New fibers & yarns, advanced knitting patterns improve hand protection
A cut above
Not long ago gloves were considered just another uncomfortable piece of PPE that one was obliged to wear. Leather was the material of choice for premium protection, while less expensive fabric offered basic hand coverage. Over time, string knit technology came along, providing improved fit and form, and with the introduction of DuPont™ Kevlar® (para-aramid) a revolution ensued that made cut protection a leading factor in hand safety.
Soon alternatives to Kevlar® began to appear. Glass-based fibers blended with cotton and polyester became a low-cost option in the cut protection glove category. Dyneema® HPPE (High Performance Poly Ethylene) fiber technology was also introduced as a new fiber that offered cut resistance along with cool comfort and without the skin irritation that is often associated with glass-based fiber. The advantages of fibers such as Kevlar® and Dyneema®, combined with more sophisticated knitting machine technology, further advanced glove fit, form and feel.