Which leather work glove suits your work?
Start with what you handle and how much fingertip sensitivity you need. An unlined Driver has a short cuff and gives you a relatively direct feel for your work. A glove with a leather palm and textile back offers a different fit and ventilation. For outdoor work in the cold, a suitable lining matters more than a thick layer of leather alone.
- Driver: a compact shape for gripping and general manual work. Compare the fastening, flexibility and space around your fingers.
- Tropic or assembly style: often a supple leather palm with a textile back. Useful when freedom of movement and fingertip sensitivity are priorities.
- Canadian-style: recognisable by the wider cuff and combination of leather and fabric. Compare palm reinforcement and cuff length.
- Lined: for working in the cold. Check the cold-protection performance and whether the glove is also suitable for wet conditions.
What is the difference between grain leather and split leather?
Grain leather comes from the outer layer of the hide and generally has a smoother surface. Split leather comes from an underlying layer and has a rougher surface. Both are used in work gloves, sometimes together in one design. The type of leather alone does not tell you how much protection the complete glove offers.
The PSP 34-200 Corium Driver Grain has a palm and back made of cow grain leather. The PSP 34-220 Corium Driver Grain/Split combines a cow grain leather palm with a split leather back. This lets you compare the materials within the same glove style. Goatskin and nappa leather are used in designs that emphasise suppleness; also consider thickness, lining and construction.
Comparing leather work gloves from different brands
The brand is a starting point; the glove's construction makes the choice more specific. For example, do not compare a lined winter glove with an unlined Driver on price alone.
- Blåkläder: the Supreme Warm 2814 has goatskin leather, a lining and a short cuff with a hook-and-loop fastening. A design for working in the cold.
- Milwaukee: the Leather has goatskin leather and a reinforced palm. The Hybrid Leather combines a leather palm with a synthetic back. Pay particular attention to freedom of movement and the fastening.
- OXXA: compare the unlined Driver-Pro 11-397 with the Tropic Worker 11-441 with its cotton back. The shape and back construction differ.
- Portwest: the Classic Driver A270 is an unlined leather Driver; the Lined Driver A271 adds a fleece lining.
- PSP: the Corium range includes cow grain leather Drivers, nappa styles and Canadian designs. Choose by leather construction, cuff and lining, not just the Corium name.
Leather is not automatically cut-resistant, waterproof or suitable for welding
Protection depends on the complete glove and its tested performance. Read the EN 388 code for mechanical risks. If there is a clear cut hazard, compare cut-resistant work gloves against the required cut-resistance level. A sturdy leather palm alone is not proof of sufficient cut protection.
For welding, choose a certified welding glove, not just any split leather work glove. When working with chemicals, chemical-resistant gloves with appropriate test data are the right starting point for comparison. Find more guidance on our page about work glove standards.
Leather work gloves for winter
A leather outer does not automatically make a glove warm or waterproof. Compare the lining, EN 511 performance where available and the waterproofing information. The Blåkläder 2814 is a lined goatskin design; the range also includes lined Drivers and styles with a longer cuff. For more material options, browse our winter work gloves.
Fit for women and men, sizing and care
Looking for men's or women's leather work gloves? Let your hand size and the fit of the glove guide your choice. Measure your hand using the work glove size chart. Your fingers should be able to move without excess material at the fingertips. Check the palm, seams and fingertips for damage before use.
Follow the care and drying instructions for the specific glove. Do not assume leather work gloves can go in the washing machine, and do not dry them on a hot radiator. Reassess whether heavily soiled, torn or stiffened gloves are still suitable before continuing work.
Frequently asked questions about leather work gloves
What is split leather in work gloves?
Split leather comes from an underlying layer of the hide and has a rougher surface than grain leather. It is used for complete gloves, backs and reinforcements. Check the glove's performance: split leather alone does not mean a glove is suitable for cut hazards or welding.
What is grain leather?
Grain leather comes from the outer layer of the hide. In work gloves, it may be used on the palm and fingers or across the whole hand. It differs from the rougher underlying split leather layer. Thickness and construction also affect how the glove feels.
Are leather work gloves warm?
Not every leather glove has a warm lining. For cold work, choose a suitable lining and compare the cold-protection performance of the complete glove. An unlined Driver and a lined winter glove are therefore not equivalent choices for cold conditions.
Are leather work gloves waterproof?
Not as standard. Leather can absorb moisture, and a water-repellent design is not automatically waterproof. For wet work, choose a glove whose waterproofing is confirmed by the manufacturer.
Can you wash leather work gloves?
Only if the manufacturer allows it for the specific glove, and only according to its instructions. Not all leather work gloves are washable. Avoid a standard wash cycle or high heat when drying unless the care instructions permit it.
Do gloves with a textile back also count as leather work gloves?
Yes. This collection also includes gloves with a genuine leather palm and a textile or synthetic back. Fully synthetic leather styles are not included in this selection. Check each product to see which parts are made of leather.
Read more about leather work gloves
Choosing work gloves
Start with your tasks, the materials you handle and the protection you need.
Understanding standards
Learn what performance codes tell you about the protection tested.