Adding a vintage accessory like gloves to your wardrobe is a great way to infuse a touch of retro style into your look. Vintage gloves can be both functional and stylish, providing an elegant finishing touch to your outfit. From children to adults we have always known gloves or mittens to be part of our essential winter wardrobe whether it be for comfort or part of a fashion statement. In the day, the classic ladies dress glove was certainly more than just an accessory, it was classed as a necessity and had a social etiquette attached to the meaning. We look at why gloves were worn, and what they signified.
GLOVES IN ANCIENT TIMES
Gloves go back to ancient times, and were worn for many reasons before society made it a social necessity. In the very early ancient times, gloves were found to be an essential part of human protection and were made from animal skins or furs in order to protect skin from the ravages of heavy manual labour and living conditions which they were exposed to.
During the middle ages Popes and other Church Hierarchy wore special gloves symbolizing authority, made from white silk which was embellished with jewels such as pearls. High ranking members of society wore gloves as a symbol of status, as well as protection from the weather outside, regardless of the season. It was considered well mannered for women of all classes to keep their gloves on prior to formal dining, and to place them back on (with clean hands) after a meal is finished. This was all done discreetly and without fuss.
Wealthy women kept their skin delicate “lily white”, and rarely engaged in household chores – however a working class woman’s hands who’s were weathered, would hide them in gloves when outdoors to disguise who they really were. Gloves were worn all year around despite the weather. White or neutral colours were worn during hot summer weather. Men were encouraged to follow suit, and wear gloves if they were to court a woman, and often would wash hands before fitting gloves, for sanitizing purposes.
Men were required to be more vigilant about their hygiene, so any dirt or sweat was not passed onto a woman during courtship or at any social gatherings, so light coloured gloves were considered a better choice for men’s accessory attire. Clean gloved hands were also a must for anyone wanting to stop the spread of many diseases which were quite contageous during those times.
THE GREAT WAR AND BEYOND
From the early 1900’s through to the Art Deco Era, gloves went from Edwardian materials such as silk, leather and suede to softer fabrics such as cotton or sheer lace that were fastened with elastic, which was invented during the 1920’s.
During the Great War of 1914-1918, ladies found it difficult to purchase gloves made from natural hide materials at that time, so wearing gloves became optional and thus was accepted as a change in attitudes in society. However, well off society women would wear long vintage gloves which were specifically tailored and would extend past their forearms. Day wear gloves were considered to be plainer and mainly of hide materials with an array of buttons to fasten them. During the evening lighter shades gave way to neutral or pastel tones which were decorated in embroidery or embellishments, but the 1920’s long glove remained a staple of accessory.
In the mid 1930’s, a new glove was designed called the Gauntlet. This special glove had various functions and was commonly a more shorter wrist-length glove. The cuffs of the glove were predominately made to protect a woman’s sleeve on her dress or coat, but could also double as a protective glove (depending on the array of materials used) from heavy work, driving vehicles, handling horses and alike. Gauntlet gloves can be found online at Amazon, and have been highly rated by shoppers. These gloves were also made for formal attire, such as weddings.
With changing trends, less popularity and the expectations of glove wearing during formal occasions, the Gauntlet glove was remodeled and became more feminine, adding scalloped edges around the cuff and adorned with various embellishments, however black and neutral colours were again the best option, as they matched more closely with gowns, so few were needed. However, Gatsby inspired formal gloves can be purchased here at the same location, also highly rated. Alternatively, look at these other styles as well available online.
GLOVES IN THE 40’S AND 50’S
During World War 2 and post war times, gloves were less popular especially amongst the working class. It was still considered a luxury item, so many could not justify owning gloves. Well to do women wore gloves, and during the daytime would roll them down for a more fashionable look. Evenings wear was long white vintage gloves as an essential accessory, to their dress outfit. Post World War 2 and during the 1950’s saw a rebirth of women’s gloves as a essential fashion accessory, so women started wearing gloves again as there was less pressure to help the war effort after it was over, and femininity was back in style. You can add an accessory as these gloves, to your formal outfit today, even as a luxury item to any seasonal wardrobe.
Many celebrities and society notables led the way in fashion trends – with a complete ensemble of gloves, hat and bag to match outfits. Formal occasions once again saw the long pastel glove return accessorizing the evening gown, with some women even wearing rings over their gloves as a statement of wealth. Short gloves resembling this era are available at this online store. Most of these gloves have been rated very good – excellent.
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GLOVES BECOME LESS POPULAR
The swinging 60’s and 70’s slowly saw the demise of this essential fashion accessory. Generally less and less women stopped wearing gloves, embracing the sunkissed look of natural tanned skin. However society women would continue to wear long gloves in delicate lace or silk pastels to formal occasions, and a shorter style in satin or synthetics to the races. Royalty still continued to adorn their ensembles with gloves of mainly classic black or white during times they were out amongst the crowds. Formal gloves are still widely available from online shopping stores, such as Amazon who have a wide variety to choose from.
MITTENS THAT HELD IMPORTANCE IN HISTORY
The first mittens in history were knitted from wool in the mid 1800’s, and since that day mittens have become not only a very cosy accessory but a essential item for the young and very young. The word “Mitten” was associated from the Mother Goose nursery rhyme “3 little kittens”, and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s – “warm woollen mittens”, were among their “favourite things”. Mittens were also known as “haling hands” where they played a part as an essential kit for extreme weather conditions, when hailing materials outdoors in extreme weather conditions was necessary. During this time, the first American female Entrepreneur Abby Condon, helped by enlisting an all female-at-home workforce from across New England to knit thousands of mittens at 0.25c a pair to help the soldiers in the war effort of the Allies during World War 1 by donating to this cause. Purchase your quality warm mittens here today.
Abby later continued this business with great success knitting around 96,000 pairs from 6 tonnes of yarn per year. Today’s mittens also serve a purpose in more ways than one, especially for those in the northern hemisphere who experience freezing cold winter months. Look at what’s available now, including a big variety of knitted, leather and day gloves to choose from, at affordable prices.
GLOVES IN MODERN TIMES
In modern times, gloves and mittens continue to be worn for comfort and warmth, more than just a fashion accessory. During the 1980’s gloves made a short comeback with the “punk” style of clothing, adding fingerless lace or fishnet gloves to an outfit was considered edgy and cool. Gloves in modern day continue to make a statement in costumes or vintage inspired weddings, worn in neutral, white or pastel colours, as well as practicalities. Here are some options of day gloves for you to consider. A great variety are also featured at this online store – that are sleek and stylish.
SOME OTHER USES FOR GLOVES
Military Gloves, Boxing Gloves, Baseball or Cricket Gloves, fun or practical styles can be for Oven or BBQ Gloves, while some women may prefer Driving Car gloves or Motorbike Racing Gloves, Snow Gloves, Garden Gloves and Disposable or Cleaning Gloves, just to name a few.
When choosing vintage gloves pay attention to the fit of the gloves. Authentic vintage gloves are generally smaller in size, so if you have a large hands you may find it difficult to put them on. I noticed this myself when trying on my Mother’s 1950’s gloves, and found they were too small. Housewives in the day, did less physical work than women of modern times, so their hands were smaller. Also check the condition of the gloves for their age, wear and tear, or any damage that would affect their appearance and functionality.
Don’t be afraid to to mix vintage gloves with modern clothing, as this could be a fun and stylish way to express your personal style. However, If you are like me, and find these vintage gloves don’t fit you, the other alternative is to purchase online where you will find a myriad of reproduced styles to suit the era you are looking for made from stretch materials.
Hope you enjoyed my post on gloves and mittens. Please leave any comments below and I will endeavour to answer them as best I can.
With kind regards
Helen
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