Leather is an irreplaceable material in the world of professional protection. But do you really know all its features and types? In this Coval Safety guide, we’ll explore why leather remains one of the most widely used and appreciated materials in work gloves and PPE in general, and what its main variants are.
Leather is one of the most resistant, flexible, and durable natural materials. Thanks to the complex structure of its natural fibers, it can be processed to achieve different results depending on specific needs. This makes it ideal for many industrial and artisanal applications, especially in the production of professional work gloves.
The 6 Main Properties of Leather
Water Resistance: Leather can be treated to become water-repellent or even waterproof, maintaining flexibility and protection even in wet environments.
Thickness: In leather PPE, thickness varies by use: thinner leather for sensitivity in gloves, thicker for protection and resistance in jackets or aprons.
Softness and Comfort: Soft work gloves improve dexterity and comfort. Tanning and specific treatments make leather flexible without compromising its strength.
Aesthetics and Surface: Leather offers natural grip, abrasion resistance, and a professional appearance—ideal for durable and functional PPE.
Thermal Insulation: Leather insulates well against heat due to air pockets within its structure, making gloves and workwear suitable for cold temperatures and outdoor environments.
Malleability: Leather adapts to the hand and body over time, offering a custom fit and protection that follows the user's movements.
Natural leather is a responsible and sustainable choice, ideal for work gloves and protective clothing. It combines durability, comfort, and environmental respect.
The Environmental Benefits of Leather:
Reduces Waste: It’s a by-product of the food industry, recycled to prevent millions of tons of waste and support the circular economy.
Long-Lasting: It resists wear, ages well, and reduces the need for frequent replacements.
Renewable and Biodegradable: It has a low environmental impact and naturally degrades at the end of its life cycle.
La pelle è quindi un materiale sostenibile, duraturo e riciclabile, ideale per chi cerca DPI di alta qualità con un occhio attento alla responsabilità ambientale.
To learn more, read our article on Leather and Sustainability.
In the world of workplace safety, material choice makes a difference. At Coval Safety, natural leather plays a crucial role in PPE, thanks to its exceptional resistance, thermal insulation, and comfort. We use only high-quality leather, processed in Italy, selected and tested to ensure maximum protection in high-risk environments such as welding and high-temperature work.
Grain leather is the uppermost and finest layer of the hide. It is soft, flexible, and ensures greater comfort. Additionally, grain leather provides high tear resistance and does not absorb oils or grease.
At Coval Safety, we use grain leather for:
TIG welding gloves: TIG welding requires precision, softness, and thin leather to ensure maximum accuracy in movement.
Welding jackets: Lightweight and comfortable, they offer high tear resistance and protect workers from sparks and cuts.
Cryogenic gloves: When treated to be water-repellent, grain leather insulates hands in extreme temperatures.
Firefighter gloves: Combine softness, comfort, and water repellency, essential in emergency scenarios.
Split leather is the inner, thicker, and more robust layer of the hide. It is valued for its resistance to various mechanical risks, as well as abrasion and heat, thanks to thermal treatment.
At Coval Safety, we use split leather for:
Heat-resistant welding gloves: Designed for handling hot objects, they provide advanced thermal insulation and superior mechanical resistance, thanks to multilayered technical fabrics.
Welding jackets and aprons: Perfect for high-risk environments, offering protection from sparks, cuts, and abrasions.
Welding gaiters: Made with top-quality leather, they withstand high temperatures without compromising flexibility or foot sensitivity.
Both grain and split leather are selected according to specific protection needs:
Grain leather: for PPE where comfort, sensitivity, and precision are essential.
Split leather: for PPE designed for jobs requiring greater resistance to mechanical risks, thermal insulation, and high performance in abrasive environments.
At Coval Safety, every product is the result of experience, innovation, and attention to detail. Our leather PPE ensures certified safety, long-lasting comfort, and maximum durability.
Want to learn more about the features of leather in our gloves and workwear?
Contact us or visit our technical blog.