Choosing work gloves: cut levels, coatings and sizes
Last updated 2026-09-30
The right glove depends on the hazard (cuts, abrasion, chemicals, heat), the grip you need (dry, oily, wet) and how much dexterity the task takes. Your safety plan or supervisor's hazard assessment comes first.
Cut resistance: ANSI/ISEA 105 levels A1 to A9
Cut-resistant gloves are rated from A1 (lowest) to A9 (highest) under the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard. As a rough guide:
- A1–A2: light cut hazards: material handling, assembly, small parts.
- A3–A4: moderate hazards: sheet metal edges, glass handling, general construction.
- A5–A9: high hazards: sharp stamped parts, metal recycling, blades.
Higher cut levels are usually thicker, so choose the lowest level that covers the real hazard to keep dexterity.
Coatings and grip
| Coating | Good for |
|---|---|
| Nitrile | Oily and dry grip, abrasion resistance, general industrial work |
| Polyurethane (PU) | Thin, dexterous, clean handling and light oil |
| Latex | Strong wet grip (not for people with latex allergies) |
| Leather | Rough handling, general construction, some heat |
Disposable gloves
Disposable nitrile gloves are the common choice for mechanics, janitorial, food and light chemical work, and they're latex-free. Thickness is listed in mils: higher is tougher, lower is more dexterous. Check a chemical's safety data sheet before relying on any glove for chemical protection.
Sizing
Gloves run from XS to 3XL and above. A glove should fit snugly without pinching at the fingertips; too loose reduces grip and can catch in machinery.
Shop gloves
Browse gloves and use the Size, Material and Package quantity filters. For whole-crew programs or vending, see our safety line card or contact us.