CHOOSING THE RIGHT LEATHER GLOVES

Although knitted working gloves have continuously increased in popularity, there are still many who prefer leather gloves instead.

Some prefer using only natural materials instead of synthetic alternatives from an environmental or personal perspective. Some prefer leather since it becomes softer and more comfortable the longer the gloves are used. They are also popular among workers in various industries because of their durability. Leather is also reasonably easy to maintain for a longer lifespan.

So how do we pick the right leather glove that suits our daily needs? I have adopted a technique called the ABC technique.

A-Abrasion resistance

B-Best heat protection

C-Choice of liner

Abrasion resistance

When picking a pair of leather gloves, I would first look at the glove's abrasion level and ensure I get the right pair to fit the job's requirements. Cowhide leather is the most abrasion-resistant while goatskin leather is more flexible for precision. The higher the number of the EN standard abrasion level, the tougher the gloves are. For an easy reference and to know more see our video here for more information.

Best heat protection

The second aspect I will look into is heat protection if needed. A leather glove is heat resistant by default; however, the protection level varies depending on the type of leather and its thickness. The more you will be exposed to high heat the more important this aspect is. We made a guide for choosing welding gloves that is very much relevant when considering heat resistant leather gloves. You can read the guide in full here.

Choice of liner

Lastly, I would consider the need for thermal insulation versus high dexterity. Many leather gloves come with a lining made from materials, such as foam, fleece, jersey, or wool. If I want maximum precision, I prefer well-fitting gloves without a liner. For comfort or warmth, I pay attention to the lining material depending on the situation where I will be working. E.g., working outdoors in Sweden (which can get pretty cold in winter), I would probably get a pair of leather gloves with at least a standard fleece liner to protect my hand from the cold. If it is VERY cold, a thermal insulated glove with an additional membrane for protection against wind and rain or snow is highly recommended.

Leather thickness generally affects the protection and isolation level positively. But it also makes the gloves less flexible. Apart from the three key points above, I think the trick is finding the right balance of protection and dexterity. To find this balance, I recommend doing a trial with a few different models.

Do you have your own system to choose leather gloves? Please share it in the comments below.