Buying Guide

Best Gloves for House and Yard Work

Work gloves are a great tool to keep in your tool box, but are often overlooked. There are several types of gloves available that can protect your hands while you work on various projects. Different gloves are better suited for different jobs, so you may opt to keep more than one type on hand.

This buying guide highlights the different types of work and safety gloves available, along with the materials that comprise them, sizing and fit, and uses and safety.

SHOP ALL WORK GLOVES

Things to Know Before Buying Gloves

Gloves can be made from a wide array of materials, each with different properties and uses.

Common materials used to make gloves include leather, cotton, latex, canvas, metal mesh and more. Some are even disposable gloves.

If you're allergic to latex and other materials that can cause irritation to your skin, be careful not to use gloves that contain those materials.

Properly sized gloves allow for greater dexterity than oversized ones and are more comfortable than gloves that are too small.

Poorly fitting gloves can also cause blisters that can potentially contribute to injuries.

If you're working with chemicals or pesticides, it is important to clean your gloves or dispose of them properly afterward. Always be sure to use gloves that will protect your hands from hazardous chemicals.

Types of Gloves

	Description	Feature/Benefits	Recommended For
Heat Resistant - Work Gloves	Aluminized Gloves	Protect against intense heat	Welding Furnace work
Work - Fabric - Cotton - Work Gloves	Canvas Gloves	Prevent blisters when working with long-handled tools	Yard work Concrete and roofing applications HVAC applications
Cotton - Work Gloves	Cotton / Jersey / Fabric Gloves	Allow skin to breathe Improve grip Offer some protection against heat and cold Cotton / polyester mix provides greater durability	Painting Installing insulation Light-duty yard work Gardening
Leather - Work Gloves	Full Leather Gloves	Tough and durable Protect against abrasions Offer some cut and puncture protection Protect against sparks Use in conjunction with an insulated liner when working on electrical applications	Construction Heavy-duty yard work Landscaping Woodworking Electrical
Latex - Work Gloves	Latex Gloves	Often disposable Offer excellent dexterity Protects against mild irritants Powdered type may irritate skin	Painting Handling some chemicals Food processing Medical industry
Leather Palm - Work Gloves	Leather Palm Gloves	Protect against abrasions Provide good flexibility	Handling lumber Construction Working with power tools Yard work Carpentry
Cut & Puncture Resistant - Work Gloves	Metal Mesh Gloves	Protect against cuts Protect against abrasions	Cutting Working with sharp tools
PVC - Neoprene - Rubber - Work Gloves	Rubber / PVC / Neoprene Gloves	Offer excellent dexterity Oil resistant	Applying pesticides Working with chemicals Gardening
Nitrile - Work Gloves	Nitrile Gloves	Disposable, single-use Protect against pathogens Good for those with food allergies Latex free Industrial or Medical Grade	Medical industry Food processing, food industry
Vinyl - Work Gloves	Vinyl Gloves	Less expensive More loose-fitting Lightly powdered to put on easier Latex free Disposable	Food processing, food industry

Sizing and Fit

person pulling on protective yellow gloves

Having gloves that fit is essential to comfort and, in many cases, safety.

Poorly fitted gloves restrict motion and can cause muscle cramps, aches and blisters.

Gloves with seams across the palm are often more comfortable, while gloves with seams across the back may provide more of an exact fit.

Inside seams last longer, but may rub or chafe your skin. Outside seams are more comfortable, but tend to wear out more quickly.

Usage and Safety

person wearing gloves while using a drill

While working with prickly vines or thorns, it is best to have gloves with long cuffs to protect your arms.

Gloves that come in contact with hazardous chemicals should be taken off inside out to avoid exposing your skin.

Avoid wearing gloves near machines, such as grinders, drill presses and lathes, as they can get caught and cause injury.

Tuck sleeves into your gloves to prevent chemicals from contacting your skin.

Replace gloves when they become visibly worn out or frayed.

Look for gloves with rubber dots on the palms and fingers for a better grip.

If you work outdoors in the cold, look for gloves with heating system options.

Alternatives to Latex

Latex gloves are made of rubber, an all-natural material. They're comfortable, offer dexterity and are often used in the medical field. Because they're rubber, they do a good job of warding off infectious material. However, some people are allergic to latex. Nitrile and vinyl gloves are excellent alternatives.

Nitrile gloves are made of synthetic rubber, and are therefore latex free. They're also exceedingly puncture resistant, making them a favorite among those in the medical profession.

Vinyl gloves are latex free as well. They're popular in the food industry and less expensive than nitrile. Designed for short-term use, they're a low-risk, disposable option.