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How to choose work gloves: comparison of materials (nitrile, latex, leather) and applications

30 June 2020

Work gloves are an essential part of the equipment in many professions and types of economic activities. Properly chosen gloves protect hands from injuries, chemicals, mechanical stress, and help maintain clean hands while performing various tasks. In this article, we will look at the main types of gloves – nitrile, latex, and leather – and help you understand which materials are better suited for different kinds of work.

1. Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile is a synthetic material made from butadiene-nitrile rubber. Nitrile gloves are considered one of the most popular and versatile types of gloves due to their properties.

Advantages of nitrile gloves

High chemical resistance: nitrile work gloves effectively resist oils, fats, solvents, and many aggressive chemicals.
Hypoallergenic: unlike latex, nitrile does not cause allergic reactions.
Durability: they are stronger and more puncture-resistant compared to latex gloves.
Good tactile sensitivity: modern gloves are thin and elastic yet strong, allowing you to feel details during precise work.

Disadvantages of nitrile gloves

Slightly less elastic: compared to latex, nitrile can be a bit less flexible, although new manufacturing technologies often mitigate this drawback.
Cost: they are often more expensive than latex, though market conditions may change.

Areas of application

Medical institutions (especially when there is a risk of latex allergy).
Laboratories and chemical production (thanks to their chemical resistance).
Automotive and mechanical engineering industries (working with oils and lubricants).
Food industry (safe for contact with food and do not cause allergies).

2. Latex Gloves
Latex is derived from natural rubber, and gloves based on it have long been the “gold standard” in many fields – especially in medicine.

Advantages of latex gloves

High elasticity: latex gloves stretch well, fit snugly, and are comfortable for tasks requiring finger dexterity.
Good sensitivity: their thin structure ensures tactile precision, which is crucial for delicate work (e.g., in medicine).
Affordable cost: generally cheaper than some synthetic alternatives.

Disadvantages of latex gloves

Allergy: one of the most significant drawbacks – natural latex can cause allergic reactions.
Low resistance to oils and some chemicals: latex degrades faster under the influence of certain aggressive liquids and lubricants.
Less puncture resistance: compared to nitrile, latex can be less resistant to mechanical damage.

Areas of application

Dentistry, surgery, general medicine (but considering possible allergic reactions – or using special low-protein latex gloves).
Cosmetology and beauty salons (hair coloring, tattoo parlors, etc.).
Household cleaning, cleaning services (when handling low-aggressiveness cleaning agents).

3. Leather Gloves
Leather gloves are one of the most traditional options for hand protection during heavy mechanical work. They can be made from different types of leather: cattle hide (the most common), goat, pig, etc.

Advantages of leather gloves

High mechanical strength: leather offers excellent protection against cuts, punctures, and abrasion.
Thermal insulation: they can retain heat, which is why they are often used for outdoor work in cold weather.
Durability: with proper care, they last a long time and wear out slowly.

Disadvantages of leather gloves

Weak protection against moisture and chemicals: when in contact with water, leather can swell and get damaged, and chemicals may destroy it.
Limited sensitivity: for precise work, leather does not provide the same level of tactile sensitivity as latex or nitrile.
Maintenance and cost: high-quality leather is more expensive than synthetic materials and requires special care.

Areas of application

Construction, repair, cargo transportation (protection from mechanical damage).
Metalworking, fitting jobs, welding (considering the use of special heat- and fire-resistant types of leather gloves).
Gardening and agricultural work (especially where protection from thorns, branches, and rough surfaces is needed).

4. How to choose the ideal gloves for specific tasks

Identify the type of work and possible risks
- If you work in an environment with a lot of aggressive liquids (acids, alkalis, solvents), choose nitrile, as it is more chemically resistant.
- For operations requiring delicate handling (medicine, cosmetology), opt for latex or nitrile gloves that provide high sensitivity.
- If you’re doing heavy construction or mechanical work that requires protection from impacts, cuts, and abrasion, leather gloves are the best solution.
Evaluate the importance of comfort and allergy risk
- Latex often causes allergic reactions, so if you are prone to allergies or have a known latex allergy, switch to nitrile.
- Leather generally does not provoke allergies (with rare exceptions), but may require extra care.
Consider the operating conditions
- If you need protection from both chemicals and mechanical impact (for instance, working with tools in an aggressive environment), a combined option may be necessary: multi-layer gloves or double protection (nitrile under leather).
- When working in cold or high-humidity conditions, choose gloves with additional lining or water-repellent impregnation.
Take the economic aspect into account
- If gloves are needed for single-use (medical or laboratory work), latex and nitrile options are usually more convenient and cost-effective.
- For frequent and long-term use (construction sites, warehouse work), it’s better to invest in sturdy, high-quality leather models.

5. Caring for gloves
Nitrile and Latex

Single-use gloves should be discarded immediately after use, especially if they have come into contact with hazardous or biologically contaminated materials.
Reusable (thicker) models can sometimes be cleaned with a mild soapy solution and dried away from direct heat and light to prevent material degradation.

Leather

Remove dirt with a soft brush or a damp cloth.
Avoid soaking leather in water – it can cause deformation.
To maintain elasticity and prevent cracking, use special leather treatments or conditioners.

Choosing the right work gloves depends primarily on the field of application and working conditions. Nitrile performs excellently under chemical exposure and doesn’t cause allergies, latex is indispensable where high tactile sensitivity and elasticity are required, while leather provides the best protection from harsh physical impact and enhances safety in mechanical tasks. Consider your individual needs, the specifics of your work environment, and user comfort – and your hands will be reliably protected, making your job both safer and more efficient.