Cut Resistant Gloves UK: EN 388 Levels Explained (2026 Guide)

Hand injuries are the single most common workplace injury in the UK — and most of them are preventable with the right glove. The problem is rarely that a worker wasn't wearing gloves. It's that they were wearing the wrong ones: a general-purpose grip glove on a task that needed a Level D cut rating, or a heavy cut-resistant gauntlet so bulky the worker took it off to do fiddly work.

Getting glove selection right comes down to understanding one standard: EN 388. Once you can read the code stamped on the cuff, matching a glove to a hazard becomes straightforward. Here's how it works.

Quick answer: how to choose a cut resistant glove

Match the cut level (A–F) to your hazard, then check the glove is comfortable enough to actually wear for the full shift:

• Level A–B: light assembly, general handling, packaging
• Level C–D: sheet metal, glass handling, construction, automotive
• Level E–F: heavy metal fabrication, blade changing, recycling, meat processing

The higher the letter, the greater the cut resistance — but also the stiffer and more expensive the glove. Over-specifying costs money and reduces dexterity; under-specifying costs fingers. The goal is the right level, not the highest.

Why the wrong glove is more dangerous than no glove

A glove that's too bulky or too hot for the task gets removed — and a removed glove protects nobody. This is the failure mode HSE inspectors see most often: the correct PPE was issued, but it wasn't suitable for the actual work, so it wasn't worn. Under the PPE at Work Regulations, "suitable" means matched to both the hazard and the wearer. Comfort and fit aren't a luxury — they're a compliance requirement.

EN 388 decoded: what the numbers actually mean

Every cut resistant glove sold in the UK carries an EN 388 mark — a shield pictogram followed by four to six characters. Each position tells you how the glove performed in a specific test:

Position 1 – Abrasion resistance (0–4): how well the material survives rubbing. Higher is better.

Position 2 – Cut resistance, Coupe test (0–5): the older rotating-blade test. Still shown, but unreliable for high-performing materials because the blade dulls during testing. If a glove's cut resistance is high, this position may show an "X" and you should read the letter grade instead.

Position 3 – Tear resistance (0–4): resistance to ripping once a cut has started.

Position 4 – Puncture resistance (0–4): resistance to being pierced by a blunt point like a nail or wire.

Position 5 – Cut resistance, TDM test (A–F): the newer, more accurate blade test introduced with EN 388:2016. This is the number that matters most for cut protection. It runs from A (lowest) to F (highest).

Position 6 – Impact protection (P or blank): a "P" means the glove passed the impact test on the back of the hand. Blank means it wasn't tested.

So a glove marked 4X43D has excellent abrasion resistance (4), an unreliable Coupe score (X), good tear (4) and puncture (3) resistance, and a Level D TDM cut rating.

The A–F cut scale, matched to real jobs

If you're unsure between two levels, size up — the cost difference is small, and the injury cost of under-protecting is not.

Coating matters as much as cut level

The cut rating tells you about the yarn. The coating tells you about grip, and grip is what stops a worker fighting the task. Match it to your environment:

• PU (polyurethane): thin, breathable, excellent for dry precision work — electronics, assembly, inspection.
• Nitrile foam: the all-rounder. Good grip in light oil, durable, comfortable. The default for most engineering and construction handling. Browse the full coated gloves range for these.
• Latex crinkle: aggressive grip in wet and rough conditions — bricks, blocks, scaffolding.

For chemical exposure, cut rating is irrelevant on its own — you need a glove tested to the chemical permeation standard as well. See the chemical resistant gloves collection for those.

Fit and sizing: the detail most buyers skip

A cut resistant glove one size too big loses dexterity and bunches at the fingertips — exactly where cuts happen. One size too small fatigues the hand and gets removed by lunchtime. Order a sizing sample before committing to a bulk order, and if your team spans a wide size range, don't assume one size covers everyone. Our cut resistant gloves range covers XS–XXL across most lines.

When to replace

Cut resistant gloves don't last forever. Replace them when you see:

• Fraying or thinning at the fingertips or palm
• Coating wearing through to the liner
• Any visible cut or puncture in the glove itself
• Loss of grip (the coating has glazed over)

A worn glove often tests well below its original cut rating. Build replacement into your PPE schedule rather than waiting for visible failure.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Buying on the Coupe (0–5) score alone. For anything above light-duty, read the A–F TDM grade instead.
2. Over-specifying. A Level F glove on a Level C task means workers lose dexterity and improvise — usually by removing the glove.
3. Ignoring the coating. The right cut level with the wrong grip is a glove that gets taken off.
4. One glove for every task. Most sites need two or three specifications, not one universal glove.
5. Skipping the fit trial. A bulk order of the wrong size is an expensive mistake.

Frequently asked questions

What does EN 388 mean on a glove?
EN 388 is the European standard for gloves protecting against mechanical risks. The code shows performance for abrasion, cut, tear, puncture, and (where tested) impact. The letter A–F is the most accurate cut resistance measure.

What cut level glove do I need?
Match the level to your hazard: A–B for light handling, C–D for sheet metal, glass and construction, and E–F for heavy fabrication and blade work. When in doubt, choose the higher level.

What's the difference between the number and the letter for cut resistance?
The number (0–5) is the older Coupe test, which dulls against high-performing materials. The letter (A–F) is the newer TDM test and is more reliable — always prioritise it.

Are higher cut levels always better?
No. Higher levels are stiffer and reduce dexterity, so workers are more likely to remove them for fine tasks. The correct level for the job is safer than the highest available.

Do cut resistant gloves protect against chemicals?
Not on their own. You need a glove specifically tested for chemical permeation. Check the chemical resistant range for those.

Get the right hand protection for your team

Choosing gloves by EN 388 rating removes the guesswork — but if you're kitting out a mixed team across several tasks, it helps to talk it through. Browse the full safety gloves range, or call our team on 0121 555 8446 for task-by-task advice and bulk pricing. We'll help you match the right specification to each job — and no further than you need to pay for.

Related reading:

• Hi-Vis Clothing Requirements UK: Class 1 vs 2 vs 3 Explained
• PPE Regulations UK 2025–2026: What Employers Must Know
• ESD Safety Footwear Explained