Glove Sizing FAQ's

Download FirstLine glove sizing chart

What standard establishes the specification for glove sizing?

ASTM D3578 sets the sizing standard for latex exam gloves. ASTM D6319 sets the standard for nitrile exam gloves.

Is there a standard for each glove size?

Extra Small, Small, Medium and Large have an identified range. However, there is no range established for sizes XL, 2XL or 3XL. These sizes and tolerances are established by each manufacturer or private labeler.

Why do competitor's gloves vary in size from purchase to purchase?

Because the ranges overlap for each size, (see chart below) it is possible, as an example, for a glove that is measured as 103 to be considered both a medium and a large. Therefore, dependent upon former control and line process control, glove widths and lengths can vary from former to former and from production run to production run.

Why do gloves vary in size from manufacturer to manufacturer?

Because the ASTM standard does allow for overlap, each manufacturer may purchase formers (the tool or utensil used to dip into latex and form the glove) from a variety of former manufacturers that produce gloves within the noted sizing range. However, again, one manufacturer’s medium former may produce a glove that measures as another manufacturer’s large size.

What are the sizing standards for FirstLine gloves?

FirstLine eliminated the overlap between sizes and carefully monitors the sizing to ensure that all formers produce to the mid range of each tolerance. This eliminates the potential for variation from size to size and shipment to shipment. In addition, each lot of less than 1,000,000 pieces is measured for conformance to our strict sizing specifications.

Why does FirstLine offer six glove sizes?

Gloves are meant to fit like a glove! We certainly don’t have 4 sizes of shoes, so why only 4 sizes of gloves?

Because the ASTM standard originally established sizing for gloves used in a hospital application, the sizing was designed to accommodate smaller hands, or females which dominated the hospital market use of gloves; thus the standard identifies only 4 sizes of gloves, small through X-Large.

In 1998, feedback from the paramedic market during the R&D field evaluation phase of our first model, elicited a requirement for larger gloves, along with improved fit. Specifically, medics felt that there was a significant increase or difference in size L to XL. Many of the medics felt a large was too small and an XL was too big. For this reason, FirstLine reduced our size XL slightly and added a 2XL, introducing the first 2XL to the glove market. After time, requests for a larger glove than 2XL resulted in our launching the largest glove ever introduced in the world, a size 3XL.

Today, FirstLine 3XL size gloves are a market favorite amongst many glove wearers who had previously either worn a glove that was too small, or no glove at all! FirstLine has redefined the glove industry with many manufacturers following FirstLine’s trendsetting sizing standards, offering 2XL and 3XL sized gloves.

Does the NFPA 1999-2008 standard require ASTM sizing compliance?

No. The NFPA standard utilizes the European EN455-2:2000 Standard. In addition, NFPA requires that 5 distinct sizes be offered. (See chart above.)

Are FirstLine nitrile gloves sized differently?

Because nitrile gloves do not contain rubber or stretch like latex, donning a glove that is too small, which can be done with latex, cannot be done with nitrile without potentially increasing breakage. In addition, to attain a proper fit with nitrile, critical to reduce potential exposure and for proper dexterity, it is necessary to offer more sizes to accommodate a variety of hand sizes.

FirstLine Gloves sizes our XL – 3XL nitrile gloves slightly larger than our latex to provide a great fitting glove for larger handed individuals. (See chart above.)

Why does the size glove I wear sometimes change throughout the year?

Seasonal climate fluctuations can dramatically alter how our gloves will don or fit at any given time. Users may notice that temperature will have an affect on how rings fit, hence glove size may also be impacted when no noticeable change in weight is evident.

After monitoring glove usage for over 13 years, FirstLine’s usage ratio fluctuates between summer and winter, with more size L sold in winter and more size XL sold in summer.