Impact gloves manufacturing: TPR protection, ANSI/ISEA 138 and EN 388 explained for PPE distributors
Hand injuries are the most common injury on oil rigs, mine sites and construction projects. Impact gloves are the product that addresses them — here is how they are built and rated.
Published 27 October 2026 · Blackthorn World
In short
Impact gloves combine a grip palm (synthetic leather, nitrile or PVC dots), a cut-resistant or stretch back, and moulded TPR protection over the knuckles and fingers. In North America they are rated to ANSI/ISEA 138 (impact levels 1–3) and in Europe to EN 388 (abrasion, cut, tear, puncture, plus impact "P"). Blackthorn World makes them private label from 100 pairs per style, from about $4 per pair FOB.
How is an impact glove built?
| Part | Options | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Palm | Synthetic leather, nitrile dip, PVC dots, padded reinforcement | Grip in oil, water and mud |
| Back | Spandex, hi-vis fabric, cut-resistant HPPE or aramid knit | Fit, visibility, cut protection |
| Impact protection | Moulded TPR over knuckles, fingers and thumb | Absorbs pinch and crush impacts |
| Cuff | Knit wrist, neoprene hook-and-loop, wide safety cuff, gauntlet | Fit, debris protection, quick removal |
| Liner | Unlined, cut-resistant liner, thermal or waterproof liner | Cut level, cold, wet conditions |
Which ratings matter?
- ANSI/ISEA 138 (USA, Canada) — impact protection levels 1 to 3 for knuckles and fingers; level 3 is the highest.
- ANSI/ISEA 105 — cut levels A1 to A9.
- EN 388 (Europe, UK, Gulf, Australia) — abrasion, cut, tear and puncture scores, an ISO cut level A–F, and a "P" if the glove passes the impact test.
Ratings belong to a specific glove construction. We hold EN test reports on some current work-glove articles and arrange testing for your own designs at an accredited lab.
Which glove for which job?
- Oil and gas, drilling — oil-grip palm, hi-vis back, TPR fingers; gauntlet or wide safety cuff (see our oil-rig gauntlet impact gloves).
- Mining and heavy construction — reinforced palm, high impact level, cut-resistant liner.
- Rigging and logistics — impact rigger gloves with leather-type palms.
- Cold climates — insulated and waterproof versions, like the insulated impact glove.
- Cut risk — impact cut-resistant gloves with an HPPE or aramid liner.
Why Sialkot for impact gloves
Sialkot is one of the world's main glove-making clusters, with local suppliers of synthetic leathers, TPR mouldings, liners and trims. That lets us develop a new impact glove in about two weeks and produce in volume for PPE distributors in North America, the Gulf, Europe and Australia.
Price, MOQ and lead time
Impact gloves start at about $4 per pair FOB at the 100-pair minimum per style, rising with cut liners, insulation, waterproofing and retail packaging. Samples take about two weeks; bulk ships 3–4 weeks after approval. See the impact and work gloves range and our gloves manufacturer page.
FAQ
What is ANSI/ISEA 138?
The North American standard for impact-protective gloves, with knuckle and finger impact levels 1–3.
What does the P mean on EN 388?
It shows the glove passed the EN 388 impact-protection test.
Are impact gloves cut resistant?
Only if they have a cut-resistant back or liner (HPPE, aramid); cut level is rated separately under ANSI/ISEA 105 or EN 388.
What is the MOQ for private-label impact gloves?
100 pairs per style, with sizes mixed.
How much do impact gloves cost?
From about $4 per pair FOB, more for cut liners, insulation, waterproofing and packaging.
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