Tillman Welding Gloves
If you have spent any time in a welding shop, you have seen the Tillman name stitched into someone’s glove. John Tillman & Co. has been making welding gloves for over ninety years, and the brand has become a kind of default answer when a welder asks a coworker what to buy. Tillman welding gloves cover the full range from thin goatskin TIG gloves to heavy elkskin stick gauntlets, all sewn with DuPont Kevlar thread and sized with the consistency that keeps professionals coming back. This guide walks the lineup so you can find the right model instead of guessing at a number.
What defines a Tillman glove
Tillman gloves are known for three things: consistent sizing, Kevlar stitching throughout, and a model-numbering system that maps cleanly to purpose once you learn it. The brand builds gloves in dedicated designs for each process rather than selling one glove as a do-everything solution, which is why the lineup runs long. Whatever the model, you can expect proper leather, real Kevlar seams, and a fit that matches the size on the label.
The numbers themselves are the puzzle. A 1328 and a 1350 are wildly different gloves, and the label rarely spells out which process each suits. Here is the map.
Which Tillman glove should you buy
For TIG, the Tillman 1328 top grain goatskin TIG glove is the bench standard: thin, unlined, and cheap enough to replace often. Its flaw is minimal padding, so it is not for anyone who wants one glove to also handle MIG. The Tillman 1338 goatskin TIG glove adds a GlidePatch and a straight reinforced thumb for welders who drag their hand, at almost the same price.
For MIG, the Tillman 1350 premium top grain cowhide MIG glove is the workhorse, rated ANSI Level 4 for abrasion and puncture resistance, unlined so it stays cool, with a winged thumb and seamless forefinger for trigger control. Its weakness is a stiff break-in period thanks to the thick top grain hide.
For stick and heavy work, Tillman’s split cowhide stick gloves in the 1000 series bring heavy insulation and long cuffs. These lean thick and bulky, so they are a poor pick if you want feel. Match the glove to the process and the Tillman lineup rarely disappoints.
Tillman model quick reference
| Model | Type | Best for |
| 1328 | Goatskin, thin | TIG, fine work |
| 1338 | Goatskin, GlidePatch | TIG with dragging |
| 1350 | Cowhide, unlined | MIG, general |
| 1000 series | Split cowhide, lined | Stick, high heat |
Are Tillman gloves worth it?
Tillman gloves sit in the middle of the price range: more than a no-name import, less than a boutique brand. What you pay for is consistency. The sizing is reliable, the Kevlar seams hold, and the leather quality is predictable batch to batch, which matters when you buy the same glove repeatedly. For a hobbyist who wants one good pair, Tillman is a safe default. For a professional who burns through gloves, the consistency is the real value, because you can reorder the same model and know exactly what shows up.
Frequently asked questions
Are Tillman welding gloves good? Yes. Tillman is one of the most trusted names in welding gloves, known for consistent sizing, Kevlar stitching, and process-specific designs.
What is the difference between Tillman 1328 and 1350? The 1328 is a thin goatskin TIG glove for dexterity. The 1350 is a thick cowhide MIG glove for heat and abrasion resistance. They serve opposite purposes.
Which Tillman glove is best for TIG? The 1328 for standard TIG, or the 1338 if you drag your torch hand and want the GlidePatch reinforcement.
Are Tillman gloves made with Kevlar? Yes. Tillman sews its gloves with DuPont Kevlar thread throughout for heat and abrasion resistant seams.
How does Tillman sizing run? Tillman sizing is generally consistent and true to its chart. Measure your palm circumference and match it to the Tillman glove sizing chart.
Where are Tillman gloves made? Tillman is a long-established US company, though like most brands its gloves are manufactured overseas to its specifications.
References
- John Tillman & Co. product lineup and specifications, jtillman.com
- Tillman glove sizing chart, jtillman.com
- OSHA hand protection guidance, osha.gov
