High-Quality Disposable Gloves

You can buy disposable gloves in materials including plastic, latex, vinyl, and nitrile. Nitrile is toughest, while, latex has more flexibility, and vinyl is cheaper than both. Plastic gloves offer minimal protection but may be the most budget-friendly.

Disposable gloves used to be powdered, making them easier to slip on and off. But most people now prefer powder-free disposable gloves due to their lower risk of irritation and cross-contamination.

Some jobs may require medical-grade (AKA exam-grade) disposable gloves that meet tough FDA standards for safety and quality. They’re extra-reliable when you need to prevent infection.

Compared to latex gloves, nitrile gloves have superior resistance to many corrosive chemicals and stand up better to tears, cuts, and punctures. And since many people have latex allergies, nitrile gloves are a safer pick. On the other hand, latex gloves usually cost less and feel more flexible.

Nitrile disposable gloves have several important advantages over vinyl gloves. They last longer and they’re less likely to rip or puncture. Nitrile also molds better to your hands while providing a stronger barrier against infectious or caustic materials. But if you don’t need the highest level of protection, vinyl disposable gloves could be a good budget-friendly choice.

That depends on the job! Choosing the best thickness for disposable gloves is about striking a balance between toughness, flexibility, and cost. 

In low-risk settings where you have to change gloves often, you can often use gloves in the 2-3 mil range. A thickness of 4-6 mils is usually better for medical applications or working with tools and machinery. For rougher jobs or when handling highly toxic and caustic substances, go for the superior protection of an 8-10 mil glove.

If you’re looking to buy cheap disposable gloves, clear plastic gloves (also called polyethylene or poly gloves) are your best bet. They don’t provide as much protection as tougher materials like nitrile, but they’ll help you avoid mess and cross-contamination. You’ll probably want to buy by the case — it’s more cost-effective than buying a single box of disposable gloves each time.

If you're looking for a glove that can provide a bit more protection then consider nitrile gloves. Disposable nitrile gloves cost around $0.10 to $0.18 per glove.

We recommend heavy-duty nitrile gloves for mechanics — at least 8 mils thick — for working on cars. Heavy machinery, electrical wiring, and sharp tools call for the toughest disposable gloves.

Tattoo professionals usually prefer black gloves because they hide ink stains. Disposable gloves for tattooing should be made of medical-grade nitrile, which offers the best combination of toughness and flexibility while avoiding allergy risks.

Vinyl disposable gloves are good for quick food service tasks where you’re just trying to keep things sanitary. You can often save money by opting for white or clear gloves.

Chefs who are chopping and slicing should choose a tougher material to protect against accidental cuts. Nitrile gloves at least 4 or 5 mils thick are ideal. Remember that the best disposable gloves for cooking are powder-free.