Types of Gloves: 10 Kinds of Disposable and Work Gloves
Gloves fall into two groups. Disposable gloves, made of nitrile, latex, vinyl or poly, keep hands and products clean and get thrown away after use. Reusable work gloves, made of cotton, nylon, coated knit, leather or cut resistant fibers, protect hands from wear, rough edges and blades. Start with the job, then pick the material.
Types of gloves at a glance
| Glove | Material | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrile gloves | Synthetic rubber | Disposable | Shop and auto work, Cleaning, Latex allergies |
| Latex gloves | Natural rubber | Disposable | Fine detail work, Close fit, Long wear |
| Vinyl gloves | PVC | Disposable | Short tasks, Frequent changes, Light cleaning |
| Poly gloves | Polyethylene film | Disposable | Deli counters, Sandwich lines, Quick food handling |
| Cotton inspection gloves | Cotton | Reusable | Finished parts, Inspection, Glove liners |
| ESD nylon gloves | Nylon with static-dissipative fiber | Reusable | Electronics assembly, Circuit boards, Clean handling |
| Knit cotton gloves | Jersey or string knit cotton | Reusable | Light material handling, Warehouse work, Yard work |
| Coated and dotted gloves | Knit shell with PVC or rubber | Reusable | Picking and packing, Carrying boxes, Gripping tools |
| Leather gloves | Cowhide, pigskin or goatskin | Reusable | Loading and rigging, Driving, Rough materials |
| Cut resistant gloves | High-performance knit fibers | Reusable | Sheet metal, Glass handling, Blades and box cutters |
Quick picks: what is the job?
The 10 types of gloves
Nitrile gloves
Nitrile is a synthetic rubber with no natural rubber latex in it. It holds up to oils and many chemicals and resists punctures better than vinyl, which makes it the usual first choice for a disposable glove.
Latex gloves
Latex is natural rubber, and it stretches and fits closer than any other disposable. That fit gives good fingertip feel. Its proteins can trigger allergic reactions, so many workplaces choose nitrile instead.
Vinyl gloves
Vinyl gloves are made from PVC. They fit looser and tear more easily than nitrile or latex, and they cost less, so they suit quick, low-risk jobs where gloves get changed often.
Poly gloves
Poly gloves are thin, loose polyethylene film, about 1 mil thick. They slide on and off in a second, which is the whole point on a food line. They give little dexterity or protection beyond keeping hands off the food.
Cotton inspection gloves
Lightweight cotton keeps skin oil and fingerprints off finished surfaces. Use them for handling polished parts, photos and displays, or wear them as a comfort liner inside other gloves.
ESD nylon gloves
ESD gloves are thin nylon knits made to help keep static from building up on hands. They belong at electronics benches, as one part of a wider static control setup.
Knit cotton gloves
Knit cotton is the basic work glove: soft, breathable and washable. It protects against dirt and light scrapes, and it offers little grip or cut protection.
Coated and dotted gloves
A knit shell with PVC dots or a rubber palm grips cartons and tools far better than plain cotton while keeping the back of the hand cool. It is a strong everyday choice in warehouses and shipping rooms.
Leather gloves
Leather stands up to abrasion, splinters and rough edges. Cowhide is the tough all-rounder, goatskin is softer and more dexterous, and pigskin stays flexible after it gets wet.
Cut resistant gloves
Cut resistant gloves use high-performance fibers to slow a blade. In the US they are rated from A1 to A9 under ANSI/ISEA 105, so match the rating to the job. Cut resistant does not mean cut proof.
How to choose gloves
Three questions settle most choices. First, what are you protecting against: mess, chemicals, abrasion or cuts? Second, how much feel do your fingers need? Thin gloves give more dexterity and less protection. Third, how often will the gloves change? Frequent changes favor low-cost disposables, and all-day wear favors a better fit.
Fit matters as much as material. A glove that is too big snags and slips, and one that is too small tears. The glove size chart shows how to measure your hand, and the nitrile vs latex vs vinyl guide compares the three main disposables in detail. For hazardous chemicals, follow the safety data sheet and the glove maker's chemical resistance data.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of gloves?
The main disposable types are nitrile, latex, vinyl and poly. The main reusable types are cotton, ESD nylon, coated knit, leather and cut resistant gloves.
What is the difference between nitrile and latex gloves?
Nitrile is a synthetic rubber with no natural rubber latex. Latex is natural rubber, with a closer fit and more stretch, and it can cause allergic reactions.
Which gloves are best for handling boxes?
Coated or dotted knit gloves are a good fit because the palm grips cardboard while the knit stays breathable. Leather works better for heavy or rough loads.
Are cut resistant gloves cut proof?
No. They slow a blade and reduce the chance of a cut. Check the ANSI/ISEA 105 rating, which runs from A1 to A9, against the job.