Leather gloves are ideal for protecting hands in harsh work environments. They provide abrasion resistance, puncture protection, and grip strength. They also help protect hands from hazardous chemicals and electrical shocks. They are also very comfortable to wear and easy to care for.
Types of Leather Used for Gloves
Most leather work gloves are made from cowhide, pigskin, or goatskin. The type of leather you choose depends on your application. For example, if you’re in the construction industry, a heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant glove is necessary to perform your job safely.
Sheepskin, deerskin, and buffalo leather are other types of leather that may be used for gloves. These types of leather are more breathable than cowhide and allow air to flow through the glove.
Generally, a good quality pair of leather work gloves will last for years, even when worn every day. The key to keeping them in great shape is to take good care of them.
Cleaning your leather gloves is important to keep them looking their best. If you get them dirty, use a special soap designed for leather. You can also condition them to keep them supple and resistant to water and dirt.
Break-In Your Gloves
When you first purchase a new pair of leather work gloves, they will feel tight and a little uncomfortable. Over time, the gloves will adapt to the shape of your hand for a perfect fit. If your gloves don’t fit as snugly as they should, they are probably not the right size for you and need to be exchanged.
A great way to break-in your gloves is to stretch them over the edge of a table by holding the cuff opening at the top and the fingers at the bottom. This will allow the leather to relax and return to its original elasticity.
The cuff of your gloves should extend over your wrist, and some styles have a shirred elastic back for a better fit. Some cuffs are starched or plasticized, while others are rubberized.
Choosing the Right Gloves for Your Needs
There are many different types of leather work gloves available, and finding the right one for your needs can be a difficult task. The type of work you do, your hand shape and size, and the level of abrasion or chemical splash are all factors to consider when selecting a pair of gloves.
For example, if you are working with metal or wire, you might need a heavier leather work glove than if you are handling wood or plastic.
Some people prefer to wear insulated work gloves. This is especially true in winter, where you don’t want to have to worry about your hands getting too cold.
Other work situations that call for a good pair of leather gloves include beekeeping, where they are necessary to avoid being stung by bees or to protect your hands from flying insects. These types of gloves will be much more durable than lighter work gloves, and they are also easier to clean and recondition.