Handbook of Costume Accessories by Diane Favell

Author:Diane Favell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Crowood Press

Eighteenth Century

There were many inventions aiding the manufacture of gloves in the eighteenth century, which meant finer leather was available and more people were wearing them as part of their outfit.

Men wore gloves less frequently for formal occasions, and by the middle of the century, it became unfashionable for a man to wear highly decorated gloves with gauntlet skirts, though gauntlet gloves were worn for protection while working, riding or when it was cold. If extra protection was needed, such as for a furrier or blacksmith, the gauntlets were made from heavier leather. Everyday gloves were short and mostly made of fine leather.

Chamois leather became popular as a material for gloves; this was made from a mountain goat (later sheep) and because it was oil-tanned, it was washable, which had huge benefits, of course.

In polite society, it was fashionable for ladies to cover much of the skin, to keep it untanned, showing that they didn’t have to work, and also to cover up any skin conditions. Young ladies were also encouraged to wear gloves when greeting anyone, for cleanliness. These were fairly plain but were often embellished with embroidery of plants and flowers. The fine leathers and knitted fabrics allowed for longer gloves and many portraits show women wearing gloves up to the elbows.

Fine mittens and fingerless gloves were also popular. Knitted, crocheted or knotted cotton gloves could be worn throughout the day, and the mittens, although less practical, allowed for uninterrupted embroidery on the back of the hand; they were often made from silk, with fine leather palms.

MOURNING GLOVES

It was encouraged to have specially trimmed gloves for mourning and for attending funerals. This could mean wearing black gloves or having some existing gloves, trimmed in black. The gloves would be plain in nature.

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