Acushnet · Golf Balls & Golf Gloves
Vtg Titleist Acushnet Golf Glove Ladies Small Aa-b Left Hand Double-a
Vintage leather golf glove. Lower concern for PFAS than treated synthetics.
Golf gloves are typically uncoated leather or basic synthetic. Titleist does not disclose PFAS treatments. Vintage construction suggests minimal modern water-resistant coatings, lowering risk versus current waterproofed apparel.
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Material
leather and synthetic leather
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
clothing is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This glove combines natural leather with synthetic leather components, typical of mid-market golf gloves from Titleist's Acushnet line. Leather itself poses minimal chemical risk compared to fully synthetic gloves, though tanning processes historically used chromium salts (now regulated in most Western production). The synthetic portions likely contain polyurethane or PVC, which can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over time, especially when new. As a vintage item, any initial VOC release has largely dissipated.
The brand's record and disclosure
Acushnet (Titleist parent) has not made public commitments on PFAS phase-out or chemical transparency for apparel, though they do not appear on major watch lists for systemic chemical violations. The brand has not published restricted substance lists or certifications (such as BLUESIGN or OEKO-TEX) specific to golf gloves. No recalls or contamination incidents for this product line are on record. Vintage stock predates modern chemical scrutiny, so original safety testing documentation is unavailable.
How it compares in its category
Golf gloves are lower-risk than many textiles because they contact skin only on the hand for short periods and are not worn continuously. Vintage leather gloves typically carry lower formaldehyde and azo dye risk than synthetic competition models, which often use polyester or nylon blends treated with durable-press resins. However, older leather production may have used heavier metal tanning agents; modern equivalents are more tightly regulated. This glove's secondary-market status means no original manufacturing chain oversight is available for verification.
If you buy it
Air the glove in sunlight for 24-48 hours before first use to off-gas any residual VOCs from storage or handling. Inspect for visible discoloration, cracking, or odors that suggest mold or degradation. Clean occasionally with a dry cloth or gentle leather cleaner designed for sports equipment, avoiding harsh solvents. Store in a cool, dry place between uses and replace if the leather becomes crumbly or synthetic sections delaminate, which signals material breakdown.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Formaldehyde resins (textile sizing and fabric treatments)
Leather and synthetic leather components may have been finished with formaldehyde-releasing resins to improve durability and crease resistance. Vintage production (pre-2010s) was less regulated; residual levels would have largely off-gassed by now if the glove has been stored for years.
Azo dyes and colorants
Leather tanning and dyeing processes historically used azo dyes, some of which break down into carcinogenic amines under skin sweat and friction. Regulatory controls were tightened in developed markets after 2000s, but vintage stock may not meet modern restrictions.
Heavy metals in leather tanning (chromium, cadmium)
Vintage leather gloves predate strict cadmium bans in some regions. Chromium use in vegetable tanning is not inherently toxic, but excess chromium(VI) can leach under moisture. As a secondhand item with uncertain original production locale, metal testing is not available.
VOC off-gassing from synthetic leather components
Polyurethane and PVC backing or reinforcement can emit volatile organic compounds, particularly when new or in warm storage. Vintage age works in your favor here; most off-gassing occurs in the first 6-12 months.
Allergen contact (leather and preservatives)
Leather processing uses biocides and preservatives to prevent mold; individuals with contact dermatitis or latex sensitivity may react. Vintage gloves are less likely to carry active antimicrobial treatments unless they have been recently cleaned with harsh agents.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More golf balls & golf gloves grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.