Glove Guides

Plain-language explanations of glove ratings, standards and materials, so you can read a spec sheet and pick the right protection.

EN 388

Cut levels

Standards

EN 388 Glove Ratings Explained: What 4443DX Means

How to read the six-character EN 388 code on a glove — abrasion, cut, tear, puncture, ISO cut and impact — using the DM3000C's 4443DX rating as a worked example.

Cut-Resistant Glove Materials: Spectra, Kevlar and 650 Denier Explained

What actually stops a blade: Honeywell Spectra® vs DuPont™ Kevlar®, what "650 denier" means on a spec sheet, and how ANSI and EN 388 measure cut resistance.

Glove Selection Chart: The Right Protective Glove for Each Job

Pat-downs, cell searches, slash threats, barbed wire, arc flash, rescue, motor and winter patrol: the hazards in each job, what to look for, and which ratings to ask for.

Genuine vs Faux Leather: How to Tell the Difference (Including Rexine)

Seven checks that separate real leather from PU, vinyl and rexine: the cut edge, the back, grain pattern, the water test and why it fails on treated leather.

Cowhide vs Goatskin Leather Gloves: Which Is Better?

Cowhide is tougher, goatskin more supple for its strength, sheepskin the softest. How each hide behaves in a glove and which to pick for duty, tactical and dress use.

What Is Nappa Leather? Full Grain, Top Grain and Split Explained

Nappa is soft, smooth, usually full grain leather; it is a finish, not an animal or a grade. Leather grades, chrome tanning, drum dyeing and thickness explained.

Read guide · 6 min