The Ultimate Nitrile Glove Size & Fit Guide (Canada)
The Ultimate Nitrile Glove Size & Fit Guide (Canada)

Whether you are managing a busy dental clinic, overseeing a food processing plant, or sourcing safety gear for an automotive shop, finding the right glove size is more than a matter of comfort—it is a matter of safety.
Nitrile gloves are the gold standard for hand protection across Canada due to their superior chemical resistance and hypoallergenic properties. However, even the highest-quality glove will fail if the fit is incorrect. A glove that is too tight can cause hand fatigue and tear easily, while a glove that is too loose compromises dexterity and can lead to dangerous snags.
This guide provides everything Canadian procurement managers and business owners need to know about the nitrile glove size guide, ensuring your team stays protected, comfortable, and productive.
Why Proper Nitrile Glove Fit Matters
In professional environments, "good enough" is rarely sufficient when it comes to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Proper fit impacts four key areas:
- Safety and Barrier Integrity: A glove that is stretched too thin (because it’s too small) is more susceptible to punctures and chemical permeation.
- Dexterity and Hand Fatigue: Medical professionals and technicians require fine motor skills. A poor fit forces the hand muscles to work harder.
- Productivity and Waste Reduction: If staff find their gloves uncomfortable, they are more likely to remove them or change them more frequently than necessary.
- Compliance Considerations: In healthcare settings, Health Canada standards require that PPE does not hinder the user’s ability to perform tasks safely.
Nitrile Glove Size Chart
While slight variations exist between brands, the following nitrile glove sizing chart represents the industry standard for most Canadian suppliers.
| Size | Hand Width (mm) | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Small (XS) | 70 mm - 75 mm | Precision lab work, users with very small hands. |
| Small (S) | 80 mm - 85 mm | Common in dental clinics and aesthetician services. |
| Medium (M) | 90 mm - 95 mm | The most common size for healthcare and food prep. |
| Large (L) | 100 mm - 105 mm | Standard for industrial, mechanical, and janitorial work. |
| Extra Large (XL) | 110 mm - 115 mm | Heavy-duty industrial use and users with larger frames. |
Note: If you fall between sizes, it is generally recommended to size up for thicker gloves and size down for thin, high-dexterity medical gloves.
How to Measure Your Hand for Nitrile Gloves

To ensure you are using the correct nitrile gloves size chart Canada standard, follow these steps to measure your hand:
- Identify Your Dominant Hand: Always measure your dominant hand, as it is typically slightly larger.
- Measure the Width: Use a ruler to measure across the widest part of your palm, just below the knuckles.
- Compare to Chart: Use the millimetre measurement to find your corresponding size in the chart above.
Fit, Comfort, and Cost Efficiency

For Canadian business owners, understanding how to choose nitrile glove size is a financial decision. When employees wear gloves that fit correctly, they are less likely to experience "glove fatigue," lowering your total cost of ownership. Shop our Nitrile Gloves Collection to find the right sizes for your team.
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