Let us be honest.

When you look at a glove label and see something like "EN 388:2016 4X44E," what goes through your mind?

If you are like most people, probably nothing. It looks like random letters and numbers. And you move on.

But here is the truth: That code is a secret message. It tells you exactly what that glove can and cannot do. And if you ignore it, you might be sending your workers into danger wearing the wrong protection.

At Qingdao Meiji Labor Products Co., Ltd, we believe that understanding safety standards is just as important as wearing the glove itself. Today, we are going to decode the EN 388:2016 4X44E rating on our PU-coated gloves—and show you why this matters for your hands.

What Is EN 388:2016?

EN 388 is the European standard for mechanical hazard protection – meaning gloves that protect against:

* Abrasion (rough surfaces)

* Cuts (blades, sharp edges)

* Tears (snagging, pulling)

* Punctures (needles, nails, spines)

The :2016 means this is the most recent version of the standard (updated from the older 2003 version). The numbers and letters that follow tell you the glove's performance level for each test.

Think of it like this: EN 388 is the glove's report card. And the code is the grades.

Breaking Down the Code: 4 X 4 4 E

Let us look at our Meiji PU-coated glove rating: 4X44E

This code has five positions . Each position represents a different test.

Now let us explain what each of these means for your hands.

Position 1: Abrasion Resistance – Rating: 4 (Highest)

What the test does: A machine rubs a abrasive paper against the glove material until it wears through. The more cycles it takes, the higher the rating.

Rating scale: 1 (lowest) to 4 (highest)

Our glove rating: 4 – the highest possible.

What this means for you: This glove will not wear out quickly. Whether you are handling cardboard boxes, rough materials, or tools all day, the coating will hold up. You will not be replacing gloves every week.

Meiji says: A rating of 4 means this glove is built to last. Less frequent replacement = lower cost over time.

Position 2: Cut Resistance (Coupe Test) – Rating: X

What the test does: A rotating circular blade moves back and forth across the glove material under a fixed weight. The machine counts how many cycles until the blade cuts through.

Why we have an "X": The Coupe test is designed for materials that dull the blade (like steel or glass fibers). For some glove materials, the blade dulls before it cuts through, making the test unreliable.

Our glove rating: X – meaning the Coupe test was not suitable for this material (good news! It means the material is tough enough to dull the blade).

For cut resistance, we rely on Position 5 instead (see below).

Meiji says: Do not ignore the "X." It often means the glove has better cut resistance than the Coupe test can measure.

Position 3: Tear Resistance – Rating: 4 (Highest)

What the test does: A machine pulls on a pre-cut sample of the glove material until it tears apart. The higher the force needed, the higher the rating.

Rating scale: 1 (lowest) to 4 (highest)

Our glove rating: 4 – the highest possible.

What this means for you: This glove will not rip apart when snagged on a nail, hook, or sharp edge. The seamless nylon liner is strong and resists tearing, even under stress.

Meiji says: A glove that tears easily is a glove that fails when you need it most. Rating 4 means you can trust this glove to hold together.

Position 4: Puncture Resistance – Rating: 4 (Highest)

What the test does: A standard-sized needle is pushed through the glove material at a constant speed. The machine measures the force required to puncture the material.

Rating scale: 1 (lowest) to 4 (highest)

Our glove rating: 4 – the highest possible.

What this means for you: This glove resists punctures from nails, staples, fish spines, needles, and sharp points. The PU coating and seamless liner work together to create a dense barrier that sharp points struggle to penetrate.

Meiji says: A puncture is how many hand injuries start. Rating 4 means you have a strong defense.

Position 5: Cut Resistance (TDM Test – ISO 13997) – Rating: E

What the test does: This is the newer, more accurate cut test. A straight blade is drawn across the glove material under increasing weight until it cuts through. The result is measured in Newtons.

Rating scale: A (lowest) to F (highest)

Our glove rating: E – very high (only one level below the maximum).

What this means for you: This glove provides excellent cut resistance. While it is not designed for heavy glass or metal fabrication, it will protect against common cut hazards like cardboard edges, utility knives, and sharp plastic.

Meiji says: Level E cut resistance is serious protection. For most warehousing, assembly, and general industrial work, this is more than enough.

The Complete Picture: What 4X44E Means for Your Hands

Let us put it all together.

The bottom line: The Meiji PU-coated glove with rating 4X44E is a high-performance general purpose glove that excels in:

* Abrasion resistance (long life)

* Tear resistance (won't fall apart)

* Puncture resistance (stops sharp points)

* Cut resistance (strong blade protection)

It is perfect for warehousing, logistics, assembly, inspection, and general industrial work.

What This Glove Is NOT Designed For

Every glove has its limits. Being honest about them builds trust.

Meiji says: Use the right glove for the right job. This glove is excellent for its intended purpose – but no glove does everything.

The Benefits of Wearing EN 388 4X44E Gloves

When you choose a glove with this rating, here is what you get:

Benefit #1: Long-Lasting Performance

Abrasion rating 4 means this glove will outlast cheaper alternatives. Fewer replacements mean lower cost over time.

Benefit #2: All-Day Comfort

The PU coating is thin and flexible. The 15G nylon liner is breathable and seamless. Workers forget they are wearing them.

Benefit #3: Real Protection Where It Counts

Puncture rating 4 and cut rating E mean this glove stops the hazards that cause most hand injuries in warehousing and assembly.

Benefit #4: Workers Actually Wear Them

Because the glove is comfortable and flexible, workers do not take them off. A glove on the hand protects. A glove on the bench does nothing.

Benefit #5: Compliance You Can Trust

The EN 388:2016 mark means this glove has been independently tested. You are not guessing. You are not hoping. You know.

Quick Reference: EN 388 Rating Scale

Keep this guide handy when comparing gloves.

The Meiji PU-Coated Glove: 4X44E Performance You Can Trust

At Qingdao Meiji Labor Products Co., Ltd, we do not guess about safety. We test. We certify. We label clearly.

Our PU-coated glove with EN 388:2016 4X44E rating delivers:

* Highest abrasion resistance (4) – long life

* Highest tear resistance (4) – won't fall apart

* Highest puncture resistance (4) – stops sharp points

* Very high cut resistance (E) – strong blade protection

* Comfortable, breathable, flexible – workers wear them all day

For warehousing, logistics, assembly, and general industrial work – this is the glove you need.

Still Have Questions About EN 388 Ratings?

You are not alone. Safety standards can be confusing. That is why we are here.

Tell us about your work. Tell us about your hazards. And we will help you choose the right glove with the right rating.

Do not let random letters and numbers confuse you. Let us decode them together.

* Phone: 0086-15020088730

* Visit: www.meijigloves.com

* Email: info@meijigloves.com

Qingdao Meiji — Clear ratings, real protection, trusted gloves.