05/13/2026
Gloves, gloves, gloves!
Mikey Schneider, a senior majoring in history with a minor in classical studies and a certificate in museum studies, curated the newest exhibit in the fashion studies office in Justin Hall.
Peak: 1850-1918
In the 1800’s, the most fashionable gloves were those of the softest, whitest kid leather. Gloves were a luxury item exclusive to the highest social class, and those who aspired to be them. Glove etiquette was heavily debated, but it was agreed upon that “soiled” gloves were improper to wear in public. Stains could not be removed from leather gloves, so they were disposed of.
Innovation: 1920-1950
Extravagant displays of wealth were frowned upon after the First World War and the Russian Revolution. Glove makers took advantage of the emerging technologies in textile production to create fabric and knitted gloves for a lower price point. New colors could be worn, such as black, dark green, navy, brown, and pink. The fashion at the time turned to looser gloves that did not require a tight fit.
Decline: 1950-1965
Women primarily wore short gloves, with the most common color in our collection being white. The most common material is a firm knitted fabric called “simplex,” which replicates traditional leather gloves. In the 20th century, gloves were usually cut in factories by men, and the pieces were then sent to small shops or home workers, usually women, who would sew them together. By the middle of the century, American glove companies were trying to keep up with the decrease in demand by exporting work to poorer countries, often subjects of US colonialism.
Today, gloves have returned to a primarily functional purpose. In many ways, the death of the glove created the necessary conditions for the rise of nail polish and decorations.
