There’s no question about the importance of leather gloves in particular work settings. It is then vital to select one that is of best quality and is also affordable at the same time. For others, choosing the perfect leather work gloves is not an easy task. It might help to make a comparison of various types to choose the one most appropriate for a particular purpose.
Common raw materials used by manufacturers to produce leather gloves are cowhide, pigskin, goatskin, and deerskin. Each material holds distinctive merits. Cowhide leather is craggy and costs low. It is known to warm the hands, although its breathability is insufficient. When it dries up after getting wet, it becomes hard. The Pigskin leather on the other hand proves to be permeable and ductile because it contains a substance called lanolin. Although it is cheaper than cowhide, it does not supply as much warmth. Since it holds the highest amount of lanolin, Goatskin leather is found to be very spongy and elastic. Unlike the others, it keeps its soft property even after getting wet. However, it’s not as durable and is lacking in its potential to protect. Deerskin leather’s softness allows it to be handy and versatile. Although it gives comfort, it’s not found to be as durable as the others. Its breathability is also limited.
Another classification of leather gloves is according to cuts or splits, each one produces varying quality. Full-Grain leather is derived from the supreme raw materials offering utmost abrasion and puncture resistance. The other one is the split leather which provides for more flexibility and higher dexterity. It is further grouped into 3 types, determined by which part of the animal is cut. The area along the backbone is found to be the most durable, the one near the neck and shoulder is said to provide resistance to abrasion, while the belly area, is the most cost effective.
The glove lining is also another factor that determines hand comfort. Among the most popular leather glove lining options includes the following: 3M Thinsulate which is known for its breathability and insulating ability; pile or synthetic wool, fleece, thermal, foam, waterproof and wool linings.
Talking about patterns, leather gloves are either Gunn or Clute patterns. While Gunn is most popular, Clute is cheaper. Both types present different levels of elasticity, ease and sturdiness.
Leather gloves are also available according to kinds of cuffs -shirred, knit wrists and safety cuffs – each offering different extent of safety and protection.
Work gloves are produced using one of the following thumb types: keystone, wing and straight thumb types – each with varying comfort levels. Also, work gloves may be grouped according to three basic styles – driving, palm and welding gloves. Each one is appropriately used in different situations or settings.
In order to choose the right leather work gloves, one needs to be clarified about the strengths of each type. If you just take the time to study your options, then surely, there is absolutely one that would best suit your needs.
Related Waterproof Gloves Work Articles