What is gauge in safety gloves?
Gauge refers to the number of stitches per inch in the glove’s knitted liner. A lower gauge means fewer stitches and a thicker glove, meanwhile a higher gauge means more stitches and a thinner glove.
Think of gauge like the thread count in bed sheets: a low thread count gives you a thicker, heavier fabric, while a high thread count creates a finer, softer material. In the same way, a 7-gauge glove feels robust and protective, whereas an 18-gauge glove feels light and agile. This simple number has a big impact on how gloves perform in different environments, influencing durability, dexterity, and comfort.
| 7 gauge | 10 gauge | 13 gauge | 15 gauge | 18 gauge | 21 gauge | ||||||||
| Fewer stiches per inch Thicker knit | More stitches per inch Thinner knit | ||||||||||||
Why does gauge matter?
Gauge plays a crucial role in glove performance.
- Lower-gauge gloves are thicker and more robust, making them highly resistant to wear and ideal for heavy-duty applications.
- Higher-gauge gloves feature a finer knit that produces a thinner, more flexible liner, allowing superior dexterity and tactile sensitivity perfect for precision tasks.
Comfort is another key factor: selecting the right gauge ensures a balance between protection and ease of movement, reducing hand fatigue during long shifts.
Ultimately, gauge influences durability, flexibility, and user experience, so understanding it is essential for choosing gloves that meet both safety and productivity requirements.
What different gauges are there?
In the UK, safety glove gauges typically range from 7 to 21, although higher gauges are available for specialised applications. Each gauge level offers unique benefits for different tasks:
7 Gauge = 7 stitches per inch
A thick, heavy-duty knit with fewer stitches per inch, designed for maximum strength and durability. Ideal for demanding jobs such as construction and metal handling where impact resistance is critical. These gloves provide exceptional protection but sacrifice some dexterity.
10 Gauge = 10 stitches per inch
Slightly finer than 7 gauge, offering a practical balance between strength and comfort. Commonly used in industrial environments where abrasion resistance and durability are essential.
13 Gauge = 13 stitches per inch
A versatile mid-range gauge widely adopted for assembly, automotive, and maintenance tasks. It combines reliable protection with good dexterity, making it suitable for mixed-use applications.
15 Gauge = 15 stitches per inch
Lightweight and flexible, with more stitches per inch for improved movement and tactile sensitivity. Favoured for precision handling, electronics work, and tasks requiring accuracy without compromising safety.
18 Gauge = 18 stitches per inch
An ultra-fine knit that delivers maximum flexibility and comfort. Perfect for delicate assembly, inspection work, and environments where touch sensitivity is vital. While highly dexterous, these gloves are less suited for heavy-duty tasks.
21 Gauge = 21 stitches per inch
The finest standard gauge available, with an extremely high stitch density for an ultra-thin, second skin feel. These gloves offer unmatched dexterity and tactile sensitivity. However, they are not designed for heavy-duty environments due to their delicate construction.
How to choose the right gauge
| Task type | Recommended gauge | Why this gauge works |
| High-risk, heavy-duty work | 7 - 10 gauge | Thick knit for maximum durability and abrasion resistance |
| Mixed environments | 13 gauge | Balanced protection and flexibility for varied applications |
| Precision tasks | 15 - 21 gauge | Ultra-fine knit for superior dexterity and tactile sensitivity |
Types of knits and glove compositions
Gauge works hand in hand with knit type and material to influence a glove’s comfort, durability, and protective performance. Higher-gauge seamless knit designs (typically 13–18) are a hallmark of uvex’s precision gloves as they offer a smooth, irritation-free fit and exceptional dexterity for tasks requiring fine motor control. Some of these gloves use advanced ergonomic shaping technologies like 3D ErgoFlex, ensuring a “second-skin” feel for maximum comfort.
For applications demanding extra strength and durability, uvex incorporates lower-gauge constructions (7–10) in gloves designed for heavy-duty protection. While cut-and-sewn methods are less common in uvex’s core range, their technical expertise includes in-house knitting and sewing for specialised solutions, ensuring robust performance where needed.
But remember, gauge isn't everything
While gauge influences thickness, flexibility, and comfort, it is only one component of glove performance. Other factors such as materials, construction methods, and coatings play an equally important role.
uvex coatings are engineered to deliver high standards of safety and comfort. For example, aqua-polymer foam coatings provide a secure grip in dry and slightly damp conditions while remaining breathable and skin-friendly, reducing hand fatigue during long shifts. In more challenging environments, uvex’s Xtra Grip (XG) technology ensures exceptional grip in oily or wet conditions without compromising flexibility, thanks to its innovative design. For situations where durability and protection are required uvex has the uXT1-NBR coating technology which combines exceptional flexibility and very long service life.
Material choice is equally critical. uvex uses HPPE (High-Performance Polyethylene) for lightweight strength and outstanding cut resistance, often blended with steel or fibreglass for higher protection levels. Nylon is frequently added for flexibility and comfort. uvex’s patented Bamboo TwinFlex® technology combines natural bamboo fibres with HPPE for a unique balance of softness, breathability, and cut protection. These blended yarns deliver ergonomic fit and long-lasting wearability without compromising safety.
More information
To ensure that you make the right choice why not explore the full uvex glove range with varying glove gauges. Alternatively, call your regional sales representative to assist you in finding the right pair for you and your team.
Explore the full uvex glove range
Contact your local PPE Solutions Specialist
FAQ's
Yes. Lower-gauge gloves generally last longer under heavy use, while higher-gauge gloves prioritise dexterity over durability.
Cut protection depends on material and construction, not gauge alone. However, lower-gauge gloves often pair with stronger fibres for heavy-duty protection.
Absolutely. Advanced fibres like HPPE allow high-gauge gloves to provide excellent cut resistance without sacrificing dexterity.
They offer durability and strength but less flexibility compared to higher-gauge gloves.