Insulated Work Gloves and Clo Testing

Clo Test

What is a clo test?  Clo, as defined by BusinessDictionary.com, is the measurement of insulation needed to provide warmth based on the resting temperature.  Official test scores are based on a resting person in ambient conditions where the temperature is 70°F, relative humidity is below 50%, and wind velocity is 250 centimeters per second.  A score of zero is that of a nude person, whereas a score of four is that of an Eskimo.  So, the higher the clo, the higher the degree of warmth felt by wearers.  We don’t list specific clo numbers on our insulation page, but we do offer a range based on clo numbers.  

One thing to keep in mind is that as soon as someone begins working, they’re no longer resting.  Their body starts producing heat the more actively they’re working, so the clo number should be used only as a reference.  However, it is the best measurement one can review when selecting winter clothing.

At MCR Safety, our goal is to provide tools that quickly allow you to identify the product you require.  When it comes to knowing which gloves you should wear during the cold winter days, or an extreme environment, we've got the answers. We assess where a glove belongs based on its clo lab test scores.We have broken up our insulated gloves into three levels:

Temperate

Moderate

Extreme

For the coldest of winter conditions, be sure to use extreme insulated gloves made with the most advanced technologies, like the 904's ThermoSock® lining or the 6714FF's Foam and Polar Fleece lining.

MCR Safety's ThermoSock® Lining offers extreme temperature protection via multi-layer technology combined with using your own body heat to warm the cool air before it reaches your skin.

Here are some of the many glove linings you may come across for keeping you warm:

• Red Fleece (Jersey) - Cotton or cotton blended; Brushed for softness and thermal properties
• Pile (Boa Pile) - Cotton or blend; Soft; Used in a variety of clothing products
• Foam - Creates an air barrier protection; Lightweight; Provides a “cushioning” effect
• ThermoSock® - High loft matte fiber
• Thermal - Commonly made with cotton; Specially sewn to create air pockets for natural insulation
• Wool - Nature’s best; Beware of imitations; Great for wet applications, dries quickly
• Cotton/String Knit Liners - Brushed acrylic micro-terry; Acrylic/ cotton/poly; 100% Acrylic
• 100% Thermastat™ - Hollow-core hydrophobic fiber; Greater thermal insulation; Fast evaporation rate; FDA Compliant
• Thinsulate™ - Light and warm synthetic insulation

These liners go beyond just keeping you warm during cold winter months. Welders need a multitude of lining materials, offering varying levels of comfort and heat protection. Wool and ThermoSock® provide the best insulating properties for Welding, with foam and pile linings not far behind. Jersey linings are provide a moderate amount of protection from heat at the most economical price.

Protecting your hands is only one part to staying warm; you also need insulated garments! Our most recent innovation is the Vortex, VT38JH and VT38BP, keeping you warm in temperatures as low as -27° F.

It’s made with:

• Double insulated construction
• Permanent polyester quilted liner
• Zip out fleece liner

The PK5B is another extreme climate offering, which is also made with Max Comfort FR material. From gloves, rainsuits, welding gear and FR gear; MCR Safety is your go to place for work gear during frigid winter months.

For further Insulated Gear insight be sure to check out our most recent blog articles covering Insulated Gear - https://www.mcrsafety.com/blog/insulated