The Best Work Gloves for 2021
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Best Work Gloves
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For this post, I have put together a collection of the best work gloves currently available.
UPDATED: July 6, 2021.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the CLC Custom Leathercraft Work Gloves because they feature a hybrid design for dexterity, padded palm and knuckles for protection, and three touch screen fingertips to use a phone without removing the gloves.
Keep your hands comfortable and protected while working on a wide range of projects such as DIY, gardening (using pruning shears), yard work, or construction projects (using a reciprocating saw, cordless drill, etc.), and car maintenance.
Traditionally gloves were simply made of leather, however today there is a range of new materials and hybrid options to suit your needs:
Hybrid Gloves
Hybrid Gloves (Ironclad General)
Modern hybrid gloves typically use a synthetic material for the main structure to provide breathability and flexibility. This also increases dexterity compared to a standard leather clove which can be quite clunky. The hybrid gloves will often add leather to areas that are exposed to regular wear and abuse such as the knuckles and fingertips. In addition, padding is added to the palm for extra comfort along with rubber to the back to reduce impacts.
Some allow for the use of a touchscreen by using compatible materials in the fingertips. This is a convenient option that allows you to look something up or make a call without constantly removing a glove.
Hybrid gloves take the approach of using a range of different materials in strategic locations. This is a very effective strategy, however, it does mean the gloves are typically more expensive than other options.
Leather Gloves
Leather Gloves
The classic material is still very common today as it overs great puncture and abrasion resistance at an affordable price. Some leather gloves take the hybrid route and add some additional materials to the back for breathability since leather does not provide a natural airflow through the material.
The main downside is because of the nature of leather it tends to be quite stiff and bulky compare to the thinner more flexible fabrics. As a result, this can make it more difficult to work on smaller tasks. So if you are chopping wood with an ax leather is a great option, but probably chose a different material if you are working on a bike.
Leather falls in the average range on the work glove cost scale.
Nylon Gloves
Nylon offers a lightweight, affordable option. The material is also breathable which makes it great work working outside in hot weather for yard work or gardening. Since nylon is flexible it allows for greater dexterity, making it possible to work on fairly detailed tasks. The downside is that it does not provide much in the way of puncture resistance. Most offer a nitrile-coated surface that helps with grip and protection.
Knit Gloves
Knit Gloves
Similar to nylon in many ways, knit gloves offer a lightweight, affordable option. However, they do not provide the projection of a hybrid or leather glove. These can also come with a nitrile coating for increased durability and protection.
So here is my list of The Best Work Gloves for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: CLC Custom Leathercraft Work Gloves
The Custom Leathercraft 125 Handyman work gloves feature a form-fitting design with a Syntrex synthetic palm for abrasion resistance.
Features a stretch-fit thumb and spandex back for comfort.
Includes a 1-1/2" woven elastic cuff with a hook and loop closure.
Equipped with a padded palm and reinforced fingertips.
Offers three touch screen fingertips allowing the use of a phone without removing the gloves.
Includes padded knuckles and thumb to reduce impacts.
Runner-up: Mechanix Wear M-Pact Work Gloves
The Mechanix Wear gloves feature impact-absorbing Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) that is sonic welded to the glove and delivers flexible protection against common impact injuries and skin abrasions.
Uniquely designed impact guard frees the index finger.
Equipped with a dual-layer internal fingertip construction that reinforces the thumb and index finger for improved abrasion resistance.
Includes an embossed fingertip pattern that improves feel and overall dexterity.
Features D3O palm padding that absorbs and dissipates high-impact energy through the palm.
Best Value: Ironclad General Utility Work Gloves
The Ironclad General gloves just happen to be the pair I personally use for tasks around the house and in the garage.
Features a form-fitting design that offers protection but also a medium level of dexterity when working.
Equipped with breathable flexible fabric to reduce sweating within the gloves.
Features rubberized knuckle protection to help when bumping up against objects.
Equipped with a double-stitched Clarino synthetic leather palm pad, thumb, saddle, and fingertips for increased wear resistance.
Features a washable design to quickly throw in the machine when needed.
Features a hook and loop wrist closure to quickly remove and put on.
Note: these will not operate a touch screen or smartphone while wearing.
Best Multi Pack: G & F 3100L-DZ Knit Work Gloves
The G & F blue latex-coated gloves are a versatile choice and one of the most common options.
Equipped with a blue, flexible latex palm and finger coating over a durable knit.
Features double-dipped latex coating that provides additional protection.
Made of 100% cotton coated with blue latex.
Best Nylon: G & F 15196L Seamless Work Gloves
The G & F 15196L nitrile-coated work gloves feature a seamless knit nylon design.
Features a light and breathable nylon dipped with micro-foam nitrile.
Ideal for general summer yard work and DIY tasks.
Offers maximum flexibility while providing hand protection.
Best Leather: OZERO Flex Grip Leather Work Gloves
The OZERO work gloves are made from 100% genuine grain cowhide.
Made from high-quality cow leather with a thickness of 1.0mm to 1.2mm.
Offers moderate oil, puncture, tear, and cut resistance.
Features a reinforced palm patch that gives you superior grip and wear resistance.
Includes an elastic wrist that keeps dirt and debris out of the inside of the glove
Less stress on the seams along with a keystone thumb design.
Best for Big Hands: Vgo Glove Cow Split Leather Work Gloves
The Vgo Gloves are made from cow split leather for durability and puncture resistance.
Features a soft and breathable gingham back that provides a comfortable fit.
Equipped with a pasted cuff and leather knuckle for extra protection.
Features a double layer of leather at the fingertips and knuckle for additional coverage.
Available in a range of sizes up to Men’s XL.
Best Leather Closure: Wells Lamont 1132L Leather Work Gloves
The Wells Lamont gloves feature a ball and tape-style closure that allows for wrist adjustment.
Features a closed wrist design that helps hold gloves in place while also keeping out dirt and debris.
Made of high-quality genuine grain cowhide which offers abrasion and puncture resistance.
Equipped with a reinforced leather palm patch that offers extra grip and durability.
Features a gunn cut and keystone thumb design that provides comfort and flexibility.
Best Budget Option: G & F 4408 Jersey Work Gloves
The G & F gloves feature a general-purpose clute pattern ideal of light-duty applications.
Made from soft and comfortable cotton.
Provides general protection and comfort for all-day use.
Helps to keep hands warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Best for Gardening: DEX FIT Nitrile Work Gloves
The DEX FIT Nitrile gloves feature a nitrile coating on the palm and fingertips for an anti-slip grip.
Offers the ability to operate a touch screen while wearing the gloves.
Features a fabric that stretches when in use for a more comfortable user experience.
Able to be cleaned in the washing machine for convenience.
Offers fine dexterity when using which is ideal for gardening.
I hope this list of the best work gloves was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
