5 Signs You’re Buying the Wrong Nitrile Gloves for Your Business

Nitrile gloves play a critical role in workplace hygiene and safety—from commercial kitchens to healthcare clinics and industrial cleaning crews. But not all gloves are created equal. Choosing the wrong type can lead to discomfort, waste, compliance issues, or even safety hazards. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top five warning signs that you might be buying the wrong nitrile gloves—and how to fix it.

1. They Don't Fit Properly

If your team complains that gloves are too tight, too loose, or keep slipping off, that’s your first red flag. Gloves that don’t fit increase the risk of contamination and reduce dexterity. In fact, WorkSafe NZ guidelines recommend a proper glove fit for tasks involving chemicals or food prep. Always refer to a size chart before ordering and consider offering a few sample sizes to staff.

Insinc Tip: At Insinc Products, we offer nitrile gloves in X-Small to XX-Large and can help you find the right fit for everyone on your team.

2. They Tear Easily During Use

Tearing gloves is a common frustration. If your gloves frequently split while being put on or during tasks, they might be too thin for the job—or poor quality. Cheap nitrile gloves often cut corners on durability.

Solution: Choose industrial-grade or thicker nitrile options for heavy-duty cleaning or maintenance work. For delicate tasks, thinner gloves are fine—but they must still meet quality standards.

3. You’re Using the Wrong Glove for the Task

Not all nitrile gloves are suitable for every job. For example, food-grade nitrile gloves must meet specific safety certifications. Using general-purpose gloves in a kitchen, clinic, or lab can lead to compliance issues.

Quick Check: Look for certifications like HACCP, food-grade symbols, or EN standards. If your gloves don’t say, ask the supplier.

4. They Lack Colour Coding or Industry Clarity

Blue gloves are typically used in food handling. Black gloves are preferred in industrial or mechanical settings for their professional look and stain concealment. Using the wrong colour can confuse staff or worse—break compliance with industry guidelines.

Pro Tip from Insinc: We stock colour-coded nitrile gloves and can help you align glove colours with your team’s needs. Nitrile gloves now come in a range different colours, blue, black, white, green, neon green, pink and orange.

5. You’re Paying More Than You Should—or Running Out

If you’re constantly over-ordering or running out, it’s time to rethink your supply strategy. You might be using the wrong type, buying from an inconsistent supplier, or paying extra for branded gloves with no added benefit.

Insinc Solution: We offer bulk nitrile gloves, fast delivery across New Zealand, and reliable customer service that understands your business.

FAQ: Nitrile Glove Buying Questions

What is the difference between nitrile and latex gloves?

Nitrile gloves are synthetic, latex-free, and more resistant to chemicals and punctures. Latex gloves are natural rubber and provide excellent flexibility but can cause allergic reactions.

Why are nitrile gloves so expensive?

Great question—and one many businesses are asking. The price of nitrile gloves has remained relatively high due to several factors. Firstly, nitrile is a synthetic rubber made using petroleum-based chemicals, and fluctuations in global oil prices directly impact production costs. Secondly, high demand—especially during and after COVID-19—put consistent pressure on the global supply chain.

But here’s the important part: not all nitrile gloves are created equal. Lower-priced gloves may save you a few dollars up front but can rip easily, lack proper certifications, or be made with inconsistent quality. That can lead to overuse, health and safety risks, and staff frustration.

Buying quality gloves from a trusted NZ supplier like Insinc ensures you’re getting consistent performance.

What about bulk pricing?

If you’re only buying a few boxes at a time, you’re likely paying more than you need to. We recommend purchasing a full carton (usually 10 boxes of 100 gloves per box) to secure better unit pricing. Ordering multiple cartons—especially for high-use environments like food production, healthcare, or cleaning services—can unlock even greater savings.

Insinc can help you set up bulk ordering options with flexible delivery, so you never run out or overpay.

Are black nitrile gloves better than blue?

Not better—just different. Black gloves are popular in industrial and automotive sectors, while blue gloves are often used in food handling and medical settings for visibility. There are multiple colours available now blue, black, white, green, neon green, pink and orange. The orange and neon green gloves are great for your team safety and visibility.

Are nitrile gloves biodegradable?

Most traditional nitrile gloves aren’t, but Insinc now offers biodegradable nitrile options that break down faster without sacrificing performance.

Why do my hands smell after wearing nitrile gloves?

This can happen due to moisture buildup. Using powder-free gloves and rotating tasks can reduce this issue.

What Are Nitrile Gloves Used For?

Nitrile gloves are incredibly versatile and used across a wide range of industries. They offer excellent chemical resistance, are latex-free (ideal for allergy-sensitive environments), and are stronger than most disposable alternatives. Here’s where they’re commonly used:

• Food handling – Nitrile gloves that are food-grade certified are ideal for preventing cross-contamination.

• Healthcare & aged care – Their puncture resistance and latex-free nature make them safe for medical exams and care tasks.

• Commercial cleaning – Excellent for handling chemicals and biohazards.

• Automotive & mechanics – Black nitrile gloves hide grease and grime while offering a strong barrier.

• Hairdressing & tattooing – They’re durable, tight-fitting, and prevent staining or contamination.

At Insinc Products, we stock nitrile gloves suited for each of these industries, with certifications to match.

What Are Microns and How Do They Affect Glove Performance?

Microns (or micrometres) refer to the thickness of the glove material. Thicker gloves offer more protection and durability, while thinner gloves allow for better tactile sensitivity.

Here’s a quick guide to where different micron levels are best used:

If you're unsure which thickness you need, it's always safer to choose a slightly thicker glove for durability—especially in busy or high-risk settings.

Insinc offers a variety of nitrile gloves in different microns and can help you match the right glove to the job.

What Are the Side Effects of Nitrile Gloves?

While nitrile gloves are generally well tolerated, some users may still experience minor side effects, especially with prolonged use. These can include:

• Sweaty or irritated skin due to moisture buildup inside the glove.

• Allergic reactions to chemical accelerants used in glove manufacturing (though less common than latex allergies).

• Odour or skin smell after glove removal, especially if gloves are worn for extended periods.

How to reduce side effects:

• Use powder-free gloves to reduce skin dryness.

• Take breaks between long glove use.

• Look for “low-derma” or “accelerator-free” gloves if users have sensitive skin.

Why Are Nitrile Gloves So Hard to Put On?

Nitrile gloves can sometimes be tricky to don—especially in humid conditions or if hands are damp. This is usually due to:

• Tighter-fitting material (which is great for protection but less forgiving on damp skin).

• Powder-free construction, which while better for allergies, can reduce ease of donning.

• Storage issues, such as gloves exposed to heat or sunlight, which can reduce flexibility.

Tips to make gloves easier to put on:

• Ensure hands are clean and dry before use.

• Store gloves in a cool, dry environment.

• Use a glove applicator or lightly dust hands with cornstarch if appropriate (but only in non-food environments).

Need easier-to-don options? Insinc can recommend nitrile gloves with softer formulations or lower grip finishes designed for quick changes in busy environments.

The Right Glove Makes All the Difference

Nitrile gloves may seem like a small purchase, but choosing the wrong ones can lead to big frustrations—from torn gloves and poor fit to compliance issues and wasted money. The good news? A few simple checks can save you time, stress, and costs in the long run. At Insinc Products, we make it easy to find the right nitrile gloves for your New Zealand workplace—whether you're in food service, healthcare, manufacturing, or cleaning. With eco-friendly options, bulk pricing, fast delivery, and real local support, we’ve got your hands covered (literally).

Not sure if you're using the right glove? Contact us to talk through your options and/or request samples