The significance and use of the dress white gloves have been passed down from generation to generation through the centuries. Its use cases and meaning have changed over time. For instance, it has been used to symbolize power and as a mark of respect. In the more recent past and even today, it is used primarily to embody luxury and epitomize class.
In the middle ages, the act of wearing and removing gloves had symbolic importance in European social interactions. For instance, men usually removed gloves in front of individuals they submitted and pledged their loyalty.
White gloves were also used to symbolize purity in some cultures. For instance, the kings of France wore white gloves during their coronation to prevent their hands from touching impure objects and, therefore, keep their hands pure. In the recent years, white dress gloves did not have any practical utility and would be used as a fashion statement.
Evening gloves worn on formal and semi-formal occasions typically come in three different lengths:
Wrist
Wrist gloves are sized to cover different parts of the hand. With this in mind, wrist gloves can either be:
- Standard Length – Standard-length white gloves are designed to cover the hand only. The gloves cover the entire hand but and not designed to extend beyond the wrist.
- Gauntlet Length – Gauntlet-sized white gloves for formal and semi-formal occasions are designed to extend a few inches above the wrist.
There are no major differences in use between standard and gauntlet-sized white wrist gloves. Additionally, they are mainly common among men who wear them in formal, white-tie events. You’ll also find your butlers in high-end luxury hotels and resorts to show their meticulous attention to detail and epitomize luxury.
Elbow
Women wear elbow dress white gloves during formal white parties and events. They are also known as evening gloves or long gloves, and they are sized to cover the forearm up to slightly below the elbows. Importantly, the gloves are designed to pair with a dress with sleeves that reach around the bicep or above the biceps.
Opera
The opera variety of white dress gloves is characterized by having a longer length compared to long or elbow gloves. Opera gloves cover the forearm and part or all of the biceps. These gloves are typically paired with a sleeveless dress.
Aside from being a fashion statement item, opera gloves can also keep the wearer warm. Given that they’re worn with formal evening dresses, such gloves come in handy to keep you warm.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the contemporary use of dress white gloves is simply to make a fashion statement. In the past, white gloves had significant connotations in society. In today’s world, much of the historical significance of and cultural practices surrounding the use of white gloves has been lost. However, women and men wear white gloves ornamentally to epitomize class and luxury. In some cases, lined gloves also offer additional insulation from cold weather.
If you’re going for date night in a fancy restaurant, be sure to wear your dress white gloves.
The Uses Of Dress White Gloves: A Deep Dive
