Work Glove Sizing Guide and Trade-by-Trade Picks: Cut, Impact, and Grip (2026)
Sep 24, 2026
Short answer: Measure around your palm just below the knuckles, not including the thumb. 7 to 8 inches is small, 8 to 9 medium, 9 to 10 large, 10 to 11 extra large. Between sizes, go larger for impact work and smaller for precision. Then match the glove to the hazard of your trade: cut resistance for sharp edges, impact padding for tools and stone, puncture resistance for thorns and wire, grip for oil and wet.
How to measure
- Wrap a tape around the widest part of your dominant hand, below the knuckles, thumb out
- Read the inches
- S: 7 to 8. M: 8 to 9. L: 9 to 10. XL: 10 to 11
- Long fingers with a narrow palm: size up one. Wide palm with short fingers: size down and accept a snug fit
A glove that is too big bunches at the palm and slips on a tool; too small and the seams split at the thumb. Fit is the difference between a glove you wear all day and one that lives in the truck door.
What the resistance words mean
- Cut resistant: the material slows a blade or edge. ANSI 105 rates cut levels A1 to A9; general trades work at A2 to A4, glass and sheet metal at A5 and up.
- Impact resistant: padding on the back of the hand and knuckles absorbs a slipped wrench or a dropped block. ANSI 138 rates impact 1 to 3.
- Puncture resistant: the palm resists thorns, wire ends, and nails.
- Grip: a reinforced or textured palm holds wet pipe and oily parts.
Picks by trade
| Trade | Main hazard | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Edges, dropped material | Cut plus impact, reinforced palm, hook-and-loop wrist |
| Oilfield, drilling, mining | Impact, oily grip | Heavy knuckle padding, grip palm, high visibility helps |
| Masonry and concrete | Impact, abrasion | Impact padding, abrasion-resistant palm, replace often |
| Landscaping and farming | Thorns, wire, sun | Puncture-resistant palm, cut resistance, breathable back |
| Mechanics and automotive | Sharp metal, oil | Cut resistance, grip palm, thin enough for bolts |
| Assembly and warehouse | Box cutters, repetition | Cut resistance, light weight, dexterity |
| Woodworking | Splinters, saws | Cut resistance, snug fit that will not catch |
One glove for the crew
The POD X ProTech is built for the general-trades middle of that table: cut, impact, tear, and puncture resistant, dense knuckle pads, a reinforced grip palm, an adjustable wrist, 3.5 ounces per pair, in S through XL on one listing, at $9.89. Fleets and crews buy them by the case through POD for Fleet. Read the ANSI levels guide if a job spec calls for a specific rating.
Care and replacement
- Machine wash cold, air dry
- Replace when the palm wears through, after any cut that reaches the liner, or when the fingertips fray
- Keep a spare pair in the truck; the day you need gloves is the day you left them at home
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure my hand for work gloves?
Tape around the palm below the knuckles, thumb out. 7 to 8 in small, 8 to 9 medium, 9 to 10 large, 10 to 11 extra large.
Should work gloves be tight or loose?
Snug without binding. Size up for impact work, down for precision.
What does cut resistant mean?
The material slows a blade under ANSI 105 levels A1 to A9. General trades use A2 to A4; sheet metal and glass need A5 and up.
What gloves for oilfield work?
Heavy knuckle impact padding and a grip palm for oily, wet surfaces.
Warranty and shipping: Every POD X product carries a 3-year warranty with free registration. Free shipping on orders over $50, same-day shipping on in-stock items.
