The Best Work Gloves
When starting a new project, it's vital to ensure you have the right gear to get the job done. Whether you're building a piece of furniture or digging in the garden, heavy-duty gloves are essential for protecting your hands and providing greater grip. Better yet, they're generally lightweight and water-resistant, so you can wear them for long stretches of time. We've rounded up a few of our favorite work gloves to help you pick a pair to keep on hand.
What to Look For
Researching work gloves, we found that the best ones are water-resistant, breathable, and have a non-slip grip. Based on these requirements, our top pick is the pair of work gloves from Gorilla Grip. These durable gloves are available in various sizes and fit tightly on the fingers and wrists for increased movement. They have a slip-resistant coating on the fingers and palms that continues working in wet, dry, and oily conditions. We also love the leather work gloves from Wells Lamont because they are tough and water-resistant. The leather will stay soft and pliable even if the gloves get wet while working on a project. Keep reading to discover your new favorite work gloves.
Gorilla Grip Slip-Resistant All-Purpose Work Gloves
Grip, grab, and go
Looking for a pair of gloves that don’t add weight or bulk? With this pair from Gorilla Grip, you may even forget you’re wearing them. The stretchy material fits tightly on your hands, and the wrist cuff keeps them clean inside. The non-slip coating on the fingers and palms ensures you can always grip your tools, even in wet, dry, or oily conditions. Plus, they come in a pack of 10, so you’ll always have extra pairs in your kit.
Pros:
- These gloves are latex-free, so many people find them less irritating to the skin.
- They’re breathable to keep your hands cool.
Cons:
- The back part of the glove is a knit material that is semi-permeable, so liquids can get through.
Ironclad General Utility Work Gloves
The perfect fit
Finding a pair of work gloves that fit your hands can be challenging, but it isn’t impossible. This pair from Ironclad is durable and flexible, with an adjustable strap on the cuff to get the fit just right. Whether working on your car or trimming a tree in your yard, these gloves will do their job to protect your hands. The black sections on the fingertips and palms are reinforced leather. And the rubber logo on the backs doubles as a knuckle protector to keep you safe.
Pros:
- These gloves are machine washable and keep their shape when air dried.
- Each glove has a built-in terry cloth section to wipe your face while working.
Cons:
- They have basically no waterproofing, so liquids will soak the material.
Dex Fit Nitrile Work Gloves
Smooth and snug
If you find that most work gloves are a little too roomy, we think these ones from Dex Fit might be your new favorites. Stretchy and lightweight, these gloves are for small hands, which makes them an ideal option for most women. The machine washable gloves are durable and have a textured grip on the palms to keep you safe in wet conditions. Plus, the fingertips are compatible with touchscreens, so you won’t have to remove the gloves when it’s time to make a call.
Pros:
- These work gloves almost feel like a second skin, making it easy to handle small tools and materials.
- The ventilated design will keep your hands cool and dry inside the gloves.
Cons:
- They aren’t thick enough to keep rose thorns and similar sharp plants from poking through the fabric.
Wells Lamont Split Cowhide Leather Work Gloves
Durable dexterity
Working indoors and outdoors, rain or shine, you need a pair of gloves that won’t let you down. These work gloves from Wells Lamont are 100% split cowhide leather, making them resistant to getting worn down or punctured. The reinforced leather palm, thumb, and forefinger are strong enough to endure daily tasks without ripping. And the high-quality leather is water-resistant and will stay soft once it dries.
Pros:
- The elastic on the wrist makes these gloves easy to take on and off throughout the day.
- These work gloves will always be water-resistant, no matter how much you use them.
Cons:
- They aren’t as thick as standard leather work gloves.
Handlandy Flexible Padded Work Gloves
Cool means comfy
Sweaty hands are never comfortable, especially when trapped inside bulky gloves. Handlandy’s polyester blend work gloves are breathable on the backs to prevent overheating. The material is flexible for everyday tasks and double-stitched for extra strength. And the adjustable wrist strap ensures you always get a secure fit. Plus, three fingertips are compatible with touchscreens for ease while you work.
Pros:
- The palms and knuckles are filled with extra padding to prevent injury.
- While they are breathable, they will also keep your hands warm in cooler temperatures.
Cons:
- You have to press down hard to use a touchscreen with these gloves on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for work gloves?
Nitrile and leather are the toughest materials when it comes to work gloves. They are durable and withstand rips and tears to protect your skin. Nitrile gloves are ideal when working with chemicals or grease as the material will remain non-slip without absorbing any liquid. On the other hand, leather gloves are perfect when working with animals, landscaping, and construction to keep injuries at a minimum.
Do I need to wear work gloves for at-home projects?
While you aren’t required to wear work gloves on your own property, we do recommend them. Whether building a bookshelf or repairing your car, a pair of work gloves will add a layer of protection. You’ll be able to work faster and more efficiently since you won’t be worried about hurting yourself. And you won’t have to take breaks to deal with cuts and burns at nearly the same rate.
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