Guide: Work gloves.

Choosing the right work gloves is not always easy. There are many different factors to consider: materials, CE markings, size but also external factors such as work task and work environment. With our gloves guide you will get information that will help you choose the right glove for the job to be done.

Size guide Work gloves

It's important to use the correct size of your work gloves. The right size ensures not only that the glove fits comfortably, but also that using gloves that are too large increases the risk of accidents. Below you'll find a size guide for work gloves.

To find a size that fits your hands, you can measure the circumference of your hand using a measuring tape, approximately 2 cm from the thumb fold.

Size	Corresponds to	Hand Circumference (mm)
6	XS	152
7	S	178
8	M	203
9	L	229
10	XL	254
11	XXL	279

CE Marking and Categories of Work Gloves

CE marking is a product labeling used within the EU to ensure that products meet basic requirements for health, safety, functionality, and the environment. Within the framework of CE marking, work gloves are categorized into three main groups depending on their type and level of risk. Here is an overview:

CE Category 1 - Minimal Risk

Protects against risks with a low level of risk.
Users can identify hazards in good time.
Examples of gloves: dishwashing gloves, assembly gloves, cotton gloves, etc.
To obtain this marking, gloves must meet basic requirements according to EN 420 (the standard for protective gloves).

CE Category 2 - Medium-High Risk

Designed for work with a medium-high level of risk.
Provides protection against risks such as cut injuries, mechanical hazards (abrasion, puncture), etc.
Requires testing by an authorized unit and the issuance of a certificate.
Gloves must be clearly marked with symbols indicating the risks they protect against and the protection level.

CE Category 3 - High Risk

Used in situations with a risk of serious or permanent injuries.
Examples of use: working with hazardous substances, protection against high temperatures (>100°C), or extreme cold (>-50°C).
Requires testing of gloves in authorized laboratories and certification by independent organizations.
The manufacturing process must undergo annual quality control. This is indicated by a unique four-digit code following the CE marking on the gloves.

Choosing the right type of work gloves is essential to ensure safety and comfort in different work environments. The CE categories provide guidance for finding gloves that suit your specific needs and tasks.

EN-standarder gällande handskar

EN 420:2003: Allmänna krav för skyddshandskar.

Denna standard definierar de allmänna kraven som gäller för alla skyddshandskar:

Handsken ska inte utgöra någon risk eller orsaka skada för användaren
Materialet i handesken ska ha ett pH-värde mellan 3,5 och 9,5
Högsta tillåtna krominnehåll (6-värt krom) i läderhandskar skall vara 3mg/kg eller lägre
Om handsken innehåller några ämnen som är kända för att orsaka allergiska reaktioner, ska det anges i produktinformationen
Handskestorlekarna är standardiserade enligt minsta längd

EN 388:2016: Skyddshandskar mot mekaniska risker.

Enligt denna standard testas egenskaper som nötningsmotstånd, skärmotstånd, rivstyrka, punkteringsmotstånd och slagskydd. I samband med piktogrammet visas fyra siffror och en eller två bokstäver. Dessa tecken visar handskenas prestanda.

EN 511:2006: Skyddshandskar mot kyla.

Denna standard mäter hur väl handsken tål både omgivande kyla och kontaktskyla. Dessutom testas vattengenomträngning efter 30 minuter.

EN 407:2004: Skyddshandskar mot termiska risker (hetta och/eller brand).

Denna standard specificerar krav och testmetoder för skyddshandskar som ska skydda mot värme.

EN 10819:1996: Godkända som vibrationsdämpande.

EN 374-2:2003: Skyddshandskar mot kemikalier och mikro-organismer - bestämning av motstånd mot penetration.

EN 374-3:2003: Skyddshandskar mot kemikalier och mikro-organismer - bestämning av motstånd mot permeation av kemikalier.

EN 421:2010: Skyddshandskar mot joniserande strålning och radioaktiv kontamination.

Material: Work gloves

Work gloves are made from various materials, each with its unique properties. Your choice of material should be tailored to the specific requirements and features you need.

Natural Materials

1. Bamboo

Bamboo is a natural fiber that comes from bamboo plants. Textiles made from bamboo are often soft and smooth, making them comfortable to use.

Advantages: Bamboo is soft and comfortable to wear, combats odor, and has excellent moisture absorption. They dry quickly.
Disadvantages: Less durable and best suited for lighter tasks.

2. Cotton

Cotton is a common material in gloves, known for its comfort and durability.

Advantages: Cotton gloves are comfortable, durable, and have good moisture absorption. Perfect for low-risk tasks.
Disadvantages: Less suitable for tasks that require extra durability.

3. Leather

Leather is a natural material that adapts to the environment and temperature.

Advantages: Leather gloves are adaptable to temperature and surroundings. There are different types with specific advantages:
- Goatskin: Smooth and durable leather with perfect fingertip sensitivity and moisture resistance. Goat leather retains moisture well due to its natural fat content. Common in assembly gloves.
- Cowhide: Highly durable and good against moisture. Ideal for work gloves, as the toughest leather comes from cowhide.
- Pigskin: Soft and flexible, good breathability for hot climates.
- Oxhide: High-quality material.
- Narv or Spalt?: Narv is softer and durable, while spalt provides a coarser surface, better grip, and heat resistance.
Disadvantages: Can be more expensive than certain synthetic materials.

4. Latex

Latex is a natural rubber produced from the latex of rubber trees.

Advantages: Natural rubber with good protection against alkaline products and detergents. Durable but sensitive to sharp objects.
Disadvantages: Contains proteins and allergens that some people may be sensitive to.

Synthetic Materials

1. Acrylic

Acrylic is a material that can trap air, giving it thermal insulating properties.

Advantages: Traps air for thermal insulation. Used as an alternative to wool in linings.
Disadvantages: Less durable than some other materials.

2. LDPE (TPE Gloves)

TPE gloves are hygienic and approved for food contact. Made from LDPE plastic, they are a cost-effective and excellent option, especially in professional kitchens.

Advantages: Hygienic and approved for food contact. Budget-friendly and suitable for kitchen use.
Disadvantages: Not suitable for chemical protection.

3. Neoprene

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber with good elasticity.

Advantages: Synthetic rubber that is durable, resistant to oil and solvents, and has good heat protection.
Disadvantages: May be less comfortable than some natural materials.

4. Nitrile

Nitrile is a synthetic rubber that is highly durable.

Advantages: Very durable, puncture and chemical resistant. Highly resistant to oils and fats.
Disadvantages: More expensive than some other synthetic options.

5. Nylon

Nylon is a synthetic fiber that is durable, stretchable, and highly resistant to wear and chemicals.

Advantages: Durable, stretchable, and resistant to wear and chemicals. Low moisture absorption.
Disadvantages: Less comfortable than natural materials like cotton or leather.

6. Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is durable, stretchable, and does not absorb moisture.

Advantages: Durable, stretchable, and does not absorb moisture.
Disadvantages: May be less comfortable for certain uses.

7. Polyurethane (PU)

Polyurethane is an elastic synthetic material with excellent durability and friction-reducing properties. PU also has good heat protection and guards against oils and dirt. PU is often used as a coating on gloves.

Advantages: Elastic synthetic material with good durability and heat protection properties. Protects against oils and dirt.
Disadvantages: Budget-friendly options may be less durable.

8. Spandex

Spandex is a highly elastic, rubber-like material that is stronger than regular natural rubber.

Advantages: Highly elastic material that retains its shape.
Disadvantages: Limited use in some tasks.

9. Synthetic Leather

Synthetic leather is artificial leather that looks and feels like genuine leather.

Advantages: Resembles real leather but can be more cost-effective.
Disadvantages: May lack some qualities of genuine leather.

10. Typhoon

Typhoon is an extremely strong material with high cut resistance.

Advantages: Very strong and cut-resistant.
Disadvantages: May be excessive for certain uses.

11. Vinyl

Vinyl is a material often used in more affordable gloves.

Advantages: Cost-effective option but less elastic and durable than other materials.
Disadvantages: Limited use in demanding environments.

Your choice of material should be based on your specific needs, tasks, and preferences. Consider the advantages and disadvantages carefully before selecting your work gloves.

Granberg’s Chemical Search

Do you want to quickly search for a specific chemical? We recommend Granberg’s chemical search. Simply enter the chemical name or CAS number.

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Guide.

Guide Gloves är en svensk leverantör med över 30 års erfarenhet av branschen. Guide tillverkar arbetshandskar som ska skydda användaren emot risker och samtidigt förbättra både prestande och komfort. I vårt sortiment hittar du ett brett utbud av Guide arbetshandskar.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Work Gloves

For working with chemicals, gloves made of nitrile, PVC, or neoprene are recommended. Make sure the glove is CE-marked according to EN 374 for chemical protection.

The CE marking shows that the glove meets EU safety requirements. EN standards indicate the type of protection the glove offers, for example EN 388 for mechanical risks and EN 374 for chemicals.

Measure the circumference of your hand about 2 cm above the base of your thumb and compare it with our size guide. A good fit provides better grip and comfort.

Yes, some nitrile and PVC gloves are approved for contact with food. Look for markings such as “food approved” in the product description.

For cold environments, insulated work gloves with protection according to EN 511 are recommended. Choose a waterproof material for extra comfort.

Author: Tingstad

Last Updated: 2025-08-12