Leather vs Coated Gardening Gloves: Which Should You Buy?
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
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Wells Lamont Grain Cowhide Leather Work Gloves (1132)
A rugged full grain cowhide work glove for heavy digging, hauling and abrasive jobs where knit gloves shred, with a reinforced palm patch and a keystone thumb for reasonable movement. Expect that durability at a cost to comfort: the leather runs hot and stiff with a slow break-in, soaks up water and stiffens, and its bulk kills fine dexterity.
| Material | 100% grain cowhide leather |
|---|---|
| Coating | None (full leather) |
| Cuff | Adjustable/elastic wrist (short) |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Sizes | M-XL |
| Best for | Heavy digging, hauling, and abrasive construction-style work |
Digz Nitrile Coated Garden Gloves
A dirt-cheap, latex-free coated glove that shines in wet, muddy digging thanks to a grippy nitrile palm-and-knuckle dip, while the stretch knit keeps dexterity for transplanting, and replacements are cheap. Treat it as semi-disposable: this standard line is not touchscreen-compatible, the back is exposed, and the thin build wears out faster than leather.
| Material | Nylon/spandex knit shell |
|---|---|
| Coating | Nitrile palm & knuckle dip |
| Cuff | Knit wrist (short) |
| Touchscreen | No (standard nitrile line) |
| Sizes | S-XL (women's & youth options) |
| Best for | Wet, muddy digging and weeding where grip matters |
Our verdict
These gloves answer different jobs, so most gardeners want both. Full-grain cowhide like the Wells Lamont glove wins for heavy digging, hauling, and abrasive work where its thick leather resists punctures and wear that would shred a knit glove. Nitrile-coated gloves like the Digz pair win for everyday planting and weeding: they are breathable, dexterous, grip wet tools well, and cost a fraction as much. If you mostly do light bed work, start with coated gloves; if you dig, move rock, or handle rough material, keep leather in the shed too.