Safety Glove Glossary
PPE Knowledge Base
Safety Glove Glossary: PPE & Hand Protection Terms
A practical reference for understanding safety glove materials, construction, performance characteristics, standards, testing terminology and hand-protection specifications.
Safety glove terminology can refer to very different things. A term such as cut resistance describes a performance characteristic, while nitrile describes a material, liner describes part of glove construction, and EN 388 identifies a standard associated with mechanical-risk protection.
Why this glossary matters
Understanding technical terminology helps PPE buyers, distributors, procurement teams and safety professionals compare specifications more accurately.
A–Z Reference
Safety Glove Glossary
Explore common terms used in industrial safety gloves, protective handwear and PPE specifications.
A A — Safety Glove Terms
Abrasion Resistance
The ability of a glove material or construction to withstand surface wear caused by rubbing or repeated contact with another surface.
ANSI
The American National Standards Institute, an organization involved in coordinating and approving voluntary consensus standards.
ANSI/ISEA 105
A U.S. hand-protection standard covering performance classification for characteristics including cut, puncture and abrasion resistance.
Anti-Vibration Glove
A glove designed with features intended to reduce the transmission of vibration to the hand.
Aramid
A family of high-performance synthetic fibers known for strength and heat resistance.
Arm Protector
Protective equipment extending beyond the hand to provide additional forearm protection.
B B — Safety Glove Terms
Back of Hand
The outer side of the hand opposite the palm. Impact gloves may incorporate protective components across this area.
Barrier Protection
Protection created by glove materials or construction that limits contact between skin and an external hazard.
Blade Cut Resistance
Resistance to cutting from a sharp blade under a defined test method.
Bonded Seam
A seam construction where materials are joined using an adhesive or bonding process.
C C — Safety Glove Terms
CE Marking
A conformity marking used for products falling under applicable European Union legislation.
Chemical Degradation
A change in glove material caused by exposure to a chemical that can affect its physical properties.
Chemical Permeation
The process by which a chemical passes through a protective glove material at the molecular level.
Chemical Penetration
The passage of a chemical through seams, pinholes or other imperfections.
Chemical-Resistant Glove
A glove designed and tested for protection against specified chemical hazards.
Coated Glove
A glove in which part or all of the exterior surface is coated with a polymer material.
Cuff
The section of the glove surrounding the wrist and extending toward the forearm.
Cut Resistance
The ability of a glove to resist cutting under a defined test method.
D D — Safety Glove Terms
Dexterity
The ability to perform precise hand movements while wearing a glove.
Double Coating
A glove construction using two coating layers or coating stages for different performance objectives.
Dipping
A manufacturing process in which a glove liner or former is immersed into a coating compound.
E E — Safety Glove Terms
EN
A designation commonly used for European Standards.
EN 388
A standard associated with mechanical-risk protection including abrasion, blade cut, tear, puncture and, where applicable, impact.
EN ISO
A designation used when an international ISO standard has been adopted as a European Standard.
Ergonomic Fit
A glove shape and construction designed around the natural form and movement of the hand.
F F — Safety Glove Terms
Finger Protection
Features designed to protect individual fingers from identified workplace hazards.
Finger Fourchettes
Material sections between the fingers in many sewn glove constructions.
Flame Resistance
The ability of a glove material or construction to resist ignition or flame-related effects under a defined test method.
Forearm Protection
Protective coverage extending beyond the wrist toward the forearm.
G G — Safety Glove Terms
Gauge
In knitted gloves, gauge generally describes the knitting-machine needle density or fineness.
Gauntlet Cuff
A long cuff extending farther up the forearm than a conventional wrist cuff.
Grip
The glove’s ability to help the wearer hold, control or manipulate objects.
Grip Coating
A glove coating engineered or textured to improve handling and traction.
H H — Safety Glove Terms
Hand Protection
PPE intended to protect hands from identified workplace hazards.
Heat Resistance
Resistance to heat exposure under specified test conditions.
Hi-Visibility Glove
A glove incorporating highly visible colors or materials to improve hand visibility.
I I — Safety Glove Terms
Impact Protection
Protection against impacts affecting the hand, fingers, knuckles or other specified areas.
Industrial Safety Glove
A broad term for protective gloves used in industrial work environments.
ISO
The International Organization for Standardization, which develops international standards.
ISO 21420
An international standard covering general requirements and test methods for protective gloves.
ISO 23388
An international standard covering protective gloves against mechanical risks.
J J — Safety Glove Terms
Jersey Liner
A knitted textile lining used in some gloves for comfort, moisture absorption or additional structure.
K K — Safety Glove Terms
Kevlar®
A DuPont trademark associated with para-aramid fiber products used in protective applications.
Knitted Glove
A glove produced using knitted textile construction.
Knit Wrist
A knitted cuff designed to fit around the wrist.
L L — Safety Glove Terms
Latex
A natural rubber material commonly used in glove coatings and protective applications.
Leather Glove
A glove made wholly or partly from animal hide.
Liner
The inner textile or material layer of a glove.
Liquid Resistance
The ability of a glove construction to resist liquid contact under defined conditions.
M M — Safety Glove Terms
Mechanical Risk
A hazard involving physical forces such as abrasion, cutting, tearing, puncturing or impact.
Microorganism Protection
Protection against microorganisms under applicable glove requirements and test methods.
Milled Leather
Leather processed to create a softer, more flexible or distinctive surface feel.
Moisture Management
The ability of glove materials and construction to manage perspiration or moisture inside the glove.
N N — Safety Glove Terms
Nitrile
A synthetic rubber widely used as a glove coating.
Nitrile Coated Glove
A glove with nitrile applied to part or all of the exterior surface.
Nomex®
A DuPont trademark associated with meta-aramid fiber products used in protective applications.
O O — Safety Glove Terms
OEM
Original Equipment Manufacturer. In glove manufacturing, OEM projects can involve buyer-specific product, branding, packaging and production requirements.
Open Cuff
A cuff design without an elastic or close-fitting wrist construction.
P P — Safety Glove Terms
Palm Coating
A coating applied primarily to the palm area to improve grip, abrasion resistance or durability.
Palm Reinforcement
Additional material or construction applied to the palm to improve durability or protection.
Permeation
The molecular movement of a substance through glove material.
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment. Safety gloves are one category of PPE.
Puncture Resistance
Resistance to penetration by a pointed object under a defined test method.
PU / Polyurethane
A synthetic polymer commonly used as a glove coating where flexibility and dexterity are important.
Q Q — Safety Glove Terms
Quality Assurance (QA)
Processes used to maintain consistent product quality through defined controls and procedures.
Quality Control (QC)
Operational inspection and verification activities used to determine whether products meet requirements.
R R — Safety Glove Terms
Reinforcement
Additional material, stitching, coating, padding or structural support added to a glove.
Resistant vs. Proof
“Resistant” and “proof” should not be treated as interchangeable. Protective claims should be connected to the relevant hazard and test information.
Rigger Glove
A work glove commonly associated with handling, rigging, construction and demanding manual tasks.
S S — Safety Glove Terms
Safety Cuff
A cuff configuration intended to provide practical wrist or forearm coverage.
Seam
The location where glove components are joined.
Seamless Glove
A glove manufactured using knitted or molded construction without conventional sewn seams across the main hand area.
Shell
The underlying glove structure onto which coatings, reinforcements or other components may be applied.
Shirred Cuff
A cuff containing gathered elastic material that helps hold the glove around the wrist.
Stitching
Thread-based joining used to connect glove components.
T T — Safety Glove Terms
Tear Resistance
The ability of glove material to resist tearing under a defined test method.
Textile Glove
A glove primarily constructed from textile materials such as cotton, polyester, nylon or technical fibers.
Thermal Protection
Protection against heat, flame, cold or other thermal hazards depending on the glove’s intended application.
TPR
Thermoplastic Rubber. Often used for impact-protection components on the back of industrial gloves.
Touchscreen Compatible
A glove designed to permit interaction with certain touchscreen devices while being worn.
U U — Safety Glove Terms
Urethane Coating
A coating based on polyurethane chemistry, commonly used where flexibility, dexterity and grip are useful.
V V — Safety Glove Terms
Vibration Reduction
A design characteristic intended to reduce vibration transmission from tools or equipment to the hands.
Ventilation
Features that allow air movement through or around the glove to improve comfort.
W W — Safety Glove Terms
Water Resistance
The ability of a glove construction to resist water under specified conditions.
Waterproof Glove
A glove construction designed to prevent water penetration under defined conditions.
Welding Glove
A glove designed for welding-related work and associated thermal, mechanical and handling hazards.
Welted Seam
A seam incorporating an additional strip or material around the seam to reinforce construction.
X X — Safety Glove Terms
X-Cut / TDM-Style Cut Testing
Terminology associated with modern cut-resistance evaluation methods. Buyers should identify the actual test method and reported result.
Y Y — Safety Glove Terms
Yarn
The textile strand used to construct knitted glove liners or shells.
Z Z — Safety Glove Terms
Zoned Protection
A glove construction where different areas are designed for different functions or hazards.
Standards & Acronyms
Safety Glove Standards Explained
Standards help buyers understand what a glove has been designed and tested to address. Always verify the applicable standard, edition and product documentation.
| Standard / Acronym | What It Relates To | What Buyers Should Check |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 21420 | General protective-glove requirements | Design, construction, comfort, marking and manufacturer information. |
| ISO 23388 | Mechanical-risk protection | Abrasion, blade cut, tear, puncture and applicable impact requirements. |
| ISO 374-1 | Chemical-risk protection | Applicable chemical protection requirements and terminology. |
| ISO 374-2 | Penetration resistance | Applicable penetration test information. |
| ISO 374-4 | Chemical degradation | Resistance of glove material to degradation by chemicals. |
| ISO 374-5 | Microorganism protection | Requirements and test methods relevant to microorganism risks. |
| ANSI/ISEA 105 | U.S. hand protection | Applicable cut, puncture and abrasion classifications. |
| OSHA 1910.138 | U.S. workplace hand protection | Workplace hazards and selection of appropriate hand protection. |
Important distinction
ISO 21420 covers general protective-glove requirements and is not itself a specific protection-performance standard. Specific hazard standards should be considered according to the intended application.
Materials
Common Safety Glove Materials
Material selection is only one part of glove performance. Construction, thickness, coating, liner and testing also influence suitability.
Cowhide Leather
Durable and robust. Commonly considered for demanding handling and industrial work.
Goatskin
Soft and flexible, often selected where flexibility and tactile handling are important.
Pigskin
Flexible and durable leather used in general industrial and work applications.
Nitrile
Synthetic rubber commonly used for grip, abrasion performance and selected applications.
Latex
Elastic natural rubber material used in selected glove coatings and applications.
Polyurethane
Flexible coating material often used where dexterity and precision handling are important.
PVC
Polymer coating used in selected industrial, wet-handling and general applications.
Aramid
High-performance synthetic fiber family used in selected mechanical and thermal protection applications.
Nylon / Polyester
Lightweight synthetic textile fibers commonly used in knitted glove shells and liners.
Material does not equal performance
The same material can perform differently depending on thickness, formulation, coating structure, liner, stitching, construction and test conditions.
Construction
Safety Glove Construction Terms
A protective glove is more than its exterior material. Construction can influence fit, durability, dexterity, comfort and protection.
Glove Construction Diagram
Recommended image: technical annotated glove showing shell, palm, back of hand, liner, fingers, thumb, fourchettes, coating, reinforcement, impact protection and cuff.
| Component | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Shell | The underlying glove structure. |
| Liner | The inner textile or protective layer. |
| Coating | Exterior polymer layer applied to the glove. |
| Palm | Main gripping surface. |
| Fourchettes | Material sections between fingers. |
| Cuff | Wrist or forearm section. |
| Reinforcement | Additional material or construction added for durability or protection. |
| Impact Protector | Protective component designed to address impact hazards. |
Performance
Glove Performance Terms
Performance terminology describes specific characteristics rather than overall glove quality.
| Performance Term | Meaning | Buyer Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasion | Resistance to rubbing and surface wear. | Important for repetitive handling and material movement. |
| Cut | Resistance to a cutting action under a defined test. | Evaluate against the actual sharp-edge hazard. |
| Tear | Resistance to tearing under a defined test. | Relevant to demanding handling applications. |
| Puncture | Resistance to penetration by a pointed object. | Different from blade-cut resistance. |
| Impact | Protection against impact forces. | Consider when hands are exposed to impact hazards. |
| Grip | Ability to help hold and control objects. | Can vary with coating, texture, environment and object. |
| Dexterity | Ability to perform precise movements. | Important for assembly, tools and precision tasks. |
Chemical Protection
Permeation, Penetration & Degradation
These three terms describe different mechanisms of chemical interaction with protective glove materials.
Permeation
Molecular movement of a substance through the glove material.
Penetration
Passage through imperfections such as holes, defects or seams.
Degradation
Physical or chemical changes to glove material caused by chemical exposure.
Chemical protection requires application-specific evaluation
Do not assume that a glove is suitable for every chemical simply because it is made from a particular material. Consider the specific chemical, exposure conditions, material, test information and manufacturer documentation.
Buyer Guide
How to Choose the Right Safety Glove
Start with the hazard and task—not the glove material or marketing description.
Identify Hazard
Determine what can injure or expose the hands.
Understand Task
Consider what the worker actually needs to do.
Define Protection
Determine whether cut, abrasion, impact, chemical, thermal or other protection is required.
Check Standards
Review the applicable standard and test information.
Verify Fit
Balance protection, comfort and dexterity.
What should buyers check?
- Application
- Workplace hazards
- Required protection characteristics
- Applicable standards
- Performance results
- Material and construction
- Fit and sizing
- Working environment
- Manufacturer documentation
What should buyers avoid?
- Choosing only by material name
- Assuming thicker always means safer
- Confusing water resistance with chemical resistance
- Confusing cut resistance with puncture resistance
- Relying only on marketing terms
- Ignoring fit and dexterity
Recommended Infographic
How to Choose the Right Safety Glove
Hazard → Task → Exposure → Required Protection →
Standard/Test → Material → Fit → Documentation
Manufacturing Expertise
Why Manufacturing Expertise Matters
Glove terminology becomes more useful when it is connected to actual product development and manufacturing. For B2B buyers, understanding terminology can help translate a workplace requirement into a more precise product specification—including material, coating, construction, protection characteristics, sizing, branding, packaging and testing documentation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a safety glove glossary?
A safety glove glossary is a reference guide explaining terminology used in protective gloves and PPE, including materials, construction, coatings, cuffs, liners, performance characteristics, testing, standards and applications.
What does PPE mean in safety gloves?
PPE means Personal Protective Equipment. Safety gloves are one category of PPE used to protect hands against identified workplace hazards.
What is the difference between cut resistance and puncture resistance?
Cut resistance concerns resistance to a cutting action under a defined test method. Puncture resistance concerns resistance to penetration by a pointed object. They measure different protective characteristics.
What does EN 388 mean on safety gloves?
EN 388 is associated with mechanical-risk protection for protective gloves, including characteristics such as abrasion, blade cut, tear, puncture and, where applicable, impact.
What is ISO 21420?
ISO 21420 covers general requirements and test methods for protective gloves, including areas such as design, construction, comfort, marking and information supplied by manufacturers.
What is a glove liner?
A liner is the internal layer of a glove. It can improve comfort, insulation, moisture management, flexibility, reinforcement or support for coated constructions.
What is the difference between nitrile and latex gloves?
Nitrile is a synthetic rubber, while latex is generally natural rubber. Their characteristics can differ in elasticity, grip, chemical compatibility, durability and wearer considerations.
Does a thicker glove provide better protection?
Not necessarily. Protection depends on the complete glove construction, material, design, test method and hazard. Thickness alone is not a reliable measure of protection.
What does TPR mean on an impact glove?
TPR means thermoplastic rubber. In impact gloves, TPR components are commonly incorporated over areas such as the knuckles or back of the hand to provide impact-protection features.
How should businesses choose industrial safety gloves?
Businesses should begin with workplace hazards and tasks, then determine required protection characteristics, environmental conditions, applicable standards, fit requirements and product documentation.
Technical References
Sources & References
- ISO 21420 — Protective gloves: General requirements and test methods.
- ISO 23388 — Protective gloves against mechanical risks.
- ISO 374 — Protective gloves against dangerous chemicals and microorganisms.
- ANSI/ISEA 105 — Hand protection classification.
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138 — Hand Protection.
Need Help Defining a Glove Specification?
For OEM, ODM, private-label and wholesale glove projects, product requirements can be translated into material, construction, protection, sizing, branding, packaging and production specifications.
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