Keeping Gloves on Hands - Combining Comfort and Cut Levels

Every year, businesses report hundreds of thousands of workplace accidents. 

Of these, RIDDOR recorded a massive 23,113 injuries to fingers, hands, wrists, and arms between 2023 and 2024.

The problem? Uncomfortable gloves don’t get worn - leaving hands unprotected.

What’s the cost of tight, sweaty, or stiff gloves?

• Gloves aren't worn
• More accidents and injuries
• Less safety and compliance
• More costs to your business 

Want more gloves on hands? Find gloves that your team will wear, look for higher cut ratings, and all-day comfort.

Here’s how to find them.

HOW GOOD ARE CUT PROOF GLOVES? 

Whenever there’s a risk of hand injuries at work, cut resistant gloves are an essential part of your PPE kit.

They shield your hands from sharp edges, blades, and other hazards on site. So, they’re crucial for safety - but only when they're worn.

Uncomfortable gloves that rub, are bulky, or trap sweat get taken off. 

THE COST OF UNCOMFORTABLE GLOVES

Uncomfortable gloves don’t just frustrate your team; they create real problems for your business.

You end up with more:

• Accidents, injuries, and downtime
• Injury claims from reduced compliance
• Safety breaches, legal issues, and fines
• Costs for replacements when gloves get tossed
• Questions and complaints from workers and leadership

Sound familiar?
Make comfort an essential part of your PPE spec. 

Our friendly, expert teams can help you find gloves that protect and are comfortable to wear.

Send us a message or give us a call on 0330 441 3500.

WHAT MAKES CUT RESISTANT GLOVES COMFORTABLE?

Cut protection alone isn’t enough. 

The best safety gloves offer both protection and comfort, so workers want to wear them all day.

Look for:

• Flexible coatings for a firm grip
• Soft linings without scratchy seams digging in
• Lightweight materials that move with your hands
• Moisture-wicking to keep hands dry and rash-free
• Breathable knits to keep your hands cool and sweat-free
• Touchscreen tips so gloves can stay on when using devices
• The right size, fit, and cut level for more protection and comfort 

TOP TIP: Treat comfort as a safety feature, not a bonus. When gloves feel good, workers will wear them.

WHAT IS THE MOST COMFORTABLE MATERIAL FOR GLOVES?

Glove materials have a huge impact on whether or not gloves get worn.

Here’s some comfortable options:

• Composite yarns - safety without stiffness.
• Seamless knit - breathable and lightweight.
• Para-aramid (Kevlar®) - tough but a little stiff.
• Metal mesh - maximum protection, minimal comfort.
• Nitrile-coated - flexible and grippy for wet or oily conditions.
• HPPE (High-Performance Polyethylene) - strong, smooth, and comfortable.
  

Balance material benefits with job demands for the right comfort and protection for the job. 

Discover our full hand protection range.

HOW TO FIND COMFORTABLE CUT PROOF GLOVES 

Cut resistant gloves are usually stiff by design. 

Choose the wrong pair, and your team won’t wear them - they’ll keep them in their pockets.

Prioritise:

• Multiple sizes to fit everyone
• Nitrile palm coatings for a firm grip
• Seamless construction for flexibility
• Breathable backs to stop sweat build-up
• Ergonomic design that moves with your hands
• The right EN 388:2016+A1:2018 cut resistance rating for the job

WHAT IS THE STANDARD FOR CUT RESISTANT GLOVES? 

Cut resistant gloves are tested under the EN 388:2016+A1:2018 standard. This is Europe’s safety standard for protection against scrapes, cuts, and wounds at work.

Although most gloves are now on this version, some are still on EN 388:2016.

EN 388:2016+A1:2018 measures:

• Tear strength
• Cut resistance
• Puncture resistance
• Abrasion resistance
• Impact protection (if applicable)

EN 388:2016+A1:2018 EXPLAINED

Cut resistance is rated from A (lowest) to F (highest).

Then, EN 388:2016+A1:2018 combines letters and numbers to show how gloves performed under tests.

TOP TIP: Choose C to F for the best balance of safety and comfort when risks are high. 

HOW TO FIND CUT RESISTANT GLOVE LABELS

Check for the EN 388:2016+A1:2018 shield icon on your gloves - it shows exactly how well they performed in these tests.

Knowing the cut resistance level helps you select the right gloves for the risk.

Want to know more? Here’s cut resistance explained.

OUR FAVES

Here are some bestsellers that balance comfort and protection:

1. Anti-impact cut level C glove

Tough job? No problem.

Packed with level C protection, a breathable liner, a snug fit, and great grip - these safety gloves offer all the impact protection and comfort you need. 

2. AQUATEK-DELTA cut level D dual latex coated glove

Wet conditions? Sorted. 

Double foam latex coating, ISO D liner, Cut D protection, and an ergonomic design provide more security, grip, and comfort without hand fatigue.

3. UCI KUTLASS ultra-SN cut level F Nitrile foam glove 

Need the best? Got it. 

Level F cut protection, abrasion resistance, a reinforced thumb, and a nitrile foam grip offer more support, protection, and an excellent grip in oily or greasy conditions.

Find the perfect fit by exploring our range of cut resistant gloves.

DO YOU WANT COMFORTABLE CUT PROOF GLOVES?

We help you find safety gloves that your team will actually wear.

Here’s how:

• 97% stock availability
• 25,000 products in one place
• Maximum 3-hour response time
• Product trials to find the perfect fit
• 5PM order cut-off for next-day delivery
• Fast ordering and stock control with MY-SMI

Chat with our friendly team today. 

Drop us a message, or give us a call on 0330 441 3500.

FAQs

Why do workers take off their gloves?

Discomfort is the most common complaint workers have about their gloves.

Here’s why:

• Too tight or too loose
• Scratchy seams or rough cuffs
• Hot, sweaty, and clammy hands
• Hard to grip or handle small items
• Bulky or stiff gloves slow hands down

What is the best level of cut resistant gloves?

It all depends on the job. Always choose a cut resistant glove with a rating that meets the safety risk at hand.

For comfortable cut proof gloves, don’t forget to balance cut resistance ratings with comfort.