Käsineed

Käsineed is the Estonian plural for käsine, meaning glove. Gloves are a type of handwear worn to protect the hands, provide warmth, improve grip, or serve as part of safety equipment in work, sports, and medical settings.

Materials and design vary widely. Common materials include leather, wool, cotton, and synthetic fabrics. Gloves can be fingered or mitten-style, and may incorporate insulation, liners, or waterproof membranes such as Gore-Tex. Disposable gloves made of latex or nitrile are used in medical, laboratory, and food-service contexts. Some gloves are designed for specific tasks, offering cut resistance, heat protection, or enhanced grip.

Uses and contexts also differ. In cold climates, käsineed are part of everyday outerwear to retain heat. In workplaces, work gloves protect against abrasions, punctures, and chemicals. Sports and outdoor activities use specialized gloves for warmth, grip, and performance. Medical and laboratory environments employ disposable or reusable gloves to maintain hygiene and safety.

Care and maintenance depend on material and purpose. Leather gloves often require conditioning and air drying away from heat sources. Fabric gloves may be machine washable or hand-washed. Waterproof or insulated models need appropriate drying and storage. Proper fit is important for dexterity and comfort, and gloves should be replaced when worn, torn, or losing grip.

Käsineed reflect a long-standing human need to protect and insulate the hands while enabling skilled use of them. See also: gloves.