It’s time to put in your next PPE order. But now you’re faced with a tough decision: You see two gloves that satisfy all the basic safety requirements for your workplace, but one is an innovative product that has additional premium features and the other looks like a more affordable option. It may be tempting to go with the less expensive alternative. But, when compared side-by-side, top-of-the-line PPE has several benefits that give you and your workers more than your money’s worth, and might actually save you money in the long run.

Many new and innovative PPE choices are much more durable than their simpler counterparts, so they last for use-after-use. You’re essentially paying for quality up front that will last longer (and will ultimately be more cost effective) than an economy model. Think of it like comparing a hammer with a steel handle vs. a wood handle. There’s nothing wrong with using a wood handle for lighter-duty jobs. But if you’re using that hammer on harder materials or know you’ll need it for a long time, you’ll probably invest in a tougher tool. The same goes for PPE. If the task is a little rougher, with more abrasion or wear hazards, you’ll want to consider a higher-end option.