When getting into the sport of scuba diving you will find you may want to invest in your own dive gear. Whether you are snorkeling or diving in the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean or exploring wrecks in much colder waters, you will want to invest in a good pair of dive gloves.

The type of environment you plan to dive is very important when it comes to choosing the best diving gloves for you. Similar to choosing the perfect wetsuit or fins, you will want the gloves to perform well in that environment.

Diving gloves for cold water will call for thicker gloves that will keep your hands warm and dry. Warm water diving gloves are thinner, and many times provide protection on the palm or back of the hand just in case you encounter a stinging organism on a mooring line or bump into a wreck while exploring the underwater world.

Popular Choice

High Stretch Gloves CRESSI

★★★★★Cressi High 2.5mm Stretch Gloves for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Top PickMost Popular

Water Gloves XUKER

★★★★★

XUKER 3mm and 5 mm Water Gloves for Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, and Spearfishing

Best Value

Lobster Gloves for Diving D VEIN

★★★★★D VEIN 1.5mm Lobster Gloves for Diving and Spearfishing

ALL THE DIVING GLOVES THAT WE TESTED

XUKER Water Gloves

OUR TOP PICK

XUKER 3mm and 5 mm Water Gloves for Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, and Spearfishing

General Impression

Xuker’s water gloves are made from high-quality Neoprene and are strong but flexible enough at the same time. They come in three different options 3mm, 5mm, and a kevlar version. Aside from providing warmth for your hands, they’re also great for protection against scratches or dangerous fish. The gloves have an anti-slip rubber on the inside of the palm so you’ll never lose your grip on any of your equipment. The gloves are easily fitted around the wrist with a velcro strap.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Neoprene
WEIGHT: 2.4 oz
THICKNESS: 3mm and 5 mm
BEST SUITED FOR: Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, and Spearfishing

PROS

  • Pre-shaped ergonomic design
  • Comes in sizes from XS to XL

CONS

  • Tiring to wear for long durations

D VEIN Lobster Gloves for Diving

BEST VALUE

D VEIN 1.5mm Lobster Gloves for Diving and Spearfishing

General Impression

D Vein Dive Gloves – Designed for lobstering, but an all-around good glove for diving, snorkeling, freediving or spearfishing due to its flexible lightweight design. The gloves are made of Kevlar with a nonslip grip on the palms and a rubber coating on the topside for increased protection. These gloves are washing machine friendly and dry fully overnight.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Kevlar
WEIGHT: 7.2 oz
THICKNESS: 1.5mm
BEST SUITED FOR: Scuba Diving, Freediving, Spearfishing, and Snorkeling

PROS

  • Washing machine friendly
  • Soft and flexible design
  • Topside is coated in rubber armor for protection
  • Flame resistant material

CONS

  • Unnecessarily bulky

CRESSI High Stretch Gloves

General Impression

These gloves made by one of the top diving suppliers, Cressi, are our top pick. The glove is fully covered in a non-slip grip finish and comes in 2.5, 3.5 or 5mm thickness making them perfect for various marine environments. The 2.5mm gloves are an ideal thickness for various water activities. The material is stretchy, and the pre-formed shape allows for full dexterity in the water, while the solid-wrist design keeps water from getting inside the gloves.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Neoprene
WEIGHT: 3.2 oz
THICKNESS: 2.5mm (also available in 3.5 and 5mm)
BEST SUITED FOR: Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, and Spearfishing

PROS

  • Soft Metallite lining makes it easy to slide on
  • Non-slip grip finish
  • Stretchy neoprene and pre-formed shape
  • Wide range of thickness for varying diving environments

CONS

  • Sizing issues

NEO SPORT Premium Neoprene Gloves

General Impression

If you want a pair of all-purpose gloves for diving or watersports, these Neo Sport neoprene five finger wetsuit gloves are a great choice and are a real bang for your buck. The gloves are available in 3mm or 5mm and are designed to keep your hands warm in cold water environments. The Velcro-elastic strap secures the gloves around your wetsuit allowing for ease of taking on and off. This is a great all-around watersports glove.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Neoprene
WEIGHT: 4.5 oz
THICKNESS: 3mm/5mm
BEST SUITED FOR: Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, and Watersports

PROS

  • High-grip textured palm
  • Glued and sewn seams ensure waterproofing integrity
  • Great all-around watersports glove
  • Good quality for such a low price

CONS

  • Recommended to order one size larger than normal

OUMERS Scuba Gloves

General Impression

These gloves are designed to keep your hands warm when used in and around cold water. Generally used for water sports like SCUBA diving, kayaking and boating.
The grip textured palm will protect your hands and help you handle slippery environments while snorkeling, swimming, scuba, surfing, sailing, kayaking, diving and other water activities.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Neoprene
WEIGHT: 4.2 oz
THICKNESS: 3mm
BEST SUITED FOR: ‎Diving and Kayaking

PROS

  • Durable and flexible construction
  • Popular for commercial or technical divers

CONS

  • Odd-shaped handle
  • Ring-splitter is very large

SCUBAPRO Tropic 1.5 mm

General Impression

A popular warm water diving glove made by SCUBAPRO, the Tropic 1.5 mm gloves are lightweight and durable. These gloves are made from X-foam, a limestone neoprene that is petroleum free and they are available in 5 colors that match SCUBAPRO’s new UPF line. The palm is made from puncture resistant Amara fabric and the adjustable wrist strap creates a secure comfortable fit making the gloves a good choice for diving, snorkeling or freediving.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Amara fabric, Limestone Neoprene
WEIGHT: 5.4 oz
THICKNESS: 5mm
BEST SUITED FOR: Scuba Diving, Snorkeling and Freediving

PROS

  • Palm layer made from puncture-resistant Amara fabric
  • Adjustable Velcro wrist strap for a secure and comfortable fit
  • Made from X-Foam, a limestone neoprene, petroleum-free
  • Five color choices, slick design

CONS

  • Do not reduce dexterity 100%

XS SCUBA Dry Five Pyrostretch Dry Gloves

General Impression

A true dry glove for diving in cold water, the XS Scuba 5mm dry five Pyrostretch dry gloves are a solid choice. The seams are glued, blind-stitched and liquid-taped to make the seams waterproof, keeping your hands not only warm but also dry while diving. The material is stretchy so it does not limit dexterity while wearing. The solid wrist design keeps a tight seal to minimize the chance of water entering the gloves.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Pyrostretch neoprene
WEIGHT: 7.2 oz
THICKNESS: 5mm
BEST SUITED FOR: Scuba Diving

PROS

  • Glued, blind-stitched and liquid-taped waterproof seams
  • Elastic Pyrostretch nylon-2 neoprene rubber
  • Twin cuff design
  • Waterproof skin

CONS

  • Does not work as dry gloves as some suggestions indicate this as a feature

PROMATE Scuba Dive Kevlar Gloves

General Impression

A popular choice for commercial or technical divers, the Promate 3mm dive gloves are made with durable and flexible neoprene and Kevlar. The cut resistant material covers the palm and stretches over the fingertips. These gloves will keep your hands warm on a dive and also safe from any underwater hazards.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Neoprene, Kevlar
WEIGHT: 4.5 oz
THICKNESS: 3mm
BEST SUITED FOR: Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, and Spearfishing

PROS

  • Cut resistant Kevlar material covers palms and over fingertips
  • Durable and flexible construction
  • Popular for commercial or technical divers
  • Velcro wrist closure for easy on and off

CONS

  • Recommended to order a size larger than normal

DARKFIN Webbed Power Dive Gloves

General Impression

The Darkfin webbed power dive glove is the perfect choice to improve your speed in the water. The gloves are designed to increase propulsion by 70% and are even used by military and rescue divers. The webbed design is good for divers with disabilities or limited use of their legs. These gloves are handmade with plant-based biodegradable material making them environmentally friendly.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Latex
WEIGHT: 4 oz
THICKNESS: 5mm
BEST SUITED FOR: Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, and Swimming

PROS

  • Made with plant-based biodegradable materials
  • 70% increase in propulsion
  • Lightweight latex material

CONS

  • Difficult to put on and take off

SEAVENGER Abyss Dive Gloves 1.5mm Neoprene Mesh

General Impression

The Seavenger 1.5mm gloves are lightweight yet durable, making them a good choice for scuba diving in warm water or for spearfishing. Designed to fit the natural curve of your hand and reinforced with durable Amara leather and mesh, these gloves provide protection while underwater. The gloves come in five colors and sizes range from 2XS to 2XL offering a wide range of options.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Neoprene, Mesh, Amara
WEIGHT: 2.4 oz
THICKNESS: 1.5mm
BEST SUITED FOR: Scuba Diving and Spearfishing

PROS

  • 5 color options
  • Durable Amara leather protection
  • Sizes 2XS to 2XL for all ages
  • Designed to fit the natural curve of the hand

CONS

  • Sizing is a bit off

MARES Flexa Fit 5mm Gloves

General Impression

Built to last with triple glued and double-blind stitched seams, the Mares Flexa Fit 5mm gloves are bespoke cold water diving gloves. The ultra-stretch material makes them a breeze to get on and off, while the rubber printed palm provides a sturdy grip. The standout feature for these gloves is the preformed wrist shape and innovative cut. This design creates a watertight seal keeping your hands warm and dry.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Nylon, Neoprene, Rubber
WEIGHT: 5.6 oz
THICKNESS: 5mm
BEST SUITED FOR: Scuba Diving

PROS

  • Ultra stretch material
  • Preformed wrist shape and innovative cut
  • Triple glued and double-blind stitched seams
  • Rubber printed palm for increased grip

CONS

  • Not the most comfortable gloves

BEST DIVING GLOVES
Buyer's Guide

Purpose

What will you be doing on your dive? This is an important question to ask yourself when buying scuba diving gloves.

If you are diving in cold water, you will want to look for a scuba diving gloves that is thicker. Wearing 2.5mm to 3mm gloves may work well for your snorkeling trip but wearing them in much colder waters will cause you to be uncomfortable almost immediately.

If you are planning a spearfishing trip in warmer waters, look for a pair of spearfishing gloves that have built-in protection from tears or cuts. These types of scuba diving gloves usually do not provide much warmth but will protect your hands from danger when it comes to touching marine life.

If you are specializing in underwater photography, look for scuba gloves that are flexible or have a pre-formed shape so that you can maneuver your camera with ease. Thick, bulky gloves can hinder you from getting that perfect underwater shot.

Webbed scuba diving gloves are a good option if you are diving with a disability or have limited use of your legs. They will also increase your speed underwater and on the surface. Webbed gloves can be good for diving, snorkeling, or swimming.

Thickness

The colder the water temperature, the thicker the scuba diving gloves. Cold water diving gloves tend to be 5mm or more to help keep your hands warm on a dive, but this can also limit your mobility. Choosing a glove with a zipper may be a good idea to make it easier to take on and off in cold water environments. Some suppliers also make a thicker glove with a Velcro strap which may be easier to use in a cold-water environment.

Thinner gloves are more appropriate for warm water diving. 1.5-3mm neoprene diving gloves can be used for snorkeling, scuba diving, freediving or spearfishing and will keep your fingers protected while also allowing ease of movement when taking photos of colorful reef fish.

Material

Neoprene diving gloves are the most well-known type of gloves for scuba diving because neoprene works well in water and is more flexible than other materials. But in recent years, Kevlar dive gloves and webbed latex-based gloves have also become popular choices for snorkeling, freediving, and spearfishing. Be mindful of any allergies you have, latex-based gloves are not an option for people who have a latex allergy.

If you are doing technical diving or underwater work, Dyneema gloves are a good option. They do not provide much insulation but are sturdy enough to withstand cuts or abrasions. Dyneema gloves can also be used on land as work gloves to protect your hands.

Neoprene gloves are suitable for warm and cold-water diving, although you may want to look for Kevlar dive gloves or dive gloves with more built-in protection if you plan on spearfishing or exploring a wreck on your dives. These gloves offer more protection from hazards in the marine environment.

Because wearing gloves can limit maneuverability, especially once you are underwater, many dive gloves are made of neoprene along with another fabric like nylon, Amara, or mesh to help with grip. Some gloves are fully or partially covered with a non-slip material, while others have metallite on the inside to make them easier to put on and take off.

Sizing

The best dive gloves are the gloves that fit properly, making it important to choose the correct size for you. You will want to have scuba diving gloves that you feel comfortable in especially when adjusting your gear and entering or exiting the water.

If you choose a diving glove that is too large, you risk it falling off underwater or letting in cold water immediately after diving in. Choose a glove that is too small, and you may feel uncomfortable or limit your circulation.

Some scuba diving gloves may run smaller or larger than the standard, so be sure to follow the sizing guidelines as each manufacturer is different. Most dive gloves come in a range of sizes from X-Small to X-Large, although some brands offer smaller or larger sizes as well.

Style and Design

The most popular dive glove design is the five-finger glove. The design is similar to a regular glove, except the material used is for the underwater environment. This design allows you the capability to maneuver underwater and adjust your dive gear if needed. Mitten-style gloves are available but are most commonly used for extreme cold-water temperatures and limit dexterity.

The five finger style scuba diving gloves are made with either a solid-wrist or split-wrist design. The split-wrist design is made with a zipper or Velcro strap that is helpful when taking the gloves off and on. The solid-wrist design may be more difficult to put on or take off but will keep cold water out and improve insulation on a dive.

Our Take

When you decide where you will be diving and how often, you may find you will need to invest in more than one pair of Scuba diving gloves. Diving in the local rock quarry, off the coast of the U.S. on a wreck, or in the English Channel will call for thicker and warmer gloves. If you take an annual trip to Thailand or the Caribbean, having a pair of thinner dive gloves is a must. The thinner gloves will be more versatile if you decide to go on a spearfishing trip or snorkeling tour, while the thicker gloves will be a necessity on your cold-water dives. Staying warm and protected while diving is very important, and we recommend you always wear scuba diving gloves while diving, snorkeling, freediving, or spearfishing.

REACH OUT

As always, we create our content with you, fellow adventurers, in mind. So, how’d we do? Did you find this informative? Did it help you make a decision? Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you below. Thanks for reading and we hope your next adventure is a great one!

David Stefanoski

David Stefanoski is an avid outdoorsman who loves to explore the deepest, most exciting crevices of nature and then write about them. From the maximum depth that a scuba suit can go, to the maximum heights that his legs will take him, David enjoys the outdoors in its warmest, sunniest days on the prairie, to the iciest, dampest little spots in Eastern Europe. After 15 years of trudging, his favorite outdoorsman activity is still chopping wood due to his large body size. He says it's like splitting toothpicks!

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