Product information
What are gloves? Common types of protective gloves
Gloves are a vital part of personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically engineered to protect workers’ hands from hazards encountered during different tasks and industrial operations. Available in a wide range of materials, designs, and colors, gloves are tailored to meet the specific demands of each working environment.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what gloves are, their core functions, and highlight the most common types of protective gloves used today. Whether you’re involved in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, or chemical handling, this guide will help you select the right type of gloves to ensure both safety and performance.
What are gloves?

Gloves are specifically engineered to protect workers’ hands from hazards encountered during different tasks and industrial operations.
Gloves, also known as hand coverings, are accessories worn on the hands to protect users during work or daily activities. They shield hands from environmental hazards such as chemicals, bacteria, temperature extremes, injuries, and cuts. Gloves are manufactured in various materials and designs to suit different applications.
Protective gloves can be either disposable or reusable. For instance:
– In the food processing and medical industries, disposable rubber gloves are used to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination.
– In industrial, agricultural, electronics, and construction sectors, reusable industrial gloves are preferred for long-term use.
Common types of protective gloves
The market offers a diverse selection of protective gloves designed to meet the specific demands of various tasks and industries. Below are some of the most widely used glove types, each tailored for unique applications:

Fabric protective gloves
Made primarily from cotton, polyester, knitted blends, or other soft textiles, fabric gloves are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. They are ideal for light-duty activities such as gardening, household chores, sports, fashion use, or general material handling. These gloves offer basic protection while ensuring flexibility and comfort.
Chemical-resistant gloves
Designed to guard against exposure to hazardous substances, chemical-resistant gloves provide effective protection from acids, alkalis, oils, solvents, and other corrosive chemicals. Common materials include nitrile, latex, and PVC. While highly protective, these gloves often lack breathability and may cause hand sweating during prolonged use.
Cut-resistant gloves
Manufactured from advanced materials like Kevlar, high-performance polyethylene (HPPE), or fiberglass, cut-resistant gloves are engineered to withstand sharp edges and mechanical hazards. They are ideal for applications involving knives, metal sheets, glass, or machinery, offering superior protection against cuts, abrasions, and punctures.

Electrical-insulating gloves
Electrical gloves are specialized PPE for protecting users from electric shocks during work on or near energized circuits. Made from non-conductive natural or synthetic rubber, these gloves offer excellent resistance to acids, ozone, and mild alkalis, along with high mechanical durability.
They are available in various thickness levels, corresponding to different voltage ratings:
– Class 00: up to 500V
– Class 0: up to 1,000V
– Class 1: up to 7,500V
– Class 2: up to 17,000V
– Class 3: up to 26,500V
– Class 4: up to 36,000V
The thicker the glove, the higher the electrical protection level.
Arc flash protective gloves
These gloves are engineered to safeguard against arc flashes – sudden electrical discharges that generate intense heat and can cause serious injury. Arc flash gloves typically feature multi-layer construction, combining heat-resistant leather, flame-retardant fabric, insulating layers (fiberglass or carbon fibers), breathable inner linings, and electrical-insulating materials to ensure maximum hand protection under extreme conditions.
Heat-resistant gloves
Heat-resistant gloves are designed for high-temperature environments, such as cooking, metal forging, cement production, welding, and firefighting. Made from specially treated, heat-insulating materials, these gloves prevent thermal transfer to the skin, reducing the risk of burns and heat-related injuries.
Vibration-resistant gloves
Also known as impact gloves, these are crafted to reduce the transmission of mechanical vibrations from power tools and heavy machinery (e.g., grinders, drills, hammers) to the user’s hands. Prolonged exposure to such vibrations can lead to Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), nerve damage, or musculoskeletal disorders.
These gloves are commonly made from a combination of leather, polyester, spandex, and vibration-absorbing polymers, providing both protection and dexterity.
Glove materials
The material of a glove affects its functionality, durability, and suitability for specific tasks. Here are some common materials used in glove manufacturing:

Nitrile rubber (Synthetic rubber)
– Advantages: Versatile material suitable for various work environments; resistant to solvents, oils, greases, hydrocarbons, some acids and bases; excellent puncture and chemical resistance; easily detectable when torn or damaged.
– Limitations: Not suitable for ketones, oxidizing acids, and nitrogen-containing organic compounds.
– Applications: Nitrile gloves are ideal for industrial, medical, and laboratory settings.
Latex rubber (Natural rubber)
– Advantages: Good elasticity and flexibility; water-resistant and mildly chemical-resistant; soft and comfortable, providing excellent tactile sensitivity.
– Limitations: Less effective against organic solvents, oils, and hydrocarbons; may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals; punctures are hard to detect visually.
– Applications: Suitable for medical, cleanroom environments, and tasks requiring high dexterity without exposure to strong chemicals.
Butyl rubber
– Advantages: Protects against ketones, esters, and strong chemicals; impermeable to water, gases, and vapors.
– Limitations: Thick with low tactile sensitivity; not suitable for precision tasks; may cause sweating during prolonged use.
– Applications: Ideal for handling hazardous chemicals and strong solvents.
Vinyl (Polyvinyl Chloride – PVC)

– Advantages: Soft, flexible, and fits various hand sizes comfortably; non-irritating to the skin.
– Limitations: Not biodegradable, posing environmental concerns; manufacturing process may release harmful chemicals.
– Applications: Suitable for light tasks with short usage durations that do not require high durability.
Neoprene (Synthetic rubber)
– Advantages: High durability, suitable for harsh chemical environments; protects against acids, bases, alcohols, fuels, peroxides, hydrocarbons, and phenols.
– Limitations: Less effective against halogenated and aromatic hydrocarbons.
– Applications: Used in chemical, oil and gas industries, and manufacturing.
Leather
– Advantages: Durable with good abrasion resistance; soft and comfortable; offers some cut, puncture, heat, and water resistance.
– Limitations: Not suitable for prolonged exposure to strong chemicals and water.
– Applications: Commonly used in welding, construction, and heavy industries.
Choosing the right gloves for your needs
Selecting appropriate gloves ensures work efficiency and hand safety. Consider the following criteria:

Purpose of use
– Medical, laboratory: Use disposable gloves that fit snugly, ensure hygiene, and offer high tactile sensitivity, such as latex or nitrile gloves.
– Food processing: Opt for gloves that meet food safety standards, are cost-effective, and easily replaceable, like vinyl or polyethylene gloves.
– General labor, gardening: Choose breathable, durable gloves that provide light abrasion resistance, such as cotton or rubber-coated fabric gloves.
– Light industry and mechanics: Select gloves with oil resistance, good grip, and abrasion resistance, like PU or nitrile gloves.
– Welding, heavy mechanics: Require gloves that withstand heat, resist flames, and offer high protection, such as leather or Nomex gloves.
– Chemical handling: Use gloves resistant to solvents, acids, and bases, like thick nitrile, neoprene, or PVC gloves.
Material selection based on work environment
Work environment | Recommended material |
High temperatures | Leather, Nomex, Kevlar |
Chemical exposure | Nitrile, Neoprene, PVC |
Wet conditions | Rubber, Nitrile |
Precision tasks | Thin Latex, Nitrile |
High cut risk | Kevlar, Stainless Steel |
Usage duration and product features
– Short-term tasks and quick operations: Opt for disposable protective gloves such as latex or vinyl gloves, which are convenient and cost-effective for one-time use.
– Long-term and frequent use: Choose reusable gloves made of thick nitrile, coated fabric, or leather, offering durability and protection for extended tasks.
– High dexterity and grip sensitivity: Select thin, snug-fitting gloves that enhance flexibility and provide excellent tactile feedback for precise operations.
– Heavy-duty and high-protection tasks: Use thicker gloves with anti-slip and impact-resistant features to ensure maximum safety in hazardous working environments.
Size and certification
Choosing the right glove size is crucial for ease of movement, fatigue prevention, and operational efficiency. Gloves should conform to internationally recognized safety standards such as:
– EN388 – Protection against mechanical risks
– EN374 – Protection against chemicals and microorganisms
– FDA Certification – Safe for food contact and medical use
Lapro – A trusted partner for high-quality glove manufacturing and supply in Vietnam
With strong production capabilities and strict quality control, Lapro (under THACO INDUSTRIES) – has become a reliable manufacturer and supplier of high-quality protective gloves in Vietnam. We deliver a wide range of products tailored to the unique needs of various industries and regions.

Currently, Lapro manufactures and distributes over 50 types of protective gloves, ranging from mid-range to premium categories. Product offerings include:
– Cotton, polyester, and nylon knitted gloves
– PU-coated, latex-coated, nitrile-coated, and PVC-coated rubber gloves
– Cut-resistant gloves
– Touchscreen-compatible gloves
– Specialized technical fabrics
These products are widely used across multiple sectors, including mechanical engineering, metallurgy, electronics, construction, industry, agriculture, forestry, and mining.
All manufacturing processes comply with international standards like ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and social responsibility certifications including WRAP and WCA. We also meet strict export requirements for markets such as the U.S., Europe, Japan, and South Korea.
Lapro gloves are known for:
– High durability and elasticity
– Anti-slip properties
– UV protection
– Heat resistance and sweat absorption
– Skin-safe materials
These features ensure optimal comfort and safety in various working environments. In addition to domestic supply, Lapro exports to ASEAN, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Poland, and Kuwait.
If you’re looking for a trusted partner in Vietnam to supply high-quality protective gloves, please don’t hesitate to contact us via fanpage or hotline: (+84) 348 620 063.