PVC vs Nitrile vs Cotton Knitted Gloves: Which to Buy

The Short Answer

Choose by what the glove will touch. PVC gloves are the usual pick for wet, heavy-duty work and many acids and alkalis. Nitrile gloves are the usual pick for oils, greases, many solvents and fine, precision handling, and they are latex-free. Cotton knitted gloves are for dry, general handling where you need comfort and basic abrasion protection but no chemical resistance.

Side-by-Side Comparison

• PVC gloves — best for: wet processing, cleaning, degreasing, sanitation, many acids and alkalis. Watch out for: less dexterity than nitrile; resistance depends on the exact chemical.
• Nitrile gloves — best for: oils, greases, many solvents, automotive and workshop tasks, precision assembly, labs. Watch out for: not every solvent; thin grades tear more easily than heavy industrial grades.
• Cotton knitted gloves — best for: warehousing, packing, light assembly, general handling. Watch out for: they absorb liquids and give no chemical, cut or high-heat protection.

Questions to Ask Before You Order

• What exact chemical, oil or liquid will the glove touch, and at what concentration?
• Is the task wet or dry, and does it need fine dexterity?
• Is anyone latex-sensitive? If so, avoid natural rubber latex and choose nitrile.
• How long is each contact, and how often will gloves be changed?
• Do you need hygiene-grade (examination) gloves, or industrial-grade?

Buying PVC, Nitrile and Cotton Knitted Gloves in Chennai

Life Safety supplies all three from its Avadi, Chennai office for one-off and recurring bulk orders. If you are unsure which suits your process, send us the task and the chemical or oil involved and we will recommend a suitable material rather than a one-size answer.