Guide · Materials

Knit Gauge in Gloves: What Does G Mean?

Many gloves are marked 13G or 15G. G stands for gauge, the fineness of the knit. It tells you how finely the glove's liner is knitted, and it influences feel, breathability and robustness.

What gauge means

Gauge is the number of needles per inch on the knitting machine. More needles give more, but finer, stitches. An 18G glove is therefore thinner and more supple than a 10G glove. The number says nothing about protection levels: cut and abrasion resistance are shown in the EN 388 code.

Hi5 gloves by knit gauge

Knit gauge according to the product data sheet. The characteristics in the middle are a general classification, not measured values.
Gauge	Characteristic	Hi5 products
18G	very thin, high dexterity	HI533, HI5810
15G	thin, seamless, good feel	HI511, HI511E, HI512, HI541, HI521, HI524, HI536, HI572, HI581
13G	standard for versatile work	HI522, HI523, HI532, HI534, HI535, HI582, HI583, HI588, HI573
10G	coarser and stronger, also as a winter glove	HI584, HI585

Which gauge suits?

Fine assembly, electronics, operating displays: rather 15G or 18G.
General assembly, warehouse, construction: 13G.
Robust work and winter use: 10G.
Cut resistance: the level is in the code, not in the gauge. An 18G glove (HI533) reaches level C, a 15G glove (HI536) level F.

Different brands do not always state gauge in a comparable way. Test samples in everyday work: request samples.

Sources and status

Standard references and editions follow the European Commission's list of harmonised PPE standards (list dated 4 September 2026, checked on 11 October 2026). Limit values and marking rules come from the standard texts (DIN Media). Further sources:

European Commission: harmonised standards under the PPE RegulationTitles, editions and dates of application of the harmonised PPE standards, with references to the Official Journal of the EU
DIN Media: PPE standards portal (in German)Full texts of the PPE standards including marking requirements (paid)
DGUV Expert Committee on Personal Protective Equipment (in German)Rules, information and answers on the PPE groups, for example DGUV Information 212-007 “Chemikalienschutzhandschuhe”
ISO Online Browsing PlatformRegistered graphical symbols (ISO 7000) and safety signs (ISO 7010)

Read on

For purchasing and health and safety

Which glove suits your workplace?

We advise on choosing a glove and protection level and send samples for a wear trial.

Ask for advice Request a quote To the glove finder