Absorbency
The ability of a fabric to take in moisture. Absorbency is a very important property, which affects many other characteristics such as skin comfort, static build-up, shrinkage, stain removal, water repellency and wrinkle recovery.

Abrasion Resistance
The ability to resist wear from the continuous rubbing of the fabric against another surface. Garments made from fabrics that possess both high breaking strength and abrasion resistance can be worn often and for a long period of time before signs of wear appear.

Synthetic fibers produced in continuous form as distinguished from natural fibers which have a shorter length. See Staple.

Cowhide
The most durable garment leather, providing the best value. This leather type can be made in all weights and textures. New ways of finishing cowhide produce a sensual softness and suppleness. Cowhide is available in a wide range of shades and textures.

Belly
Part of the leather portion. Less dense fibre structure than other parts; economy grade.


Cuff
The cuff is the part of the glove extending beyond the palm that covers the wrist and part of the forearm.

Drapeability
The ability of a fiber to bend easily. A flexible fiber such as acetate can be made into a highly drapeable fabric and garment. Usually, the thinner the fiber, the better the drapeability.

Elasticity
The ability to increase in length under tension and then return to the original length when released.

Gauge
Knit Gloves: The number of needles and stitches to the inch. The more the needles the finer the knit. Heavy, bulky knit gloves are normally made on 7-10 gauge knitting machines, while finer knit gloves are made on 13 gauge machines. Latex, rubber or plastic gloves: The thickness of glove material usually measured in mills (1 mil=0.001" gauge). Lower gauge gloves allow better dexterity and flexibility while higher gauge gloves give better protection, but with less flexibility.

Gauntlet Cuff
A glove cuff designed for extra protection for the forearm. Usually a 4½ " cuff. Slides on and off easily and allows for maximum movement of forearm.

Grain
The side of the leather that had the hair, i.e. the outside. Full grain has the original surface, whereas corrected grain has been abraded to make the leather smoother and more uniform. Regarded for its soft, grainy texture and appearance.

Gunn Cut
A type of glove construction that has no seams on the back but has a seam at the base of the middle fingers. Finger seams are further from the working area.

Gusset
The piece of leather sewn between the fingers on some kinds of gloves. Also known as the sidewall or fourchette.

Hand
The way a fiber (glove, yarn or fabric) feels when handled. Terms like soft, crisp, dry, silky or harsh are used to describe the hand of a textile material. The type of yarn, fabric construction and finishing processes used, affect the hand of a fabric.

Handsewn
Through and through sewing, sewn by hand the old fashioned way with needle and thread.

Kevlar
Aramid fibers. Generic name for aromic polyamide fibers, consisting of synthetic polyamides in which at least 85% of the amide linkages are directly attached to the aromatic ring. The fiber is difficult to ignite. Does not propagate flame. Decomposes at about 900°F. Kevlar fibers and Kevlar fiber blends are commonly used in cut, abrasion and heat resistant gloves. Kevlar is a trademark of the DuPont Company.

Keystone Thumb
A type of glove thumb that conforms to the natural shape and position of the thumb, resulting in superior movement and comfort.

Nylon
Generic name for all polymers having recurring amide groups in the molecular backbone. Various types of nylon are described by numbers that relate to the number of carbon atoms in the various reactants. Effect of heat: Sticks at 445°F, Melts at 480°F, Yellows slightly at 300°F when held for 5 hours. The most extensively used type of nylon in gloves is Nylon 6/6.

Reversible Pattern
A type of glove construction that allows the glove to be worn by either hand since the thumb is situated perfectly on the side of the glove.