Gloves

Gloves, though primarily used for their utility value, are a popular piece of dressing accessory. Gloves, however, are commonly worn for their primary purposeóthe protection of hands from the external environment. This protection can be from weather conditions (as provided by winter gloves or mittens), injury during work (gardening gloves or carpenter’s gloves), or during play (football gloves and golf gloves).

The human society has been using gloves since ancient times for a whole gamut of purposes. Primary among these was, of course, protection from weather conditions. Gloves were also extensively used in warfare as protective gear; metal gloves were used to protect the hands during close combat. Leather gloves were also used by soldiers and horsemen.

The concept of gloves has undergone a rapid evolvement in recent times. Today, besides basic gloves, highly specialized gloves, meant for very peculiar tasks, are also produced. Examples of these specialized gloves include heated winter gloves used with batteries, antiquarian library gloves used for handling of delicate and rare manuscripts, specialized heavy duty industrial gloves, etc.

Other less peculiar examples include gardening gloves, leather gloves, driving gloves, kitchen gloves, mittens, etc. A lot of people also favor fingerless gloves while driving; fiberglass motorbike gloves are especially popular. Also available are bathing gloves, which can be used while bathing to stimulate blood flow during a shower or a bath. Ceremonial gloves are also used for ceremonial purposes, such as during a military function or a parade.

Perhaps it is in sports that gloves are most widely used. Most sports require some or the other pairs of gloves, and hence, we have boxing gloves, skiing gloves, football gloves, cricket gloves, etc which are an integral part of the sportsman’s attire. Golf gloves are used for providing better grips. Grappling gloves are highly specialized gloves used in martial arts. Even sports such as weightlifting and some athletic events have their own peculiar-design gloves. Sporting goods companies have been quick to realize this potential and have been manufacturing and selling sports gloves since the past many years. Thus, sporting gloves, for example, Nike gloves and Adidas gloves, are the preferred choice of sportspersons the world over.

Besides being helpful in protection, gloves are a popular choice for making a fashion statement; this is especially true for womens gloves. Fashion gloves, especially the long gloves worn with gowns to complement the color and designs of the dress, are a popular fashion accessory. Designers have also been making decorative gloves; examples of these include embroidered and/or bejeweled gloves.

Across the globe, leather gloves, both mens leather gloves and womens leather gloves, are very much in demand. Vintage gloves, especially those which are either embroidered or bejeweled, are a popular collectors’ item.