Guide
EN 388 Glove Ratings Explained
A buyer guide to EN 388 mechanical protection ratings for abrasion, blade cut, tear, puncture, and ISO cut performance.
Last updated 2026-05-15
TL;DR
- EN 388 is the European mechanical protection standard used on many industrial glove spec sheets.
- The rating includes separate values for abrasion, cut, tear, puncture, and often ISO cut resistance.
- Use EN 388 together with ANSI/ISEA 105 when comparing gloves for global programs.
What EN 388 ratings show
EN 388 ratings summarize mechanical protection performance in several categories. The values help buyers compare abrasion, blade cut, tear, puncture, and ISO cut data across gloves.
Because the code has multiple positions, teams should avoid treating it as one simple score. Each position answers a different protection question.
How EN 388 supports global procurement
Global safety and procurement teams often need EN 388 data because European ratings appear in supplier documentation, product catalogs, and compliance reviews. Keeping EN 388 visible on product pages reduces back-and-forth during vendor qualification.
How to use EN 388 with ANSI
Use ANSI/ISEA 105 for U.S. cut-level comparison and EN 388 for broader mechanical rating context. When a program spans regions, request both sets of documentation for the specific SKU.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an X mean in an EN 388 rating?
An X usually means that portion of the test was not performed or is not applicable for that glove.
Can EN 388 prove a glove is right for a task?
No. EN 388 supports comparison, but task hazards, worker acceptance, and other standards still matter.
Should EN 388 appear on product pages?
Yes. EN 388 values help safety and procurement teams review mechanical protection quickly.