Work Gloves

Start with the work

The right work glove depends on what your hands actually do during the shift. Handling cartons requires different protection than moving steel, repairing equipment, framing lumber, operating a forklift, or working in cold conditions.

Start with the task and the hazards before choosing a glove material or protection level.

General-purpose work gloves

Lightweight general-purpose gloves are a strong starting point for picking, packing, stocking, assembly, light material handling, inspections, and everyday warehouse work.

Look for useful grip, flexibility, breathability, and enough dexterity for scanners, tools, hardware, and repetitive handling.

Cut-resistant gloves

Choose cut-resistant gloves when the work involves identified sharp-edge hazards such as sheet metal, strapping, damaged materials, exposed edges, or other cutting risks.

ANSI cut ratings help compare protection levels, but a higher rating is not automatically better for every task. Balance the required protection with grip, dexterity, and comfort.

Impact-resistant gloves

Impact protection can make sense for construction, equipment work, fabrication, freight, industrial maintenance, and heavier material handling where the back of the hand may be bumped or struck.

Impact resistance and cut resistance address different hazards, although some gloves provide both.

Leather work gloves

Leather gloves are a durable option for equipment operation, construction, freight, yard work, rough materials, and general material handling.

Different leather constructions can prioritize durability, flexibility, abrasion resistance, weather protection, or dexterity.

Mechanics gloves

Mechanics-style gloves are generally designed around tool control, fitted hand movement, grip, and protection for repair and maintenance work.

They can be a good choice for automotive work, equipment repair, maintenance, fabrication, and jobs involving hardware and hand tools.

Comfort matters too

Protection only works when the glove can actually be worn through the job. Fit, liner weight, breathability, coating coverage, finger flexibility, cuff design, and overall bulk all affect comfort and control.

The goal is not the heaviest or highest-rated glove available. Choose enough protection for the hazard while preserving the grip and dexterity needed to work safely.