Leather work gloves

Leather work gloves reliably protect you from various risks

Leather work gloves are one of the most commonly used protective gear in industry and construction. Due to their strength and durability, they are ideal for work where protection against mechanical damage, such as cuts, abrasions, or injuries caused by sharp objects is required. Leather is a natural material known for its high durability and flexibility, making the gloves comfortable for long-term wear.

These gloves are used in a wide range of work areas, including construction, manufacturing, agriculture, as well as in gardening and logistics. In addition to protecting hands from physical risks, they also provide a certain level of protection against chemicals and outdoor weather conditions. Leather gloves are an invaluable tool in demanding working conditions, where high protection is needed while maintaining flexibility when handling tools and materials.

Where are leather work gloves most suitable?

Leather work gloves are suitable for areas where strong hand protection is needed, as well as a good grip on tools or materials. Due to their durability and versatility, they are used in various industrial sectors and trades. The most common include:

• Construction - bricklayers, concrete workers, construction site workers
• Machinery and metalworking - locksmiths, maintenance workers, mechanics
• Welding and heat work - welders, grinders
• Agriculture and forestry - farmers, forest workers
• Logistics and warehouse management - handling pallets and equipment
• Technical maintenance and assembly work
• Woodworking - carpenters, woodworkers, wood carvers
• Road and engineering construction
• Heavy industry and manufacturing
• Demolition and dismantling work
• Work with rubble, sharp or rough materials
• Hobby workshops and DIY enthusiasts

Advantages of leather work gloves

The most durable work gloves

Leather is a strong, durable, and long-lasting material

Less susceptibility to glove tearing

Various types and kinds of leather used in production

How to choose leather work gloves? Materials, standards, and features matter

When choosing leather work gloves, it is important to consider not only their appearance but mainly the intended use. Gloves differ in the type of leather, construction, standards, and practical features. The choice of the right model depends on the conditions in which you will be working. The following points will help you understand what factors play a role in the selection process.</p

Basic classification: full leather or combined gloves

All leather work gloves are further divided into full leather or combined types. Full leather gloves are made entirely of leather – not only the palm part but also the back of the hand is leather. In contrast, combined gloves have a leather palm part, while the back of the hand is made of a different material – usually cotton, polyester, or other fabrics. Each type has its advantages and is suited for different types of work.

What type of leather are work gloves made from?

Leather work gloves are made from various types of leather – the choice of material depends on the properties we expect from the gloves. Some types of leather are firm and durable, while others are soft and flexible, suitable for more delicate tasks. Each type has its advantages and ideal uses.

• Goat leather – very popular for its softness, flexibility, and durability. Suitable for precision work where good hand sensitivity is needed, such as assembly work
• Cowhide – firm and resistant to wear. Ideal for tough conditions, such as construction or metalworking. Provides high protection and long durability
• Sheepskin – soft, light, and comfortable. Used mainly for finer tasks or where comfort is important. May be less resistant to mechanical damage
• Pigskin – affordable and very breathable. Has a coarser texture and handles moisture well. Suitable for general use in moderately demanding conditions
• Buffalo leather – very strong and thick, often used in industry. Provides maximum protection and is suitable for extremely tough conditions
• Lambskin – soft and gentle to the touch, yet durable. Used more in special models where a combination of comfort and protection is key
• Synthetic leather – an alternative to natural leather, suitable for allergy sufferers or simpler tasks. It is cheaper, but has a shorter lifespan and lower resistance

Standards and Certifications

Even work gloves, including leather ones, are subject to strict safety standards. These standards determine the extent to which gloves protect against various risks. For leather gloves, the most commonly monitored standards are EN 388 and EN 407, which assess resistance to mechanical and thermal influences.

EN 388

This standard focuses on the mechanical resistance of gloves. It tests their ability to resist abrasion, cutting, puncture, and tearing. Gloves certified according to EN 388 are suitable for environments where there is a risk of physical damage to the hands.

Examples of this standard:

EN 388:2016
2 1 1 1 X

EN 388:2016
3 1 4 2 X

EN 388:2016
4 1 3 3 X

ℹ️ What does this standard measure?

Test / Protection level	1	2	3	4	5
A. Abrasion resistance (number of rotations)	100	500	2000	8000
B. Cut resistance (index)	1.5	2.5	5	10	20
C. Resistance to further tearing (N)	10	25	50	75
D. Resistance to indentation (N)	20	60	100	250

EN 407

The EN 407 standard evaluates the thermal resistance of work gloves. It tests their ability to protect against contact heat, radiant heat, molten metal, and other forms of thermal risk. These gloves are designed for hot operations or for welders.

Examples of this standard:

EN 407:2004
4 1 2 X 4 X

EN 407:2004
X 2 X X X X

EN 407:2004
2 1 2 1 X

ℹ️ What does this standard measure?

Test / Protection level	1	2	3	4
A. Burning behavior (s) Time to ignition	≤20	≤10	≤3	≤2
B. Contact heat (s)	100 °C ≥15	250 °C ≥15	350 °C ≥15	500 °C ≥15
C. Convective heat (s)	≥4	≥7	≥10	≥18
D. Radiant heat (s)	≥7	≥20	≥50	≥95
E. Small splashes of molten metal (number)	≥10	≥15	≥25	≥35
F. Large quantity of molten metal (g)	30	60	120	200

Useful features of leather work gloves

Leather work gloves can be enhanced with various functional elements that improve their protective qualities, comfort, and durability. These features affect not only the comfort during wear but often also the price of the gloves. The right combination of materials and additional modifications significantly improves usability in specific work conditions.

• Shock absorption Poron XRD – a special material that absorbs the impact force and reduces joint and finger strain. Ideal for working with heavy tools or vibrations
• Kevlar-stitched leather – increases resistance to cutting and abrasion. Kevlar is an extremely strong and flame-resistant material
• Reinforced thumb / index finger / seams / fingertip / palm area – all these elements provide better protection in the most stressed areas of the glove. They extend their lifespan and increase safety when working with sharp or rough materials
• Padded palm area – increases comfort when handling hard or vibrating tools. Reduces hand fatigue during long wear
• Reflective elements – improve the worker's visibility in low light conditions. Important especially for outdoor work or near roads
• Touchscreen compatible – allows you to control smartphones and tablets without having to take off the gloves
• Water and oil repellent / water-resistant palm / water-repellent leather – increase the gloves' resistance in damp environments or when in contact with oily substances. Suitable for machine maintenance, for example
• Cut resistance – built-in materials (e.g., Kevlar) increase resistance to cuts from knives or sharp objects
• Ergonomically shaped – gloves fit better on the hand, allowing natural finger movement and reducing fatigue during long wear
• Exceptionally good fingertip sensitivity – ideal for precise tasks where finger sensitivity is important, such as assembly or fine manipulation

Winter leather work gloves

For working in cold weather, insulated leather work gloves are the ideal choice. They combine the durability of natural leather with a warm lining, providing reliable hand protection not only against mechanical risks but also against the cold. They are a practical solution for outdoor work during autumn and winter, where it is essential to keep hands warm without compromising on durability.

Size chart for gloves

Most work gloves use a numerical size range from 6 to 11. Of course, there are also larger or smaller gloves available. Standard men's sizes are 9 - 11, while women's sizes are 6 - 8. The right size ensures that the gloves fit the hand perfectly. We also provide an informative size chart for gloves.

How to properly measure your hand? Measure the circumference of your palm with a classic tailor's tape measure. Measure across the center of the hand while keeping the hand naturally aligned. For the hand length, measure from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger.

For protection against cuts, cut-resistant gloves are more suitable

Although leather gloves offer good mechanical protection, when it comes to the risk of cutting injuries, it’s better to opt for specialized models. Cut-resistant work gloves are designed to resist cutting from sharp objects like metal sheets, glass, or knives. By using materials like Kevlar, Dyneema, or steel fibers, they provide a higher level of protection and are ideal for work in warehouses, manufacturing, or raw material processing. If your job involves handling sharp objects, these gloves are the clear choice.

More flexible and still durable gloves? Check out textile coated gloves

If you're looking for a lighter and more flexible solution that still offers good protection, a suitable alternative is textile coated gloves. These gloves are made from breathable textile that is partially or fully coated with materials such as nitrile, latex, or polyurethane. These gloves provide excellent grip, resistance to oils and moisture, while still maintaining fingertip sensitivity. They are ideal for more delicate assembly work, packaging, storage, or logistics, where protection needs to be combined with comfort and precise movement.