Leather & Cotton Work Gloves

Leather & cotton work gloves

Leather and cotton gloves are the workhorse general-duty range: good abrasion and puncture resistance, comfortable in most temperatures, and economical enough to issue freely. They're not the right choice for wet work, strong chemicals, or serious cut risk — but for warehousing, landscaping, dry material handling, and general trades, they remain the default.

Leather types

• Split cowhide — the most common leather work glove. Good abrasion resistance, moderate cost, thick enough for rough-edged materials.
• Grain cowhide — smoother outer surface, better dexterity, slightly more expensive than split.
• Pigskin — softer and more pliable than cowhide, breathes better in hot conditions, dries softer after wetting.
• Goatskin — thinnest and most supple of the common leathers. Used where tactile feedback matters (drivers, riggers).
• Deerskin — premium glove leather; exceptional softness and durability at a higher price point.

Cotton gloves & liners

Cotton drill and knit gloves are lightweight, breathable, and cost-effective for light assembly, pottery, parcel handling, and as liners under chemical or electrical gloves. Add PVC dots for grip on boxes and bins. Cotton offers minimal protection against cuts, abrasion, or chemicals — it's a comfort and hygiene layer, not a barrier.

Lined vs. unlined

Cold-weather leather gloves ship with thermal or fleece lining. Unlined versions are cooler and preferred for sustained work in warm climates. For heat-adjacent work, a Kevlar lining raises the heat rating — see our heat-resistant range.

When not to use leather

Leather absorbs water and chemicals; it's the wrong choice for wet work or chemical splash — use chemical-resistant gloves instead. It's also unsuitable for fine tactile work or high-voltage electrical tasks.

Standards & compliance

Leather and cotton gloves in this range meet AS/NZS 2161.2 (mechanical performance) where applicable. EN 388 ratings are listed per product — most general-duty cowhide rates 2121 or higher, suitable for typical warehousing and construction tasks.

Frequently asked questions

Cowhide vs pigskin — which lasts longer?

Cowhide is more durable for abrasion and puncture, but pigskin breathes better and stays softer after wetting. For daily heavy-duty work, cowhide wins on longevity. For tasks involving moisture and drying cycles, pigskin is more comfortable.

Are cotton gloves cut-resistant?

No. Standard cotton gloves offer very low cut protection (EN 388 Level 1 or less). For cut risk, use dedicated cut-resistant gloves with a minimum Level B rating.

Can I wash leather work gloves?

Generally no — washing stiffens and shrinks the leather. Brush off debris and air-dry. Some cotton-backed or synthetic-blend gloves are machine-washable; check the product page.

Do you offer trade or bulk pricing?

Yes — trade accounts get 5% off RRP, and leather and cotton gloves ship with strong carton-quantity volume discounts. Apply for a trade account →