Alexandra Ramirez
We spent 56 hours testing out more than 20 different brands of work gloves to come up with this list of the top 5 best work gloves. We tested for protection, functionality, material, and fit. The outright winner was the Mechanix Wear Impact Pro because it ticked off every item on the checklist. This glove performs well for a variety of DIY tasks. The thermoplastic rubber guards ensure durability and maximum protection while the different size options and adjustable wrist closure ensure a good fit. These gloves are also reasonably priced considering the features and functionality.
1. Mechanix
Best Overall Work Gloves
5/5 Product Rating
We loved the Mechanix Wear Impact Pro for its versatility when working with a wide range of tools. The glove comes with impact shock-absorbing palm padding to make working with power tool more comfortable and reduce fatigue.
There is maximum attention to detail where the safety of these gloves is concerned. The knuckles feature abrasion-resistant material while the fingers sport Thermoplastic Rubber guards. The knit band is also abrasion resistant for maximum protection.
The elastic and stretch writs closure ensures that the glove fits well and sticks in place while working. The non-slip panel in the middle, index, thumb and upper palm guarantee grip when holding your tools. These gloves also have a mesh for breathability and don’t get uncomfortably hot even while working for extended periods of time.
A bonus here is the gloves are machine washable which is convenient if you regularly work in them.
We recommend these Mechanix gloves to anyone who is constantly undertaking DIY projects especially those involving power tools. This is a reasonably priced set which is commendable considering the features.
– Darius Spieth
2. Carhartt
Best Overall Work Gloves – Runner Up
4.8/5 Product Rating
The Carhartt Men’s Grain Leather gloves take a deserving second place largely because of their functionality. These gloves are made from a combination of cowhide, cotton duck, and suede. The glove’s shell is all leather while the interior is made from 100% polyester which makes them comfortable to work in.
This glove is definitely an all weather option. The water-resistant suede patches keep your hands dry in wet weather while the material combination keeps them warm even in freezing temperatures.
These gloves offer the protection you would expect including knuckle protection from cowhide and thumb and palm protection from the suede. We recommend these gloves for anyone who does a lot of heavy lifting or gardening. These are hand wash only. We would have preferred machine washable although keeping this pair clean shouldn’t be an issue. The pricing is fair for the protection, functionality, and durability that these gloves offer.
– Darius Spieth
3. NoCry
Best Budget Work Gloves
4.7/5 Product Rating
The NoCry Cut Resistant Gloves boast incredible strength and are virtually impossible to cut through with a knife. This is a food grade glove and uses a cut-resistant, 4-component yarn for protection.
Although these gloves are perfect for working with knives, they also perform well in other work duties including DIY projects. The lightweight gloves allow you full mobility when working while the grip provides full control when handling knives.
The gloves are available for both men and women and are stretchy enough to fit most hands. We recommend this one for anyone working in a kitchen environment, shells oysters regularly or works with knives. This pair is also very affordable.
– Darius Spieth
4. Custom Leathercraft
4.6/5 Product Rating
This Custom Leathercraft is another solid choice for work gloves. The glove’s wrist strap features a wing-closing design to ensure the gloves remain in place as you work and adjust easily if necessary. The elastic wrist cuff keeps unwanted objects and debris out of the gloves as you work which is a thoughtful and effective feature.
We loved the synthetic leather palms which offer great protection and good grip when working with tools. The stretch spandex construction and padded palm offer maximum comfort while the overall glove construction resists stretching, hardening and shrinking.
Another thoughtful feature is to have the stitching in the interior of the glove so there is no risk of snagging against tools or objects. The gloves offer great abrasion resistance in all the crucial parts including the knuckles. We recommend these gloves for DIY enthusiasts and are functional for farming, assembling, carpentry, automotive and plumbing among other tasks. The only reason this Custom Leathercraft didn’t appear higher on the list is the gloves are only available in large size.
– Darius Spieth
5. Mechanix M-Pact
4.4/5 Product Rating
Finally, we have another Mechanix work glove which is well deserving of this top 5 list of best work gloves. This 4X M-Pact version holds well to abrasive materials including copper pipes, cinder blocks, steel and rough cut wood. This synthetic performs better than its contemporary offering superior quality, durability, abrasion resistance and tear strength.
The wrist closure sports loops and hooks to ensure a snug fit. A thermoplastic rubber protects all the crucial areas including the finger tips and knuckles against errant hammer swings and other hazards. The form fitting material hugs your hand providing comfort throughout your work. The breathable material eliminates the problem of getting too hot under the gloves especially when working in hot weather.
The gloves have an open-cell design on the palms to absorb impact, shock, and vibration when working with power tools or heavy machinery.
This is an affordable glove especially considering the functionality and durability you get. It is also machine washable for quick, easy and convenient cleaning.
– Darius Spieth
Work Gloves Buying Guide
What are Work Gloves?
Work gloves are protective gear typically used when working on a project with a potential for injury. The gloves cover the entire hand from the finger tips to the wrist for maximum protection. Work gloves protect against a variety of injuries including cuts, skin punctures, chemical or heat burns, splinters and abrasions among others.
These gloves are designed primarily with protection in mind although other features such as fit and functionality are equally important.
Types of Work Gloves
There are a variety of work gloves available on the market. The best type largely depends on the kind of protection you are looking for.
Disposable Gloves
These are typically used once before throwing away. These gloves are mostly used to protect against minor chemical irritants.
Aluminized Gloves
These gloves are specifically designed for working in extreme temperatures. They are constructed from an aluminized metal material and typically used for handling molten or hot materials.
Leather Gloves
These are versatile and one of the most popular options on the market. The gloves primarily protect against common injuries caused by rough or uneven surfaces. Leather gloves also offer good protection when working with electricity owing to the insulated liner. These gloves are typically made from cowhide, deerskin, goatskin, pigskin, or horsehide.
Cowhide is the most commonly used leather because it is versatile and easy to find. Other qualities include exceptional breathability, abrasion resistance, durability, and comfort.
Chemical Resistant Gloves
As the name suggests, these gloves are used to protect against harmful chemicals including oils, corrosives, and diluters. The gloves are typically made from natural rubber, polyvinyl chloride or PVC, Neoprene, Butyl, Norfoil or Polyvinyl Alcohol among others. These materials offer the best resistance to harmful chemicals.
Fabric Gloves
These types of gloves are typically made from cotton or fabric blends. Their grip enhancing qualities make these perfect for working with power tools. These gloves also offer good protection from the hot or cold weather.
Cut Resistant Gloves
These gloves are made specifically for working with cutting tools and sharp instruments. These are typically made from Kevlar which has great cut resistant qualities.
What to Look for in Work Gloves
Protection
The main factor that determines what kind of work gloves you buy is the kind of tasks you expect to perform. The idea is to first identify the most likely hazard and then choose a glove that offers the best protection for the specific hazard. Common hazards include;
Electrical Power: There is always a risk of shock when working around electrical equipment and wires. A good pair of work gloves offers the necessary insulation to avoid electric shock.
Chemical: Certain chemicals may adversely affect the skin and even cause health issues with direct contact. Make sure that the gloves are specifically made for this purpose.
Temperature: A glove that offers temperature protection is necessary when exposed to extreme heat or cold.
Common Injuries: These are the most common at work sites and include abrasions, scratches, and cuts. Most work gloves are designed to protect against these injuries.
Once you have identified the threat, it is much easier to find a material that specifically protects against that threat.
Sizing
Finally, sizing is important since you don’t want the gloves to get in the way of your work. Start by measuring your hand and checking for the corresponding sizes. The glove should indicate whether it is a Small, Large or Medium. Note that some gloves are only available in large sizes. It is also best to leave out the one-size-fits-all options to avoid disappointments and choose a glove that comes in the size that you are sure of.
Thumb Construction
The thumb construction affects comfort, dexterity and fits so you want to pay close attention here. Opt for wing thumb, keystone or single seam options.
Keystone Thumb: Is most common in gloves that prioritize on functionality and dexterity. The base of the thumb typically has a curved seam.
Wing Thumb: Is most common in welding gloves and other heavy duty gloves. The thumb extends at an angle on glove’s side.
Cut
The glove’s cut also plays are a role in its overall comfort. The Gunn and Clute are the most common types of cut. The cut basically refers to how the different parts are stitched together.
Gunn Cut: features one piece of material for the pinkie, index finger, and palm. The base of the fingers and palm are stitched separately to the two middle fingers. This cut is common with heavy duty gloves and is a good choice where dexterity is important.
Clute Cut: Is typically used on lightweight work gloves. The palms feature a seam-free design while each finger is stitched separately to the back of the glove.
Aesthetics
This consideration is usually last on the list but it doesn’t hurt to have gloves that look good. Any of the options listed on this review looks good and is functional as well. Be sure not to give up any important features over looks alone.
Versatility
Finally, a glove that is functional for a variety of tasks is preferable. The options we reviewed here cover a wide range of areas including wood work, DIY, automotive and farming. The only specialized glove here is the Epica Cut Resistant which might not perform as well outside of its intended use.
Conclusion
The most important bit in all this is to make sure you get nicely fitting gloves. The gloves might have all the right features and construction but won’t be useful if they don’t fit well. Be sure to measure your hand and check the sizing chart before buying to ensure you have the proper fit.
We have taken the liberty of reviewing the 5 best work gloves so you don’t have to go through the trouble yourself. We put the gloves to the test and are happy to recommend them.
