Srixon · Golf Balls & Golf Gloves
Srixon Cabretta Leather Golf Glove
Lower concern; bare leather glove with no disclosed water/stain treatment.
Cabretta leather is an inherently PFAS-low material. Srixon discloses no protective coatings or water-repellent coating treatments on this golf glove, reducing PFAS risk typical of treated apparel.
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Material
Cabretta leather, no specified surface treatment
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
Srixon Cabretta leather gloves are made from Cabretta leather, a soft sheepskin traditionally used in premium golf gloves for its grip and durability. Cabretta is tanned leather, meaning it has undergone chemical processing to prevent decay, but Srixon does not disclose specific tanning agents (chrome-tanned vs. vegetable-tanned) or surface coatings. Unlike synthetic or heavily treated textiles, bare leather has a lower inherent risk profile for volatile organic compounds or problematic synthetic additives, though the tanning chemistry itself introduces some chemical exposure during manufacture.
The brand's record and disclosure
Srixon (owned by Dunlop Sports/Sumitomo Rubber) is a mainstream golf equipment manufacturer with no established public disclosures about material certifications, chemical restrictions, or sustainability practices for apparel. No major safety recalls or contamination incidents are on record for Srixon gloves. The brand's silence on PFAS and tanning methods is typical of the golf equipment sector, which lags behind athletic apparel in transparency; absence of disclosure does not indicate presence of hazard, but limits independent verification.
How it compares in its category
Cabretta leather gloves sit at the premium end of golf glove safety profiles compared to synthetic microfiber or PU-coated alternatives, which carry higher volatile off-gassing and microplastic risk. Traditional leather requires fewer synthetic binders and coatings than engineered materials. However, they lack third-party certifications (e.g., Leather Working Group, OEKO-TEX) that would verify tanning safety or heavy metal content in dyes; most golf gloves operate without such standards.
If you buy it
Wash gloves occasionally in cool water with mild soap to remove accumulated sweat and dirt, which prolongs material life and hygiene. Avoid machine washing, bleach, and direct heat/sunlight drying, which degrade leather and accelerate decomposition of tanning agents. Store dry in a breathable pouch; moisture trapped in synthetic bags can promote mildew and microbial growth. Replace when the palm grip thins or leather cracks, typically every 1-2 seasons with regular play.
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.”
Heavy metals in leather tanning and dyes
Cabretta leather tanning chemistry is not disclosed by Srixon. Chrome tanning (most common) introduces trace chromium; vegetable tanning avoids this but uses tannic acids. No test data is available for this specific product, but bare leather gloves worn directly on skin merit basic concern for metal residues from tanning or colorant pigments, though washing reduces surface exposure.
Formaldehyde in leather finishing resins
Leather finishing coatings can contain formaldehyde-releasing resins to harden and seal the material. Srixon does not specify whether their Cabretta gloves include such finishes. Risk is lower than synthetic textiles but not zero; off-gassing is typically minimal after cure, especially in a ventilated sports glove used outdoors.
Azo dyes in leather colorant
Srixon does not disclose dye chemistry for glove coloring. Cabretta leather is often dyed with synthetic colorants; some azo dyes can release carcinogenic amines if degraded or processed at high pH. Direct skin contact is brief and intermittent (hand-to-glove), reducing systemic risk, but dye stability is unverified.
Microplastics and synthetic binders
Cabretta leather is a natural material and does not shed microplastics. Synthetic binders in stitching or grip patches are minimal and not a significant exposure route in gloves.
Skin sensitization from leather treatment residues
Wet skin contact (sweat) on leather can mobilize residual tanning chemicals or dyes, especially in new gloves. Some users report mild irritation or contact dermatitis; this is individual and material-dependent. Washing before first use and ensuring proper fit (which reduces maceration) mitigates risk.
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.