"I was very lucky in my gloves--got them at the first shop I went to...and gave only four shillings for them; upon hearing which everybody at Chawton will be hoping and predicting that they cannot be good for anything, and their worth certainly remains to be proved; but I think they look very well.--Jane Austen, 1813
Varying in length, the most popular glove styles during the regency were: long- for formal dinners and balls (strictly white); gauntlet- for riding and winter; and short, palm length gloves for everything else (gardening, walking, etc.)
According to Margery Wilson's Pocket Book of Etiquette, 1940, "A glove of the same color as the sleeve makes the arm look longer. A contrasting glove seems to shorten it. Gray, beige and white gloves are equally appropriate for any costume with which these colors will harmonize. Black gloves are smart always. Young people wear many colors in gloves to match any tone in their costumes.
A woman does not remove her gloves when she is calling, unless she accepts either food or drink which would necessitate their removal. If she is wearing long gloves as part of her formal costume, she removes them before going to dinner and carries them with her, putting them on again afterward if she wants to do so. If one's gloves are merely a covering for the hands, they may be removed with the cloak."
Caring for your glove, from Sears, Roebuck and Co., circa 1965
Fabric Gloves
- Wash on hands in suds of mild soap and lukewarm water
- Shape before drying
- Rinse fabric thoroughly
Leather Gloves
- Wash on hands with warm, mild suds. Rinse in clear water. Do not squeeze or wring. Final rinse should have a drop of soap or glycerin (restores some of the natural fat to the leather.)
- IMPORTANT: White and other light colors require extra stretching and working at little folds with your fingers. . . .yellow and seemingly dried spots will spring back to life and natural color.
- Remove gloves, blot on a towel and dry away from heat. For best results dry on glove frames.
Looking for a fan, gloves or other accessory for your next Regency or Victorian event? Find multiple varieties of each at Austentation: Regency Accessories!
Laura Boyle is fascinated by all aspects of Jane Austen's life. She is the proprietor of Austentation: Regency Accessories, creating custom hats, bonnets, reticules and more for customers around the globe. Her work can be found in the Jane Austen Centre's Blog, Jane Austen's Regency World, and other Austen related works. Cooking with Jane Austen and Friends is her first book. Laura's greatest joy is the time she is able to spend at home with her family (1 amazing husband, 5 adorable children, 2 hamsters, a papaya loving rabbit and 1 very strange dog).