Gloves

Leather, silk ribbon, metal lace and embroidery, metal sequins

European, c. 1650

Gift of Arizona Costume Institute

1983.c.100.A-B

In the seventeenth century, Avoir les gants or "to have the gloves" meant to possess the favor of a lady—an indication of how indispensable gloves were to a gentleman's attire. Etiquette required him to remove his gloves when he bowed, kissed the hand of a lady, or walked hand in hand with her. Gloves were frequently given as a gift if a gentleman wanted to pay a compliment or to extend a favor.

Doeskin and cordovan were the most popular glove leathers because they were soft and thus conformed elegantly to the contours of the hand. The softest skins were from Spain, Italy, England and Austria. Brown leather with metal trim, as seen here, was especially fashionable in the second half of the seventeenth century. 

A distinguishing feature of these gauntlet-style gloves is the exaggerated length of the fingers; in fact, the little finger is almost as long as the others. This may derive from the fact that for a time it was fashionable to roll the excess length up in order to match the pointed, curved toe of the footwear. Men's gloves had a wide cuff or crispin which was lined with colorful, expensive fabrics hemmed in gold, silver, lace or fur. Often they were decorated with ribbons and embroidery and were perfumed with musk and other essences.

Click here to see detail of glove embroidery

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