Work gloves are a repeat-purchase staple for every hardware and PPE range — but the "right" glove depends entirely on the job. This guide covers the three types that sell in volume: cotton, nitrile-dipped and latex-dipped, plus the specs that decide quality and fit.
A glove is a trade-off between protection, dexterity and cost. A cotton glove that breathes well is useless on an oily workshop floor; a thick nitrile glove that resists cuts is overkill for light packing. Match the glove to the work, then optimize price within that type.
Cotton gloves are the lightest, cheapest option. They protect hands from dirt, minor abrasions and blisters during light assembly, inspection, packing and general handling. They're also widely used as a liner under nitrile or latex dipped styles for extra warmth and comfort. Choose cotton when the work is dry, low-risk and high-volume — the buyer cares about breathability and price more than cut resistance. See our cotton work gloves.
Nitrile-dipped gloves coat the palm and fingers with a synthetic rubber that shrugs off oil, grease and many chemicals, while staying flexible. Nitrile is tougher than latex for abrasion and puncture resistance, and — importantly — has no latex allergy risk, which matters for resellers selling into mixed workforces. This is the default choice for mechanics, construction, logistics and general industrial handling. See our nitrile-dipped gloves.
Latex-dipped gloves use natural rubber for an elastic, close-fitting coating with excellent dry and wet grip at a lower cost than nitrile. They're popular for gardening, farming, warehousing and light general work. The trade-off: a share of users are latex-sensitive, and latex doesn't hold up to oils and solvents the way nitrile does. See our latex-dipped gloves.
Beyond the coating material, the coverage changes the glove's job: a palm dip (coating on palm and fingers only) keeps the back breathable for all-day wear; a full dip (coating over the whole hand) adds liquid resistance for wet or chemical work; a knuckle dip adds back-of-hand protection against scrapes. For general distribution, palm-dipped nitrile and latex are the volume sellers.
Two numbers drive comfort and price. The knit gauge (e.g. 7-gauge for thick, 10- or 13-gauge for finer) sets how dense the liner is — finer gauges feel nimbler but cost more. The weight per pair (grams) tracks durability; heavier gloves last longer in rough use. Always confirm the size run (S / M / L / XL) so buyers can complete a set, and check whether the glove is lined or unlined — a cotton liner adds warmth for cold storage or outdoor work.
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