While a rose is a rose by any other name, and a glove is always a glove, it should never be said that all roses are equal, and neither are all gloves. Pigskin gloves and cowhide gloves are many times used for the same purpose(s), but that does not truly make them equal in all respects. They have similar qualities, and they have differences. They are both durable, and depending on the type of cowhide used, they can be similar in weight and dexterity.
For instance, comparing a select grain cowhide glove such as West Chester Protective Gear’s #990 to an “equal” select grain pigskin glove like West Chester’s #994 you can see the similarities, and if you are holding them and fitting them to your hand, you will also see and feel the differences. The select cowhide glove is a little softer to touch, and a little more supple than the pigskin – initially. It’s surprising to find out, however, that in the long haul the pigskin will wear better and become more supple as it is worn. The cowhide? It will actually become more tough, perhaps even brittle; the select- and top- grain cowhide gloves will last longer than the less expensive cuts of leather, but they will still wear “harder” than the pigskin over time. It’s sad, really, because it’s a more expensive glove, and usually is better made (better cut, and better stitched) than the pigskin.
If you are working in a wet environment, you will definitely be better off choosing pigskin. Pigskin is not as affected when it gets wet, it will not crack and split as it dries like most cowhide, and even though it is more porous, it has better abrasion/puncture resistance than even grain cowhide.