UV Gloves · 3 min read · 10 Oct 2026

UV-Protective Gloves for Driving in the GCC: What to Look For

Hands in No.RAYs UV-protective gloves on a car steering wheel in bright sunlight

Key points

  • Car side windows blocked only about 71% of UVA on average in a study of 29 cars.
  • UV-protective gloves give a layer of protection that doesn't wear off on the wheel.
  • Look for lab-tested UV blocking, breathable fabric, touchscreen fingertips and fingerprint openings.

If one hand is darker than the other, you are not alone. Many drivers notice that the hand nearest the side window, and the backs of both hands on the wheel, tan faster. For daily drives under the Gulf sun, UV-protective gloves are one of the simplest ways to cover them.

Why drivers' hands get so much sun

Your windshield does most of the work, but the side windows let more through. A JAMA Ophthalmology study of 29 cars found that driver's side windows blocked about 71% of UVA on average, compared with about 96% for front windshields. Only 4 of the 29 cars had side windows that blocked more than 90%. UVA is the part of sunlight linked to skin ageing, and it passes through glass.

How UV-protective gloves work

Gloves put a physical layer between your skin and the sun. Unlike sunscreen, fabric doesn't wear off when you touch the wheel or your phone. The protection depends on the fabric, so look for gloves with lab test results rather than just a "UV" label. The Cleveland Clinic advises looking for a UPF rating of 50+. A UPF 50 fabric blocks approximately 98% of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, allowing about 2% to pass through, as The Skin Cancer Foundation explains.

What to look for in driving gloves

  • Tested UV blocking: No.RAYs gloves were independently lab-tested, with UVA transmission of 0.73% and UVB transmission of 0.44%, so more than 99% of UV is blocked.
  • Breathable fabric that suits hot climates. Ours is 85% nylon and 15% spandex, with a cooling feel.
  • Touchscreen fingertips, so you can use your phone and the car screen without taking the gloves off.
  • Fingertip openings for when you need your fingerprint, like unlocking your phone or approving a payment, for more flexibility on the road.
  • A secure stretch fit that grips the wheel without feeling tight.

Caring for your gloves

Hand wash in cold water with a gentle soap and air dry flat. Don't bleach or tumble dry. Careful washing keeps both the fit and the protection. Between drives, keep them clean in the No.RAYs Gloves Pod, a silicone case that clips to your bag or keys.

Choose your pair

The gloves come in two sizes:

  • Medium is designed to fit most adult hand sizes, with stretch fabric that adapts to your hand.
  • Small is made for petite hands that need a closer fit.

Pick the No.RAYs Gray Gloves (Medium) or the No.RAYs Purple Gloves (Small or Medium). Have more questions? See our FAQ.

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