History of gloves

Nobody really knows who the inventor of the glove was. Like many of our ancestor's early inventions; fire, the wheel, the spear. We have no clear record of their pedigree. So we are sadly left with only the evidence of their use. However, the glove is by far one of the most important human inventions and one that will be with us for many centuries to come.

Today, many experts speculate how the first gloves were made and of what materials they were constructed. Some experts believe that the first glove was a kind of mitten fashioned from animal skins and used solely for the protection from low temperatures. One can easily imagine caveman sitting by the fire while wearing animal skins to protect their hands from the elements. To this day, one can still see native people of Alaska use their version of that primitive glove's ancestor.

It is also speculated that not too long after these primitive people discovered the glove, they also stumbled upon other uses for it. It is believed that among the early work uses of the glovewere their use as a hand protector while doing hard labor and when fashioning stone tools. Many experts think this innovative use of the glove was discovered due more by chance than by design.

As human civilization spread across the globe the use of the glove became more common. Soon, primitive cultures began using some type of glove when working with fire, forging iron, bronze and other metals. It is believed that these early civilizations fashioned gloves from a wide assortment of materials including; animal hides, sheep skin and later from silk and assorted metals. Today, we still use some of those same materials to make gloves for various professions, including electrical work, health care, semiconductors, construction work, cleanrooms etc.

During the Middle Ages, the glove arose to prominence in human civilization as the uses and styles began to evolve. By the Middle Ages gloves had started to diversified into many other occupations and uses. During this epoch, gloves became an indispensable tool used by craftsman, laborers, and soldiers. The Middle Ages also saw the introduction of the glove as a status symbol. Back then, meticulously adorned gloves were created for royalty, nobles and other elite of the day.

Gloves have evolved over time into a multitude of styles, sizes and purposes. Today, gloves are used for driving, sports, weight lifting, medicine, electrical work, medical safety, material handling, glass handling operations, fishing, sanitation, chemical operations & handling, woodworking and waste handling & recycling, cleanrooms, semi-conductor, photographic imaging, food handling, and pharmaceutical uses. A good example of a high quality glove designed for a specific purpose is the rugged G-Tek® Maxiflex Plus™. These durable gloves are made with FDA approved materials for food handling applications.

Type of styles

By the late 20th century gloves were designed in a myriad of styles, colors, and materials. The essence of the glove also evolved, not only in the weight, length, and material construction, but also in the quality, comfort level and even in the design of the glove. New materials have provided the user of today's gloves with increased dexterity, improved gripping power and superior safety against heat, cold, and abrasive elements.

Modern gloves

Today we can easily purchase specialized gloves for just about every major industry, hobby and profession. Material use has also taken a leap forward with space age fabrics and increased comfort and adaptability.

What are some of the materials gloves are made of?

Often the use of the glove will determine the type of material the glove is made of; today, one can purchase gloves made of leather, cloth, nylon, knit, nitrile, polyethylene, vinyl, rubber, sheepskin, and other materials. Recently, the trend has been for the design and manufacture of higher quality and more comfortable gloves. One glove that has become popular due to its quality, comfort and sensitivity is G-Tek® Air Force Gloves PIP 32-747. This superior glove is especially useful for applications that require high tactual sensitivity.

Example of gloves and their use

Normally the work that needs to be done will dictate the type of glove one should have. For example; A semiconductor manufacturer will want the use of a soft glove made of static resistant materials. While, A medical professional traditionally relies on gloves made of latex and powdered with cornstarch to lubricate the gloves, or a non-powered glove for surgery. An example of material use is the popular Ambi-Thix heavy weight latex, medical glove PIP 62-327PF.

Material replacement

Today's technology has produced many advances in glove design. Not only are gloves becoming, more comfortable, light weight, durable and breathable. But, older materials are being slowly replaced by new materials that are more economical and durable. An example of material replacement is Dyneema® yarn. This new material is used by the new generation of G-Tek® Cut Resistant coated gloves. This amazing material offers cut and abrasion resistance without sacrificing comfort and dexterity. G-Tek®'s cut resistant gloves made with Dyneema® yarn offer seamless shell construction that provides the utmost in comfort with polyurethane, latex and nitrile coatings for excellent grip. Each glove is washable, resistant to chemicals, water and ultraviolet light, increasing the lifetime of the gloves. This innovative material is one of the many advances incorporated by G-Tek® gloves; its no wonder G-Tek® gloves are on the cutting edge of safety, and comfort.

Who is the top glove manufacturer?

While there is a multitude of glove manufacturers, one particular brand has become the most widely used glove for the demanding professional; G-Tek®'s wonderful selection of products, styles, materials, quality and par excellence, has earned it a special place in every shop, manufacturer, and business or professional that needs quality and durability. If you demand the best then click here to look at our line of G-Tek® gloves.