General Purpose Gloves

General purpose work gloves are the everyday hand protection most tradies, warehouse staff and maintenance workers reach for first. They're not for chemical splash, heavy cut hazards, or extreme heat — those need specialist gloves — but for grip, abrasion resistance, splinter protection and general handling work, they cover 80% of what a worksite needs.

AIMS stocks 25 general purpose work glove options covering the common construction styles, sizes from Small through XXL, and price points from cheap-and-cheerful daily wear to heavy-duty all-day comfort.

Glove Constructions Stocked

• Knitted cotton / polyester — Lightweight, breathable, low cost. Best for light handling, packaging and warehouse work where grip is more important than abrasion resistance.
• Polka dot grip — Knitted base with PVC dots on the palm for grip. Australian construction trade staple — affordable, washable, gives positive grip on tools and timber.
• Latex coated — Knitted shell with a latex palm coating. Stronger grip than polka dot, especially in damp conditions. Common in nursery, manufacturing and bulk handling.
• PU (polyurethane) coated — Thinner coating than latex. Better dexterity, good grip on small parts. Common in electronics and assembly work.
• Nitrile coated — Higher abrasion resistance than latex or PU. Better against oils and light chemicals. Workshop and automotive favourite.
• Leather — Cowhide, pigskin or goatskin. Heavy-duty handling, splinter resistance, longer service life. Welding-adjacent work where heat is not extreme.

When General Purpose Isn't Enough

For specific hazards, check the dedicated glove collections:

• Cut Resistant Gloves — Sharp edges, blades, glass, sheet metal.
• Chemical Resistant Gloves — Solvent, acid, alkali contact.
• Disposable Gloves — Single-use nitrile, latex or vinyl.
• Mechanics Gloves — Reinforced palm, knuckle padding, fitted automotive use.
• Vibration Resistant Gloves — Power tool operation, long-duration vibration exposure.
• Riggers Gloves — Heavy leather, crane and rigging work.

For the full glove range, see Hand Protection. For broader PPE: Safety Equipment & PPE.

Sizing and Fit

Most general purpose gloves come in S/M/L/XL/XXL sizing. Measure across the palm at the widest point (excluding thumb). Australian glove sizes generally run a half-size smaller than US labelling — if in doubt, size up. A glove that's too loose loses grip; one that's too tight fatigues the hand.

What Standards Apply?

General purpose gloves in Australia are typically tested to AS/NZS 2161 (general requirements) and EN 388 (mechanical risk — abrasion, cut, tear, puncture). Look for the EN 388 shield on the cuff with four numbers indicating performance level in each category.

Background Reading

Quick Guide to Industrial Gloves — overview of glove types, materials and use cases. Safety Glasses Guide, Safety Boots Guide, Hi-Vis Vest Guide — companion PPE for site work.

Common Questions

What's the best general purpose glove for tradies? The polka-dot grip glove is the long-standing Australian trade favourite — cheap enough to use daily, washable, gives proper grip on timber and tools. For workshop and automotive, nitrile coated gloves last longer and handle oil better.

Can I wash work gloves? Cotton and polyester-based knitted gloves yes — cold wash, air dry. Coated gloves (PU, nitrile, latex) survive a wash but the coating degrades over time. Leather gloves should not be washed; brush them off and condition occasionally.

How long should a glove last? Depends entirely on the work. Polka-dot gloves used daily on a building site might last a week. Nitrile-coated gloves on a clean parts assembly might last months. Replace when the coating wears through, fingers split, or grip is gone.

Do you supply bulk? Yes — bulk pricing is available on most general purpose gloves. Call us with the size range and quantity. Trade and commercial customers can also set up account terms.

Need help selecting the right glove for a specific hazard, or want a quote on volume? Call the Sydney team on (02) 9773 0122 or use the contact form.