Pigskin Gloves
Pigskin is one of the most comfortable work leathers you can wear. It breathes, it stays soft after it gets wet and it holds up to abrasion. You'll find it here on MIG gloves, drivers, mechanics gloves and insulated winter styles.
Buying guide
Why welders and crews pick pigskin
Pigskin has a few traits that make it a favorite for gloves you wear for hours at a time.
It breathes
Pigskin has tiny pores through the hide, which lets heat and moisture out. Your hands stay drier than in most other leathers.
It dries soft
Wet leather often dries stiff. Pigskin tends to stay supple after getting soaked, which helps on outdoor jobs.
It wears well
For its weight, pigskin resists abrasion well, so palms last on jobs where you're handling stock and tools.
Heat, in moderation
It handles MIG heat well as a palm leather. For heavy stick work, a cowhide back or full cowhide glove adds more protection.
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Pigskin vs goatskin vs cowhide
Each leather has strengths. This is how they stack up on the gloves we carry.
| Leather | Feel | Breathability | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pigskin | Good | High | Good |
| Goatskin | Very good | Medium | Good |
| Cowhide | Fair | Medium | Very good |
Good to know
Grain pigskin vs split pigskin
Grain pigskin is the smooth outer side of the hide. It's what you want on the palm for grip and feel.
Split pigskin is rougher and thicker. It's less common on our gloves, but you'll see it on some economy styles where price matters more than feel.
Soft, breathable and tough enough for real work.
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FAQ
Pigskin glove questions
Is pigskin good for welding?
Pigskin is a popular palm leather for MIG gloves because it balances feel and heat protection. For heavy stick work, gloves with more cowhide give you extra heat protection.
Does pigskin shrink when wet?
Pigskin handles moisture better than most leathers and tends to dry soft. Let it air dry away from direct heat to keep its shape.
Are pigskin gloves good in the cold?
An unlined pigskin glove isn't warm on its own. Pick an insulated or lined pigskin style for winter work.
What's the difference between pigskin and cowhide gloves?
Pigskin is lighter and more breathable. Cowhide is thicker and tougher. Many MIG gloves use both: pigskin on the palm for feel, cowhide on the back for heat.
Not sure if pigskin is right for your job?
Tell us the job and we'll point you to the right gear. Real answers from people who know welding PPE.






