Medical gloves are a crucial component of personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings, serving as a barrier against the transmission of infectious agents. This chapter explores the history of medical gloves, from their introduction in 1889 to the present day, highlighting significant advances in medical practice and infection control. Various types of medical gloves, including latex, nitrile and vinyl, are discussed, along with their characteristics, advantages and limitations. The importance of medical gloves in protecting healthcare workers, complying with hospital policies and their role in medical procedures are emphasized. This chapter also examines the importance of proper glove use, including hand hygiene practices, correct usage and disposal. Furthermore, the impacts of glove use on hand hygiene compliance, glove contamination and the carbon footprint are discussed. The author highlights the need to revisit the use of gloves in contact precautions, explore alternative methods to reduce glove waste and promote sustainable practices to minimize the environmental impact of glove use.