There are three main reasons for buying a pair of driving gloves: increased grip on smooth controls; increased protection from dirt or the weather; and that they simply look fantastic. Whether it is emerging from your prized classic car, or to go with that magnificent handbag, driving gloves are for everyone. This guide will aim to inform you of the key considerations to keep in mind when buying a pair of driving gloves while pointing out some of the interesting reasoning behind their iconic design.
We can be thankful that glove sizes come in more than the basic small medium and large as Im sure you dont want to refute the old clich by wearing a pair that doesnt fit well. Wrap a tape round the lowest knuckle of your little finger to its counterpart on the index finger of your dominant hand. Then, round that number up to the nearest half inch to get your glove size (multiply by 2.54 if you measured in centimetres).
The materials used are a key consideration: leather provides a better grip, while being supple enough to easily respond to your movements, as well as providing the perfect level of insulation from the cold. It should be your sole choice when buying a pair of driving gloves as it also provides an element of luxury that is intrinsically linked to the aspirational ethos of such an accessory.
Whether you are driving or not, your hands are rarely still and empty, so buying poor quality leather will mean that it will mark and wear out quickly. In order to maintain an uninterrupted flow of information between your hands and the car, luxury driving gloves have all the seams on the inside and most likely will not have a lining. Moreover, your hands are certainly not simple shapes, which mean that there are a lot of these seams where poor workmanship will easily fray. Going for the cheapest option you find is in fact a false economy.
To avoid this problem, leather gloves should be at least made from Nappa or Napa leather, as its namesake tanning process means that it is soft and strong.
For those wishing for even more quality, I would recommend Hairsheep leather, which is made from a sheep that has been bred to grow hair, not wool. It is particularly suited to gloves as the grain is finer than other types; meaning it is extremely supple, soft, and buttery, while still retaining the strength.
Deerskin leather is naturally tougher than sheep or cow leather; it is therefore more expensive, but more durable than the previous types while still being luxurious.
Finally, peccary leather is the finest leather for gloves. Sourced from a South American wild pig, it is simply the most glamorous, softest and strongest and expensive need I say more?
Driving gloves must also meet the requirement of maximum flexibility and minimum obstruction. This where a tight fit is important as well and also why a good pair will end short on the wrist and close tight with a button. These features prevent the glove from reducing the drivers visibility to the dashboard, and also why they make such a good fashion accessory for women.
In order to increase the flexibility of the hand, vents are cut out at the knuckles so that they can grip the controls easily, and holes are punched into the leather. This increases the natural elasticity of the material. Alternatively many driving gloves create the same level of manoeuvrability by incorporating a cotton crochet back to them, which creates a striking and individual style.
The cotton crochet style also solves the issue of comfort, in much the same way as the holes pressed into the all-leather driving gloves. The holes allow air to circulate and ventilate the hands, regulating temperature and ensuring that you enjoy wearing them as much as looking at them. As the cotton leaves the hand more open to the environment, they are more useful for use inside cars with better internal heating.
For those that still like to have more ventilation and more manoeuvrability, and where protection from the elements is even less of a concern; fingerless driving gloves would suit. These still provide the benefits of protection, grip and style, but with the added tactile nature of uncovered fingers.
After all those practical considerations you must also consider the character and visual style of the piece: do you want it to match your car interior, exterior, your outfit or your personality? Unsurprisingly the internet provides a wealth of colours and styles so go online and search. Remember, if you dont like the look of the glove you will be more likely to not use them or forget them. The range of colours and often two-tone nature of these gloves can help bridge the gap between the car and you.
For a good place to start your search for driving gloves or indeed, other luxury accessories,
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