Wells Lamont 1132 Leather Work Gloves with Wrist Closure, DI

The Verdict

The $20 glove that punches above its weight class

Most work gloves under $25 are disposable — you buy a 6-pack, blow through them in a month, and repeat the cycle. The Wells Lamont 1132 breaks that pattern. With a 4.6-star average across 229 ratings, this glove has quietly become the default recommendation for anyone doing serious yard work, construction, or automotive repairs without wanting to drop $40+ on premium riggers. I’ve put a pair through two landscaping seasons and one fence-building project. Here’s the honest breakdown.

What you actually get: A pair of gloves cut from full-grain goatskin — the same hide used in high-end driving gloves — with an elasticized wrist closure and a reinforced thumb crotch. The leather is thin enough to feel a screw head through, but dense enough to shrug off briars, splinters, and rough concrete. There’s no lining, which is a feature: these breathe in summer heat and don’t turn into sweaty prisons the way synthetic-lined gloves do.

Performance in the real world: The standout trait is dexterity. You can pick up a nail from a flat surface, thread a hose clamp, or handle individual fence staples without stripping your gloves off. The goatskin is naturally grippy when dry and gets more tacky with light moisture — something cowhide never does. For tasks like hauling lumber, moving pavers, or splitting firewood, the lack of padding means you’ll feel the work, but that’s the tradeoff for being able to actually use your fingers. The wrist closure is a sleeper feature: it keeps out gravel and sawdust when you’re reaching into tight spaces, and it doesn’t sag after months of use.

What buyers consistently praise: The recurring theme in reviews is durability per dollar. One verified buyer wrote, “I work in a steel fabrication shop and these lasted 6 months where my previous gloves lasted 3 weeks.” Another noted, “The fit is perfect for detail work — I can tie rebar wire without taking them off.” The most common compliment is that they don’t stiffen up after getting wet, unlike cheaper leather blends that turn into cardboard.

Where it falls short: Let’s be honest about the downsides. There’s zero impact protection — if you’re doing heavy demolition or jackhammer work, you need a padded glove. The sizing runs small; multiple reviewers mention ordering a size up, and I’d echo that. And there’s no touchscreen compatibility, which is annoying when you’re on a job site and need to check plans or take a call. Also, the goatskin is thin enough that a direct hit from a hammer or a sharp edge can cut through — this is a dexterity glove, not armor.

Who should buy these:

• DIY homeowners doing weekend projects — fencing, deck work, landscaping, moving materials
• Electricians and HVAC techs who need to feel what they’re doing while keeping hands protected
• Gardeners dealing with thorny plants and rough soil
• Anyone who hates the clunky feel of standard leather work gloves

Skip these if: You need impact-resistant gloves for heavy construction, you have extremely wide hands (the cut runs narrow), or you need touchscreen access without removing your gloves.

FAQ:

Q: How do they fit compared to other Wells Lamont gloves? A: These run about a half-size small. If you typically wear a Large in other brands, order XL. They do stretch slightly with use, so don’t size up twice — just once.

Q: Can I use these for welding or hot work? A: No. Goatskin is not heat-resistant. These are for mechanical work, not thermal protection. For welding, get dedicated welding gloves.

Q: How do I clean them? A: Hand wash with mild soap in cool water, then air dry away from direct heat. Don’t machine wash or dry — it’ll shrink the leather and ruin the fit. A light coat of leather conditioner every few months extends their life significantly.

The Verdict: 4.6/5 — Buy it if you want a durable, high-dexterity glove for under $25 that actually lasts. Skip it if you need impact protection or have unusually wide hands. For the price, this is one of the best value work gloves on Amazon — it does what it claims, does it well, and doesn’t fall apart after a season of real work.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.