New Attire

I have a small collection that used to be reserved for the special occasions like going to church – especially on Easter, going to the opera or to a special tea or birthday party. Now I’ve pulled this small supply from the darkness of my dresser drawer in order to refresh the mess that it’s become. Although women no longer (or seldom) wear dress gloves these days, I’m wondering if they will make a comeback, given our new consciousness about spreading germs.

As we go from the heavy and warm winter gloves, or the lighter gloves worn because there is still a chill in the air, we could consider what we can replace them with. Do we want to walk around as if we are ready for surgery? Or, can we fashion something from the past that works still and could keep us as safe?

Wouldn’t it be swell if ladies gloves made a comeback for the general public? Instead of the tight-fitting latex or polyurethane gloves worn by medical staff, grocery clerks, wait staff —or anyone these days, let’s make a fashion statement and have some fun with the protective gear we are asked to wear. (Might this be foreshadowing a future blog on facemasks?)

   Return with me now, to the thrilling days of yesteryear,[1] to a time when ladies wore gloves of refined wool, polished cotton and kid leather, to a time when women made fashion a daily duty and would not have left their homes without looking smart and put-together. It was a time when women’s dresses were accessorized with hat, shoes, gloves and bag that matched or coordinated. Actually, it was a time before women wore pants very often, before they wore jeans outside of the working farm or factory and being a lady was paramount.

Aside from the camouflage of social status, modesty, and fashion, ladies gloves were a protection from disease. Even wearing gloves to greet one’s guests at home was a way to keep the outside germs at bay. In the early 1900’s ladies wore gloves everywhere and for every occasion. During the day, shorter gloves that fit tightly and buttoned at the wrist were worn. Often, they were sewn of neutral colors in leather or swede. During the summer, ladies gloves might be made of crotched mesh, lace or other light fabrics. They might also be as long as mid arm, and buttoned all the way up. Gauntlet gloves were used for driving cars, driving horses, or other potentially dirty work. The gauntlet cuffs protected the sleeves of a lady’s dress or coat. Of course, the evening gloves that went all the way up the arm were reserved for sleeveless gowns and special occasions.