The 12 Best Work Gloves for Contractors and Construction Workers

Keeping your employees safe and comfortable on the job is paramount. One way to do this is investing in a high-quality pair of work gloves. 

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about work gloves for construction professionals. We’ll look at the importance of wearing them. And, we’ll discuss the key features to look for when choosing the best work gloves for your needs. 

Then, we’ll review the top 12 construction gloves on the market. Finally, we’ll share three questions to ask yourself when making a purchasing decision.

Whether you’re a contractor, handyman, or home improvement expert, the right work gloves can make all the difference. They improve your comfort, protection, and overall job performance. 

So, let’s dive in and learn more.

Why Wear Work Gloves?

Hand injuries are the most common preventable workplace injuries. They account for more than 20% of all injuries that occur on the job. The good news? Something as simple as wearing gloves can help prevent cuts, scrapes, and bruises. 

This is especially important for tasks that require a lot of hand-to-hand contact with rough or sharp materials. This includes handling lumber, working with wire, or using power tools.

Besides protecting your hands, work gloves can prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Wearing gloves can help reduce the risk of cross-contamination. This is important in an environment where cleanliness is a concern. For example, you might need gloves when working in a kitchen or bathroom. This is critical in the current climate, where proper hand hygiene is more important than ever.

Finally, work gloves can also improve comfort and mitigate fatigue. For example, wearing gloves can help reduce the strain on your hands. It can keep them warm and comfortable if you’re working with vibrating tools or in cold weather.

One study found that wearing gloves can “help control vibration exposures of workers performing grinding of handheld workpieces.” Ultimately, this can increase productivity. It can also reduce the risk of injury due to tired hands.

In short, wearing work gloves is an important safety measure for any construction professional. They protect your hands from injuries and contaminants. 

They also improve comfort and increase productivity. Don’t skimp on quality—investing in a good pair of work gloves can pay off in the long run. How? By reducing the risk of injury and increasing efficiency on the job.

What to Look For in a Pair of Work Gloves

When choosing the best work gloves for your needs, there are a few key things to consider.

Fit

It’s vital to choose gloves that fit well. They may not provide the necessary protection or grip if they’re too loose. On the other hand, if they’re too tight, they can be uncomfortable and restrict movement. 

To find the right fit, measure the circumference of your hand around the knuckles (excluding the thumb). Compare it to the size chart provided by the manufacturer. It’s also a good idea to try on the gloves in person to ensure a comfortable fit.

Material

Protective work gloves are made from various materials. This includes leather, synthetic leather, and nitrile. 

Leather gloves are durable and provide good protection but may not be as breathable as other materials. 

Synthetic leather gloves are a more affordable option. They are also breathable but may not be as durable as leather. 

Nitrile gloves are a good choice for those with allergies to latex. They are also resistant to chemicals and punctures. 

Consider the tasks you’ll be doing. Choose a material that will provide the necessary protection and comfort for your needs.

Cost

Consider the cost as part of the overall value of the gloves. While it may be tempting to purchase the cheapest option available, think long-term. You may need to replace cheap gloves more frequently due to wear and tear or lack of protection, leading to a higher overall expense. 

Investing in high-quality gloves that are more expensive upfront may save you money in the long run. It may also provide better protection, potentially reducing the need for medical treatment or time off work due to injuries.

Protection level

Think about the level of protection you need in a pair of work gloves. Do you need heavy-duty gloves for handling rough materials? Or do you need gloves with a high level of dexterity for tasks that require more finesse?

Look for gloves rated for the level of protection you need, such as cut-resistant, puncture-resistant, or flex grip work gloves.

Work environment

Consider the kind of work you’ll be doing and choose gloves suited to your environment. For example, if you’re working in cold weather, you’ll want gloves insulated to keep your hands warm. 

If you are using power tools, you’ll want gloves resistant to cuts and abrasions. Look for features such as reinforced palms or padded knuckles for extra protection and all-day wear.

Durability

Choose durable work gloves that are made to last and can withstand the wear and tear of your job. Look for features like double or triple-stitched seams. Reinforced fingertips can ensure they stand up against heavy use.

Index finger design

Some work gloves have an exposed index finger, which can be useful for tasks that require a higher level of agility and precision. If you are using tools that need finer motor skills, such as screws or nuts and bolts, consider this type of glove.

Wearability

The ease in which you can put on and take off your gloves is crucial, too. If you are wearing gloves for long periods, you’ll want some that are a breeze to put on and take off to avoid hand fatigue. So, look for gloves with a flexible design and adjustable closure.

Disposable gloves

In some cases, it may be necessary to use disposable gloves. These protect against contaminants and are useful for tasks that require frequent glove changes. Look for gloves that are made from a strong and durable material, such as nitrile, and are easy to put on and take off.

Top 12 Gloves for Contractors and Construction Workers

Safety gloves provide protection for contractors and construction workers while they perform tasks. This includes handling tools and materials, operating machinery, and working in challenging environments. 

The right pair of gloves can prevent injury, reduce hand fatigue, and increase productivity.

If you are in the market for a new pair of gloves—whether custom leather-craft work gloves, cold weather gloves, or gloves tough enough to withstand heavy use—here are 12 excellent options to get you started.

GRX Palmwick 733 Nitrile Coated Gloves

The GRX Palmwick 733 Nitrile Coated Gloves are an excellent choice. They’re unique because of their nitrile coating. This provides a superior grip and makes them resistant to punctures and abrasions. 

These gloves are perfect for situations where you need a secure grip on slippery or delicate objects. The nitrile coating will give you the confidence to handle even the most challenging tasks. So, you don’t need to worry.

In addition, these gloves are super comfortable to wear. The palms are made of a wicking material. This helps keep your hands dry and relaxed, even when working in hot and humid conditions.

Overall, these gloves are an excellent choice for anyone in need of a durable and reliable work glove. They’re suitable for various tasks and industries. This includes construction, automotive, and general industrial work. 

Whether working with tools, machinery, or other equipment, these gloves will provide the protection and grip you need to get the job done.

EXOT Tactical Operator Impact Gloves

Ironclad EXOT Tactical Operator Impact Gloves offer an attractive, durable design. It’s specially engineered to protect your hands from impacts and abrasions. These gloves are perfect for situations where you need to handle heavy equipment. They’re also ideal for working with tools and machinery.

One of the things that makes these gloves stand out is their Impact Guard System. This features a padded knuckle guard and reinforced fingertips. It helps absorb shock and protect your hands from impacts. 

The palms are also reinforced with a high-performance material. This improves grip and resists lacerations.

In addition to their durability, these gloves are built for comfortable all-day wear. They feature a stretchy spandex back that allows for a snug and flexible fit. The moisture-wicking fabric helps to keep your hands dry and comfortable all day. They are suitable during the warmer months or in hot conditions.

Milwaukee Winter Performance Gloves

You’ll love these Milwaukee Winter Performance Gloves if it’s cold out. Their insulated design ensures your hands stay warm and comfortable, even in the frostiest conditions.

These gloves are perfect for situations where you need to work outdoors in the wintertime. They are also great for work in cold storage facilities. The insulation and fleece lining do an excellent job of trapping heat. This keeps your hands toasty.

In addition to their warmth, these gloves are also durable and well-made. The palms and fingers are reinforced with leather. This helps to protect them from wear and tear and extends the life of the gloves.

Ironclad Tuff Chix

Designed specifically for smaller hands, the Ironclad Tuff Chix gloves offer several features. They are suitable for a wide range of tasks.

One standout is the padded leather palms. These provide a five-star grip and help to reduce fatigue. The gloves also have an absorbent terry-cloth thumb strip. This is perfect for wiping away perspiration on hot days. 

The nylon fabric on the back of the gloves breathes easily. It keeps hands cool and comfortable. The reinforced seams ensure the gloves stand up to hard use.

In terms of fit, these gloves are true to size and are relatively comfortable to wear. However, you might find the inner finger seams slightly irritating. 

Despite this, the gloves are well-suited to a whole host of outdoor tasks, such as raking, mowing, shoveling, and hammering. They’re also durable and don’t stretch out or tear easily.

While they may not be suitable for tasks requiring protection from cuts, the Ironclad Tuff Chix gloves work well in many situations. They are a great choice for women and anyone with smaller hands.

Youngstown FR Fire-rated Leather Gloves

The Youngstown FR Fire-rated Leather Gloves are specifically designed to protect against flames and heat. This makes them perfect for working with fire or in high-temperature environments.

The fire-resistant build meets the NFPA 1971 standard for firefighting gloves. The gloves are made of premium leather treated with a fire-resistant coating. This helps to safeguard your hands against flames and heat. 

They also feature a Kevlar inner lining that provides additional protection. It helps to improve the gloves’ overall durability.

In addition to their fire-resistant design, these gloves are comfortable enough for all-day wear. They feature a moisture-wicking fabric. This ensures hands stay dry. The adjustable closure allows for a secure and customized fit.

Overall, these Youngstown FR Fire-rated Leather Gloves are suitable for anyone working in firefighting. Those working in welding and general industries will also enjoy these gloves.

WORKPRO Work Gloves with Eco Latex

If you’re a gardener or landscaper who needs a pair of gloves that can protect your hands from thorns, rocks, dirt, and moisture, put the WORKPRO Work Gloves with Eco Latex near the top of your list. Crafted from a bamboo and spandex fabric, these gloves are very comfortable to wear. 

They offer agility and good range of movement. The latex palms ensure a secure grip and minimize injury. They also prevent exposure to the elements.

In addition to their protective features, these gloves also have touchscreen capability. This makes them a convenient option if you need to stay connected while you work. They are also breathable and stretchy, only adding to their comfort and versatility.

The WORKPRO Work Gloves with Eco Latex are a leading choice. They are excellent for gardeners looking for a reliable and protective work glove. 

Whether you’re tackling thorny plants or simply need a sturdy and comfortable glove for general gardening tasks, these are a great solution.

Milwaukee Leather Performance Gloves

The Milwaukee Leather Performance Gloves combine durability and comfort. They meet the demands of various tasks, situations, and work environments. They are particularly well-suited to landscaping.

One of the top features of these gloves is their durable leather construction. This helps to protect your hands from abrasions and cuts. They also offer reinforced palms and fingertips. This enhances your grip and ensures longevity.

In addition, these gloves are comfortable, with a spandex back and an adjustable closure. This allows for a close and flexible fit. The moisture-wicking fabric helps to keep your hands sweat-free, even in hot conditions.

Maxiflex 34-874 Ultimate Gloves

The Maxiflex 34-874 Ultimate Gloves provide the perfect balance of breathability, durability, and comfort. This makes them particularly great for warehouse work.

Their flexible and breathable design sets them apart. It ensures your hands stay cool and comfortable in warm conditions and hot weather. The gloves are constructed using a lightweight and flexible material. It conforms to the shape of your hands, offering a snug and comfortable fit.

In addition to their breathability, these gloves are also very durable. They feature a micro-foam coating that improves grip and resists abrasions. They are also reinforced with a synthetic leather palm. This protects your hands from cuts and scrapes.

Wells Lamont HydraHyde Winter Grip Gloves

Need gloves that will keep your hands warm and dry in wet conditions? The Wells Lamont HydraHyde Winter Grip Gloves might be for you. 

These gloves feature an ultra-soft, smooth lining that feels almost luxurious. Plus, the fit is snug and comfortable, although they tend to run small. If you’re in between sizes, consider sizing up.

A key feature of the HydraHyde gloves is, as the name implies, their water resistance. The interior of the gloves remains dry even when the exterior is soaked in water. In addition, they keep hands warm in cold and icy conditions. This ensures you can always stay productive.

In terms of grip, the latex coating enables a firm hold on all kinds of handles. However, the outer layer is relatively thin, so the gloves may not be suitable for heavy-duty use.

The Wells Lamont HydraHyde Winter Grip Gloves are a fair choice if you need a water-resistant work glove. They deliver an excellent grip and insulation.

Ironclad Ranchworx Work Gloves

The Ironclad Ranchworx Work Gloves are another top choice. They offer a unique, high-quality build and a wide range of features, making them a safe bet for almost any construction professional.

One of the top features of these gloves is their durability. Made with premium leather and featuring reinforced palms and fingers, they are built to withstand the hard wear and tear of tough jobs. The treated leather is abrasion-resistant. The sturdy design helps to enhance grip and extend the life of the gloves.

In addition, these gloves are very comfortable. Padding in the palm and fingers helps to prevent fatigue and increase long-wear comfort. This makes them ideal for tasks that require a lot of hand movement. 

They also close using an adjustable strap, ensuring a secure and personalized fit. The moisture-wicking fabric prevents sweat, even when working outdoors during summer or in other hot or humid conditions.

Wells Lamont Gripper

Lightweight and affordable with excellent grip, the Wells Lamont Gripper is a great choice. Made of flexible polyester fabric, these gloves feature a thin polyurethane coating on the palms and fingers. This provides a non-slip surface.

One of the standout features of the Gripper gloves is their comfort. They are incredibly lightweight and flexible, making them perfect for extended wear. The gloves also have no seams in the fingers, which helps to reduce irritation and improve overall comfort.

In terms of performance, these gloves are great for basic gardening and clean-up tasks. The polyurethane coating on the palms provides excellent grip, even when wet, and the gloves can withstand light wear and tear.

The Wells Lamont Gripper gloves are a fantastic option. They are affordable and comfortable while offering excellent grip and performance. However, they may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks or tasks that require protection from punctures.

Klein Tools 60188 Leather Work Gloves

Looking for a cheap alternative that still performs under pressure? Consider the Klein Tools 60188 Leather Work Gloves. These offer a high-quality design and excellent value for money. Perfect for a wide range of tasks and industries, they’re an excellent choice. They are a durable, practical, and comfortable work glove at a near-unbeatable price.

Although at the lower end of the price scale, these gloves are made of premium leather. It’s treated to resist abrasions and wear. They feature a moisture-wicking fabric. This helps to keep your hands dry and comfortable.

They are also versatile and appropriate for many different tasks and industries. This includes construction, automotive, home improvement, landscaping, and other industrial work. The gloves feature padded palms and fingers to maximize your grip. It also reduces hand fatigue. The adjustable closure allows for a secure and customized fit.

Ultimately, these Klein Tools 60188 Leather Work Gloves are a great choice. Anyone wanting a high-performance work glove that offers excellent value for money will enjoy these gloves.

Which Gloves Are Right for You?

When deciding on a pair of work gloves, ask yourself the following three questions:

1. What tasks will the gloves be used for? Choose gloves that are suitable for the specific tasks you will perform. For example, do you handle heavy machinery or materials? Your gloves should withstand high levels of wear and tear, so look for heavy-duty work gloves.
2. What conditions will the gloves be used in? The gloves should be able to withstand your job’s specific conditions. For example, gloves should be insulated and waterproof if the job site is cold and wet. In contrast, the gloves should be breathable and moisture-wicking if the job site is hot and dry.
3. What level of protection is needed? Finally, consider the level of protection the gloves need to provide. For example, if you handle sharp objects, your gloves should have a high level of cut and abrasion resistance. If the gloves will be used for tasks that involve chemical exposure, they should be chemical-resistant.

An Essential Every Construction Professional and Contractor Needs

Work gloves are an essential piece of protective equipment. 

They are a must for construction professionals and contractors. They protect the hands from cuts, bruises, and abrasions. They also provide insulation against extreme temperatures. Finally, they enhance grip on slippery or awkward objects.

Wearing the right gloves can help prevent injuries. It can also improve productivity on the job site. However, it’s critical to choose gloves that are suitable for the specific tasks and conditions you are facing. Regularly inspect and maintain your gloves to ensure they are in good condition.

By investing in high-quality work gloves, you can protect your hands and ensure your safety and success on the job.