Glove Information Guide

Just Gloves supply a wide range of disposable gloves at the lowest online prices. Some types of glove are more suited to specific tasks than others. If you need help deciding which gloves are right for you, please read our guide to disposable gloves below. If you still can’t decide or have any questions, simply call our friendly sales team free on 0800 1777 118 or email us at sales@JustGloves.co.uk and we will be happy to help you make an informed decision.

Choosing The Material Type

The most common materials used for disposable gloves are Latex, Vinyl and Nitrile. Each material has its benefits and drawbacks.

Latex Gloves are constructed from Natural Rubber Latex and are the most popular type of disposable glove. The physical properties of the material offer protection from biohazardous risks whilst superior elasticity and tensile strength provide unsurpassed user comfort and a reasonable resistance to cuts and abrasions. Because they are manufactured from a naturally occurring substance, Latex gloves possess greater biodegradability and are kinder to the environment than Vinyl and Nitrile gloves, which are manufactured from man-made synthetic materials. Latex gloves are generally cost-effective and our Standard Medical Grade Latex Gloves are available from as low as £3.25 per box of 100!

A drawback to using Latex gloves is that some users find themselves allergic to the proteins within the Natural Rubber they are constructed from. Some of our Latex gloves range, such as Bodyguards New Latex Gloves, have undergone a process called ‘Chlorination’ – whereby gloves are treated with Chlorine and Water, then neutralised with Ammonia. This creates a smooth inner surface to the glove by reducing the natural tackiness of the Latex. In turn, this reduces protein levels to below the limit of detection. Many Latex sensitive users find they can use chlorinated Latex gloves without provoking an adverse reaction. Please view our range of Chlorinated & Low Protein Latex Gloves. If you are unsure or still find you are allergic, Vinyl or Nitrile gloves may be a better choice for you.

Vinyl Gloves are manufactured from Polyvinyl Chloride Plastisol and are a popular choice for users who find themselves sensitive to Latex proteins or allergenic compounds. The material itself is extremely soft and provides a snug and comfortable fit. Vinyl gloves provide a reasonable resistance to oil and grease, but are not as strong or as resistant to tearing as Latex or Nitrile gloves. For this reason, they are often used for lower risk non-invasive procedures. We supply a range of Blue Vinyl Gloves which are ideal for use in catering applications. Our Standard Medical Grade Vinyl Gloves are our most cost-effective disposable gloves, from as low as £1.95 per box of 100!

Nitrile Gloves are manufactured from a synthetic polymer known as Acrylonitrile-butadiene and are rapidly gaining popularity for their superior strength and resistance to tears and punctures. Nitrile gloves also provide excellent resistance to oil, grease and a number of aqueous chemical solutions. The material offers a comparable feel to Latex gloves but contains none of the proteins known to aggravate sensitivity to Natural Rubber Latex. Nitrile gloves are slightly more expensive than Vinyl and Latex gloves, but can last longer due to their superior resilience. Subsequently they can often be a more cost-effective option for those who use disposable gloves frequently or in large volumes.
 
Please see our material comparison table below:

Choosing Powdered or Powder Free Gloves

Most of our Latex, Vinyl and Nitrile gloves are available in powdered and powder free varieties.

Powdered gloves are covered with a light dusting of a basic corn starch powder which helps to aid donning of the glove and also helps to absorb perspiration. Some users find this to be beneficial and increase comfort during prolonged usage. In clinical environments, powder free gloves may be preferable to minimise the risk of cross contamination occurring through natural dispersion of the powder.

Choosing The Right Quality Of Glove

Our disposable gloves are regulated under two categories within the ‘AQL’ International Quality Standard; Medical or Non-Medical.

‘AQL’ is an abbreviation for Acceptable Quality Level and denotes a statistical measure of the consistency or quality predictor of manufactured goods. Within the context of disposable gloves this specifically refers to the prevalence of pinholes and the barrier protection confidence level. The lower the AQL number, the higher the quality of the glove:

• An AQL of 1.5 or lower refers to a glove that is fit for medical purposes
• An AQL of 4.0 refers to a glove that is fit for non-medical or industrial purposes

Medical grade gloves provide a more effective barrier and are therefore better suited for higher risk or more demanding applications. We also supply high quality Sterile Vinyl Gloves and Sterile Latex Gloves which should always be used for invasive procedures. 

Our Standard non-sterile Latex, Vinyl and Nitrile Gloves all provide AQL 1.5 medical grade quality at prices that reflect fantastic value for money.

Choosing The Right Size Of Glove

Choosing the correct size of glove is essential to ensure user comfort and maximum dexterity. Our glove sizing guide is here to help!

Simply measure your palm as illustrated to see which size of glove is best for you.