If you’ve worked in construction for a few years now, you’ll understand just how difficult it can be to find the right pair of work gloves. But finding a great pair of gloves is just as important as finding a comfortable pair of work boots or even a great power drill. Afterall, your hands are one of the most versatile and hard-working tools that you’ll use.

You might not want to admit it, but your hands are actually very delicate. You might have built up a thick skin – quite literally! – from working outside in all kinds of conditions over the years, but underneath all of that your hands are made up of small fragile bones and ligaments, all of which can be prone to injury. Finding a decent pair of work gloves can make all the difference in protecting your hands and preventing any potential injuries. 

Sustained injuries, whether life-changing and serious or just temporary, can keep us away from our job for weeks and even limit our ability to carry out our roles to the best of our abilities. Not only can this lead to poor performance, but it can be incredibly frustrating and have a negative effect on your mental health. Which is why you should never underestimate the importance of any PPE, but especially your work gloves.

So let’s take a look at what you need to know when looking for your next pair of gloves for the construction site. 

Fit like a glove

It may be an old cliche, but when it comes to gloves you really do need them to fit like a second skin. It’s so important to find the right size of gloves for your hands. You’ll want them to fit very close to your hand shape, not too close so that they restrict movement, but at the same time not too baggy either. Having loose, excess material around your hands, fingers or wrists, can be a hazard in itself, as this has the potential to get caught in machinery. 

A good fitting pair of gloves will still allow you full range of movement and dexterity. The only exception for this is particularly thick protective gloves, such as some cut resistant gloves. Overall, work gloves shouldn’t hinder your ability to move your fingers and grip tools or machinery. 

Comfort is key

While protecting your hands is the top priority when it comes to wearing work gloves, there’s no reason that they shouldn’t be comfortable too. Afterall, you’re going to be wearing them for long periods of time on site. A great deal of the comfort factor does come down to a good fit, so getting your fit right is key. Tight fitting gloves can cause blisters or irritation to your skin. 

It’s also worth weighing up padding, absorbency and insulation – all of these can provide additional comfort for the wearer. For example, if you’re prone to cold hands, you might want to think about getting a pair of thermal work gloves which are lined with adequate insulation. Not only will this make you more comfortable, but you’ll be able to carry out your job more effectively and get your tasks finished quicker.

Hold on tight

One of the most important factors to look for in a decent pair of work gloves, is whether they offer you adequate grip. Whether you’ll be holding onto tools, ladders, or small components and materials, you’ll need gloves which offer you a tight grip. Not only can this make all the difference in whether you’re able to carry out tasks correctly, it can also have a huge impact on your own safety – especially if you’re working on ladders or at heights. Losing your grip can lead to serious injury, so don’t underestimate this one.

We’d recommend looking for gloves with either a coated palm, preferably rubberized, or a traditional pair of leather work gloves which will give you plenty of grip while also keeping your hands protected.

We hope this has given you some guidance when thinking about buying your next pair of work gloves for the construction site. Hand protection on-site is essential, and the right pair of gloves should be comfortable enough to wear all day long, without restricting your range of movement.

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