Nitrile vs Latex vs PU Gloves: Grip, Dexterity & Allergy
Nitrile vs latex vs PU coated gloves
The coating on a work glove decides how it grips, how long it lasts and how much feel you keep. Nitrile is the all-rounder for oil, latex grips best in the wet, and PU gives the most dexterity.
- Grip compared
- Dexterity
- Latex allergy
- Guide ratings
Key takeaways
- Oily parts? Nitrile, especially sandy or micro-foam nitrile [4].
- Wet bricks, glass or building work? Latex crinkle has the best wet grip, but avoid it for anyone with a latex allergy [2][4].
- Fine, dry assembly? PU is thin with the most feel, but has low heat and chemical resistance [4].
- Allergy rule: HSE advises choosing non-latex gloves unless no alternative gives the protection needed [1]. Nitrile is a common latex-free choice [3].
Grip and handling compared
Values are the same guide ratings we use across our glove guides, so you can compare like for like.
Dry grip
Guide rating out of 5 from our Glove Materials guide [4]: typical behaviour of each coating type, not test results. Always check the product data sheet.
Wet grip
Guide rating out of 5 from our Glove Materials guide [4]: typical behaviour of each coating type, not test results. Always check the product data sheet.
Oil grip
Guide rating out of 5 from our Glove Materials guide [4]: typical behaviour of each coating type, not test results. Always check the product data sheet.
Dexterity
Guide rating out of 5 from our Glove Materials guide [4]: typical behaviour of each coating type, not test results. Always check the product data sheet.
Durability
Guide rating out of 5 from our Glove Materials guide [4]: typical behaviour of each coating type, not test results. Always check the product data sheet.
Side by side
| Nitrile | Latex | PU | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural rubber latex | No | Yes | No |
| Good with light oil | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Best wet grip | Good | Best | Fair |
| Fine dexterity | Good | Fair | Best |
| Heat and chemical resistance (coated work gloves) | Some | Some | Low |
| Typical jobs | Engineering, assembly, warehouse, mechanics | Bricklaying, glazing, groundworks | Electronics, packing, fine assembly |
Latex allergy: powdered latex gloves raise the risk because proteins can become airborne; workers with a latex allergy should use non-latex gloves [2]. HSE Ireland lists nitrile, polyisoprene and neoprene as synthetic options [3].
Nitrile for most jobs, latex for wet grip, PU for precision
If you need one glove for a mixed team, nitrile foam or sandy nitrile covers the most jobs. Use latex crinkle where wet grip matters and nobody has a latex allergy. Choose PU for clean, dry, fiddly work where you need to feel small parts. For cut, heat or chemical risks, pick by the EN 388, EN 407 or EN ISO 374 rating first, then the coating.
Shop by coating
Nitrile grip gloves
Foam and sandy nitrile, such as the Portwest A350 Grip 15 Nitrile Sandy.
Shop nitrileDisposable nitrile
Single-use nitrile for hygiene and light chemical splash.
Shop disposablesGlove coating questions
Which is better, nitrile or latex gloves?
Nitrile handles oil better and is latex-free. Latex gives the best wet grip. For mixed teams, nitrile is the safer default because of latex allergies.
Are PU gloves waterproof?
No. A PU palm coating is thin and breathable. It is not designed to keep water or chemicals out.
What is sandy nitrile?
A nitrile coating with a textured, sand-like finish that grips oily and greasy parts well.
Are nitrile gloves latex-free?
Nitrile is a synthetic rubber and contains no natural rubber latex. Check the product description if allergy is a concern.
Can I use grip gloves for chemicals?
Not unless they are tested to EN ISO 374 for the chemical you use. Use a chemical glove and the maker's chemical chart.
What does gauge mean on a glove?
Gauge (for example 13g or 15g) describes the knitted liner: a higher number means a thinner, finer liner with more feel.
Do you sell gloves in packs?
Yes, many styles come in packs of 12 or boxes. See each product for the pack size.
Gloves for the whole site?
Tell us the tasks and hazards and we will suggest a short list of gloves to cover them.
Sources
Numbers in square brackets on this page refer to these sources. Standards and site rules change, so always check the current version and your own risk assessment.
- HSE (GB), Choosing the right gloves to protect skin – https://www.hse.gov.uk/skin/employ/gloves.htm
- HSE (GB), Latex allergies in health and social care – https://www.hse.gov.uk/healthservices/latex/
- HSE (Ireland), Latex – staff health and safety – https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/health-and-safety/latex/
- The Workwear Co, Glove materials explained (guide ratings) – https://www.theworkwearco.com/pages/guides/glove-materials