Welding Gloves for Importers: A Buyer’s Guide
Welding gloves look simple, but small spec choices change how they perform, how they sell and how many complaints you get. Use this guide as a checklist before you place a bulk order.
Match the glove to the welding process
Different welding processes need different gloves. For MIG and stick welding, the usual choice is cow split leather with a 14 to 16 inch cuff and a lining, because it gives strong protection against heat and spatter. For TIG welding, welders prefer thinner goat or deer grain leather, lightly lined or unlined, because it gives better finger feel and control. For general workshop use, a grain leather palm with a split leather back is a good balance of cost, comfort and protection.
The European standard EN 12477 splits welders’ gloves into two types. Type A suits most welding processes and gives higher protection. Type B gives more dexterity and is the usual choice for TIG welding.
Check materials, lining and thickness
Split leather is tougher and cheaper, while grain leather is softer and more flexible. Thicker leather lasts longer but feels stiffer, so put the thickness in your spec. The lining, whether cotton, fleece or heat-resistant fibre, affects both comfort and heat insulation. Our material guide explains these options in more detail.
Look at the stitching
Ordinary polyester or nylon thread can melt in heat and let the seams open. Good welding gloves use heat-resistant thread such as aramid (Kevlar) and have reinforced thumb and palm areas.
Confirm cuff length and sizes
Cuffs commonly run from 12 inches for TIG work up to 18 inches for heavy work. Longer cuffs protect more of the forearm. Ask for a full size chart and check it against what your market expects.
Ask for standards and test reports
Relevant standards include EN 12477 for welders’ gloves, EN 388 for mechanical risks and EN 407 for heat and fire. EU buyers usually need CE-marked products, so confirm certification and test reports before you order.
Sample first, then go bulk
Before a bulk order, approve a sample for fit, leather, stitching and finish. Agree on the packing, such as polybags, cartons, hang tags and your own brand labels, and confirm that bulk production will be checked against the approved sample. Talk about quantities and pricing early too. Our guide on minimum orders and pricing models covers how this works.
Looking for a welding glove supplier? See our welding gloves range or send us your brief for a sample and quote.