The production of protective gloves is a precise and multi-stage process, in which modern technology is combined with rigorous quality control. Each pair, before reaching the user’s hands, goes through a series of stages – from selecting yarn, through knitting and coating, to testing and certification.
Learn how work and protective gloves are made, which protect the hands of millions of users every day.
1. Selection and preparation of yarn (liner)
The basis of each glove is the so-called liner – a knitted base that adheres to the skin of the hand. Depending on the type of glove, different types of yarn are used:
- cotton or polyester – for simple, airy models,
- HPPE, glass, steel or aramid (Kevlar®) fibres – for cut-resistant gloves,
- ESD fibres with the addition of carbon fibres – for protection against electrostatic discharge.
The yarn can be dyed, mixed or modified at the preparation stage – depending on the expected level of protection and comfort.
2. Seamless knitting (gauge)
The liner is made using seamless knitting technology on circular machines. This is why the gloves:
- they fit perfectly to the hand,
- they have no pressure points,
- they are flexible and durable.
In this phase, the so-called gauge (G) is also determined – i.e. the number of stitches per inch:
- 13G – standard, strong,
- 15G–18G – thin, light and precise.
3. Coating
Depending on the intended use, the knitted liner goes to the next stage – coating with a protective material, such as:
- nitrile (including nitrile microfoam) – resistant to oils and greases,
- polyurethane (PU) – thin and precise,
- latex – flexible, with good grip,
- PVC – for chemicals and work in cold conditions.
Gloves can be coated:
- in the palm part,
- in zone 3/4,
- in total – depending on the level of protection and the work environment.
4. Drying and preservation
After coating, the gloves go to drying ovens, where the material is hardened and permanently bonded to the knit. In this process:
- the adhesion of the coating is strengthened,
- it gains resistance to cracking,
- its durability in industrial conditions is improved.
Some coatings (e.g. microfoam) require special drying conditions to maintain a porous, breathable structure.
5.Quality control and laboratory tests
The gloves undergo detailed testing, including:
- mechanical resistance (EN 388),
- resistance to cuts, tears, punctures,
- chemical resistance (EN ISO 374),
- ESD tests, resistance to heat or cold.
Gloves are checked for: coating consistency, knit and sewing quality, size and fit, compliance with CE and ISO standards.
6. Packing and marking
Finished gloves are packed collectively or individually and marked in accordance with EU requirements:
- CE symbol,
- EN standards,
- manufacturer’s name and model type,
- batch number and user manual.
Versions dedicated to B2B sales often have bulk packaging (e.g. 120 pairs in a box) and labels for quick product identification, as well as EAN 13 and 14-digit codes.
7. Storage and distribution
The finished gloves are delivered to distributors’ warehouses from where they are sent to health and safety wholesalers, industrial companies, manufacturing plants and institutions.