Crafting Classic White Wedding Gloves: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding gloves are the perfect accessory to elevate your bridal look and keep your hands warm. From long, elegant gloves to short, fingerless styles, there are many options to choose from. You can find a wide range of white wedding gloves at various price points on Etsy and Amazon. If you're looking for something more bespoke, Cornelia James offers made-to-measure bridal gloves, while Revolve and Saks Fifth Avenue also stock embellished gloves.

Choosing the right fabric

When making white wedding gloves, choosing the right fabric is essential to ensure elegance, comfort, and durability. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the fabric for your wedding gloves:

Fabric Type

The type of fabric you choose will depend on the look and feel you want for your gloves. Common fabric options for wedding gloves include:

• Satin: A smooth and glossy fabric that gives a sleek and elegant appearance. Satin gloves are often chosen for their refined and luxurious look.
• Tulle: A fine netting fabric made from silk, nylon, or rayon, giving a soft and delicate appearance. Tulle gloves are often chosen for their romantic and whimsical look.
• Silk: A natural fabric known for its softness, smoothness, and lustre. Silk gloves offer a luxurious and elegant option for bridal wear.
• Lace: A delicate fabric made from a variety of fibres, featuring intricate patterns and designs. Lace gloves add a feminine and vintage touch to any wedding ensemble.
• Cotton: A natural fabric that is breathable and comfortable. Cotton gloves can be a good option for weddings during warmer months.

Fabric Weight and Thickness

Consider the weight and thickness of the fabric, especially if you're making gloves for different seasons. For example, lightweight and sheer fabrics like chiffon or lace are suitable for spring and summer weddings, while thicker fabrics like satin or velvet are better for autumn and winter weddings.

Fabric Colour and Design

White is the traditional colour for bridal gloves, but you can also choose from various shades of white, such as ivory, cream, or off-white. Consider the colour of your wedding dress and choose a fabric that complements it. Additionally, think about any embellishments or designs you want to add to the gloves, such as pearls, rhinestones, or bows. Ensure that the fabric you choose can support these additions without looking too busy or overwhelming.

Fabric Durability and Care

Consider the durability of the fabric, especially if you plan to wear the gloves for an extended period. Some fabrics may be more delicate and require special care, like handwashing or dry cleaning. If you're looking for a more practical option, choose a fabric that is machine washable and less prone to wrinkling or staining.

Fabric Cost

Fabric costs can vary depending on the type, quality, and amount required. Create a budget for your glove-making project and choose fabrics that fit within your price range. Remember to factor in any additional costs for embellishments, fasteners, or other materials needed.

Finding the right length

When making white wedding gloves, finding the right length is crucial to achieving the desired look and ensuring a comfortable fit. Here are some tips to help you determine the appropriate length for your gloves:

Measure Your Hand

Start by measuring your hand to determine the correct glove size. Use a flexible tape measure and wrap it around the widest part of your dominant hand, just below the knuckles, excluding your thumb. Make a fist and record this measurement in inches as your 'hand width' glove size.

Determine Finger Length

Next, you'll want to find your 'finger length' size. Measure from the bottom edge of your palm to the tip of your middle finger. This will ensure that the gloves fit the length of your fingers comfortably.

Choose a Style

The length of your wedding gloves will depend on the style you want to achieve. Here are some common glove lengths and their approximate measurements:

• Wrist-length gloves: These gloves typically end just below the wrist and are perfect for a classic and elegant look.
• Elbow-length gloves: For a more dramatic and formal appearance, elbow-length gloves extend to the elbow or just below it.
• Opera-length gloves: If you want to make a statement, opera-length gloves are a sophisticated choice, reaching up to the bicep.

Finalising the Length

When finalising the length of your white wedding gloves, consider the overall style and theme of your wedding outfit. The gloves should complement your dress, jewellery, and hairstyle. Additionally, think about the practicality of the glove length in relation to your activities during the wedding, such as holding a bouquet or exchanging rings.

Remember, comfort is essential, so choose a length that feels right for you and allows ease of movement. You can always make adjustments to the gloves during the fitting process to ensure they are the perfect length for your big day.

Adding embellishments

Rhinestones and Pearls

Imagine a pair of white lace gloves adorned with rhinestone embellishments or a pair of sheer, tulle gloves beaded with pearls at the wrist. These additions will undoubtedly add a touch of glamour and elegance to your wedding ensemble.

Bows and Tulle

Crafted out of mesh material and topped with pretty tulle bows, these gloves evoke a sense of femininity and sophistication. This style is perfect for a black-tie wedding, adding a touch of refinement to your bridal attire.

Floral Appliques and Sequins

For a whimsical and luxurious look, opt for gloves crafted from delicate tulle and adorned with floral appliques, sequins, and silver beads. These embellishments create a playful and romantic aesthetic, perfect for a boho-themed or spring garden wedding.

Feathers

Feathers are a fun and unique way to add flair to your wedding gloves. Imagine a pair of satin gloves with a subtle stretch fit, accented with feathers for a comfortable and long-lasting accessory that will surely turn heads.

Silk and Buttons

Sometimes, less is more. A pair of classic silk bridal gloves are always a timeless choice. You can opt for a pair with elegant buttons or a simple, sleek design. Silk gloves exude sophistication and can complement any bridal style, from ballgowns to slip dresses.

Buying vs making

There are many options available for those seeking white wedding gloves. Buying gloves can save time and effort, and there are many affordable options available. However, making your own gloves allows for customisation and a unique accessory.

Buying

There are numerous online retailers that offer a wide range of white wedding gloves, including Amazon, Etsy, Revolve, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Anthropologie. Prices vary, with some as low as $2.55 and others costing up to $850. Many of these gloves are made from satin, tulle, or lace, and some are embellished with pearls, rhinestones, or other decorations. Buying gloves can be a convenient option, especially if you are short on time or do not have the necessary materials or skills to make your own.

Making

Making your own white wedding gloves allows for customisation and a unique accessory that reflects your personal style. It can also be a fun project, especially if you enjoy crafting and have the necessary materials and skills. However, making your own gloves may be more time-consuming and may require purchasing specialised materials and tools. Additionally, the quality of handmade gloves may vary depending on your level of expertise.

Factors to Consider:

• Time and Convenience: Buying gloves can save time and effort, especially if you are already busy with wedding preparations.
• Customisation: Making your own gloves allows for a unique accessory that reflects your personal style and preferences.
• Cost: Both options have a wide range of costs, with some affordable and some more expensive options available for purchase, and the cost of making your own gloves depending on the materials used.
• Skills and Materials: Consider your crafting skills and access to necessary materials and tools when deciding whether to make or buy gloves.

Ultimately, the decision to buy or make white wedding gloves depends on your personal preferences, time constraints, budget, and crafting skills. Both options offer a variety of choices to suit different needs and styles.

Ensuring a good fit

Ensuring your wedding gloves fit properly is crucial, so here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect fit:

First, it is essential to understand what constitutes a proper fit. Ideally, gloves should cover your hands entirely and fit snugly but comfortably. This means that the gloves should be sized correctly to allow for this type of fit without feeling too tight. When putting on and taking off the gloves, avoid yanking them by the cuff; instead, carefully smooth them onto your hands, pressing the glove into place with your opposite hand and moulding it to the shape of your hand. When removing the gloves, loosen them slowly and deliberately, rather than yanking them off. Repeating this process each time you wear the gloves will help mould them to the shape of your hands.

To determine your glove size, measure the circumference of your palm, in inches, at its widest point, excluding the thumb. This will help you select gloves that are the correct size for your hands.

If your gloves feel slightly too thick or too short in the fingers, there are a few methods you can try to help them stretch and form to your hands better. One suggestion is to soak the gloves in lukewarm water for 5-10 minutes and then squeeze out the excess water. Place the gloves on a clean towel and squeeze again, ensuring they feel damp but not wet. Leave the gloves to air-dry for 24 hours, and then try them on to see how much they have shrunk. You can repeat this process if you feel they can shrink more.

Another method involves creating a solution of one part water and one part rubbing alcohol in a bowl, adding a few drops of liquid dish soap, and then spraying this solution onto the gloves. Squeeze out any excess water and then wear the gloves until they dry. The alcohol will help strip away the leather's oil, allowing the water to penetrate the fibres and aid the shrinking process.

It is important to note that some treatments can damage the gloves, so it is recommended to avoid boiling the gloves or doing any other unconventional procedures. Additionally, while some good-quality leather gloves can last a long time with proper care, they are ultimately consumables and will wear out over time.

Frequently asked questions