Work gloves in bulk and retail: how to choose and buy
Gloves are chosen for a particular job
PVC-dotted gloves in a warehouse and welding gauntlets do different jobs. If you take the wrong ones, they either wear out fast, get in the way of work, or do not protect at all.
- Cotton with PVC dots — all-round for warehouses, building and loading work; the dots give grip;
- Coated with latex, nitrile or polyurethane — for wet and oily objects, with nitrile more resistant to oils and fuel;
- Cut-resistant — a cut-resistance rating such as EN 388, for glass and sharp metal edges;
- Split-leather gauntlets — for welding and hot work;
- Insulated — for cold; disposable nitrile — for clean procedures and chemicals.
Knit gauge and weight
The gauge shows how fine the knit is: gauge 7 is thicker, and 10 and 13 are thinner and more sensitive to touch. The number of threads affects strength: four threads do for light work, and for heavy work more is better. For fine work people take gauge 13, for loads 7 or 10.
What to put in your request
- Type of gloves — cotton with dots, coated, gauntlets, cut-resistant, insulated;
- Coating — PVC, latex, nitrile, polyurethane, split leather;
- For what work — building, warehouse, fuel and lubricants, welding, gardening;
- Protective features — cuts, oils, heat, cold, the EN 388 class;
- Gauge and threads — for example gauge 10, 4 threads;
- Size — 8 to 11 or M-XL; for a crew a range;
- Number of pairs — in bulk the price per pair is often lower;
- City and budget — price per pair.
Example: “I need 500 pairs of cotton gloves with PVC dots, gauge 10, 4 threads, size 10 (XL), for a warehouse. Delivery to Vancouver, budget up to $0.42 per pair.”
How to compare offers
Compare the gauge, the number of threads and the weight of a pair: two “identical” pairs sometimes differ a lot. Look at how many dots there are and whether they are applied evenly. Ask about the pack: a pair, a dozen or several dozen. For protective models, ask for confirmation of the EN 388 class.
Create a request on BlaBlaPrice, and sellers will send prices and terms on their own. They can see where they stand among the others, so they compete for your order, and you compare ready offers. The best-value offer is first, with reviews beside it. More on the “How it works” page.
Common mistakes
People take the cheapest without counting wear: a pair replaced every day costs more than a tougher one. They buy thin gloves for heavy work. They do not state the size and get ones that are too big instead of comfortable.
Also look at work clothing, work footwear and head, eye and hearing protection.
Questions and answers
Which knit gauge should I choose?
For loading and heavy work people take thicker ones, gauge 7 or 10, and for fine work thinner ones, gauge 13. Also look at the number of threads.
What does the EN 388 class mean?
It is a standard for the mechanical protection of gloves: resistance to abrasion, cuts, tearing and puncture. For hazardous work, ask the seller to confirm the class.
Can I order gloves in bulk?
Yes, state the number of pairs and the size in the request. Sellers will write the bulk price, packing and delivery times.
Does the buyer pay for BlaBlaPrice?
No, it is free for buyers. A seller pays a small fee only when you choose them.
