DeWalt Full Dip Water-Resistant Breathable Work Gloves

What stood out in use

I put the DeWalt DPG35 gloves to work across a few wet, messy days—moving damp lumber in a drizzle, breaking down cardboard after a rain, and doing quick plumbing fixes under a leaky sink. The short version: they kept my hands drier than typical knit-dip gloves, held a reliable grip on wet materials, and stayed comfortable longer than I expected. They’re not a cure-all for cold or oil-soaked jobs, but they’re a smart, lightweight option for everyday tasks where water and slick surfaces are part of the deal.

Build, fit, and feel

The liner is a 15-gauge nylon knit, which means a close, flexible fit with good finger feel. On my hands, the sizing ran true; I’d stick with your usual size, but if you’re between sizes and want maximum dexterity, lean smaller. The palm and fingers are fully coated in nitrile, while the back remains a breathable knit. That combination is what gives these gloves their split personality: water resistance and grip where you need it, airflow where you can afford it.

The open cuff makes for easy on/off, which I appreciated during tasks that required frequent glove removal. The trade-off is that debris can sneak in from the wrist if you’re working around sawdust or soil. The cuff is short and non-adjustable, so if you prefer a tight seal or extended cuff, these won’t check that box.

Weight-wise, they’re light and disappear on the hand after a few minutes. The gray/yellow colorway adds some visibility without screaming for attention.

Grip and water resistance

Wet-grip performance is the headline here. On rain-slick ladder rungs and wet PVC, the nitrile surface maintained a steady hold where bare hands or fabric gloves would have slipped. Handling wet 2x4s or saturated cardboard felt controlled; I didn’t have to squeeze as hard to keep items steady, which reduces hand fatigue over a long day.

Water resistance was solid in real-world use. Splashing, handling wet materials, and brief contact with puddles didn’t lead to soak-through on the palm and fingers. Do note: these aren’t waterproof gauntlets. If you submerge your hand past the coated area or water travels in through the open cuff, you’ll get wet. Also, prolonged contact with standing water eventually finds a way, especially at the index finger and thumb saddle. For typical wet handling, though, the palms stayed dry and usable.

In light oil, grip remained decent but not outstanding. Nitrile is the right choice over latex for oily environments, but a heavier microfoam nitrile surface or texture would bite into oil better. For occasional oily fasteners or automotive odds and ends, these are fine; for full-time oil-slick work, I’d look at specialized oil-grip coatings.

Dexterity and comfort

Thin 15-gauge gloves are all about control, and these deliver. I could pick up small screws, thread plumbing nuts, and operate hand tools without the clumsy feel that bulkier gloves introduce. The breathable back helps manage sweat, especially once you’re moving. That said, the nitrile-coated palm doesn’t breathe like an uncoated knit, so in hot conditions the palm can get clammy. The balance still favors comfort over a longer work session compared to fully coated gloves.

They’re uninsulated and not wind-resistant. In cool, windy weather, my hands felt cold quickly. Layering a thin liner underneath is possible but starts to erode the dexterity advantage. In short: think damp spring/summer work, not winter duty.

Durability after a week of rough treatment

Nitrile generally wears better than latex for abrasion, and that matched my experience. After dragging wet bricks, gripping rough plywood edges, and wrenching in a cramped, damp space, the coating showed scuffs but no peeling or pinholes. The knit didn’t snag easily, and the seam transitions were tidy—no hot spots against the skin. For a lightweight, 15-gauge glove, the durability seems above average.

That said, these are still thin work gloves. Long-term construction abuse, repeated contact with sharp edges, or heavy masonry work will wear them sooner than a thicker, reinforced glove. There’s no cut protection rating listed, so I treated them as general-purpose—not for sheet metal or knives. If you need ANSI cut resistance, step up to a different model.

Usability trade-offs

• Not touchscreen compatible: I had to pull them off to use my phone or a tablet. If you’re constantly checking plans or messages, that gets old. A glove clip on your belt helps, but it’s a limitation.
• Open cuff convenience vs. protection: Great for quick on/off, but it invites water and debris at the wrist and offers no wrist support.
• Non-washable: The manufacturer calls them non-washable. I wiped mine down with a damp rag and mild soap without issues, then air-dried them away from heat. Avoid machine washing or dryers; heat can warp the coating and weaken the bond.

Who they’re for

• Plumbers, maintenance techs, and homeowners who regularly handle wet materials and need dependable grip without sacrificing dexterity.
• Landscapers and facilities crews working in damp conditions where splash resistance beats bulk.
• DIYers who want a lightweight glove for rain-day chores, car washes, or handling slippery plastics and metals.

Who should look elsewhere

• Anyone who needs touchscreen-friendly gloves.
• Cold-weather crews—no insulation and no wind resistance.
• Workers dealing with sharp edges or heavy oil environments; you’ll want cut-rated or specialized oil-grip coatings instead.
• Users who prefer tight wrist closure or extended cuffs.

Care tips

• Wipe, don’t wash: Use a damp cloth and mild soap, then air-dry.
• Store flat, out of sunlight: UV and heat shorten nitrile life.
• Size snug: A close fit improves grip and control with thin, 15-gauge liners.
• Rotate pairs: If you’re wearing them daily, alternating pairs extends life and gives them time to dry fully between uses.

Value and warranty

You get a 1-year limited warranty, which, for gloves, mostly covers defects rather than wear and tear. The materials and build feel consistent with the brand’s better workwear offerings. Because they’re sold as a single pair, I’d consider buying two if you plan to rely on them regularly; rotating pairs is smart with any lightweight glove.

The bottom line

I reached for the DPG35s any time the job threatened to be slippery, damp, or messy and I didn’t want to fight my gloves. The combination of a grippy nitrile palm/finger coating, a breathable back, and a thin 15-gauge liner hits a sweet spot for wet handling and fine control. They won’t replace insulated winter gloves, cut-resistant models, or touchscreen-capable options, but they’ve earned a spot in my kit for rainy-day tasks, plumbing work, and general maintenance.

Recommendation: I recommend these for anyone who needs a lightweight, water-resistant glove with reliable wet grip and good dexterity. They’re especially useful for plumbers, facilities pros, and DIYers working in damp conditions. If you rely on your phone on the job, need cut protection, or work in cold wind, choose a different style; otherwise, these deliver exactly what they promise with minimal fuss.