The best arc welding gloves Stick vs. TIG vs. MIG

The best arc welding gloves Stick vs. TIG vs. MIG

Arc welding demands top-tier heat, flame, and abrasion protection, and choosing the right gloves is essential to keep your hands safe and productive. Here's your updated 2025 guide, now with Novarlo’s latest and most protective gear.

 

Stick welding (SMAW) gloves

Stick welding, also known as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), produces intense heat, sparks, and UV radiation. As a result, gloves for this process must offer maximum thermal protection, abrasion resistance, and extended coverage, all while allowing enough flexibility to work efficiently.

The best stick welding gloves are crafted from thick, durable leathers such as:
  • Split-grain cowhide, budget-friendly and tough, excellent for daily wear
  • Top grain elkskin, soft, heat-tolerant, and ideal for heavy-duty work without stiffness
  • Pigskin and goatskin – less common but provide a balance of durability and comfort
Cowhide remains a popular choice due to its strength and affordability, though it can feel stiffer than elkskin. Premium gloves made from elkskin conform to the hand more naturally and maintain their softness, even in hot or damp conditions. Their high resistance to flame and abrasion makes them especially valuable for long stick welding sessions.

Look for gloves with:
  • Kevlar stitching for added heat resistance
  • Reinforced thumbs and palms for extended wear
  • Foam/cotton lining for insulation
  • Extended cuffs (13–14”) for forearm protection
Novarlo’s glove selection includes heavy-duty options built with many of these features, designed to perform under the toughest arc welding environments.

 

Our top picks:

  • HexArmor HeatArmor® 5060: Aluminized aramid with HeatHide® cowhide palm, ideal for extreme-heat stick welding tasks.
  • Leather Blasters Glove:Premium leather blasting glove with Kevlar stitching—thick, durable, and resistant to sparks and abrasion.

 

TIG welding (GTAW) gloves

TIG welding demands precision, flexibility, and fingertip control, especially for intricate welds. The ideal glove is built from lightweight, pliable leather like goatskin or kidskin—materials renowned for their comfort and dexterity. These gloves also offer solid protection against heat, sparks, and abrasion, while keeping your fingertips nimble and tactile.

Materials to look for:
  • Goatskin – offers flexibility, durability, and cut resistance
  • Kidskin – extra-soft finish for precise fingertip control
  • Pigskin, sheepskin, thin deerskin – alternatives that balance protection and dexterity
Novarlo’s TIG-Friendly Selections:

Made from premium goatskin with a Gunn cut, these gloves offer heat resistance, abrasion protection, and excellent fingertip control—ideal for TIG welders seeking both comfort and safety.

These goatskin gloves are enhanced with Kevlar lining, providing added cut protection and arc flash rating—perfect for welders who handle both TIG work and electrical tasks.


MIG welding (GMAW / FCAW) gloves

MIG welding, also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding—produces high levels of spatter and moderate heat, so gloves for this process must offer durability, heat resistance, and extended forearm protection. While flexibility is still important, MIG gloves lean more toward rugged builds with reinforced palms and cuffs.

Novarlo’s MIG-Ready Gloves:

Built from side-split cowhide with Kevlar reinforcement, this glove is ideal for heavy MIG welding tasks. The double-layer palm increases durability where you need it most.

Constructed from full-grain pigskin, these gloves are naturally water- and oil-resistant—perfect for MIG or flux-core environments where exposure is frequent.

A rugged cowhide option stitched with Kevlar for added strength and safety, suited for prolonged MIG welding under demanding conditions.


Specialty & arc-rated gloves

Every welding process—whether Stick, MIG, TIG, or specialty applications, requires the right balance of heat protection, dexterity, and durability. From supple goatskin for intricate TIG welds to rugged cowhide and aluminized gloves for heavy stick and MIG work, Novarlo carries top-tier gloves designed to meet your safety needs without compromising comfort.

By choosing gloves tailored to your process and work conditions, you’re not just protecting your hands, you’re improving your performance, confidence, and long-term productivity.


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