Glove Gauge And Its Impact On The Use Of Cut-Resistant Gloves

Glove Gauge And Its Impact On The Use Of Cut-Resistant Gloves

Gauge is defined as the number of stitches included in each inch of yarn. As the number of stitches increase, so does the gauge. Note: Although gauge refers to the yarn, it’s common to hear it called glove gauge. This has the same meaning and is a shorthand way of referring to the thickness or thinness of a glove.

Below is a quick overview of glove gauges, including their thickness and dexterity level, and how they impact a glove’s feel and performance in tasks that involve cut hazards.

Different gauges are recommended for different tasks and hazards. In the past, a lower gauge, coarser yarn, was often the preferred choice to make cut-resistant gloves. However, with engineered yarns, glove manufacturers can produce thinner, more comfortable gloves with high dexterity that also provide high cut resistance.

No one gauge is better than the other. It depends on the work task and hazards for which they’re needed.

For instance, if comparing a 7-gauge glove to a 21-gauge glove, the 7 gauge will be less dexterous, because it’s less flexible and has a lower tactile feel. If fine motor skill is needed, this is an issue. But, if the task requires heavy lifting that includes sharp and abrasive objects, someone might prefer a thicker glove as it offers increased cushioning and durability.

To learn more about the differences between glove gauges, check out our Glove 101 section on glove gauges that discusses the topic in detail.