Leather Palm Work Gloves

Leather work gloves is a very broad category, and I will do my best to provide you with some good recommendations since I have been involved with developing, making, and selling these types of gloves for almost 3 decades.

Basically, leather work gloves have been the standard for work gloves for centuries going back most likely to the stone age if you think about it.

Today, we have more modern designs and even synthetic leathers which have proven to be very worthy, but it always goes back to the fit, feel, and function and the price.

I decided to create this post focused on “Leather Palm Gloves” due to the many calls we receive from customers looking for a good leather work glove or one for a special application.

Obviously, we are your best source for work gloves since we are glove experts, and we only offer the best gloves in each class of gloves. Although your local hardware store carries gloves, they are not glove experts and their focus is generally on hardware and their glove offerings are very limited often to their own brand and not near as broad as a company like GO Gloves who specialize in gloves. We carry many brands and we only select the best models from select manufacturers.

Types of Leather

First let me address the types of leather. I have discussed the types of leather in the past so I will be brief. Many work glove users fail to recognize the type of leather but there is a difference.

Top Grain Cowhide Leather models are the most popular since they are generally the highest quality of leather and have a smooth finish, are more flexible, and very durable. Split Leather models, although durable, have a rough, suede type of finish and are usually used in less expensive glove models.

Pigskin Leather Gloves and Deerskin Leather Gloves are also very good and durable like cowhide, and they are the best option if the gloves are frequently used in wet conditions since pigskin and deerskin dries soft unlike cowhide which can get stiff after they dry out. Goatskin Leather Gloves and Deerskin Leather gloves are also popular and a very practical choice since they have a softer feel. It would be rare to find Goatskin or Deerskin in Leather Palm Gloves since they a less likely to withstand the durability required in this type of glove designed for rugged work.

Why Leather Palm Gloves?

There are Leather Drivers Type Gloves and there are Leather Palm Gloves. Leather drivers are generally all leather from the palm to the back of hand. Leather Palm Gloves are constructed with leather only on the palm side of the glove for hand protection and durability. The back side is generally made with cotton, canvas, or a synthetic material to save costs on the gloves which helps reduce the pricing with these gloves. This material can often provide some breathability as well to minimize hand perspiration. Also, since the back of hand is not generally exposed to any harm in most jobs, you may not need the extra protection.

Note: However, you will find that in most of the better Leather Palm Gloves have a leather knuckle strap on the back side of the glove and leather fingertips for added hand and finger protection.

Cuff Options

You will find that Leather Palm Gloves have two types of cuff options. The most popular being a “Safety Cuff” which is generally around 2.5”. The other cuff option is a “Gauntlet Cuff” for extra protection, and they are generally around 4.5” or more. These cuffs are normally internally rubberized (rubber under layered between cloth) for added stiffness and better durability.

Palm and Thumb Design

You should find that in the better Leather Palm Gloves that they should have a Wing Thumb (no seam on the palm side) with a Gunn Cut Palm (seams only on the palm side of the two middle fingers). These features reduce the number of seams on the palm side of the gloves for longer glove life and more durability in the gloves.

Impact Resistance

If you are looking for some impact resistance in a work glove, see the links below.

Information on Impact Resistant Gloves

Impact Resistant Gloves

Useful Links:

For examples of popular Leather Palm Gloves, see the link below:

Link to: Leather Palm Gloves

For more information on Leather Drivers Gloves

Link to: Leather Drivers Gloves Information

Link to: Leather Drivers Gloves

If anyone has any questions, please let me know.

Thank you for subscribing,

Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru

Best Leather Drivers Work Gloves

I have not discussed our Drivers Gloves for years now but these style of work gloves are one of our most popular work gloves next to our Coated Work Gloves.

Many people think that Drivers Gloves are associated with fancy leather gloves worn by men driving sports cars (We sell them too) but Drivers Gloves are the name adopted for leather gloves that were made popular with long-haul truck drivers, transportation and delivery people, and construction workers.

Maybe you never noticed or paid attention but you would be hard pressed not to see your local truck delivery guy not wearing a pair of Leather Drivers Gloves to grab and handle large box deliveries. Some of these workers have switched to some of the thinner coated work gloves but the Leather Drivers remain the standard for most users.

There are many types of Drivers Gloves that are popular with many users and they include types from grain cowhide, goatskin, deerskin, pigskin, and insulated models for cold weather, cut resistant models, and high visibility models for low light conditions.

Drivers gloves are also the most practical general use leather gloves used for all types of uses from construction workers to yard work and general chores.

Important features

Before I discuss our various Leather Drivers Gloves, I feel the need to point out an especially important feature in our Leather Work Gloves which is frequently overlooked when you buy gloves.

Keystone thumb feature: I am sorry to repeat myself since I have discussed this feature many times in the past with other types of gloves, but it is essential. This feature may not seem to be particularly important, but it is if you want the gloves to be comfortable, form fitting, and ergonomically fit the user.

Note: To identify a keystone thumb glove model, these are where the thumb piece is made separately and set into and sewn into the palm of the glove. Gloves without a keystone thumb are simply two pieces of leather laid out and cut to the shape of the hand and sewn together. Our hands are not designed this way and therefore, gloves without a keystone thumb are less comfortable and provide less dexterity. Gloves without a keystone thumb are also a sign of a lower quality and cheaply made gloves. This is an essential feature in almost any glove except for some rugged heat resistant and some welding gloves.

Other notable important features

The following items may be helpful to consider when selecting a Leather Drivers Glove.

Type of Leather:

Top Grain Cowhide Leather models are always the best option since they are the highest quality of leather used in leather work gloves and have a smooth finish, are more flexible, and durable. Split Leather models, although durable, have a rough, suede type finish and are usually used in less expensive glove models.

Pigskin Leather Gloves and Deerskin Leather Gloves are also particularly good and durable like cowhide, and they are the best option if the gloves are frequently used in wet conditions since pigskin and deerskin dries soft unlike cowhide which can get stiff after they dry out. However, we do have a great WK-1304 Water-Resistant Top Grain Leather Driver Glove which is a good choice if the gloves are often used in wet conditions. 

Goat Skin Leather Drivers Gloves and Deerskin Leather Drivers Gloves are also popular and a very practical choice since they have a softer feel.

Best seller: This is a question that is frequently asked, and I always ask, “What are you using them for first?”

I will mention that it is a close race at the top since no single model substantially outsells any other Leather Drivers Gloves. However, I will say that our Kinco WK-98 Premium Grain Leather Drivers Gloves are extremely popular but that is largely the case since we have sold these the longest and many customers simply re-order models that they have bought in the past without looking at other newer models.

See below about the Caiman Water-Resistant Top Grain Leather Gloves which in my opinion are the best Leather Drivers Gloves available today.

Leather Drivers Work Glove Styles

There are a few styles of Leather Drivers Work Gloves for specific needs, requirements, and applications. I will not include links to the specific applications since it can get redundant and needless since the gloves can be found easily in the main link for Leather Work Drivers Gloves.

These are the types of styles that you can find when selecting a Leather Work Drivers Glove:

General Duty, Cut-Resistant, Winter Lined, Water-Resistant, and Hi-Vis High Visibility models.  In other words, we have you covered for whatever use you need since we carry over 28 different styles.

The Best Leather Work Drivers Glove:

After selling Leather Drivers Gloves for over 25 years, there is one model that stands out and meets every important benchmark that I consider essential and vital.

Meet the Caiman 1304 Top Grain Water-Resistant Leather Drivers Gloves.

Besides being the most comfortable and most durable almost bullet-proof driver gloves these gloves exceed everything anyone would want in a Leather Work Drivers Glove. If you knew anything about how driver’s gloves are made, I am surprised that these are not more expensive. The design and the intricate work to make these gloves is remarkable.

As far as the design, they are made to take the natural shape of the human hand and even employ a special design for the thumb and fingers and get the seams out of the way of natural wear and tear.  In fact, these drivers are even washable if you can imagine that.

It is also known that these gloves can last 3 times longer than the average drivers gloves which adds up to huge savings if you use these types of gloves on a regular basis. Therefore, based on all the gloves features and benefits, it is my opinion that these gloves are the best leather drivers work gloves available today without a doubt.

I could go through all the details here but to keep this post simple, you can read more about these gloves at the link below.   

Link: Caiman 1304 Top Grain Water-Resistant Leather Drivers Gloves

Other Helpful Links to 28 different styles:

Link: Leather Drivers Work Gloves

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to reach out to me.

Thank you for subscribing,

Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru

Warm Weather Work Gloves with Cool Prices.

Everyone has their favorite work gloves but those that work outdoors in the hot sun of summer find that their favored model is simply too hot to wear for any extended period of time. This is especially the case for men and women whose jobs are outdoors in warm climates such as construction, landscaping or road workers.

I’ve broken down our most popular warm weather glove models into a few select categories such as mechanics gloves, leather gloves, and our popular coated work gloves. This list will make it easier for you to select a good warm weather work glove rather than scroll and search through our large selection of work gloves.

Here’s the list…..

Leather models:

#WK-1347 Caiman Unlined Goat Skin Leather Driver Work Gloves

These Goatskin leather drivers’ style work gloves are very supple yet very durable.  

  • Medium Weight Goat Skin, Abrasion Resistant Cowhide Leather
  • Unlined for maximum tactile sensitivity.
  • Shirred elasticized Wrist
  • Straight Thumb provides a secure and anchored fit. 

#WK-98 Kinco® Premium Grain Cowhide Unlined Drivers Gloves

  • Golden Grain Premium Cowhide Leather Drivers
  • Shirred Elastic Back
  • Keystone Thumb – A keystone thumb provides added reinforcement and padding at the point on the glove that receives the most wear. It is a double thickness of leather that overlaps onto the base of the thumb.
  • Turned Leather Binding 

#WK-908 Kinco® High-Vis Lime Green Mesh Unlined Pigskin Palm Gloves

Day and Night “Warm Weather” High-Vis protection

  • Green Nylon Mesh Back for those hot summer days
  • 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material
  • Keystone Thumb

The Glove Guru’s comment: Did you know that Pigskin Dries Soft and Supple after getting WET!

#WK-909 Kinco® High-Visibility Orange Mesh Unlined Pigskin Palm Gloves

Day and Night “Warm Weather” High-Vis protection

  • Orange nylon mesh back for hot summer days
  • 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material
  • Keystone Thumb

The Glove Guru’s comment: Did you know that Pigskin Dries Soft and Supple after getting WET!

Mechanics Gloves:

#307070 Youngstown General Utility Plus with Grey Mesh Mechanics Gloves

  • Designed for durability and breath-ability in warm weather
  • Breathable Stretch Mesh Removes Heat and Moisture
  • Asphalt Palm Reinforcement Increases Durability
  • Oil & Water Resistant Synthetic Palm
  • Adjustable Velcro Closure Provides Wrist Support
  • Terry Cloth Thumb for Wiping Sweat & Debris

Coated Work Gloves:

#WK-C125 – G-TEK Coated White Polyurethane/White Nylon Coated Gloves

POLYURETHANE PU coatings, due to their strength, provide extra abrasion resistance and extended wear. 

This premium quality coated seamless knit nylon glove offers great dexterity. The polyurethane coated palm and fingers are ideal for abrasion resistance. Breathable back for comfort. 

Applications: These Coated Gloves are used in electronics and computer assembly, quality control, inspection and general assembly.

Manufacturer Part No. 33-125

#WK-C125-G – G-TEK Coated Gray Polyurethane/Gray Nylon Coated Gloves

Same glove as the (WK-C125) except with gray coating.

Manufacturer Part No. 33-G125

#WK-C244 ATG MaxiFlex Elite Micro-Foam Nitrile Coated Gloves with Micro-Dot Palm

Blue Seamless Knit Nylon/Lycra Liner with Blue Micro-Foam Nitrile Dotted Coated Palm & Raised Dots

  • The Ultimate in Super Light Breathable Micro-Foam Nitrile Dipped Nylon Coated Gloves.
  • Raised Micro Dots to increase durability and cushioning.
  • Ultra-Cool and Very Comfortable to Wear, Breathable Coating Keeps Hands Cool and Dry.
  • Treated with to Repel Water and Light Oil.
  • Excellent Dexterity, Sensitivity and Tactility.
  • Manufacturer Part No. 34-244

#WK-C274 ATG MaxiFlex Elite Ultra-Light Coated Gloves

Blue Seamless Knit Ultra-light-weight Liner with Blue Micro-Foam Nitrile Coated Palm & Finger Tips

  • The Ultimate in Super Light Breathable Micro-Foam Nitrile Dipped Nylon Coated Gloves.
  • 30% thinner than traditional foam Nitrile gloves.
  • Ultra-Cool and very Comfortable to Wear, Breathable Coating Keeps Hands Cool and Dry.
  • Treated repel Water and Light Oil.
  • Excellent Dexterity, Sensitivity and Tactility.
  • Manufacturer Part No. 34-274

#WK-C8264 ATG MaxiFlex Active Ultra-Light Coated Gloves

Pink Seamless Knit with Lycra Ultra-light-weight Liner with Pink Micro-Foam Nitrile Coated Palm & Finger Tips

  • The Ultimate in Super Light Breathable Micro-Foam Nitrile Dipped Nylon Coated Gloves.
  • Aloe infused liner provides superior comfort.
  • 30% thinner than traditional foam Nitrile gloves.
  • Ultra-Cool and very Comfortable to Wear, Breathable Coating Keeps Hands Cool and Dry.
  • Treated repel Water and Light Oil.
  • Excellent Dexterity, Sensitivity and Tactility.
  • Manufacturer Part No. 34-8264

#WK-C844 ATG MaxiFlex Endurance Coated Gloves with Dotted Palm

Gray Seamless Knit Nylon/Lycra Liner with Black Micro-Foam Nitrile Coated Palm & Raised Dots

  • The Ultimate in Super Light Breathable Micro-Foam Nitrile Dipped Nylon Coated Gloves.
  • Raised Micro Dots to increase durability and cushioning.
  • Ultra-Cool and Very Comfortable to Wear, Breathable Coating Keeps Hands Cool and Dry.
  • Treated to Repel Water and Light Oil.
  • Excellent Dexterity, Sensitivity and Tactility.
  • Manufacturer Part No. 34-844

#WK-C874 ATG MaxiFlex Ultimate Palm Coated Gloves

  • Micro Foam Nitrile coatings are compatible with light oils and will provide a good grip and excellent abrasion resistance.
  • 360° Breath-ability – Patented micro-foam Nitrile coating offers 360° breathability, making it the most breathable glove on the market today
  • 25% Thinner – Than most foam Nitrile gloves on the market while offering twice the mechanical performance
  • Complies with FDA food handling requirements 21 CFR, Part 177
  • Manufacturer Part No. 34-874 

#WK-C874FY ATG Maxiflex Ultimate Hi-Vis Yellow Nitrile Coated Gloves

Nitrile Coated Palm & Finger Tips, High Visibility Yellow Seamless Knit Polyester Liner

  • A Light-weight 15 gauge breathable Nylon Coated Gloves.
  • Excellent Dexterity, Sensitivity and Tactility.
  • Manufacturer Part No. 34-874FY

New Driver Style Leather Work Gloves


http://www.gloves-online.com/black-and-decker-leather-drivers-work-glove
Quality Driver Style Cowhide Leather Work Gloves are hard to come by and find.

The leather is either too thin or made from inferior cowhide to keep costs down. However, even with a more attractive cost these gloves tend to wear out quickly or fall apart. So, you saved some money but you had to replace them sooner than you anticipated.

The good news is that our friends at Black & Decker have introduced a new driver style work glove that’s very impressive, very durable, and very comfortable. These gloves are so comfortable that you will be happy to wear them all day long. 
The gloves feature a traditional driver style design but they have a more durable cowhide, have double stitching throughout for added durability, and have a reinforced thumb crotch that adds life to the gloves. They also have a nice elastic shirred wrist for a snug fit but can be easily donned and removed. 
I highly recommend you purchase a pair or two of the Black & Decker DB555 Gloves when your current leather work gloves wear out.  

New Hi-Visibility Leather Palm Gloves


http://www.gloves-online.com/mcr-hi-vis-orange-lined-pigskin-gloves
I’m pleased to introduce a new glove to our line of High-Visibility gloves. After all, daylight savings time will end this week so it comes at a very appropriate time and better yet it’s a “lined” fall/winter version. 
Why all the fuss about this type of traditional type of leather palm glove?
First, it is a full-featured high quality grain pigskin leather with all of the features only found in more expensive models. 
Points:

1. Quality select grain pigskin which dries soft and remains supple if they get wet unlike cowhide. 

2.   Hi Visiblity Orange/Yellow bands on the back of hand.

3.   Retro-reflective strips built into the hi-vis bands.

4.   Insulated lining for warmth. 

5.   Reinforced finger tips for added protection.

6.   2.5” Safety Cuff for easy on and off. 

7.   Unisex sizing: Small – XL 

Lastly and most important, this model is a whopping 30% less in savings than the other alternate model which we have been selling for years – and without sacrificing on quality or design. The pricing on this glove is awesome. 
Links:  

Alligator Gloves or Zip Line Gloves?



The simple answer is BOTH!  But we call them Strong Cowhide FencingGloves which are popular among construction workers and ranchers. 

However, one of our customers, the Alligator Farm Zoological Park, uses them on their zip line and challenge course which traverses over the zoo and alligators. The park’s guests have been using these gloves (since 2011) to hand break on the zip lines for their durability. Also, since the gloves are completely made from leather (not synthetic) they are safer if consumed by an alligator. 
You can see these gloves in action with the alligators at the following link: Alligator Farm video
For more information about the park, go to this link: Alligator Farm 
To purchase these gloves: Strong Cowhide Fencing Gloves

 

Future price volatility predicted in leather work glove costs


I am predicting that we will see significant and sudden price increases in most cowhide grain and split leather work gloves during 2014. This comes on the heels of the 5 – 10% annual increases over the last three years. Some of our leather work glove suppliers are anticipating another 10% hike in 2014 but I am predicting that the increases will be around 15% and on some models as much as 30%.
Global conditions have resulted in shortages of most cowhides and multiple influences are contributing to the price increases. Examples are:

  • China’s recent environmental policies resulting in closure of over 100 leather tanneries that do not use eco-friendly metal-free tanning processes.
  • Reduced number of cowhides due to higher feed prices and global droughts.

  • Cost of labor increases in China. 
  • Increased leather demand from auto, clothing, and shoe industries. 

Some manufacturers have sourced cheaper gloves in India and Pakistan but the quality of the leather and the craftsmanship is not currently comparable to that in China. Recently, due to customer complaints, we have had to replace some of those inferior leather glove lots that were sent to us without our knowledge and were unfortunately shipped our larger leather glove industrial users. Subsequently, these inferior gloves have been returned to the manufacturer.
As an option to the cowhide leather price increases, I encourage you to consider other alternatives with minimal price challenges such as pigskin, synthetic leathers, and grain goatskin or sheepskin. Otherwise, place your orders now if you want some immediate price protection.