Deborah Chan
Long gloves have been a staple in women's fashion for centuries, but they are not as popular these days, and most brides don't consider them as an accessory. However, long gloves can add a unique and elegant touch to a bridal look. When making long wedding gloves, it's important to consider the length, fabric, and style of the gloves to ensure they complement the wedding dress. Long gloves are typically made from fabrics such as lace, satin, or leather and can be embellished with details like bows, sequins, or lace. They can also be fingerless or have a slit for the ring finger. When deciding on the length, it's important to consider the sleeve length of the dress, as the general rule is that the shorter the sleeve, the longer the glove. Long gloves are typically worn with sleeveless or short-sleeved dresses and can add a bold and luxurious touch to a simple gown.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | Elbow-length, opera-length, shorties, classic-length, wrist-length, six-button, medium, long |
| Fabric | Tulle, lace, satin, velvet, kid leather, silk, leather, cotton |
| Embellishments | Bows, ruffles, pearls, sequins, lace, beading, buttons |
| Colour | White, black, ivory, light blue, lilac, ice blue |
| Style | Fingerless, vintage, vintage driving gloves, winter gloves, gauntlet gloves |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fabric
When choosing the right fabric for your long wedding gloves, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, if you are adhering to tradition, try to match the fabric of your wedding dress. For example, if your dress is made of satin, opt for satin gloves. However, remember that you can make your own rules, so if you have your heart set on a particular fabric, such as lace, go with your first choice even if it doesn't match your dress.
Lace gloves, however, may get caught on dresses with beading, so this is something to bear in mind. If you are wearing a heavily beaded dress, a plain fabric may be more suitable.
The most formal fabric for long gloves is kid goat leather, but this is very expensive and not usually suitable for a wedding. All types of wedding gloves are sold in multiple fabric types, so you can choose the style that matches your vision for your wedding day.
If you have decided on a particular glove length, you can then explore different fabric options. For example, if you want opera-length gloves, request to see this style in a range of fabrics, such as satin, lace, or silk, to decide which fabric you prefer.
For a modern twist, black opera gloves can be worn instead of white ones. Black gloves have the visual effect of making your hands and arms look slimmer.
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Selecting the right length
Dress Type and Sleeve Length
The length of your wedding gloves should complement the style and sleeve length of your dress. If you're wearing a sleeveless or strapless dress, longer gloves that go beyond the elbow, such as elegant opera gloves, can add a bold and luxurious touch to your ensemble. On the other hand, if your dress has longer sleeves, shorter gloves that fall at the wrist or midway between the wrist and elbow are often a better choice.
Body Type and Proportions
Consider your body type and proportions when selecting glove length. If you're tall with long, thin arms, opera gloves will accentuate your features beautifully. However, if you're shorter with thicker arms, these gloves may be less flattering, and you might prefer medium-length gloves that fall just below the elbow.
Simplicity and Embellishments
The length and style of your gloves should also take into account the simplicity or embellishments on your dress. If your gown is simple and sleek, longer gloves can add a touch of glamour. In contrast, if your dress has ornate sleeves or heavy embellishments, shorter gloves or no gloves at all may be more appropriate to avoid overwhelming your look.
Formality and Season
The formality and season of your wedding can also guide your glove length choice. For a formal winter wedding, opera-length gloves can provide both elegance and warmth. On the other hand, for a summer garden wedding, shorter gloves, or even fingerless gloves, can offer a lighter and more comfortable option.
Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to glove length. Ultimately, choose a length that makes you feel confident and aligns with your personal style and the overall theme of your wedding.
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Matching the gloves to your dress type
When choosing long wedding gloves, it's important to consider the style of your wedding dress. The gloves should complement the overall theme and design elements of your dress without overpowering it. Here are some tips to help you match your long wedding gloves to your dress type:
Vintage-Inspired Gown
If you're wearing a vintage-inspired wedding dress, opt for classic lace or satin gloves. Lace gloves with a similar pattern to your dress can create a seamless and elegant look. Satin gloves can also add a touch of sophistication and grace to your vintage ensemble.
Modern and Sleek Dress
For a modern and sleek wedding dress, look for gloves with clean lines and minimal embellishments. You want the gloves to enhance the dress without taking away from its contemporary style. Simple and elegant gloves will flatter your modern dress.
Ball Gown or Floor-Length Dress
When pairing gloves with a ball gown or a floor-length dress, consider going for a traditional look with opera-length gloves. These long gloves will add a sense of formality and elegance to your overall attire. They are especially striking when paired with bare shoulders and a ball gown.
Tea-Length or Cocktail-Style Dress
If you've chosen a tea-length or cocktail-style dress for your wedding, wrist-length or elbow-length gloves are the perfect match. These shorter gloves will complement the dress without overwhelming it. They also add a touch of sophistication to your overall look.
Short Dress
A short wedding dress can be beautifully complemented by chic and delicate fingerless gloves. Fingerless gloves offer a balance of coverage and exposure, creating a stylish and modern look. They are a perfect choice for brides who want the elegance of gloves without the full coverage of traditional styles.
Remember, the key to matching long wedding gloves to your dress type is to consider the overall style, formality, and theme of your wedding attire. The gloves should enhance your dress and create a cohesive and elegant bridal look.
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Adding embellishments
Lace Gloves
Lace gloves can add a delicate and feminine touch to your wedding ensemble. Just be mindful that lace gloves may get caught on dresses with heavy beading or embellishments. You can find lace gloves in various lengths, from wrist-length to opera-length, to suit your dress style.
Gloves with Bows
Instead of buttons, opt for a pair of gloves with a bow adorning the wrist. Bows add a touch of whimsy and elegance to your gloves. They can also help to accentuate your wrists and make them appear more slender.
Sparkly Sequins
If you want your wedding to have a fairy tale or glamorous feel, consider choosing gloves adorned with sparkly sequins. Sequined gloves will shimmer and sparkle as you move, adding a touch of magic to your bridal look.
Pearls
Pearls are a classic and elegant choice for wedding glove embellishments. You can find gloves with pearls adorning the wrists or scattered along the length of the glove. Pearls add a touch of sophistication and can be paired with various glove lengths and styles.
Silk Flowers
For a unique and romantic touch, choose gloves with silk flowers. This embellishment is perfect for a spring or summer wedding. You can choose flowers that match your bridal bouquet or opt for a single bloom for a more subtle effect.
Crystal Trim
If you want your gloves to shine and sparkle, consider choosing a pair with crystal trim. This embellishment will add a touch of glamour and elegance to your bridal look. Crystal trim can be paired with various glove styles and lengths to create a unique and stunning effect.
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Picking a vibrant colour
When it comes to picking a vibrant colour for your long wedding gloves, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you'll want to choose a colour that complements your wedding theme and colour palette. If you're set on a particular hue, you can find gloves in a wide range of shades, from bold and bright to soft and subtle.
Some popular options for colourful wedding gloves include:
- Red – a bold and dramatic choice, perfect for making a statement. Red gloves can add a touch of glamour and elegance to your wedding outfit.
- Navy Blue – a rich and sophisticated option, navy blue gloves can provide a stylish contrast to a white wedding dress.
- Wine – a deep and luxurious shade, wine-coloured gloves offer a unique and elegant alternative to traditional white or ivory gloves.
- Black – classic and versatile, black gloves can be dressed up or down to suit the style of your wedding. They are a popular choice for formal weddings or those with a vintage theme.
- Ivory – a softer and more subtle alternative to pure white, ivory gloves are a beautiful choice for brides who want a hint of colour.
When choosing a vibrant colour for your long wedding gloves, consider the overall style and theme of your wedding, as well as your own personal style and preferences. You can also opt for gloves with embellishments such as pearls or ruffles to add extra detail and interest.
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Frequently asked questions
The most formal fabric for long wedding gloves, also known as opera gloves, is kid goat leather. However, this may be very expensive and unsuitable for a typical wedding. A more traditional approach is to match the fabric of the gloves to the fabric of the wedding dress. For example, if the dress is made of satin, the gloves should also be satin.
Shiny pure white gloves are suitable for almost any dress and are a symbol of status, cleanliness, and purity. However, you don't have to stick to this tradition. You could choose a colour that you love or that matches your bridesmaids' dresses. For example, light pink or pale blue.
Long gloves that reach the elbow or beyond are considered opera gloves and are very dressy. They work well with simpler gowns as they add a luxurious and bold look. If you are tall with thin and long arms, long opera gloves will accentuate your beauty. If you are short with thick and short arms, medium-length gloves that do not go beyond the elbow may be more suitable.
