Hand Coverings

HAND COVERINGS
Gloves
- Gloves are an important fashion accessory, with
some styles providing warmth and hand protection
while others add elegant style to formal attire.
In the modern era, it’s hard to think of gloves as
anything other than a cold-weather accessory. But
throughout most of history, gloves had a significant role in
society.
More than just an accessory, gloves were a symbol of
social status, customs, and traditions. They also allow us to
reflect of certain societal aspects that are no longer the
norm. Unlike other accessories, gloves have a special history
that extends far beyond just a simple fashion statement.
RELIGION AND CEREMONIES
• Bishops began the tradition of wearing gloves for
Holy Sacrament, which become a religious ritual.
• Traced back to the 10th century, it is believed that

popes, cardinals and bishops wore gloves to keep
their hands clean for holy mysteries.
- Early people mostly wore gloves purely for
protection. As time wore on, gloves became
somewhat of a symbolic item. Gloves made of
opulent and exquisite fabric eventually became an
accessory worn only by royalty or other high-ranking
members of society.
EARLY FASHION
- During the 13th century, gloves
become a symbol of elegance and
status for queens and often they
were made of silk or linen that went
to the elbows.
- By the 16th century, Queen
Elizabeth set a new trend for gloves
by wearing them richly bejeweled
and embroidered.
GLOVES IN THE VICTORIAN ERA
• During the 17th century, gloves became far more than just a
simple accessory in Western society. Victorians were
obsessed with social status.
• Gloves became important objects that hinted at the
wearer’s wealth.
• During this era, gloves weren’t just a way to signify social
status - they were also a way to hide it. Working-class
women could cover their rough, tan hands with gloves to
suggest they were of a higher social class than they
actually were.
PROPER GLOVE ETIQUETTE
• Victorian etiquette books advised women to “never go out without
gloves.”
• Modest women were expected to be fully covered before entering
the public realm.
• Her gloves, had to be on her hands before stepping food outside.
• Delicate gloves were worn year-round, no matter the weather.
• Wearing of gloves especially during important and formal events
like balls or dinner parties.
• Special etiquette for women wearing gloves during meals.
GLOVES, HEALTH, & SAFETY
During the 1800s, Contagious diseases were rampant
in Victorian society, and many feared catching a grave
illness when they ventured into public.
GLOVES DURING THE 20TH CENTURY
1900S & 1910S GLOVES
• The Victorian ideals had disappeared from society
during the Edwardian era, but gloves were still a
popular fashion accessory. Proper women often wore
gloves to social events, especially women in middle
and upper-class society.
• During the day, women wore leather or suede gloves
that extended past their forearms.
• In the evenings, Edwardian women wore lavish gloves
made of silk, suede, or leather. These gloves also
featured decorative embroidery or embellishments.
1920S FLAPPER GLOVES
• These gloves were often made from a sheer lace or light
cotton, and were worn for special daytime occasions like
travelling, garden parties, or weddings.
• As the decade wore on, a new kind of glove became
popular - The Gauntlet.
1930S FORMAL GLOVES
• Gloves became less popular in the 1930s due
to changing trends, but still expected during
very formal occasions.
• Elegant leather gloves were popular for balls,
operas, and other important society events.
The gauntlet-style glove also became a bit
more feminine in design.
1940s Gloves
• Upscale women, would still wear gloves during the day to
make their outfits even more elegant.
• During the 1940s, woman accessorize gowns with long
white gloves to make their evening wear ensembles look
more lavish.
1950s Gloves
• Women’s clothing became more fashionable and
lady-like after the end of World War II. This also made
gloves come back into style. It was once again
commonplace to see women wearing wrist or
forearm-length gloves in public during the day.
1960s Gloves
• Gloves went out of style during most of the 1960s. The
“Mod” trend, however, made for somewhat of a
resurgence. When they wanted to make a statement,
women would wear bright, colorful gloves to match their
bright, colorful dresses. Any gloves that were worn during
this time were made from synthetic fabrics rather than
leather, lace, or other fine materials.
Gloves in the Modern Era
• Today, wearing gloves as anything other than outerwear
is extremely rare. We have once again reverted back to
a time where hand-coverings are almost exclusively
utilitarian and functional in design. In some sections of
society, young debutants or brides are expected to wear
long, white gloves in accordance to old-fashioned
traditions. Outside of these very specific events, however,
wearing a formal glove is very, very uncommon.

Hand Coverings

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Hand Coverings

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Hand Coverings

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

HAND COVERINGS

• Traced back to the 10th century, it is believed that

You might also like