Contrary to popular belief, not all gloves are created equal.  Like many industries, the glove industry has changed greatly over the past couple of years, making great advancements in construction processes, material quality and ability, as well as creating new, man made materials that keep you and your employees safe while you work.  In this guide we will touch on the different styles, materials, and usages of the many types of gloves on the market today in an effort to keep you better informed and therefore safe!

•           Dipped - Glove shell dipped in a polymer
            o Neoprene - Provides greater flexibility plus comprehensive chemical protection.
            o Nitrile - Offers excellent abrasion resistance.
            o PVC - Excellent liquid and solvent protection.
            o Rubber - For applications where gripping power, cut and puncture resistance are a concern.
            o Vinyl - Breathable, easy gripping, minimizes absorption of water, oil and grease.
  

•     Cut-N-Sewn - Sewn from material dipped in a polmer.
            o Nitrile - Excellent abrasion resistance and dexterity.
            o Vinyl (Impregnated and Laminated) - Flexibility and mild abrasion resistance.
  

•     Heavy Gauge Unsupported - 45 mil to 50 mil thickness.
            o Latex - Greater protection and durability.
  

•     Regular Unsupported - 11 mil to 30 mil thickness.
            o Latex - Canners and flock-lined, natural rubber, most elastic substance known.
            o Nitrile - Unlined and flock-lined, provides cut, snag, puncture and abrasion resistance better than any other rubber.
            o Neoprene - Flock-lined, resists oils and offers less hand fatigue.
            o Neoprene On Latex - Flock-lined, unique dipping process to resist specifically MEK and other ketones and acetones.
            o Neoprene Latex Blend - Flock-lined, blending of two rubbers for multi-purpose use.
  

•     Disposable Unsupported - 5 mil thickness.
            o Latex - Medical or industrial grade, better dexterity, elasticity, cool and comfortable.
            o Vinyl - Medical or industrial grade, durability, softness, no latex allergens.
            o Polyethylene - 1.25 mil thickness, promotes good hygiene.
  

•     Quilted - For heavy multi-purpose applications and added heat protection.
            o Chore - General purpose work
            o Double Palm - Minimal heat protection
            o Hot Mill - Moderate heat protection

•     Single Ply - For multi-purpose applications.
            o Canvas - 8, 10 or 12 ounce fabric for general purpose work. Some styles have PVC dots to provide better gripping ability and            durability.
            o Jersey - 9 ounce jersey for general purpose work. Some styles have PVC dots to provide better gripping ability and durability.
            o Terrycloth - 9 ounce jersey for general purpose work. Some styles have PVC dots to provide better gripping ability and durability.
  

•     Light Weight - For product protection.
            o Inspectors - Made with cotton or nylon, is reversible, and may also be used as gloves or liners.
  

•     High Performance Yarns - For multi-purpose applications that require additional cut protection.
            o Dyneema ® Knits - Excellent cut resistance.
            o Kevlar ® Knits - Great cut resistance.
            o Stainless Steel - Steelcore, Steelcore II
            o Spectra Fiber - Survivor
  

•     Multi-Purpose Yarns - For multi-purpose applications.
            o 100% Cotton - Absorbent and breathable.
            o Cotton/Polyester - General purpose work.
            o 100% Synthetic - Less linting than cotton.
  

•     Leather Palms, Gunn Patterns - For protection from rough objects, sparks, heat and cushioning from blows in heavy duty work requirements.
•     Leather Palms, Clute Patterns - Greatest economy glove offering leather protection.
•     Drivers - Allow more dexterity when operating heavy machinery and vehicles.
•     Welders - Provide protection for welding and heat applications.
•     Mig/Tig Welders - afford a fine touch in low heat applications.

•  Cow - Cow leather is the most commonly used leather within the glove industry due to its plentiful availability. The United States and Australia produce the majority of these hides. The advantages include comfort, durability, excellent abrasion and breathability. Chrome tanning of this leather provides greater wear and heat resistance.
• Pig - Pigskin offers the greatest breathability due to the porous texture of this hide. Additionally, pigskin tends to become softer with use and withstands moisture without stiffening. When laundered, this leather will return more to its natural soft texture than other leathers.
• Goat - Independent tests have proven this to be a stronger and more durable leather. The natural lanolin produced by goats help to create the softest, most abrasion resistant leather. This leather is highly recommended for applications requiring tactile sensitivity.

•  Grain - Grain leather is the smooth external side of the hide. This type of leather provides durability and dexterity
•  Split - Split leather is the rougher internal side of the hide. The three different types of split leather is side, shoulder or belly split.
  
  • Side Split - comes from the rib area of the animal. This part of the leather is more durable and provides the greatest protection because of its greater density of fibers.
  • Shoulder Split - is more economical than side, but less durable. The additional movement in this shoulder area creates less fibers and a more visable texture difference.
  • Belly Split - is the most economical; however, it has the least consistency of texture and appearance.

George & George Safety (GGSafety) is a full line personal protective equipment (PPE) distributor of the leading glove manufacturers in the world such as MCR Safety, Cordova Safety, Ansell, and Best, just to name a few.  Whether you are looking for a top grade grain leather palm or a full supplied air resperatory system or absorbents for your manufacturing facility, George & George Safety is your one stop shop!

George & George Safety...Guarding Your Safety!