If your particular profession requires hand dexterity and fingertip sensitivity, however, you still require protection from a myriad of job-related risks and hazards, a lightweight protective work glove may be the solution.
There are now a variety of both materials and glove designs that offer risk resistance and comfort at the same time. Or you may be searching for the perfect lightweight work gloves because you work in an exceptionally hot climate.
Whatever the reason, there are numerous gloves that meet these criteria and we looked for them to save you some precious time.
To research and test some of the lightest work gloves on the market we invited professionals that depend on exceptional dexterity and some that work predominantly in hot weather climates to help us find you the best pair of lightweight work gloves available.
All of our team required feeling small parts and exceptional tactile sensitivity at work. Several weeks of on-the-job testing helped us compile or best list for your consideration.
Our top choice for heavy-duty work is the Rig Lizard Thin Lizzie. This glove offers superb on-the-job protection yet is lightweight and comfortable at the same time.
We also liked the Vgo Safety Lightweight Work Glove if you are looking for a work glove that is touch screen compatible.
| Work Gloves | Material | Sizing | Closure | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HexArmor Rig Lizard #2095 Thin Lizzie | Polyurethane coating, Fiberglass, HPPE outer shell | Small through XXX-Large | Elastic cuff, Velcro closure | A5 level cut resistance, A4 puncture resistance |
| Ironclad General Utility All-Purpose GUG | Spandex, Thermoplastic rubber, Synthetic leather | XSmall through XX-Large | Velcro closure | Impact protection |
| Vgo Safety Lightweight Touchscreen Compatible | Stretch spandex, faux leather | Small through XX-Large | Tailored elastic wrist fit | CA65 rated EN3882X31B approved |
| Intra-Fit Lightweight Deerskin Reusable | Deerskin, Spandex glove back | M, L, X-L | Cuff in neoprene with a Velcro fastening | Abrasion resistance |
The Reviews
Best Lightweight Work Glove for Heavy-Duty Work
1.) HexArmor Rig Lizard #2095 Thin Lizzie
- PROTECTS FROM IMPACTS
- FLEXIBLE POLYURETHANE COATED GLOVES WITH ABRASION RESISTANCE
- PROTECTS FROM CUTS AND PUNCTURES
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
HexArmor’s Thin Lizzie Gloves offer increased protection from impact injury as well as 360° protection from cuts.
These gloves are made with a knit texture but feature a palm coating in polyurethane that is resistant to abrasion and gives gripping power regardless of if the environment is wet or dry.
A fiberglass and 13-gauge HPPE outer shell offer A5 level cut resistance as defined by ANSI and ISEA ratings. They also offer a level 4 ANSI/ISEA resistance to puncture but maintain exceptional hand dexterity.
The knitwork design is form-fitting and lightweight with a Velcro closure on a generously sized elastic cuff for security. The saddle of the gloves’ thumbs has been reinforced for durability.
These gloves can be hand or machine washed as well as air-dried or tumbled dry. The sizing range is ample starting at Small all the way through XXX-Large.
Pros
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- Lots of sizes
- Great safety ratings for cuts and punctures
- Comfortable knit design for a perfect fit
- Generous cuff size with Velcro closure
- Impact protection with great dexterity all in one
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Cons
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- May not be true to size
- Limited color selection
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Best Lightweight All-Purpose Gloves
2.) Ironclad General Utility All-Purpose GUG Work Gloves
- HIGH PERFORMANCE TASK SPECIFIC WORK GLOVE
- HAND SAFETY
- SECURE FIT
- SWEAT MANAGEMENT FEATURE
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These lightweight work gloves have thicker palms and lighter backs that are fashioned in a breathable fabric so excessive perspiration is prevented.
The thumb back has a terrycloth insert that can be used to remove sweat for convenience. The wrist closure is a hoop and lock style that guarantees a comfortable but snug fit.
These gloves are available in sizes that range from extra-small all the way to XX-large. Made in spandex this is a high-performing glove for a multitude of tasks.
The knuckles are protected with thermoplastic rubber for increased protection from impact and abrasion injuries.
Reusable and machine washable, this glove can be air-dried to maintain sizing. Budget-friendly, they offer increased dexterity with solid protective reinforcement.
Pros
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- Machine washable
- Many sizes to choose from
- Very secure fit with a good closure
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Cons
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- The palm may become discolored with use and washing
- Durability concerns
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Best Touchscreen Lightweight Work Gloves
3.) Vgo Safety Lightweight Touchscreen Compatible Work Gloves
- MULTI-PURPOSE APPLICATIONS
- TOUCHSCREEN COMPATIBLE & ERGONOMIC FIT
- MACHINE WASHABLE
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As many mechanics or electronics professionals know, using touch screen devices for diagnostic work is part of the job and you don’t want to be removing your gloves constantly while trying to work.
Vgo produces a great work glove for either summer or exceptionally hot working environments that has an inner hand material on the thumb and index fingers that is compatible with touch screens.
You can operate your smartphone or your tablet without having to remove your gloves saving you time and saving you from irritation.
Made in breathable lightweight spandex, this ergonomically designed glove offers a comfortable but snug fit meaning that your dexterity is improved.
Pre-curved fingers help to increase comfort and prevent hand fatigue. While not as thick as other work gloves, the palm is synthetic leather with padding in foam to resist abrasions.
They are CA65 rated as well as EN3882X31B approved. The fact that they are reusable and machine washable just adds to the convenience. Sold in packs of three, they come in various color combinations and in sizes ranging from Small to XX-large.
Pros
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- Touchscreen compatibility
- Glove back is in breathable spandex
- Ergonomically designed fit
- Sold in packs of three
- Machine washable
- Many colors
- Good sizing range
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Cons
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- Without a wrist closure
- Not for heavy-duty jobs
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Best Lightweight Work Gloves with Leather
4.) Intra-Fit Lightweight Deerskin Reusable Work Gloves
- DURABLE
- COMFORTABLE
- BREATHABLE
- FLEXIBLE
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you prefer the abrasion resistance that a leather glove can offer but want lightweight and breathability at the same time, these work gloves by Intra-Fit may just be what you are looking for.
The glove palms feature top-quality deerskin that is tanned and died a bright yellow for increased visibility in the workplace. These palms will protect from scratches, cuts, and punctures.
The back of the gloves is in a comfortable spandex material that lessens the glove weight while increasing breathability for dry hands on the hottest of days. The stretchy fit helps afford you a form-fitting and increased dexterity together.
The versatility in design means these gloves are perfect for all kinds of work situations both professional and non.
The cuff is designed in neoprene with a Velcro closure to ensure fit. Sizes come in a range of medium to x-large and these gloves are sold in packages of two.
Pros
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- Deerskin palms and fingers for increased resistance
- Lightweight spandex material glove backs
- Cuff in neoprene with a Velcro fastening
- Durable and comfortable
- Unlined making them ideal for hot climates
- Soft, water-resistant
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Cons
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- Not the most elastic, so check the sizing
- May need a bit of breaking in
- Not waterproof
- Not for heavy-duty work
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All Things Considered
Are work gloves really necessary?
With hand injuries being quite common in the workplace, all professionals need good PPE equipment and two of the most basic pieces of protective equipment are safety goggles or glasses, and you guessed it, a good pair of protective gloves.
To protect your hands, you’ll want a pair of gloves that are resistant to a number of hazards but yet allow you sufficient hand dexterity to get the job accomplished. So, with so many gloves available on the market, where and how do you begin your search?
If your profession requires a high level of precision work, you may prefer a pair of thin work gloves or ultra-thin work gloves that guarantee tactile sensitivity, yet give you protection from cuts, punctures, and abrasions.
The best pair of lightweight work gloves will assist you in doing your best work, and your employer or specific profession may require PPE.
Glove Material
This is a primary factor in selecting and there are lots of materials out there utilized in the production of work gloves. You can find protective gloves in synthetics, leather, woven fivers, as well as latex, rubber, nitrile, and vinyl. Often glove manufacturers will use a combination to ensure specific characteristics and performance.
Material matters because it must protect while affording you a good grip, and comfort. Depending on your profession, one type of material may be more appropriate.
Can you imagine laboratory workers in leather gloves or metal workers using only latex or nitrile? Not going to happen!
When searching for lightweight gloves you’ll be looking for breathable light material Cotton or nylon are typical choices for lightweight gloves, and they will most likely not feature padding or linings that increase the risk of perspiration.
Hazard Protection
Depending on your job, you will probably need protection from specific workplace hazards. These can include protection from
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- Cuts
- Puncture
- Abrasion
- Chemicals
- Impact
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to name the most common.
Comfort
Why select a lightweight work glove? Because aside from the necessary protection you also want a glove that will keep your hands from sweating during work, especially if you are working in a hot climate.
When selecting a lightweight work glove, you’ll probably find less padding and no insulation to keep hands cool.
Size and Fit
For a glove to be protective and allow you to do your job correctly, it needs to fit. If gloves are too small, they will constrict movement and cause discomfort, Gloves that are too big will have your hand sliding around inside and may even risk coming off.
Most gloves will come in sizes from at least small through extra-large or even XX-L. It’s always wise to try on a pair of work gloves before acquiring. If you need to buy online, check out the manufacturer’s sizing guidelines and measure your hands.
Breathability
Many glove designs will offer protection on the palm and fingers while leaving the back of the hand free of coverings.
This is to increase breathability which will, in turn, reduce perspiration, heat, discomfort, and distraction. Also, the choice of material used can contribute to increased breathability.
Design
Do you prefer a cuff that is comfortably snug and elasticized so that your hand is protected from materials entering the glove? The gloves’ design can really influence both safety and comfort.
Cost
The cost of lightweight gloves will often depend on if you are buying a single pair or if the package contains several pairs.
If you find a pair that really convinces you, and the manufacturer offers it in multiple packs, it will make sense to buy a multi-pack selection to have more than one pair on hand.
See also: Best Waterproof Work Gloves
Buying Tips
1.) Try on the gloves you want to purchase. Test if they fit properly, including the wrist area and how well they grip.
2.) If you buy online, check the manufacturer’s sizing guidelines. Measure your hand.
3.) Look for a lightweight, breathable fabric like cotton.
4.) Check to see if seams are double or single-stitched. Are glove edges reinforced?
5.) If you buy online, check out all of these factors before deciding to keep the gloves.
Conclusion
Lightweight protective work gloves are a necessity in hot working environments whether due to climate or type of work.
Breathable fabrics can reduce perspiration and increase comfort but must also protect at the same time and a good snug fit will add to your safety and your dexterity on the job.
All of the gloves on this list merit your consideration and depending on your safety needs, there is sure to be the best lightweight work glove just for you.
