2 comments / Posted on by Cjane

What are the classic vintage gloves?

Sometimes wearing a dress always feels a little less? Especially when attending dinner parties, always feel that it is not eye-catching enough. It may be due to a lack of accessories. Why don't you read this article about vintage gloves and maybe solve your problem?


-Wrist length gloves (also known as "shorties")


 The shortest style of glove, these hit at or slightly above the wrist bone and are very versatile.


-Gauntlet gloves

Characterized by a turn-up or cuff (be it subtle or dramatic) that often points outward (much like the sleeve styles on some 1950s dresses), gauntlet gloves often came part way up the forearm, though they could be wrist length as well. They were a popular style and remain a dramatic, beautiful way to add a stylish dose of mid-century pizzazz to any ensemble.


-Classic, bracelet or coat length gloves

Different names for the glove length that commonly measures in the range of 13 to 14 inches long and hit at the mid-way point, or a little above it, on the forearm. A very flattering and versatile length, this style was commonly seen in ruched gloves, which offered the wearer the ability to length or shorten her gloves by stretching or bunching the fabric (to a degree) to suit her sleeve length.


-Elbow length gloves

As their name suggests, this length of glove hits at, just below, or slightly above the wearer's elbow (as in the case of the sheer black pair on the right in the ad pictured below). They are usually the most dramatic length of glove seen during daytime wear in the mid-twentieth century and were often sported come evening time, especially in settings where opera length gloves may have been a touch too formal or impractical.


-Evening or opera gloves

Generally a more formal style of glove that hits above the elbow (and in extreme cases can reach all the way up to the underarms). During the Victorian era and early twentieth century, in particular, they often featured rows of small buttons (as did many gloves of all lengths in general), which could be fastened by hand or via the use of a specialized tool called a glove hook.


-Mousquetaire gloves

An old-fashioned style of formal evening gloves dating back to at least the sixteenth century that have a small number (often three) buttons at the wrist so that a lady can slide her hand out of them when needed, such as for eating, but have the rest of the glove remain in place (she then slides her hand back in, without needing to take her gloves on and off entirely to do so, once she’s done eating, smoking, etc).


-Other, less common styles of gloves include entirely fingerless styles that loop around one finger

 (often the middle finger or between the thumb and first finger, as in the marvelous crochet pair pictured below) with a small band of fabric and those with the fingertips removed but base of the fingers still intact. Generally speaking, unless your personal style veers towards the dramatic, goth, steampunk or Victorian side of things, you won't frequently wear such styles of gloves and may not need to own them at all (though they are fun to have all the same, especially for dramatic ensembles and costume parties).

Text reference  chronicallyvintage.com

2 comments

  • Posted on by Nevaeh

    I love everything from the 50s!

  • Posted on by Piper

    Buy a pair of gloves right away!

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