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Stay safe with our top picks. Gloves Tactical
Better Homes and Gardens / Brian Kopinski
Work gloves are essential for protecting your hands as you do DIY projects, yard work, and other tasks. A good pair of work gloves is essential for many chores, but you’ll need to consider the task at hand to find the right pair for your needs.
Work gloves can be divided into three different types. The first type, according to Chris Smith, vice president of marketing at MCR Safety, is a seamless coated glove. “These gloves take some type of liner—whether it be polyester, nylon, or cut resistant like Kevlar—then dip those into a coating to give grip,” Smiths says. “This kind of glove gives great dexterity and has great gripping power.”
For more intensive jobs, you’ll want a heavier glove. That style of glove is what Smith describes as a “cut and sewn” glove that is handmade, like leather gloves. These are tough gloves that are more resistant to abrasions.
The third kind of gloves are water- and liquid-resistant styles. These gloves are best suited for working in wet conditions, painting, or cleaning. Smith says, “Fully coating a nylon or polyester shell with a polymer such as nitrile or latex can provide the user with water resistant properties to keep the hands dry.”
Made with Kevlar Comfort yarn, these gloves are an extremely flexible yet tough option at an affordable price.
These gloves provide minimal impact protection.
The MCR Safety Cut Pro work gloves are the best overall due to their low price and engineered Kevlar Comfort yarn material. This glove is also recommended by Smith as, “a great all around glove for when I need something with dexterity but also cut protection.”
The patented Kevlar material is designed to be comfortable and flexible, while still providing great hand protection. This material has an ANSI cut score of A4, providing resistance to medium-level cuts.
Bramwell advises, “Look for gloves with cut-resistant properties if you're handling sharp objects or working in environments where cuts are a risk. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) ranks the level of cut resistance on gloves from A1-A9. It's best to select a glove that is rated for the type of work you plan on using them for.” The ANSI cut levels range from 1-9, with 9 offering the highest degree of protection against cuts.
These gloves are also flame resistant and good for contact heat, unlike many other gloves made of synthetic materials. The gloves also provide amazing dexterity. Dexterity refers to the ease of movement that allows you to do precision work with gloves on. One way to measure the dexterity is by the glove gauge.
Smith says, “You might notice that a lot of work gloves include a gauge number. The gauge of a glove is the number of stitches included in each inch of material. Most gloves start at 7, and the higher the gauge, the better the quality.” These gloves are 18 gauge, near the top of the scale.
This glove also features a reinforced thumb crotch, adding wear resistance to a high-stress area of the glove. The glove’s shell is coated on the palm and fingertips with a sandy nitrile foam to increase grip. This glove comes in sizes XS to XXL, making it an option available to everyone.
Product Details: Material: Kevlar Comfort yarn, nitrile foam | Sizes: XS to XXL | Intended Use: DIY projects, construction, yard work, assembly, mechanic work | Gauge Number: 18 | Features: Cut resistance, grip coating, reinforced thumb
These gloves are a great bulk buy for an all-around, light work glove.
The only size available is large.
If you’re looking for a good deal, our choice for the best budget work gloves are the Wells Lamont Nitrile Work Gloves. These light work gloves come in a pack of five pairs for under $10. The polyester knit gloves are lightweight and breathable and perfect for everyday jobs, such as yard work or cleaning.
This pair features a stretchy wrist that fits snugly, helping to keep the gloves secure and preventing dirt from falling inside the glove. The palm is dipped in a nitrile coating to provide resistance to snags, cuts, and abrasions. The palm coating is also textured for a better grip, and the nitrile is tacky enough to pick up individual screws.
However, keep in mind that this pack of gloves only comes in a size large. It’s important that gloves fit snugly—if you have small or medium hands, this pair would not be the best choice.
Product Details: Material: Polyester, nitrile | Sizes: Large | Intended Use: Cleaning, landscaping, auto work, light yard work and DIY projects | Gauge Number: Not listed | Features: Abrasion resistant, nitrile coated palms
These gloves have a number of special design features to create the ultimate comfortable and heavy-duty work glove.
The Ranchworx gloves’ durability comes at the cost of dexterity, so doing precision tasks with this glove might be difficult.
The Ironclad Ranchworx glove is worth the splurge, as it is one of the most durable gloves on the market. These gloves are perfect for tough tasks like outdoor chores and heavy duty DIY projects.
The gloves are constructed out of Ironclad’s patented Bullwhip leather, with reinforced patches on the palms and nylon on the back of the hand for breathability. The Bullwhip leather will not dry out or shrink when washed. However, the manufacturer recommends washing in cold water to keep the gloves in good condition.
There’s multiple protection features, including thermoplastic rubber finger and knuckle protection and a thumb saddle reinforced with Kevlar; the thumb also has a terry cloth sweat wipe. Patented seamless roll-top fingertips provide great sensitivity and another layer of protection.
The slip fit cuff with a thermoplastic cuff puller allows you to swiftly pull on the glove, and the glove’s design offers a snug and comfortable fit.
Product Details: Material: Leather, thermoplastic rubber | Sizes: Small to 3X-Large | Intended Use: Ranching, forestry, HVAC, search and rescue, heavy equipment, driving, construction, heavy cable and wire handling | Gauge Number: Not listed | Features: Impact resistant, rolltop fingertips, terry cloth thumb sweat wipe
These goatskin leather work gloves are strong, soft, and provide excellent heat protection.
The white color will show dirt easily.
Superior Glove’s Endura Goatskin Leather Work Glove is our choice for the best leather glove because of the material. When choosing between leather gloves, Smith recommends gloves made of goatskin:
“Goatskin leather gloves have great abrasion protection,” he says. “Goatskin is the strongest but softest leather—it is the strongest leather in terms of tensile strength. It also has lanolin naturally within the hide, so your hands will actually be a little softer because of the lanolin after wearing the gloves.”
Like all leather gloves, these gloves are suitable for working with heat. Arc-flash welding glove testing placed these gloves at level 3. Note that these work gloves are designed for spark and flame resistance, not thermal contact. These gloves are also lined with Kevlar, to protect against cutting hazards. The gloves have an ANSI cut level A5, providing a lot of protection in one glove.
This glove is perfect for heavier work, like home maintenance, operating outdoor power equipment, welding, and yard work. Note that the Superior Glove goatskin gloves only come in white, which will get dirty easily. To keep them clean, consider using a leather cleaner.
Product Details: Material: Goatskin | Sizes: Small to 3X Large | Intended Use: DIY projects, manufacturing, metal handling, general maintenance, construction, forklift operation, driving trucks, farm equipment, steel plants, welding and yard work | Gauge Number: Not applicable | Features: Abrasion, cut, and heat resistance
These gloves have elbow-length gauntlet cuffs to protect your forearms while doing yard chores.
Due to the large coverage area and leather material, your hands may get sweaty when working in hot weather.
The Handlandy Rose Pruning Gloves are the best work gloves for yard work. When doing yard work, your arms are often scratched by branches and thorns or exposed to poison ivy. These gloves will protect you from these outdoor hazards.
The gloves feature an elastic wrist and a gauntlet that goes to just below the elbow. This gauntlet cuff is a fantastic protection feature for jobs like pruning roses, holly bushes, and other prickly shrubs. The gloves are also handy for work in brushy yards and will protect against scratches from branches, insect bites, and poison ivy.
These gloves have a puncture-resistant padded palm and fingertips to protect your hands while handling thorny yard debris. They are designed for flexibility, so it will be easy to use yard tools while wearing the gloves. The gloves range from Extra Small to Extra Large and are designed to be unisex.
The pair is made of 100% pigskin leather. Pigskin provides the best breathability of all leather gloves due to the hide’s porous texture and dries soft after getting wet. Leather is also wear- and puncture-resistant, an essential quality for yard work gloves. Keep in mind that even though these gloves are relatively cool and breathable, they are still made of leather. These gloves will inevitably make your hands sweaty if working in hot conditions, a problem which can be made worse from sweat on the forearms staying inside the glove due to the gauntlet.
Product Details: Material: Leather | Sizes: Extra small to extra large | Intended Use: Yard work and gardening | Gauge Number: Not listed | Features: Breathable, protective gauntlet, puncture resistance
These Carhartt outdoor work gloves are stylish and have touchscreen-compatible fingers, a rarity in winter work gloves.
These gloves only come in men’s sizing, so women may need to size down.
Working in cold weather doesn’t mean you need to have cold hands. Carhartt is well-known for its line of work gloves, and the Carhartt Men’s C-Touch Work Glove stands out among winter work gloves. Unlike the competition, these gloves are not overly bulky and have touchscreen-capable fingers, a feature that’s difficult to find in winter work gloves. These gloves are a great choice for doing everyday work or winter landscaping tasks.
The cotton and polyester shell creates a soft, wind-resistant fleece fabric that uses Wind Fighter technology to help keep your hands protected from the cold even in windy conditions. There’s an additional microfiber lining to make sure your hands stay toasty and warm. The palms and underside of the gloves are touchscreen capable, which is a wonderful feature so you don’t have to take your gloves off in the cold in order to use your phone.
These gloves are reinforced in the thumb area and have a rib-knit cuff to keep your wrists warm. The C-Touch gloves are designed for outdoor winter use. The gloves are available in sizes ranging from Small to 2X Large to cater to all hand sizes. However, note that these gloves have men’s sizing, so women may need to size down.
Product Details: Material: Cotton, polyester | Sizes: Small to 2X Large | Intended Use: Outdoor winter work | Gauge Number: Not listed | Features: Touchscreen compatibility, wind-resistant
These gloves are machine washable.
Due to their thinness, these gloves are not suitable for heavy lifting or other other heavy-duty activities.
The Kaygo Work Gloves are the best work gloves to use in hot weather because of their thin material and breathability. Sweaty work gloves are not only annoying, but can be a hazard if they slip off your hands. These gloves’ 15-gauge nylon knitted shell is lightweight, breathable, and also seamless to avoid areas of potential irritation. This material provides great dexterity and sensitivity for doing detailed work and outdoor DIY projects.
The polyurethane coating on the palm and fingertips provides abrasion resistance and increased grip, and the tight knitted wrist prevents debris from slipping inside the gloves. Due to their thinness, these gloves are not suitable for heavy lifting or other other heavy-duty activities. Instead, they're best for general chores, DIY projects, gardening, and other light work.
These gloves, unlike many work gloves, are machine washable. The manufacturer recommends washing gloves in temperatures less than 104°F with a mild laundry detergent.
Product Details: Material: Nylon, polyurethane | Sizes: Small to 2X Large | Intended Use: Light gardening, auto repair, DIY projects, assembly | Gauge Number: 15 | Features: Light weight, polyurethane coated palm and fingertips
The waterproof double coating not only repels liquid but has an anti-slip grip that’s perfect for working in wet conditions.
Some people may be allergic to the latex coating.
This CoolJob glove is our choice for the best waterproof work glove because of its water-repelling latex coating, which allows you to completely submerge your hand in liquid and stay dry. The interior glove is made of a soft 15 gauge polyester, which is very flexible and warm. The high-visibility blue color of the gloves helps with visibility and safety and makes it easy to find your gloves. The black color on the palms hides dirt.
A curved shape reduces hand fatigue and allows you to easily do delicate tasks in wet conditions. These gloves are also usable in lightly oily conditions, such as while doing mechanic work. The palms and fingers are double-coated with an anti-slip grip made of sandy latex for slip protection, which is especially important when working in wet conditions.
The downside of the waterproof coating is that it’s made of latex; some people may be allergic to the material. Otherwise, these gloves are the perfect choice for keeping your hands dry and comfortable while working in wet conditions.
Product Details: Material: Latex, polyester, fleece | Sizes: Small to Extra Large | Intended Use: Snow shoveling, gardening, washing, fishing, handling, repairing, driving, DIY & home improvement in cold winter. | Gauge Number: 15 | Features: Waterproof
These heavy-duty leather gloves have back of hand and knuckle protection to help keep you safe during tough jobs.
These gloves will have limited dexterity due to the leather material and protection features.
The durable Husky Leather Heavy Duty Impact Work Gloves are our choice for the best heavy duty glove. These gloves have a number of extra safety features, including thermoplastic rubber knuckles and back of hand protection that shields wearers from impacts and abrasion. The reinforced thumb provides extra support in a high-stress area of the glove, helping it to last longer. The adjustable hook-and-loop closure on the wrist ensures these gloves fit well and won’t slip during sweaty jobs.
The gloves are made of premium cowhide leather, a sturdy material that is naturally resistant to abrasions and cuts. Leather gloves also are resistant to small amounts of heat, making this glove a great choice for all-around protection for heavy duty jobs.
These gloves may not be suited for jobs that need a high degree of dexterity, or precision. The leather material and bulky protection features may make it difficult to do tasks like pick up individual screws. However, the gloves are perfectly suited for woodworking projects, DIY projects, outdoor chores, and yard work.
Product Details: Material: Leather, thermoplastic rubber | Sizes: Medium to X Large | Intended Use: Shop, home, delivery, clean-up, construction, equipment operation, rigging, yard work | Gauge Number: Not applicable | Features: Hook and loop closure, thermoplastic knuckle protection, reinforced thumb
They have a range of sizes (including extra small) and several color options.
These gloves have limited impact and vibration protection.
The Handlady Work Gloves are our choice for the best work gloves for women. This glove has a range of sizes (including extra small) and several color options. Unlike many other work gloves designed for women, these gloves are still heavy duty for tough jobs. These versatile gloves can be used for a variety of heavy work, including construction and DIY wood projects as well as lighter jobs, such as gardening and cleaning.
These gloves feature a synthetic leather palm with silicone coating. The leather material provides durability, and the silicone adds extra grip strength. The spandex and mesh back contributes flexibility and breathability, with a foam padded knuckle offering extra protection. There are three touchscreen capable fingertips so you can use your phone without having to remove your gloves. The thumb also has a terry cloth sweat wipe.
This glove has a neoprene cuff with a hook-and-loop closure to ensure your gloves stay on. To help keep these gloves working for many years, these gloves are double stitched in high wear-and-tear areas. These gloves are also machine washable, so you can just toss them in the washer after a day of work.
Product Details: Material: Synthetic leather, spandex, silicone | Sizes: Extra Small to Large | Intended Use: Warehouse, construction, driver, wood cutting, mechanic work, welding and gardening | Gauge Number: Not listed | Features: Touchscreen capable, terry cloth thumb for wiping sweat
The best all-around work glove that’s suitable for most jobs around the house is the MCR Safety Cut Pro gloves, which combine flexibility with toughness. However, if you need to do heavier jobs, Ironclad’s Ranchworx or General Utility gloves are an excellent choice.
Knowing which tasks you want to use work gloves for is the most important factor in deciding which pair of gloves will be best for you. For example, if you’re going to be working in wet conditions, a water-resistant glove is critical.
If you are doing fairly easy work, a light glove with a synthetic fabric shell and a palm coating of nitrile or latex would be a great fit. However, if you’re doing tougher jobs, you’ll want to look for leather or Kevlar gloves, or gloves with a lot of protection features. Not all work gloves are suitable for every job.
Work gloves come in a variety of materials. Typically they’re constructed out of leather or synthetic materials like synthetic leather, nylon or Kevlar. Many gloves are constructed out of a mix of materials; for example, they’ll have synthetic leather patches on the palms but have a shell of nylon for flexibility. All materials have different pros and cons depending on what you want to use the glove for.
Leather: Leather gloves provide ample protection for a wide range of tasks, plus they’re durable and last a long time. “Leather gloves offer great durability, protection, and longevity. “They also offer enhanced comfort by molding to the hand over time and provide insulation and heat resistance, which may surpass that of certain synthetic materials,” Bramwell says.
Compared to those made of synthetic materials, leather gloves offer less dexterity and breathability. They also require additional upkeep to maintain quality, but they tend to last longer with appropriate care.
Synthetic Blends: Synthetic blends include gloves made of materials like nylon and polyester. They tend to be lighter and more flexible than leather gloves, and can provide extra features like added grip, cut resistance, and impact protection. Because they’re lightweight, polyester and nylon gloves are ideal for warmer weather. They can also be washed and require less maintenance tasks compared to leather gloves.
Synthetic blends, however, typically won’t last as long as leather, and don’t provide as much heat resistance. “Additionally, their synthetic nature provides less natural insulation, rendering them less suitable for colder temperatures,” Bramwell adds.
Also included in the synthetic blend category are engineered materials like Kevlar or Dyneema. These are the strongest glove materials and can be woven into flexible synthetic fabrics. Due to their strength and quality, gloves made of these may come at a higher price point.
Work gloves increasingly come in the full range of sizes, from extra small to 2X large. However, some gloves are only available in one size, typically size large. Since a tight and secure fit in work gloves is crucial, it’s important to check and ensure a glove comes in your size.
“Wearing well-fitted work gloves is essential to comfort,” Bramwell advises. “Poorly fitted work gloves can limit movement, leading to muscle cramps, aches, and blisters. It's important for work gloves to be neither too tight nor too small.”
Work gloves can have a variety of safety features. The most common are:
Work gloves made from specialized cut-resistant fibers, like Kevlar and Dyneema, are the strongest available. “Kevlar is five times stronger than steel, flame resistant, and does not conduct electricity. Dyneema is 15 times stronger than steel; however, it is not a flame-resistant fiber,” Smith says.
“In terms of general-purpose fibers such as nylon, cotton, and polyester….nylon provides the best tensile strength and stretchability,” Smith adds.
Unless you’re working around heat, work gloves should fit snug. “Loose-fitting gloves are preferred when handling hot items because they allow you to throw the glove off the hand should it get too hot,” Smith says. “Otherwise, a tight-fitting glove allows extreme dexterity to handle small tasks and control your grip with precision,” he adds.
Quality work gloves range in price and the options we featured range from $7 to $50. On the lower end of the scale are thinner gloves designed for light work like cleaning or small DIY projects. On the higher end of the scale, you’ll find gloves that are designed for construction and tough outdoor chores. More expensive gloves are made of higher quality materials and tend to last longer.
Work Gloves Men This article was written by Better Homes and Gardens contributor Rachel Ahrnsen. She researched the best work gloves on the market, relying on years of experience doing garden and yard projects as a Master Gardener and her experience doing heavy maintenance while employed at a community garden and a local park. She also consulted Nick Bramwell, safety & security merchant at The Home Depot and Chris Smith, vice president of marketing at MCR Safety.