Leather Drivers Gloves

Leather Drivers Gloves
Leather Drivers

Below, we break down everything you need to know about leather drivers. If there is no lining, a leather driver is classified as “unlined.” When a lining is involved, we refer to these as “lined leather gloves.” Within each section, we highlight the leather driver by the hide used in creating the glove. We also break down differences in the final construction, such as different thumb options available.

Let's get you into the correct pair of leather driver gloves.

Unlined Leather Work Gloves

Unlined gloves are the perfect selection for anyone looking for a glove that breathes. When working during the hot summer months, you’re going to want to stay cool and protected on the job. To help in this quest, MCR Safety offers gloves with a mesh back for even greater comfort. An unlined leather glove also conforms more easily to one’s hand. When you need a close fit, an unlined leather glove is a perfect solution. It provides the flexibility and tactile feel that is necessary for many everyday applications, such as material handling and driving operations.
  
Below, we have broken down all our unlined leather gloves by the hide. Each one performs differently based on the leather hides used in their construction. 


Cow-Icon 

Cowhide Driver Gloves

 Cow-Icon

Cowhide leather makes up the largest portion of MCR Safety leather work gloves.  The next several leather glove categories focus on cowhide styles.



Grain Driver Cowhide Gloves


Cowhide Grain LeatherDue to the abundance of cowhide leather, unlined cowhide gloves are the most common leather work glove found in the market. When compared to other leather unlined work gloves, cowhide gloves come in at a mid-range price point level. However, you get what you pay for, and cowhide gloves rarely disappoint.

Unlined cowhide leather work gloves provide excellent abrasion-resistance and offer long-lasting durability due to the naturally tough hide. You’ll be amazed at the beating these gloves can take!

Here is a quick rundown of the benefits of grain cowhide leather:

  • Excellent abrasion resistance
  • Excellent heat resistance
  • Highly durable and long-wearing
  • Best puncture resistance
  • Good flexibility
  • Mid-level price point
  • Insulates better than goatskin or pigskin

Downsides:

  • Limited moisture-resistance
  • Longer break-in period when compared to goat or deerskin

We know you’re concerned about quality, as it determines the length of wear. So, here’s a listing of our leather glove options from the more budget-friendly styles to our more premium leather work gloves. We’ve also labeled each by thumb styles, back, etc.

Here are some of our most popular cowhide glove styles:

Straight Thumb Options

Straight Thumb Leather Glove
Our least expensive thumb style, the straight thumb, places greater restrictions on thumb movement.

Leather Drivers Work Gloves CV Grade Unlined Grain Cow Leather Straight Thumb Grain cow skin...

Leather Drivers Work Gloves Select Grade Unlined Grain Cow Leather Straight Thumb Grain cow skin...

Road Hustler Premium Grain Leather Leather Drivers Work Gloves Rolled Hem, Pull Strap and...

Keystone Thumb Options

Keystone Thumb
The Keystone style allows for greater thumb movement.

Leather Drivers Work Glove CV Grade Cow Grain Keystone ThumbGrain cow skin offers good abrasion...

Leather Drivers Work Gloves CV Grade Grain Cow Grain Keystone Thumb Grain cow skin offers...

Road Hustler Premium Grain Leather Leather Drivers Work Gloves Keystone Thumb Keystone thumb...

Leather Drivers Work Gloves Select Grain Unlined Cow Leather Keystone Thumb Grain cow skin offers...

Wing Thumb Options

Wing Thumb Option
Of the three thumb types, the wing option provides the best, most natural flow of one’s thumb movement.

Road Hustler  Premium Grain Leather Leather Drivers Work Gloves Rolled Hem and Wing ThumbSewn...

Split Cowhide Leather Drivers


Using split leather offers a rugged, more durable leather driver.

Leather Drivers Work Gloves Select Natural Pearl Gray Split Leather Straight Thumb Cowskin...

Leather Driver Work Gloves Select Grade Brown Split Cow Leather Keystone ThumbCow skin offers...

Leather Driver Work Gloves Premium Grade Brown Split Cow Leather Keystone Thumb Cowskin drivers...

Grain Driver Cowhide Palm / Split Back

Grain Leather Palm Split Leather Back glove
This is the perfect combo for keeping costs down.

Leather Drivers Work Gloves CV Grade Grain Leather Patch Palm Split Leather Back and Keystone...

Leather Drivers Work Gloves CV Grade Cow Grain Split Leather Back Double Palm Wing Thumb Double...

Leather Drivers Work Gloves CV Grade Grain Cow Palm Split Back and Keystone ThumbCowskin Leather...

Leather Drivers Work Gloves CV Grade Cow Grain Palm Split Leather Back Keystone Thumb Cow skin...

Leather Drivers Work Gloves CV Grade Cow Grain Palm Split Leather Back Keystone Thumb Sewn with...

Overall Cowhide Grain Driver Matrix

Cowhide grain work gloves make up the largest number of products in our leather driver product group. We’ve made it easy for you to see all your options in one spot. You’ll notice some new words like grade, hem, and thread introduced in the matrix. Don’t worry; we explain all of these in our Leather Knowledge Center.


Style # Grade Thumb Hem Thread ANSI
Abrasion
ANSI
Puncture
Straight Thumb 3220 Premium Grade Straight Leather Polyester x 3
3201 Select Grade Straight Cotton Polyester 3 x
3201IN Select Grade Straight Cotton Polyester 3 x
3203 CV Grade (Competitive Value) Straight Cotton Polyester x x
3202 CV Grade (Competitive Value) Straight Cotton Polyester x x
32013 CV Grade (Competitive Value) Straight Cotton Polyester 3 x

Style # Grade Thumb Hem Thread ANSI
Abrasion
ANSI
Puncture
Keystone Thumb 3200 Premium Grade Keystone Leather Polyester x 3
3211 Select Grade Keystone Cotton Polyester 3 x
3211IN Select Grade Keystone Cotton Polyester 3 x
3213 CV Grade (Competitive Value) Keystone Cotton Polyester x x
3215 CV Grade (Competitive Value) Keystone Cotton Polyester 3 2
32113 CV Grade (Competitive Value) Keystone Cotton Polyester 3 x
32114 CV Grade (Competitive Value) Keystone Leather Kevlar 3 x

Style # Grade Thumb Hem Thread ANSI
Abrasion
ANSI
Puncture
Wing Thumb 3224 Premium Grade Wing Leather Kevlar x 3
3214 Select Grade Wing Cotton Polyester x x
32113DP CV Grade (Competitive Value) - Double Palm Wing Cotton Polyester 4 x

Style # Grade Thumb Hem Thread ANSI
Abrasion
ANSI
Puncture
SPLIT BACK GRAIN COW 3204 Select Grade Keystone Leather Kevlar x x
MU3213DP Select Grade Keystone Leather Kevlar x x
32057 CV Grade (Competitive Value) Keystone Cotton Kevlar x x
3205 CV Grade (Competitive Value) Keystone Cotton Polyester x x
32056 CV Grade (Competitive Value) Keystone Cotton Polyester x x
32056DP CV Grade (Competitive Value) - Double Palm Wing Cotton Polyester x x
32056DP CV Grade (Competitive Value) - Patch Palm Wing Cotton Polyester 4 3
Deer-Icon 

Deerskin Grain Driver Gloves

 Deer-Icon

Deerskin Grain LeatherCustomers often tell us how soft our deerskin leather work gloves feel and how easily the gloves bend when performing tasks. When you’re handling tools all day at work, thin tactile gloves go a long way, and at MCR Safety, we offer top-quality deerskin glove options.

Simply put, you can't beat a nice genuine pair of deerskin leather work gloves. They are an excellent choice for any long work shift, providing soft all-day comfort. Their sensitivity to touch allows you to feel the tools in your hands while keeping your hands protected.

Please note, however, that deerskin doesn’t come from commercially raised sources, as other leathers do. They come mostly from wild game and require a more complex tanning procedure. This means it is one of the more expensive leather options on the market.

Here is a quick rundown of the benefits of deerskin leather:

  • Incredibly soft feel provides all-day comfort
  • Excellent flexibility and tactile sensitivity
  • Excellent tensile strength
  • Excellent insulating properties for colder months
  • Good moisture-resistance
  • Deemed as the most luxurious leather used in work gloves

Downsides:

  • Limited abrasion and puncture resistance
  • higher price point for consumers.

We know you’re concerned about quality, as it determines the length of wear. So, here’s a listing of our leather glove options from the more budget-friendly styles to our more premium leather work gloves. We’ve also labeled each by thumb styles, back, etc.

Keystone Thumb Options

Keystone Thumb
This design allows for greater thumb movement.

Big Buck Leather Drivers Work Gloves Premium Deerskin Grain Leather Keystone Thumb Deer leather...

Leather Driver Work Gloves Select Grade Deer Grain Leather Keystone Thumb Deer leather provides...

Deerskin Grain Palm / Split Back

Grain Leather Palm Split Leather Back
This is the perfect combo for keeping costs down.

Leather Drivers Work Gloves Select Grade Deerskin Grain Leather Palm Split Leather Back Keystone...

Goat-Icon 

Grain Driver Goatskin Gloves

 Goat-Icon
Grain Goatskin Leather

Are you looking for ultra-thin leather gloves that allow you to handle delicate parts and materials, while offering strength and protection at the same time? Independent tests have proven goatskin leather to be one of the strongest hides available. The dense fiber structure and tensile strength of goatskin enable gloves made to hold up under the harshest working conditions.

When you wear goatskin, you’ll love the ultra-thin feel, along with the natural lanolin that softens one’s skin. MCR Safety’s unlined goatskin work gloves are so thin that they are often mentioned as the best skin-tight leather gloves you’ll find. Plus, these gloves come in at a mid-range price point and are not as expensive as elkskin or deerskin leather gloves.

Known to many as a thin leather glove, here is a quick rundown of the benefits of goatskin leather:

  • Excellent flexibility and tactile sensitivity
  • Provides users with the best tensile strength
  • Supple because of natural lanolin, keeping your hands soft
  • Best water-resistance properties of all leather hides
  • Good abrasion- and puncture-resistance
  • Offered at mid-price point levels for users

 

Downsides:

  • Limited insulation capability

We know you’re concerned about quality, as it determines the length of wear. So, here’s a listing of our leather glove options from the more budget-friendly styles to our more premium leather work gloves. We’ve also labeled each by thumb styles, back, etc.

Here are some of our most popular goatskin glove styles:

Straight Thumb Options

Straight Thumb Leather Glove
Our least expensive thumb style, the straight thumb, places greater restrictions placed on thumb movement.

Leather Drivers Work Gloves Premium Grain Goatskin Leather Straight Thumb Goatskin has a natural...

Leather Drivers Work Gloves Select Grain Goatskin Leather Straight Thumb Goatskin has a natural...

Keystone Thumb Options

The keystone style allows for greater thumb movement.

Leather Drivers Work Gloves CV Grade Grain Goatskin Keystone Thumb Goatskin has a natural lanolin...

Leather Drivers Work Gloves Select Grain Goatskin Keystone Thumb Goatskin has a natural...

Leather Drivers Work Gloves Premium Grain Goatskin Leather Keystone Thumb Goatskin has a natural...

Wing Thumb Options

Wing Thumb Leather Glove
Of the three thumb types, the wing option provides the best, most natural flow of one’s thumb movement.

Mustang Leather Drivers Utility Work Gloves Grain Goatskin Double Palm, Unlined Sewn with DuPont™...

Mustang Utility Leather Work Gloves Grain Goatskin, Double Palm Sewn with DuPont™ Kevlar® 5 Inch...

Goatskin Matrix

Below are all of our grain goatskin drivers in one spot.


Style # Grade Thumb Hem Thread ANSI
Abrasion
ANSI
Puncture
Straight Thumb 3601 Premium Grade Straight Cotton Polyester 3 3
3603 Select Grade Straight Cotton Polyester 3 3

Style # Grade Thumb Hem Thread ANSI
Abrasion
ANSI
Puncture
Keystone Thumb 3611 Premium Grade Keystone Cotton Polyester 3 3
3613 Select Grade Keystone Cotton Polyester 3 3
36133 CV Grade (Competitive Value) Keystone Cotton Polyester 3 x

Style # Grade Thumb Hem Thread ANSI
Abrasion
ANSI
Puncture
Wing Thumb MU3624G Premium Grade Wing Leather Kevlar 3 3
MU3624 Premium Grade Wing Leather Kevlar 3 3
MU3644 Premium Grade Wing Leather Kevlar 3 3
Pig-Icon 

Grain Driver Pigskin Gloves

 Pig-Icon

Grain Pigskin LeatherAre you looking for an economical leather work glove? Pigskin gloves may be just what you’ll want to wear. Don’t let their low-cost fool you into thinking they’re low-quality. MCR Safety’s pigskin leather gloves are multi-faceted, offering exceptional durability, breathability, and water-resistance. If you look at the image above, you can see the porous texture; this texture makes pigskin the most breathable leather glove you’ll find. It is this same texture characteristic that also keeps pigskin gloves flexible after frequent contact with water. For example, those who work in maintenance and need a glove that holds up to moisture will find pigskin driver gloves don’t stiffen up after contact with moisture and maintain their top-quality performance for more extended periods.
 
Here is a quick rundown of the benefits of pigskin leather:

  • Offers the best abrasion-resistance and is known for its resilience and holding up well to rough surfaces
  • Excellent in wet conditions; quick-drying and leather remains soft
  • Offers the best breathability
  • Stays pliable and flexible with wear
  • Excellent price point for a leather work glove

Downsides:

  • Limited insulation capability
  • Lowest tensile strength

We know you’re concerned about quality, as it determines the length of wear. So, here’s a listing of our leather glove options from the more budget-friendly styles to our more premium leather work gloves. We’ve also labeled each by thumb styles, back, etc.

Here are some of our most popular pigskin glove styles.

Straight Thumb Options

Straight Thumb Leather Glove
Our least expensive thumb style, the straight thumb, places greater restrictions on thumb movement.

Leather Drivers Work Gloves CV Grade Unlined Grain Pigskin Straight ThumbPigskin retains softness...

Leather Drivers Work Gloves Select Grade Unlined Grain Pigskin Straight ThumbPigskin retains...

Leather Drivers Work Gloves Premium Grade Unlined Grain Pigskin Straight ThumbPigskin retains...

Keystone Thumb Options

Keystone Thumb leather Glove
The keystone style allows for greater thumb movement.

Leather Drivers Work Gloves Select Grade Unlined Grain Pigskin Keystone ThumbPigskin retains...

Leather Drivers Work Gloves Premium Grade Unlined Grain Pigskin Keystone ThumbPigskin retains...

Grain Pigskin Palm / Split Back

Grain Pigskin Leather Palm with Split Leather Back
This is the perfect combo for keeping costs down.

Leather Drivers Work Gloves Select Grade Grain Palm and Split Back Keystone ThumbPigskin retains...

Pigskin Driver Matrix

Below are all of our grain pigskin drivers in one spot.


Style # Grade Thumb Hem Thread ANSI
Abrasion
ANSI
Puncture
Straight Thumb 3410 Premium Grade Straight Cotton Polyester x x
3400 Select Grade Straight Cotton Polyester 3 3
3402 CV Grade (Competitive Value) Straight Cotton Polyester x x

Style # Grade Thumb Hem Thread ANSI
Abrasion
ANSI
Puncture
Keystone Thumb 3411 Premium Grade Keystone Cotton Polyester x x
3420 Select Grade Keystone Leather Polyester x x
3401 Select Grade Keystone Cotton Polyester 3 3
3405 CV Grade (Competitive Value) Keystone Cotton Polyester x x
 

Grain Driver Buffalo Gloves

 

Grain Pigskin LeatherMCR Safety introduced buffalo leather gloves in 2019. They share many of the same characteristics as cowhide, yet with some additional enhancements. One of those enhancements is most definitely the cost; however, there are a handful of other benefits.

Here is a quick rundown of the benefits of buffalo leather:

  • Up to three times thicker than cowhide, making it extremely strong and durable
  • Tear-resistant
  • Coarser feel compared to cowhide, however, has an excellent price point

Downsides:

  • Not as flexible due to being from a heavier hide.

We carry only one buffalo leather driver at this time. Click the image below to learn more about it.

Leather Drivers Work Gloves Buffalo Grain Leather Keystone Thumb Buffalo leather offers excellent...

Synthetic Leather Driver Gloves


Most of our Mechanics style gloves  and Tactile leather gloves  feature synthetic leather. So, they might not be called official leather drivers, but they are extremely comfortable. The four styles shown above feature a super stretch material in the knuckle region, offering wearers a higher degree of dexterity than standard leather driver gloves.
What is synthetic leather? The first substitute for natural leather started in the 19th century with the development of Nitrocellulose and collodion. In the 20th century, DuPont™  patented Fabrikoid, which was primarily used in upholstery and book bindings. Today, there are three fundamental kinds of synthetic leather fabrics: polyurethane (PU) leather, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) leather, and microfiber leather. Each of these is treated to resemble and feel like real leather.
Since the early to mid-2000s’, MCR Safety has been offering synthetic leather work gloves. With increased pressure put on the overall leather supply chain in 2008, mostly due to numerous tannery closures, MCR Safety decided it was necessary to offer our customers additional synthetic leather work glove options. Artificial leather has innumerable advantages over real leather. Some of the benefits of synthetic leather include:

  • Chrome-free, meaning it’s an eco-friendly product
  • Consistent quality and appearance as it doesn’t come from different parts of animal hides
  • Stable price point due to lower production costs
  • Lighter in weight than natural leather
  • Breathes well and dries easily
  • Easy to launder
  • Excellent abrasion-resistance, as noticed in our ITC lab tests

Keep in mind: synthetic leather is not recommended for welding, where heat and open flames are present.

MCR Safety offers a wide assortment of synthetic leather styles:

MCR Safety Mechanics Gloves Synthetic Leather Palm Adjustable Hook and Loop Wrist ClosureG shaped...

MCR Safety HyperFit® Black Mechanics Work Gloves Synthetic Leather Palm Reflective Logo on...

MCR Safety Mechanics Gloves with TaskFit™ Design Brown Goatskin Leather Palm and Nylon Spandex...

We’ve broken down each unlined leather and synthetic leather glove options above. However, we know many of you prepare wearing lined leather work gloves. Well, we aim to please, so let us move on to our lined leather driver options.

Lined Leather Drivers Gloves


Across this section, we highlight all leather driver styles lined with a basic liner. These are gloves that are primarily offered to prevent chafing, provide additional comfort, and provide moderate heat and cold protection.  For a more in-depth look at lined leather gloves that help keep the heat in, check out our Winter Lined Leather Glove protection page.

Leather Glove with Fleece Lining

Linings are the materials located inside leather gloves that serve a multitude of purposes. First, a nice fleece lining means all-day comfort for those who use their hands a lot. This fleece comfort can also provide protection and cushion from the tools and objects used in many industries. Second, and often forgotten about, is the assistance a lining can offer with donning and doffing gloves. Third, and perhaps most importantly, a lining prevents chafing.

Here is a recap of the benefits that general-purpose linings offer users:

  • All-day comfort
  • Added cushion
  • Easier donning/doffing
  • Added warmth
  • Increased heat-resistance
  • Prevent chafing

A jersey fleece-lined leather glove is one of the most common lined leather work gloves you’ll find in our product lineup. This general-purpose liner is lightweight and provides natural wicking, keeping moisture off the skin. However, one downside to general-purpose liners is that they offer zero cut-protection.  MCR Safety does offer over 15 total leather glove styles with cut protection. Check them out here.

Types of Leather Glove Linings


To summarize, you’ll find cut-resistant liners that offer cut protection, jersey liners for moderate heat protection, and, of course, winter linings for protection from the cold. Here is a quick rundown of liner found in leather work gloves:


Keep in mind that we also cover thermal-lined gloves more in-depth on our Winter Leather Work Glove page. 

 

Lined Grain Driver Goatskin Gloves

 

Goatskin Grain LeatherAs noted above, goatskin work gloves are the perfect selection when you require both dexterity and a tough glove. When you add in a cut-resistant liner, you turn a tough glove into the ultimate protection!

Lined with cut-resistance

Here are some of our most popular lined goatskin glove styles with cut-resistance:

Cut Resistant Icon

Leather Drivers Work Gloves Premium Goatskin Leather Lined with HyperMax® Cut Resistant...

Leather Drivers Work Gloves Premium Grain Goatskin Lined with DuPont™ Kevlar / Synthetic Cut...

Leather Drivers Work Gloves Premium Grain Goatskin  Dyneema® Diamond Technology Lining Cut...

Lined with Cut-Resistant and outer Impact Protection

Impact and Cut Resistant Leather

 


These gloves offer superior protection inside and out.

MCR Safety Welding Leather Welding Work Gloves Premium Grain Goatskin Leather 5-Inch Split...

 

Lined Grain Driver Cowhide Gloves

 

Cowhide Grain LeatherCowhide gloves provide the highest strength, meaning they’re highly puncture-resistant and abrasion-resistant. Adding a lining ensures this tough leather glove is comfortable for wearing, too.
 
We know you’re concerned about quality, as it determines the length of wear. So, here’s a listing of our leather glove options from the more budget-friendly styles to our more premium leather work gloves. We’ve also labeled each by thumb styles, back, etc.

Here are some of our most popular lined cowhide glove styles:

Red Fleece Lined Leather Gloves

Red Fleece Lined Leather Gloves
A fleece lining adds extra comfort and helps prevent chafing.

Leather Drivers Insulated Work Gloves CV Grade Grain Cowskin Leather Insulated Gloves with Fleece...

Leather Drivers Insulated Work Gloves Premium Grade Grain Cowskin Leather Insulated Gloves with...

 

Lined Pigskin Grain Driver Gloves

 

Pigskin Grain LeatherPigskin gloves are ideal around wet conditions and will not stiffen when they come into contact with moisture. However, in environments that are both wet and cold, that’s a whole new ballgame. Pigskin does not offer much insulation protection, though this same downside makes it a great option if you’re looking to keep your hands cool. But if you want to trap some heat and keep your hands warm in a pigskin glove, consider adding an insulated liner.

Here are some of our most popular pigskin glove styles with fleece lining:

Straight Thumb, White Lined Leather Gloves

Straight Thumb Lined Leather Gloves
Our least expensive thumb style, the straight thumb, places greater restrictions placed on thumb movement.

Leather Drivers Work Gloves CV Grade Grain Pigskin Leather Insulated Gloves with Fleece...

Keystone Thumb, Red Fleece Lined Leather Gloves

Keystone Thumb, Red Fleece Lined Leather Gloves
The keystone style allows for greater thumb movement.

Leather Drivers Work Gloves Premium Grade Grain Pigskin Leather Insulated Gloves with Fleece...

Leather Drivers Work Gloves CV Grade Grain Pigskin Leather Insulated Gloves with Fleece...

 

Lined Deerskin Grain Driver Gloves

 

Deerskin Grain LeatherWhat could make a deerskin even more comfortable than its already buttery soft feel? Well, add in a red fleece lining, and you’ve got your answer. Check out our 3555, made with split leather back.

Red Fleece Lined Leather Gloves


Red Fleece Lined Gloves

Leather Drivers Work Gloves Insulated with Fleece Lining Select Grade Grain Deerskin Palm Split...

Whether it’s an unlined or lined leather work glove, MCR Safety has a plethora of options and styles to wear. Our collection of leather driver gloves addresses multiple buying factors, ranging from durability to breathability to tactile sensitivity and abrasion-resistance. Our full range of leather gloves includes various hides to address all these concerns and more. We aim to offer you one of the most extensive selections on the market, ensuring you can carry out the job at hand.

As you read over all of the information above, you may have realized that a leather driver glove is not what you need for your application. If that is the case, we invite you to check out our other types of leather work gloves by clicking either of the images below. You may have also realized that we used a lot of jargon you’re not all that familiar with and don’t understand. If that is the case, be sure to check out the Leather Glove Knowledge Center, linked at the bottom of the page.

Leather Palm Work Gloves

v1 

Leather Welding Glove

 

You deserve the best PPE at work, especially hand protection. Choose MCR Safety leather gloves when you want the highest quality leather gloves available. We Protect People!

MCR Safety We Protect People