Cut-resistant gloves reduce the risk of certain cuts, but no glove is cut-proof. In the UK, check the EN 388 marking. The letters A to F show ISO 13997 straight-blade cut levels, with F the highest of the six laboratory classes. The right glove depends on the real hazards, fit, grip and the manufacturer's stated limits.
Protective gloves can look almost identical yet offer very different mechanical protection. A coated handling glove may grip well without any ISO 13997 cut rating, while a cut-rated glove may lack the chemical, thermal or impact protection another job needs. This guide explains the markings and what to check before buying.
What Are Cut-Resistant Gloves?
They use materials and constructions chosen to resist cutting in defined tests, such as high-performance fibres, engineered yarn blends and coated palms. Designs balance protection against grip, dexterity and comfort.
Cut-resistant does not mean cut-proof. The classification measures one aspect of performance under test conditions and cannot guarantee protection against every sharp edge, force or accidental contact. Employers should first reduce exposure through safer methods and engineering controls. PPE is a supplementary measure, as the HSE sets out.
What Is EN 388?
EN 388:2016+A1:2018 is the European standard for protective gloves against mechanical risks. It covers abrasion, blade-cut, tear and puncture resistance, and the marking can also show an ISO 13997 cut level and an optional impact result. You'll see a shield pictogram with a code beneath it. Each position is a different test, so you cannot judge cut resistance from the first digit alone.
EN 388 Cut Levels A to F Explained
The ISO 13997 test reports the minimum force, in newtons (N), needed to cut through the glove material in a standardised straight-blade test.
Does everyone need level F gloves?
No. Choose the level supported by a workplace risk assessment, plus suitable fit and usability. A thicker glove can reduce fingertip sensitivity, while one chosen only for comfort may not give the resistance required. Where a job has several hazards, assess all of them, not just the cut rating.
How to Read a Glove's EN 388 Code
Take the Wonder Grip OP-775 OPTY, which the manufacturer marks 4X43C.
| Position | Marking | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 1: Abrasion | 4 | Level 4 on the abrasion scale |
| 2: Coupe cut test | X | Not tested or not applicable |
| 3: Tear | 4 | Level 4 on the tear scale |
| 4: Puncture | 3 | Level 3 on the standard puncture test |
| 5: ISO 13997 cut | C | Cut-resistance level C |
The X is not another performance level: it means a test was not performed or isn't applicable. Some materials dull the circular blade of the Coupe test, making the ISO 13997 result the more relevant cut class. A final P after the code means the glove passed the optional impact test; its absence doesn't mean it failed. See ATG's EN 388 explanation.
Cut vs Puncture, Abrasion and Tear Resistance
These are different properties. Cut resistance is a defined blade test. Puncture uses a standard probe and doesn't necessarily describe fine, sharp points. Abrasion measures repeated rubbing and tear resistance how a tear spreads. A high abrasion rating doesn't mean a high cut rating, so read the whole code and the technical sheet.
If chemicals, heat, electrical hazards or other exposures are present, EN 388 on its own is not enough to confirm suitability.
What to Look For When Choosing
- Start with the hazardCuts, abrasion, puncture, grip, or a mix?
- Verify the ratingCheck the exact EN 388 code for the model and size.
- Check fit and gripDexterity, comfort and the surface you handle.
- Check restrictionsNo gloves near exposed rotating parts.
Start with the actual hazard
Is it an occasional contact hazard, abrasion, puncture, poor grip or a combination? Don't buy on the assumption that the highest letter is best.
Verify the exact manufacturer rating
Look for the EN 388 code on the packaging or technical sheet and check the model and size. Similar-looking variants can have different classifications.
Check fit, flexibility and grip
HSE guidance says to consider the wearer, the job, duration of use and whether a textured surface is needed for dry, wet or oily items. Choose a fit that allows movement without loose material.
Account for hazards gloves can't solve
Gloves can create an entanglement hazard around exposed rotating machinery. HSE advises avoiding them where they could get caught, including bench drills and similar equipment. Follow machinery guarding and training requirements.
Gloves at DBR Tools
The Wonder Grip OP-775 OPTY is a 13-gauge engineered textile glove with a polyurethane palm, marked EN 388 4X43C with ISO 13997 cut level C, aimed at dexterity and grip in dry conditions. These are manufacturer specifications, not DBR Tools test results. It is out of stock at the moment, so we haven't linked it.
Not every glove in our range is cut-resistant: confirm each product's stated EN 388 code before choosing it for a cut hazard. Browse the work gloves collection.
Common Mistakes When Comparing Safety Gloves
- Treating the letter as a promise: F is the highest class, but no glove is cut-proof.
- Mixing up the five positions: abrasion, puncture and cut assess different things.
- Ignoring X: it is not a tested result.
- Assuming coated means cut-resistant: a textured palm can improve grip without a verified cut rating.
- Overlooking task restrictions: gloves can catch in rotating machinery.
- Using one rating for every hazard: chemical and heat exposure need separate checks.
- Skipping the fit check: the wrong size compromises dexterity and control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between EN 388 cut levels C and D?
In the ISO 13997 test, level C has a minimum cut-force threshold of 10 N and level D 15 N. These are laboratory classifications, not real-world safe-force limits.
Is cut level F the best glove rating?
F is the highest of the six ISO 13997 classes. It is not automatically best for every task, because grip, comfort, fit and other hazards also affect suitability.
What does 4X43C mean on a glove?
Abrasion level 4, an unreported or inapplicable Coupe-cut result (X), tear level 4, puncture level 3 and ISO 13997 cut level C.
Is an EN 388 glove waterproof or chemical-resistant?
Not necessarily. EN 388 describes mechanical performance only. Check separate certifications and manufacturer guidance for liquids and chemicals.
Can I wear protective gloves near a drill press or lathe?
HSE warns that gloves can get caught in rotating machinery. Do not wear gloves near exposed rotating parts where they create an entanglement risk. Follow the safe system of work and your risk assessment.
When should protective gloves be replaced?
Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Inspect for damage, wear, contamination or loss of protective properties, and replace them when they are no longer suitable.
Final Verdict: Choose the Right Glove, Not Just the Highest Number
EN 388 is an excellent starting point if you read all of it. Cut resistance runs from A (2 N) to F (30 N) in a controlled test, which doesn't replace a risk assessment or describe every hazard. Confirm the manufacturer's rating, assess the task, check fit and grip, and consider whether gloves could add a risk.
Check current stock and certification details before ordering.
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