How to Compare Work Gloves for Your Customers
Start with the task and the handling conditions. Then compare construction, protection evidence and a controlled sample trial.
Reviewed 15 September 2026 · Hengli Safety editorial team
1. Describe the task before choosing the glove
Record the parts being handled, edge condition, contamination, handling duration and required finger control. Include hand and forearm exposure. The employer’s hazard assessment determines the protection needed; a product category is only a starting point. See OSHA’s PPE selection guidance.
2. Turn purchase concerns into a comparison
| Buyer concern | What to compare | Practical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Workers remove uncomfortable gloves | Size, liner feel, flexibility and heat build-up | Trial the same task across the intended size range. |
| Parts slip during handling | Coating finish, coverage and actual contamination | Compare grip on representative parts under controlled conditions. |
| A low unit price leads to frequent replacements | Wear locations and usable life on the same task | Record pairs consumed per worker-shift, not only price per pair. |
| The protection claim is difficult to verify | Model identity, test method, report and marking | Request matching documents before accepting a claimed rating. |
| Repeat orders do not match the sample | Approved construction, dimensions, coating and packaging | Agree a reference sample and written inspection criteria. |
| Too many similar models complicate stock | Task coverage, size demand and model differences | Shortlist a small range around distinct customer needs. |
3. Compare coating and liner choices
PU-coated styles: a starting point for assembly and general handling where finger control matters. Compare PU models.
Nitrile-coated styles: compare smooth, sandy and micro-foam constructions rather than assuming every nitrile coating behaves the same. Compare nitrile models.
Latex-coated styles: compare surface texture and coverage, and check the customer’s material restrictions. Compare latex models.
Cut-resistant, TPR and sleeve styles: review each required hazard separately. A cut rating does not establish impact, chemical or heat protection. Read the standards checklist.
Comfort and grip are recurring selection priorities in Ansell’s selection guidance and uvex’s hand-protection approach. These references inform the comparison process; their performance claims do not apply to Hengli products.
4. Run a useful sample comparison
- Choose two or three candidate models and the correct sizes.
- Set an equivalent task, trial duration and replacement criteria.
- Record grip, comfort, finger control, visible wear and worker feedback.
- Review findings with the responsible safety team before bulk selection.
A simple commercial measure is glove cost per worker-shift = glove spend during the trial ÷ worker-shifts covered. Compare equivalent tasks; this does not measure protection and cannot replace test evidence.
5. Send an actionable RFQ
Include product or reference sample, target market, required tests, sizes and size split, quantity, packaging, destination and desired delivery date. Ask the supplier to confirm each point in writing.
Selection guidance only. Do not trial a glove in an uncontrolled hazard. Machinery, chemical, electrical and thermal hazards require their own assessment.