Are neoprene gloves the same as nitrile gloves? The short answer is no. These gloves are made out of different materials. Although neoprene and nitrile are made from synthetic, latex-free materials, the physical properties of these gloves are quite different. Although their names may sound familiar, if you were to handle these protective gloves side-by-side, you will quickly notice a difference between the two materials.


Neoprene gloves are made from neoprene material, just like what diving wetsuits are made out of. Neoprene conforms well to the contour of the human body and it fits very well on our hands. Neoprene gloves tend to be more comfortable to wear, even for extended period of time. When you compare the price of each glove, neoprene gloves tend to be more expensive than the nitrile glove counterpart. As such, neoprene gloves are not as prevalent and used in more exclusive environments. For instance, this material is a popular work glove for industrial factories. In addition, neoprene is widely used as a surgical glove in place of latex gloves.

Always remember that not all glove materials protect you the same way. When neoprene and nitrile gloves are manufactured, they are tested accordingly. Especially when it comes to handling chemicals, it is always best to inquire about penetration testing on the respective material to ensure you work consistently in a safe environment. As an example, nitrile gloves and neoprene gloves will have different levels of protection if it comes into contact with formaldehyde. The test data you should be looking for is the time it takes for this chemical to penetrate the glove. Based on this knowledge, you can put in to practice how often you should change gloves.