What does 'mil' mean in glove thickness?

A 'mil' is a unit of measurement equal to 0.001 inches. In the context of nitrile gloves, it indicates how thick the material is. For example, a 4 mil glove is 0.004 inches thick.

What is the best nitrile glove thickness for medical exams?

The standard thickness for medical examination gloves in Canada is 4 mil. These are typically registered as Class II Medical Devices with Health Canada and offer the best balance of touch sensitivity and barrier protection.

Are thicker nitrile gloves always better?

Not necessarily. While thicker gloves (6 mil+) offer more puncture and chemical resistance, they also reduce tactile sensitivity and can cause hand fatigue faster. Choosing the right thickness depends on the specific job requirements.

Why do 3 mil nitrile gloves tear more often?

3 mil gloves are thinner and designed for high dexterity. Because the material is thinner, it has lower structural integrity against sharp objects or heavy pressure, leading to a higher failure rate in intensive tasks.

Nitrile Glove Thickness Explained: Finding Your Perfect Fit (3, 4, 6 Mil)

Feb 02, 2026

When buying nitrile gloves in bulk for your Canadian business, one of the most critical specifications to understand is thickness, measured in "mils". Choosing the wrong thickness doesn’t just affect comfort—it directly impacts your safety, your team's efficiency, and your bottom line.

In this guide, the experts at 72Hours break down everything you need to know about glove thickness to help you find the "sweet spot" for your specific industry.

What is a "Mil"?

A "mil" is a unit of measurement equal to 0.001 inches. It is NOT the same as a millimeter (mm).

1 mil = 0.0254 mm

Most industrial and medical nitrile gloves range from 3 mils to 8 mils. While the difference might seem microscopic, in the world of PPE, a single mil can be the difference between a glove that lasts all day and one that tears within minutes.

Nitrile Glove Thickness Comparison: 3 Mil vs 4 Mil vs 6 Mil

Infographic: Comparing dexterity, professional standards, and industrial strength across 3, 4, and 6 Mil nitrile gloves.

3 Mil Nitrile Gloves: Lightweight & High Sensitivity

The 3 mil glove is the "economy" choice. It is designed for maximum dexterity and tactile sensitivity, often providing a "bare hand" feel.

Key Industries & Applications:

Food Service: Handling pre-washed produce, garnishing, and light food prep (CFIA-compliant).
Beauty & Salon: Hair dyeing, waxing, and spa treatments.
Parts Assembly: Handling small electronics or intricate components.

The Pro View: Great for comfort, but offers the lowest puncture resistance. If you are handling sharp tools or harsh chemicals, you'll want to step up.

4 Mil Nitrile Gloves: The "Sweet Spot" for Canada

Across Canada, 4 mil nitrile gloves are the undisputed best-sellers. Why? Because they offer the perfect balance between durability and dexterity.

Key Industries & Applications:

Healthcare & Dental: Registered as Class II Medical Devices with Health Canada, these are the standard for medical exams and patient care.
General Industrial: Light maintenance, packaging, and non-corrosive chemical handling.
Janitorial: General cleaning and disinfecting.

Why businesses love them: As the most versatile option, our 4 mil nitrile gloves are the top choice for healthcare and industrial professionals, offering enough strength to resist common snags but enough flexibility for precise control.

6 Mil+ Nitrile Gloves: Heavy-Duty Protection

When the job gets tough, you need a glove that can keep up. 6 mil (and thicker) gloves are built for high-risk environments.

Key Industries & Applications:

Automotive & Mechanics: Protecting against oils, greases, and engine heat.
Heavy Construction: Handling rough materials where abrasions are common.
Tattoo Artists: Providing a robust barrier for long sessions and protection against accidental needle sticks.
Pest Control: Protection from concentrated pesticides.

The Trade-off: While extremely durable, these gloves can cause hand fatigue faster and offer less tactile feedback than a 4 mil glove.

The True Cost of "Cheaper" Gloves (The Failure Rate)

Many businesses make the mistake of buying 3 mil gloves strictly based on the lower price per case. However, if your application actually requires a 4 mil glove, your "cheap" choice might be costing you more.

The Math: If a 3 mil glove tears twice as often as a 4 mil glove during a shift, your team will use double the inventory. Reduce your workplace supplies cost by switching to wholesale nitrile gloves Canada designed for high-performance durability. The 4 mil option usually provides the highest ROI (Return on Investment).

Thickness Quick Reference Table

Thickness	Feel	Best Use Case	Durability
3 Mil	Bare Hand	Food prep, light assembly	Low
4 Mil	Balanced	Medical exams, general lab	Medium
6 Mil	Robust	Auto repair, heavy industry	High
8 Mil+	Shield	Chemical handling, towing	Extreme