Leather gloves have been used over many generations – from the first welders to today’s oil rig workers, builders, and mechanics. And there’s a reason they’ve withstood the test of time; traditionally, leather is tough, comfortable, dependable, and purpose-built to take on harsh tasks. But not all leather is created equally.  

Each type of leather – from buffalo, goatskin, cowhide, or even modern synthetics –bring different strengths to different applications. Some handle cut and abrasions better; others prioritize flexibility, dexterity, and water resistance.  

Choosing the right leather hide material can be the difference between gloves that last a few shifts and gloves that last a whole season.  

Here’s a breakdown of the most common glove materials, their key benefits, and how to match the right leather glove to the work you do.

Different types of leather work gloves

Buffalo leather gloves: Heavy-duty durability

When the job calls for strength, buffalo leather delivers. It’s one of the toughest natural hides used in PPE with thick, dense fibers that hold up under heavy wear. Unlike softer leathers, buffalo has a distinctive grain that resists abrasion, making it ideal for rugged, high-impact environments.

One of buffalo leather’s biggest advantages is its ability to withstand repeated friction and force without thinning or breaking down. Its durable fiber structure helps the glove maintain its integrity over time, even in applications where pulling, lifting, and handling rough materials are part of the day-to-day work.

Best for: Heavy lifting, rigging, construction, and other tough, abrasive work.

Goatskin leather gloves: Strong and flexible

When precision matters, goatskin leather is your go-to. Known for its high tensile strength and soft texture, goatskin leather is the perfect balance between toughness and dexterity. Its naturally fine grain gives the glove a smooth, supple feel, helping workers maintain better control during detailed tasks.

Because goatskin is lighter and thinner than other leathers, it moves naturally with your hands, reducing fatigue during repetitive or detailed work. In addition to being flexible, it’s also extremely durable, holding up through long hours of wear and tear without stiffening or cracking.

Best for: Precision work, tool handling, maintenance, and other tasks that require dexterity and touch sensitivity.

Cowhide leather gloves: Classic, traditional feel

Cowhide is the classic, most commonly used leather choice – built on a reputation of durability and reliability. It delivers durable protection that’s still flexible enough for all-day wear, making it one of the most versatile options for general work gloves.

Because cowhide hides are naturally thick, they can be cut in two different ways – grain and split – each offering distinct benefits:

• Grain cowhide uses the outer surface of the hide. It’s smoother, more flexible, and more visually refined, making it ideal for higher-end gloves that need durability and comfort.
• Split cowhide comes from the inner layer. It’s thicker, more rugged, and more resistant to heat and abrasion – a practical, cost-effective choice for heavy-duty work or reinforcement patches.

Cowhide also provides solid insulation and dependable performance across a wide range of work environments. Tough enough for construction and farm work, yet versatile enough for everyday use, cowhide remains the industry standard for traditional leather gloves.

Best for: General work use, construction, landscaping, farming, and all-purpose protection.

Treated leathers: Enhanced features for performance

It’s important to remember that not all leather performance comes from the hide itself; sometimes it’s what’s added in.

Leathers treated with specialized coatings like HexArmor’s OilGuard®, OilGuard®+, and reduced-chromium tanning enhance the way leather behaves under stress, extending the glove’s life and performance.

• OilGuard® and OilGuard®+ technologies create oil and water repellency with options of a spray-on coating or a liquid solution soaked into the hide through the tanning process. This helps the gloves stay flexible and resist breakdown in wet or oily conditions. Learn more about OilGuard treatments here.
• Reduced-chromium tanning offers a more environmentally friendly option to achieve durable, high-performing leather that’s safer for both workers and the planet. Learn more about chromium in the process of leather tanning here.

Best for: Jobs with oil or fuel exposure, maintenance work, or environments where sustainability and long-term performance matter.

Specialty leathers: Unique strengths

Specialty leathers like boar and deerskin are known for their rare combination of softness, strength, and flexibility, offering a premium feel without compromising on performance.

Boar leather stands out for its distinct grain pattern, excellent abrasion resistance, and natural water resiliency. Its fibers are dense and structured, helping the leather stay durable while still offering enough flexibility to break in comfortably over time. Because of its texture and toughness, boar leather performs well in high-wear environments and resists stiffening after repeated moisture exposure.

Deerskin leather delivers superior comfort and insulation. Its lightweight, spongy texture provides warmth in cold environments and remains soft even after repeated exposure to moisture. It’s important to note that deerskin is often more on the expensive side of leather gloves.

Best for: Specialized roles where comfort and control matter, such as inspection, maintenance, or cold-weather work.

Quick checklist: What to look for in any leather glove

No matter which leather you choose, a good work glove should always deliver the right protection for your environment. At HexArmor®, we’ve taken popular leather glove styles to the next level, giving you the benefits of traditional leather gloves, but with added protective features.

Keep an eye out for these key features to make sure you’re getting the most out of your leather PPE.

• Cut-resistant liners: Added protection from sharp edges and tools, and materials like Kevlar® or SuperFabric® make a major difference.
• Impact protection: Reinforced back-of-hand guards help absorb force from dropped tools or heavy materials.
• Heat or flame resistance: Essential for welding, fabrication, and high-temperature environments.
• Grip enhancements: Coatings, textures, or specialized palm designs maintain control in oily or wet conditions.

Each of these features can be found across HexArmor’s glove lineup, giving you more options to match the right glove to your job – no matter the task or environment.

HexArmor® can help

Choosing the right leather glove can feel overwhelming, and with so many options, finding the perfect fit for your job isn’t always straightforward. The truth is, it often comes down to more than preference. The best glove is the one that keeps you protected and comfortable, shift after shift.

At HexArmor®, we’re here to help make that choice easier. Our Solution Specialists can help you match the right glove material, protection level, and design to your specific application to help you work both comfortably and confidently. Call 1.877.MY ARMOR or send us a message

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