Question 1

What does the EN 388 rating on work gloves actually mean?

Accepted Answer

EN 388 is a European standard that rates a glove's protection against four mechanical hazards: abrasion resistance (1–4), cut resistance (1–5), tear resistance (1–4), and puncture resistance (1–4). The numbers appear in sequence on the glove's label — so a rating of 4342 means maximum abrasion resistance, high cut resistance, good tear resistance, and moderate puncture resistance. Always check this rating before buying work gloves; a glove without EN 388 certification offers no verified mechanical protection.

Question 2

Are cheap work gloves worth buying, or should I always spend more?

Accepted Answer

It depends entirely on the task. For light gardening, painting or general DIY, gloves priced from 3 £ to 4 £ are perfectly adequate — you're buying comfort and basic grip, not certified PPE. For professional or high-risk work, spending up to 7 £ or beyond gets you genuine EN 388 compliance, better materials and longer durability. The false economy is buying a cheap glove for a job that demands a rated one — a cut through an unprotected glove costs far more than the price difference.

Question 3

What's the difference between nitrile and latex coated gloves?

Accepted Answer

Nitrile coating is synthetic, latex-free, and performs well in both dry and oily conditions — it's the safer all-round choice for most work environments. Latex offers excellent grip on dry surfaces and is generally more flexible, but it degrades faster when exposed to oils or solvents, and can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. For most UK tradespeople, nitrile-coated gloves are the practical default. Only choose latex if you specifically need maximum dry-grip sensitivity and have confirmed no latex allergy.

Question 4

Which gloves are best for cut resistance in 2026?

Accepted Answer

HexArmor leads the field for maximum cut resistance, with several models reaching A8–A9 on the ANSI/ISEA scale using their SuperFabric technology — these are the gloves used in glass handling and metal fabrication. For most professional applications, Ejendals Tegera and Uvex offer A4–A6 rated gloves at a much more accessible price point. Cut resistance above A6 comes with a trade-off in dexterity, so only go higher if your risk assessment genuinely requires it.

Question 5

Can I use the same gloves for chemical handling and mechanical work?

Accepted Answer

No — and this is one of the most common and dangerous mistakes. Mechanical work gloves (rated under EN 388) are not tested for chemical resistance, and many materials that resist cuts will degrade rapidly when exposed to solvents, acids or oils. Chemical-resistant gloves are rated under EN 374 and require a completely different material specification — typically nitrile, neoprene or PVC at sufficient thickness. Kleenguard and specialist Ejendals lines cover chemical resistance, but always check the specific EN 374 type rating against the chemicals you're handling.

Question 6

How do I know what size work gloves to buy?

Accepted Answer

Measure the circumference of your dominant hand around the knuckles (excluding the thumb) in centimetres — this gives your glove size. Most brands use a straightforward S/M/L/XL scale: S is typically 7–8cm, M is 8–9cm, L is 9–10cm, XL is 10–11cm. Ejendals and Uvex both publish detailed sizing charts. A glove that's too large reduces grip and dexterity; one that's too small causes fatigue and can split at the seams. If you're between sizes, size up for comfort during extended wear.

Question 7

Are there any glove brands to avoid for professional PPE use?

Accepted Answer

We'd be cautious about any unbranded or very low-cost gloves that claim EN 388 compliance without a visible certification mark and traceable manufacturer details. At 3 £ to 4 £, some products carry ratings that haven't been independently verified. For professional PPE, stick to established brands — Ejendals, Uvex, HexArmor, Draper Tools — where the EN certification is genuine and the manufacturer stands behind it. The Which? Kitemark and BSI certification are additional reassurances worth looking for on UK-sold PPE.

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