TEGERA's Guide to Exceptional Leather

There is a huge difference between leather and leather. In this guide, we help you recognize high quality and let you know what to look for when buying leather safety gloves.

At TEGERA, we're dedicated to crafting premium safety and work gloves using only high-quality leather. Unlike the misleading term "genuine," which can apply to any leather regardless of quality, we meticulously select top-grade leather for superior protection and durability. Choose TEGERA for gloves that prioritize excellence in both materials and performance.

Choosing Quality Leather Safety and Work Gloves: A Guide

FEEL

Feel for smoothness, thickness, and softness.

Grade

Raw leather, often stamped on the underside, falls into four categories: full-grain, top-grain, split-grain, and genuine. Despite common belief, "genuine" doesn't guarantee quality—it's a broad term covering lower-grade leather. Full-grain, the highest quality, signifies outstanding raw material. Unlike many safety glove producers using variable-quality scrap leather, TEGERA ensures consistent, high-quality leather for every glove part. It's important to note that certification tests for leather gloves primarily focus on the palm, meaning gloves with the same certifications may differ in overall quality and protection.

SMELL

Quality leather carries a rich smell.

Aroma

Physically, high-quality leather carries a rich, sweet smell, while lower grades may be milder. The unmistakable leather aroma comes from a blend of perfumes, chemicals, oils, and waxes used by tanneries. Fake leather typically smells of plastic or chemicals or may have no scent at all.

Take a Whiff of Welding Excellence!

TEGRERA® 126A: High-quality leather TIG welding glove, renowned for comfort, flexibility, and durability. Industry standard with Kevlar® seams, long cuff for molten splash protection.

INSPECT

Examine the grain.

Structure

Carefully inspect the grain. Small imperfections, such as veins, stretch marks, or insect bites, are not indicators of low quality; rather, they signify the "life" and authenticity of a full-grain leather hide. Some leather enthusiasts even appreciate scars as signs of an authentic full-grain hide. High-quality leather feels warm, soft, and has a very full grain. If the texture is too regular or smooth to the touch, it's likely an imitation or, at best, a lower grade of split-grain leather.

LOOK

Verify color consistency.

Check color uniformity

Authentic full-grain leather develops a natural patina over time. Imitations may fade or exhibit an unnaturally consistent color that often separates from the glove material. Genuine leather gloves showcase a pleasing color consistency, revealing the natural grain of the leather.

Excellence in both protection and color!

TEGERA® 255: Precision Protection. Cut-resistant glove in 0.6-0.7mm full grain goatskin. Level C cut resistance. Ideal for assembly work.

CHECK STICHING

Good quality demands strong stitching and premium thread.

Stitching

Good stitching is crucial for any sewn product. If a leather item falls apart, it's usually because of the stitching. Good quality relies on strong stitching with top-notch thread. Avoid poorly stitched items with messy threads—look for those using the best nylon or polyester threads. At TEGERA, we use only the best thread because how our gloves fit your hands depends on it, especially in smaller sizes.

Precision Stitching for Precision Tasks

TEGERA® 116: Designed for fine assembly work, these gloves, with high-quality unlined goatskin leather, balance protection and tactile sensitivity for precision tasks.

SMOOTH EDGES

Ensure smooth, well-finished edges on the leather product

Edges

Make sure every edge of a leather product is smooth and well-finished. Be cautious of edge paint, as it might be applied to hide imperfections. Use your thumbnail to feel the edges for the smoothness and durability of the finish. A rough edge could lead to discomfort, poor fit, and limited mobility in the glove. Also, assess the feel of the lining, if the glove has one.