Disposable gloves all look similar in the box, but the material makes a real difference to protection, comfort and cost. Choose the wrong one and you're either overpaying or under-protecting your team. Here's a plain-English comparison of the three most common disposable glove materials — nitrile, latex and vinyl — plus where each one earns its place.
Nitrile: the all-rounder
Nitrile is a synthetic rubber and the go-to choice for most workplaces today. It's strong, puncture-resistant and stands up well to oils, greases and many chemicals — which is why it's popular in mechanical, food-processing, healthcare and cleaning settings. Crucially, nitrile is latex-free, so it avoids the allergy risk that comes with natural latex.
The trade-off is cost: nitrile typically sits above vinyl on price. But for tasks where durability and chemical resistance matter, it usually works out cheaper per job because you get through fewer gloves. Popular options include the High Five Blue Heavy Duty Nitrile Glove (Powder Free) for demanding work and the grippy Heavy Duty Nitrile Gloves with Grip, Orange (100). For a greener choice, there's the High Five Biodegradable Nitrile Glove. Browse the full nitrile gloves range.
Latex: fit and feel
Natural latex offers excellent dexterity, elasticity and tactile sensitivity — it fits like a second skin, which makes it a favourite for fine, precise work. It also provides good protection against many water-based substances.
The catch is latex allergies, which affect a meaningful share of the population and can be serious. Many food businesses and healthcare providers have moved away from latex for this reason. If your team and customers are unaffected and you value fit above all, latex still has a place — try the Disposable Latex Gloves, Powder Free (100) or the heavier-duty High Risk Latex Gloves, Blue 300mm (50). See all latex gloves.
Vinyl and poly: economical for light tasks
Vinyl (PVC) gloves are among the most economical options and are well suited to short, low-risk tasks with frequent glove changes — think food prep, general handling and light cleaning. They're latex-free and comfortable for loose-fitting use, but they're less durable and less chemical-resistant than nitrile, so they're not the choice for heavy-duty or high-risk work. For the lightest, highest-volume tasks — like a deli counter or buffet — economical polyethylene gloves are cheaper still. If you need vinyl or poly gloves for your site, they're available to order — explore the full disposable gloves range or ask our team.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Nitrile | Latex | Vinyl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability / puncture resistance | High | Medium–High | Lower |
| Chemical & oil resistance | High | Medium | Lower |
| Fit & dexterity | Good | Excellent | Looser |
| Allergy risk | Latex-free | Latex allergy risk | Latex-free |
| Relative cost | Higher | Medium | Lowest |
| Best for | Mechanical, food, healthcare, cleaning | Precision tasks (no allergy concern) | Light, short, high-turnover tasks |
Which should you buy?
- Choose nitrile when durability, chemical resistance or allergy-free handling matter — it's the safest default for most sites.
- Choose latex when you need maximum fit and feel and allergies aren't a concern.
- Choose vinyl (or poly) for light, low-risk tasks where you change gloves often and cost per glove is the priority.
Many businesses stock two: nitrile for the demanding jobs and vinyl or poly for high-turnover light work. Browse the full disposable gloves range, and remember that trade accounts get tiered pricing on the gloves your team restocks every week. Need a hand choosing a grade or size? Our team is happy to help.
Frequently asked questions
Are nitrile gloves better than latex?
For most workplaces, yes — nitrile is more durable, more chemical-resistant and latex-free. Latex still wins on fit and tactile sensitivity where allergies aren't a concern.
Which disposable glove is best for food handling?
Nitrile and vinyl are both widely used and latex-free. Nitrile suits longer or more demanding tasks; vinyl or poly suit light, high-turnover work like deli and buffet service.
Why do some workplaces avoid latex gloves?
Natural latex can trigger allergic reactions in a portion of the population, which can be serious. Many food and healthcare businesses choose nitrile or vinyl to remove that risk.
