Since the earlier times, gloves have been used by people in their daily lives. Today, these hand coverings with separate sections for each fingers and the thumb that extends part way up the arm as defined by the Merriam-Webster are now available in various types and designs such as leather gloves and mittens which depends on their purpose of use.
First worn by cavemen during the earlier times, gloves have been proven to be an important item by people. These were used as protection from injuries when doing rough works. Earlier versions of these hand coverings are styled like crude mittens that have fingers and a gauntlet which covers the forearm. During the 12th century, the word "glove" was coined from the Middle English word "glof". However, up to today, the inventor of this item is still unknown.
Through the years, gloves have become popular and were used by people from different social statuses. In the Europe, England was one of the countries which usage of hand gloves was very popular. These were used by English people to challenge personal battles, and even royalties and dignitaries became fond of using them as symbol for their status in the society. In the 14th century, gloves were very famous among upper-classmen. After two centuries, they were recognized as fashion items by the queen consort of Henry II of France, Catherine de Medicis.
Generally, this hand covering is divided in six categories. First are the winter gloves, which as their name implies, are being used during winter season. During this season, hand coverings are necessary to protect the hands from too much cold. Second category is the industrial glove. Unlike the winter gloves which are used to fight against cold, it is heat resistant. Other styles of industrial gloves which are primarily used in industrial sites are demolition style, cryogenic, metal guard, and utility styles. Used in sports activities are the third category; popular sports gloves include baseball, cycling, hockey and baseball gloves.
Other than those abovementioned another category of gloves which are used as fashion items are the stylish gloves. These are very famous among celebrities like Michael Jackson, who was known for his signature Swarovski studded glove. Another fan of these stylish gloves is Queen Elizabeth I who even had a display of her collection in the Ashmoleum Museum. Also included under this category are the those used on Operas during Napoleonic/Regency Era. The white gloves, on the other hand, are often seen used by staffs in restaurants as well as hotels to show class and unity. The last category is the general hand covering that is used for various purposes like household chores.
History saw man's obsession with a covered hand though very few remain today. Nonetheless, leather gloves and other styles are still important pieces of clothing that are used today for a variety of purposes.
First worn by cavemen during the earlier times, gloves have been proven to be an important item by people. These were used as protection from injuries when doing rough works. Earlier versions of these hand coverings are styled like crude mittens that have fingers and a gauntlet which covers the forearm. During the 12th century, the word "glove" was coined from the Middle English word "glof". However, up to today, the inventor of this item is still unknown.
Through the years, gloves have become popular and were used by people from different social statuses. In the Europe, England was one of the countries which usage of hand gloves was very popular. These were used by English people to challenge personal battles, and even royalties and dignitaries became fond of using them as symbol for their status in the society. In the 14th century, gloves were very famous among upper-classmen. After two centuries, they were recognized as fashion items by the queen consort of Henry II of France, Catherine de Medicis.
Generally, this hand covering is divided in six categories. First are the winter gloves, which as their name implies, are being used during winter season. During this season, hand coverings are necessary to protect the hands from too much cold. Second category is the industrial glove. Unlike the winter gloves which are used to fight against cold, it is heat resistant. Other styles of industrial gloves which are primarily used in industrial sites are demolition style, cryogenic, metal guard, and utility styles. Used in sports activities are the third category; popular sports gloves include baseball, cycling, hockey and baseball gloves.
Other than those abovementioned another category of gloves which are used as fashion items are the stylish gloves. These are very famous among celebrities like Michael Jackson, who was known for his signature Swarovski studded glove. Another fan of these stylish gloves is Queen Elizabeth I who even had a display of her collection in the Ashmoleum Museum. Also included under this category are the those used on Operas during Napoleonic/Regency Era. The white gloves, on the other hand, are often seen used by staffs in restaurants as well as hotels to show class and unity. The last category is the general hand covering that is used for various purposes like household chores.
History saw man's obsession with a covered hand though very few remain today. Nonetheless, leather gloves and other styles are still important pieces of clothing that are used today for a variety of purposes.
About the Author:
Lorenzo Mitchell is a glove collector from London, England. Mitchell's collection range from 12th Century leather gloves (Lederhandschuhe in German) to Michael Jackson's signature Swarovski studded gloves.