11 May 2026
EN388 EXPLAINED: HOW TO CHOOSE CUT-RESISTANT GLOVES FOR HEAVY-DUTY WORK
The EN388 standard is the benchmark for evaluating protective gloves against mechanical risks in industrial environments. However, many users misunderstand how to interpret these ratings, leading to incorrect glove selection and increased risk exposure. This guide provides a detailed, technical breakdown of EN388, enabling informed decision-making for heavy-duty applications.
Structure of the EN388 Rating System
EN388 ratings are displayed as a series of numbers and letters representing performance in specific tests:
- Abrasion resistance (1–4)
- Blade cut resistance (1–5)
- Tear resistance (1–4)
- Puncture resistance (1–4)
- ISO cut resistance (A–F)
Each test simulates a different type of mechanical stress encountered in real-world applications.
Abrasion Resistance
Abrasion resistance measures how well a glove withstands surface wear. High abrasion resistance is critical for:
- Handling rough materials
- Repetitive lifting tasks
- Prolonged usage
Gloves with higher ratings last longer and provide consistent protection.
Cut Resistance: Coup Test vs ISO 13997
Coup Test Limitations
The traditional Coup Test uses a rotating blade but can produce inaccurate results for advanced fibres.
ISO 13997 Test
This method measures the force required to cut through the material using a straight blade, providing:
- More accurate results
- Reliable ratings for high-performance gloves
Cut levels range from A (lowest) to F (highest).
Tear and Puncture Resistance
Tear Resistance
Indicates how well a glove resists tearing under tension.
Puncture Resistance
Measures resistance to sharp objects penetrating the material.
These are critical in environments with:
- Sharp edges
- Protruding materials
- Fasteners and wires
Selecting Gloves Based on EN388 Ratings
Heavy Duty Applications
- High abrasion + high cut ratings
- Reinforced palm areas
Precision Tasks
- Moderate cut resistance
- High dexterity
👉 Browse our EN388-rated cut-resistant gloves for industrial lifting
Real-World Application Examples
- Steel fabrication → Level E/F gloves
- Construction → Level C/D gloves
- Warehousing → Level B/C gloves
Common Misinterpretations
- Assuming higher ratings are always better
- Ignoring other factors like grip and comfort
- Misreading ISO cut ratings
Understanding EN388 allows for precise glove selection based on actual risks, ensuring both safety and operational efficiency.
