Firefighting gloves carry a lot of demands for a single piece of PPE. They have to protect against extreme radiant heat while working in burning structures, shield against cuts and punctures from debris, prevent liquid penetration from water and bloodborne pathogens, and still leave enough dexterity to operate a hose line or grip tools.

The standards behind structural firefighting gloves exist because manufacturers and fire departments needed a common language for what "protective" actually means. That framework has evolved - and if you're still specifying to NFPA 1971:2018, it's worth knowing where things stand now.

What are structural firefighting gloves?

Structural firefighting gloves are designed for interior structural fire suppression, including operations where firefighters may enter burning buildings or work near high heat, flame, water, steam, and debris.

It’s important to note that they are different from other fire and rescue gloves, including:

Wildland firefighting gloves: Built for outdoor wildland and WUI (Wildland-urban interference) environments, where breathability, mobility, and lighter-weight protection are prioritized. Wildland PPE is now addressed under NFPA 1950, previously known as NFPA 1977.

Extrication gloves: Designed for rescue work involving sharp metal, glass, tools, and vehicle components. These gloves prioritize cut resistance, grip, and dexterity, but they are not a replacement for structural firefighting gloves in interior fire conditions.

Proximity firefighting gloves: Built for high-radiant-heat environments and typically used with proximity gear in applications such as aircraft rescue and firefighting.

For structural fire attack, gloves need to be certified for structural firefighting use. They are part of the full protective ensemble and are designed to work with turnout gear, hoods, helmets, boots, and other required PPE.

What are structural firefighting gloves made of?

Most structural firefighting gloves are built in layers, each doing a specific job:

• Outer shell - usually leather, adds abrasion resistance and flame resistance
• Moisture barrier – helps prevent water and other liquids from seeping through, including waterborne and bloodborne pathogens
• Thermal liner - designed to provide protection from both conductive and radiant heat – this layer is critical for reducing the risk of burns
• Reinforcement zones - extra padding over high-abrasion, hazard areas such as palm, thumb saddle and back of hand

All of these layers together have to meet the performance thresholds set by NFPA before a glove can be certified and sold for structural firefighting use.

What Is NFPA 1970:2025?

NFPA 1970:2025 is the current standard for structural firefighting PPE, including gloves. It became effective in late 2024 and replaced several one-off standards, combining them into one document.

If you're used to specifying NFPA 1971, you're not starting over - NFPA 1971's glove requirements are now a part of NFPA 1970. The merger was intended to eliminate any conflicting language between standards and make procurement language simpler for agencies that equip a variety of emergency responders.

Key updates relevant to gloves in NFPA 1970:2025:

• Liquid penetration resistance tests have been updated for improved consistency
• A different sizing system for gloves is allowed, if manufacturers provide detailed hand measurements
• Heat resistance testing clarifications, including measurement of shrinkage, have been added
• Restricted substances requirements are now part of the standard

For departments replacing or buying structural firefighting gloves in 2025 and beyond, the standard to reference in bids, buying documents, and product evaluations is NFPA 1970:2025.

But certification is only the starting point. Once a glove meets the required standard, the next step is understanding how that protection shows up in real-world use, especially when it comes to fit, sizing, heat protection, liquid resistance, dexterity, and durability on the fireground.

How does NFPA glove sizing work?

One of the biggest changes introduced under NFPA 1971:2018 was a more objective glove sizing system. Instead of relying only on traditional small, medium, large, or extra-large sizing, the standard moved toward hand measurements to help firefighters get a more accurate fit.

Under the NFPA 1971:2018 sizing system, fit was based on two key measurements:

• Index finger length: Measured from the tip of the index finger to the base of the finger
• Hand width: Measured across the knuckles on the back of the hand

Those measurements were used to determine NFPA glove sizes such as 64N, 70W, 76N, or 82W, with the number representing index finger length and the latter indicating the width category.

With NFPA 1970:2025, manufacturers may now use an alternative glove sizing system, as long as they provide detailed hand dimension charts showing which firefighter hand measurements are accommodated by each size.

Under the current NFPA 1970:2025 numerical sizing convention, the required base sizes include:

• 64N
• 70N
• 70W
• 76N
• 76W
• 82N
• 82W

Additional width options may also be available, including:

• 64W
• 64XW
• 70XW
• 76XW
• 82XW

In this sizing system, N stands for normal width, W stands for wide, and XW stands for extra wide.

For departments, the takeaway is simple: sizing should not be treated as a quick checkbox. Whether a manufacturer uses the NFPA 1971-style sizing system or an approved alternative system under NFPA 1970, the goal is the same – helping firefighters find a glove that fits securely, supports dexterity, and performs properly in real fireground conditions.

HexArmor® glove sizing tip

If your department is switching from another structural firefighting glove brand, your HexArmor® size may not be an exact one-to-one match. Use hand measurements and the HexArmor® sizing chart first, then use the brand conversion guidance below as an additional reference.

If you currently wear one of the following brands, go one size up in HexArmor® gloves:

• FireCraft
• FireDex
• Vanguard
• Shelby
• RagTop
• Majestic
• DragonFire
• Holik

If you currently wear one of the following brands, go one size down in HexArmor® gloves:

• LION Commander
• LION ACE Commander
• LION Defender

If you currently wear one of the following brands, you should typically remain the same size in HexArmor® gloves:

• Protect
• Veridian
• Lakeland
• LION Primus
• LION Victory
• LION V-Force

Because fit can vary by glove model and hand shape, departments should confirm sizing through a wear trial whenever possible. A structural firefighting glove should feel secure without restricting movement, bunching at the fingertips, or making it difficult to grip tools, operate hose lines, or don and doff the glove when wet.

HexArmor® structural firefighting solutions

For departments looking for structural firefighting gloves certified to the current NFPA standard, HexArmor® offers both the FireArmor® SR-X® 8180 and the FireArmor® SR-X 8181.

Both gloves are built to battle high heat and intense fireground conditions – with a durable leather construction, extended gauntlet cuffs, and the protection firefighters need for structural fire response. The right choice may come down to department preference, fit, feel, and the construction features firefighters prioritize most.

The FireArmor® SR-X® 8180 features a winged thumb design and 360-degree cow suede leather construction. This gives departments a proven structural firefighting glove option with a consistent leather feel throughout.

The FireArmor® SR-X® 8181 introduces several updated design details, including a keystone thumb for added dexterity, cow suede leather on the palm, and premium grain leather on the back of the hand for a more traditional leather look and feel. The 8181 also features a more relaxed-fit cuff to support easier donning and doffing, along with black leather that pairs naturally with common turnout gear color schemes.

Certified to NFPA 1970-2025 (NFPA 1971), the FireArmor® SR-X® 8181 is designed to help protect against heat, water, debris, and demanding structural fire hazards. The glove includes a 100% Nomex® knit inner liner for 360° heat resistance with a TPP rating greater than 60, plus an H2X+™ FR moisture barrier certified to NFPA 1970-2025 to help prevent liquid penetration.

For added protection and durability, the 8181 also includes a Kevlar® liner on the back of the hand for added heat and cut resistance, 100% Kevlar® thread throughout the glove, and reinforced high-wear areas, including the palm patch and thumb saddle.

Have questions about structural firefighting glove sizing, NFPA 1970:2025 certification, or which FireArmor® option is right for your department? Reach out to a HexArmor® Solution Specialist for support or to start a wear trial.

Browse HexArmor’s structural fire gloves

[Blog originally posted in May of 2019]