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Nitrile (NBR)
Synthetic rubber. The most popular disposable glove material and widely used in industrial nitrile-coated gloves.
Properties
| Type | Synthetic polymer |
| Allergy Risk | Low (Type IV possible from accelerators) |
| Puncture Resistance | ★★★★★ Excellent |
| Chemical Resistance | ★★★★ Excellent (oils, fuels, many chemicals) |
| Elasticity | ★★★ Good |
| Tensile Strength | ★★★★ High |
| Temperature Range | -30°C to 120°C |
| Cost | Medium |
✓ Pros
- +Latex-free and hypoallergenic
- +Strong and puncture-resistant
- +Excellent chemical resistance
- +Long shelf life (5 years)
- +Affordable at scale
✗ Cons
- −Less elastic than latex
- −Not biodegradable
- −Some users sensitive to accelerators
Best for: Medical examinations • Food handling • Industrial work • Tattooing • Cleaning
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Natural Rubber Latex
Natural material from rubber trees. Best feel and elasticity but carries Type I latex allergy risk.
Properties
| Type | Natural polymer (from Hevea brasiliensis) |
| Allergy Risk | High (Type I — affects 1-6% of population) |
| Puncture Resistance | ★★★ Good |
| Chemical Resistance | ★★ Limited (degraded by oils) |
| Elasticity | ★★★★★ Excellent |
| Tensile Strength | ★★★★ High |
| Temperature Range | -20°C to 80°C |
| Cost | Low-Medium |
✓ Pros
- +Best comfort and tactile sensitivity
- +Excellent elasticity and fit
- +Biodegradable
- +Lower cost in some markets
✗ Cons
- −Type I latex allergy risk
- −Limited chemical resistance
- −Degraded by hydrocarbons
Best for: Surgical procedures (non-allergic settings) • Medical exams • Dental work • Tasks requiring high dexterity
♻️
Vinyl (PVC)
Polyvinyl chloride. Cheapest disposable option. Limited protection.
Properties
| Type | Synthetic thermoplastic |
| Allergy Risk | Very low |
| Puncture Resistance | ★★ Poor |
| Chemical Resistance | ★ Very limited |
| Elasticity | ★★ Low |
| Tensile Strength | ★★ Low-Medium |
| Temperature Range | 0°C to 60°C |
| Cost | Very Low |
✓ Pros
- +Cheapest disposable option
- +Latex-free
- +Easy to put on and remove
- +Adequate for low-risk tasks
✗ Cons
- −Poor fit and dexterity
- −High failure rate vs nitrile
- −Not approved for medical exam
- −Environmental concerns (PVC)
Best for: Light food service • Household cleaning • Hair salons • Budget applications
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Polyurethane (PU)
Thin, flexible coating used in lightweight work gloves. Excellent dexterity.
Properties
| Type | Synthetic polymer coating |
| Allergy Risk | Very low |
| Puncture Resistance | ★★ Low-Medium |
| Chemical Resistance | ★ Limited |
| Elasticity | ★★★★ Excellent |
| Tensile Strength | ★★ Medium |
| Temperature Range | -10°C to 80°C |
| Cost | Low |
✓ Pros
- +Excellent dexterity
- +Thin and lightweight
- +Affordable
- +Breathable palm
✗ Cons
- −Not for heavy-duty work
- −Limited chemical resistance
- −Not waterproof
Best for: Light assembly work • Electronics • Light gardening • Precision tasks
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Foam Nitrile
Foamed nitrile coating with micro-channels. Best wet grip of any common coating.
Properties
| Type | Foamed nitrile rubber |
| Allergy Risk | Low |
| Puncture Resistance | ★★★ Good |
| Chemical Resistance | ★★★★ Good |
| Elasticity | ★★★★ Good |
| Tensile Strength | ★★★★ High |
| Temperature Range | -20°C to 110°C |
| Cost | Medium |
✓ Pros
- +Best wet/oily grip of any common coating
- +Good dexterity
- +Breathable foam structure
- +Latex-free
✗ Cons
- −Not fully waterproof (eventually absorbs water)
- −Slightly less durable than smooth nitrile
Best for: Wet work • Oily mechanical tasks • Outdoor work in rain • Construction
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Leather
Natural material from animal hide. Traditional work glove. Durable and protective.
Properties
| Type | Tanned animal hide |
| Allergy Risk | Very low |
| Puncture Resistance | ★★★ Good |
| Chemical Resistance | ★ Limited |
| Elasticity | ★★ Low (breaks in over time) |
| Tensile Strength | ★★★★ High |
| Temperature Range | -10°C to 200°C+ |
| Cost | Medium-High |
✓ Pros
- +Durable and long-lasting
- +Good heat resistance
- +Comfortable for extended wear
- +Biodegradable
✗ Cons
- −Not water-resistant (stiffens when wet)
- −No standardized cut rating
- −Not vegan
- −Can shrink if dried near heat
Best for: Construction • Welding • Landscaping • General heavy work
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HPPE (High-Performance Polyethylene)
High-strength synthetic fiber used in cut-resistant gloves. Often combined with steel.
Properties
| Type | Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber |
| Allergy Risk | Very low |
| Puncture Resistance | ★★★★★ Excellent |
| Chemical Resistance | ★★★ Good |
| Elasticity | ★★★ Moderate |
| Tensile Strength | ★★★★★ Very high |
| Temperature Range | -50°C to 100°C |
| Cost | High |
✓ Pros
- +Certified cut resistance up to ANSI A9
- +Lightweight for the protection level
- +Latex-free
- +Often combined with steel for highest ratings
✗ Cons
- −More expensive
- −Can be stiff at high gauges
- −Lower heat resistance than aramids
Best for: Glass handling • Sheet metal work • Butchery • Recycling