buffalo Leather Work Gloves
- Ironclad General Utility Work Gloves GUG
- Vgo 3Pairs High Dexterity Heavy Duty Mechanic Glove
- G & F 15196L Seamless Nylon Knit Nitrile Coated Work Gloves
CLC Custom Leathercraft 125M Handyman Flex Grip Work Gloves
Features
The CLC Custom Leathercraft 125M work gloves are an attractive gray and black with reinforcement on the palms, knuckles, and thumb. These are shrink-resistant gloves made of synthetic leather that will hold up to demanding work scenarios without shrinking or hardening. The gloves have a velcro wing closing strap at the wrist that ensures the gloves will not slip off. There is no extended gauntlet cuff that might become entrapped in spinning machinery. These are nimble, durable, and effective hand protection.
These gloves also feature cold-weather insulation that makes them a great choice for an outdoor worksite. The insulation keeps you warm, but the gloves remain lightweight and articulated enough to allow you to perform delicate tasks. The spandex and lycra side panels ensure a close, comfortable, and flexible fit. The inner stitching is another safety feature that will prevent these gloves from getting caught up on machinery, tools, or wood splinters. The gloves even feature touch screen compatible tips so you can log your progress onto a computer or smartphone while you work.
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Mechanix Wear – Material4X Original Gloves
Features
The Mechanix Wear Material4X have a thermal plastic rubber closure on the wrist with a hook and loop clasp that provides a tight and comfortable fit. The back of the hand is protected by Trek Dry material that helps the gloves breathe so your hands don’t get sweaty. The Trek Dry material is supple and form-fitting. These gloves have a brown palm and a black backing with yellow highlights on the clasp. The seamless palm is made from a synthetic leather called Material 4X which is resistant to abrasions and tears. Material 4X also offers a non-slip gripping surface.
Mechanix Wear Material4X are some of the best work gloves for a variety of jobs. These are ideal for automotive repair, carpentry, masonry, and plumbing. The gloves offer little insulation, so these are not the best choice for outdoor winter work. The gloves are very puncture resistant and the reinforced areas on the fingers provide a lot of protection. Note that the Trek Dry material on the back of the hand does not provide much protection for the knuckles.
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Superior MXBE Clutch Gear Synthetic Leather Mechanics Gloves
Features
The Superior MXBE Clutch Gear gloves are attractive gloves that offer lots of protection and are available with gray or orange color highlighting. These form-fitting gloves offer great dexterity which make them ideal for performing precise or delicate tasks. The gloves feature a micro-suede palm which allows a fantastic grip and is water-repellant while also being breathable. These gloves dry fast and don’t harden which makes them ideal for cleaning and repeated use.
The gloves have a reinforced thumb crotch that contributes to a long lifespan and better protection. There are also neoprene pads on the knuckles so you can apply a force to rusted bolts without fear of damaging your hands. These gloves are designed for mechanical operations, assembly, material handling, and driving. The wrist strap ensures the gloves won’t slip off your hands. These are some of the best work gloves if you are looking for a versatile and comfortable product.
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NoCry Cut Resistant Gloves
Features
NoCry cut resistant gloves are some of the best work gloves available for working with knives, glass, or any other materials that could cut or puncture the skin. The gloves are very lightweight and resemble medieval chain mail. However, instead of metal, they are constructed from Polyethylene, glass fiber, and spandex. If you are working with blades, your hands are not protected with leather gloves. Take note that you cannot iron or machine dry these gloves, instead leave them out to drip dry after washing.
These gloves provide a uniform, cut-resistant surface that completely covers the hand. The gloves have a snug guff and a secure and comfortable fit. These gloves are also food safe. These are a perfect choice for handling glass, carving wood with sharp tools, sharpening knives, or cooking. The gloves are also ambidextrous. These are only class 5 cut resistant gloves, so they are best suited for light work. If you work in a butcher shop, the best work gloves for you would be class 10.
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5.11 Tactical TAC A2 Gloves
Features
The 5.11 Tactical gloves are some of the best work gloves for handling and shooting firearms. The gloves are all black with a velcro wrist strap that ensures a snug and secure fit. The gloves are made from synthetic suede and nylon spandex which is both comfortable and durable. The palms are reinforced and there is additional protection in the crotch of the thumb and on the knuckles. The nylon back panel breathes enough to regulate your hand temperature. The all black design makes these a great pair of tactical gloves.
These gloves are cut and stick-resistant but they will not hold up to direct cutting. The fingers and seams are durable enough to provide you with years of use. These gloves are lightweight enough to allow for finger dexterity, but thick enough to provide protection. Take note that these gloves run a little small in sizing. These are affordable, lightweight and comfortable gloves suitable for daily use.
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Handlandy Mens Work Gloves
Features
Handylandy Men’s work gloves are some of the best work gloves for gardening, brush cutting, and other household chores. These gloves are available in black, blue, and gray. The palm features padding and double stitching to provide your hand with protection from jarring forces. These are great gloves to use when swinging a hammer or an axe. The spandex back is flexible and breathable and there is a strip of foam padding over the knuckles to offer you protection from abrasions or minor impacts.
The gloves feature a velcro wrist strap that ensures a good fit that won’t slip off. These gloves also have touch screen fingertips on the first and second finger along with the thumb so you can operate a touchscreen without removing them. These gloves offer plenty of protection and are flexible enough to make these the perfect work gloves for light work around the home. These gloves are very affordably priced.
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Mechanix Wear – Original Work Gloves
Features
Mechanix Wear is responsible for some of the most popular work gloves available on the market today, and this is the model that started it all. These gloves are available in sizes ranging from XXX-small to XXX-large so you can get the gloves that offer the most secure and comfortable fit. The thermal plastic rubber hook and loop cuffs ensure these gloves will become a secure second skin. The TrekDry backing breathes and provides flexible protection for your hand. These gloves do not offer additional knuckle protection.
These gloves have a reinforced, seamless, synthetic leather palm that provides terrific protection and a secure grip. These are a fantastic set of lightweight, high-protection gloves that are designed for work in the garage but would be just as effective doing construction, yardwork, or home projects. These fit as expected with well trimmed inside seams that allow for great comfort no matter how long you’re on the job.
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JORESTECH Work Gloves Multipurpose
Features
JORESTECH offers the best work gloves if your primary concern is a secure grip. These gloves feature a silicone dot printing on the palms and fingers that allows you to achieve a secure hold on power tools, pipes, or boards. Beneath the silicone dots is an ultra-resistant synthetic leather palm that will protect your hand against pokes and abrasions. The spandex back offers good breathability and the neoprene cuff and wrist strap ensure a secure fit. These gloves are available in green, high visibility lime, black, and pink.
The high visibility color option makes these some of the best work gloves for road crews or highway work. These gloves offer good dexterity and finger motion. Neoprene patches also provide additional knuckle protection. These are a versatile set of gloves that are perfect for everything from gardening to light work around the house.
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American Made Leather Work Gloves
Features
These leather work gloves are the kind of no-nonsense hand protection that you’d expect your grandfather to wear. They are made from 100% American leather and have an elastic band at the wrist to ensure a secure fit. The base of the gloves flares out into a cuff that provides good wrist protection. These are unlined gloves to ensure good dexterity and free hand movement, but they aren’t ideal for cold conditions.
These gloves are available in several leathers that have slightly different properties and colors. The leathers include buffalo, buckskin, cowhide, elk skin, and goatskin. These are the best gloves for ranch work and are perfect for such tasks as chopping wood, home projects, and construction work. The leather construction adds good protection from wind and water, and these gloves look nice enough that they’re even appropriate for a night out.
Price $$$
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Ironclad General Utility Work Gloves GUG
Features
Ironclad offers a tough, durable and machine washable general utility work glove. The gloves are all black with a large rubberized Ironclad logo emblazoned across the knuckles that is both good branding and good hand protection. These gloves are 55% synthetic leather, 35% stretch nylon, and 10% terry. The terry cloth sections are for wiping away sweat. The palms are reinforced with padded protection strips that are placed to offer maximum dexterity. The double stitching ensures these gloves will last you a long time.
The wrist has a velcro strap that ensures a secure fit. These gloves are great for delivery purposes, shop work, mechanics, yardwork, and anything else that requires rugged protection. These gloves are not touchscreen compatible but they are machine washable.
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Vgo 3Pairs High Dexterity Heavy Duty Mechanic Glove
Features
The Vgo High Dexterity Mechanic Gloves are some of the best work gloves for auto mechanics. These gloves are mainly black with yellow highlights and have extensive additional padding on high wear areas. The wrist cuff features a hook and loop to secure fit and a thermoplastic rubber cover for additional protection. There is also a terry cloth for wiping away sweat on the thumb. The fingers and knuckles are also protected by dexterous padding that moves but also holds up to forceful impacts.
The thumb and first finger also have touchscreen compatibility so you can operate a computer or cell phone while wearing these gloves. PVC palm patches with padding prevent abrasions and absorb shock. The palm is synthetic leather, and the back of the hand is stretch spandex to ensure a comfortable fit as well as breathability. These are the best work gloves for assembly, use of power tools, machinists, mechanics, shipbuilders, construction, and home projects. They come in a pack of three pairs.
Price $$$
Where to Buy
G & F 15196L Seamless Nylon Knit Nitrile Coated Work Gloves
Features
The G & F 15196L Seamless Nylon Knit Nitrile coated gloves are some of the best gloves for gardening. These are not the best choice if you are working with toxic chemicals. The gloves are made from comfortable, seamless nylon that is coated with Nitrile. The coating covers the fingers, palm, and thumb, but does not extend to the back. The breathability feature keeps your hands from sweating, but does not provide complete protection against the items you are handling.
These gloves offer great finger dexterity and are perfect for digging around in a moist garden looking for roots or weeds. Your hands might sweat a bit, but you’ll be warm and comfortable even on a crisp fall day. These are very economically priced gloves that come in a pack of six and are available in both men’s and women’s sizing.
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The Verdict
Any of the products in our best work gloves review would provide good protection depending on the job or work you wish to perform. It is important to always select a pair of work gloves that was designed for the task at hand. The proper pair of work gloves have the proper safety features to ensure that you will able to perform your work safely. When working with corrosive materials, always double-check the properties of your work gloves. Don’t assume that just because your work glove has a coating that the gloves will provide protection against the chemicals you need to handle.The G & F 15196L Seamless Nylon Nit Nitrile Coated Work Gloves were the best set of gloves that we tested for gardening and light household work. These gloves offered superior tactile response and made it easy to plant and weed without fatigue or damage to the hands. The Nylon back of these gloves allowed our hands to breathe, although our fingers became clammy where they were encased by the Nitrile coating. These gloves were easy to put on and remove, and the long cuff sleeve prevented dirt or mud from entering the glove.
We liked the JORESTCH work gloves for their non-slip grip which allowed us to handle tools securely even when they were wet. This is a great glove to choose if you work on a boat or to take while fishing. We also liked how these gloves were available in a high-visibility green color which makes them an ideal choice for road or highway crews. For a mechanic’s glove, we liked the Vgo high dexterity heavy-duty mechanic glove. These gloves featured good shock absorption and rubberized protection for the fingers and knuckles. The touch screen compatibility makes these gloves an ideal choice for shop work.
Overall, our favorite glove was the traditional American made leather work gloves. These work gloves are not customized for any one task and are a very versatile glove for a variety of uses. The leather molds to your hand after a few uses and these gloves are very comfortable and provide protection from scrapes, wind, and water. These gloves are perfect for everything from swinging an axe to fixing a fence, and if you don’t have a specific task in mind, the American made leather work gloves represent the perfect choice for a pair of work gloves to have around in case a problem arises.
Before you begin any project, it is important to make sure you have the proper safety gear to ensure safe working conditions. The right pair of work gloves protects your hands, ensures finger dexterity, and is form fitting enough to prevent entanglement with machinery. Never begin a task without verifying that your work gloves provide adequate protection. The right pair of work gloves improves your comfort level, reduces fatigue, and helps you prevent accidents. No matter what your task, stay safe with the best work gloves you can find.