Does Glove Color Matter? Exploring Its Role in Safety and Functionality

Our customers come to us with various specifications, often due to their industry’s demands, and one common focus is the color of the glove. While glove color does not directly impact hand safety, there are practical reasons why it can be a critical factor for certain industries. This brings us to the question, “Does the color of gloves matter?”

The answer largely depends on the purpose, industry, and regulatory requirements. Glove color is often a cosmetic choice, but it also serves functional purposes, such as making contamination easier to detect or distinguishing between glove types. For instance, ISO 11037:2011 provides international standards for the sensory evaluation of product color, which, though not specific to gloves, offers a framework for understanding the importance of color consistency and standardization in various industries.

In some cases, glove color has significant implications, especially in industries like clean rooms or laboratories, where contamination control is paramount. White or neutral-colored gloves are preferred in these environments because they make it easier to see when a glove has become contaminated. Similarly, in the medical field, color-coded gloves—such as blue for nitrile gloves—can help professionals quickly differentiate between glove types and detect breaches, which is where SW’s BreachAlert® technology proves invaluable by offering dual-color gloves for immediate failure detection.

For industrial workplaces, color plays a role in both functionality and appearance. Black gloves, for instance, are often used to hide dirt, oil, or grease, maintaining a professional appearance in environments where hand cleanliness is challenging. Orange gloves, on the other hand, provide high visibility, offering additional safety in hazardous conditions. SW’s PF-95OR and MegaMan glove series cater to these needs, with the PF-95OR’s high visibility and TracTek® Grip Technology improving both hand safety and grip control in wet or oily environments.

 

The color additives, such as pigments or dyes used in gloves, must meet safety and regulatory standards to ensure they are non-toxic and pose no harm to users. While there is no specific international standard for disposable glove pigments, general requirements are laid out by international organizations like ISO and regional regulatory bodies, such as the US FDA or the EU EMA. Standards like ISO 10993, which focuses on biocompatibility, may indirectly influence the selection of colorants in medical gloves.

SW adheres to global safety standards when selecting pigments for its gloves, ensuring that all additives comply with regulations and do not affect skin health. This thorough vetting process helps maintain the gloves’ aesthetic and functional integrity while ensuring user safety.

Ultimately, glove color comes down to user preference and industry need. However, it should not be the sole criterion for selecting gloves. Hand safety depends more on factors like quality standards, including AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) ratings, which are crucial for measuring glove quality. For those seeking more in-depth guidance, our blog on glove thickness and safety offers valuable insights into distinguishing higher-quality gloves.