LADIES GLOVE ETIQUETTE IN THE 1940's
When to Wear Gloves - -
Gloves should be worn on the streets of cities and large town, when going to church, to a luncheon, dinner or reception; a dance, a wedding or an official function. They are also worn to a restaurant and in the theater.
Smart women usually wear gloves while traveling on a train or plane … or in any public conveyance.
On formal occasions, gloves are worn by the guests and by the hostess, while she is receiving,
When to Removes Gloves - -
Gloves must always be removed before eating, drinking, smoking, playing cards or putting on makeup.
When lunching in a restaurant, a lady removes her coat but keeps on her hat and gloves, removing her gloves when seated at the table.
At dances, long gloves would be part of a lady’s ensemble and as such, kept on. The glove fingers should be tucked into the opening at the wrist while smoking or drinking, and the gloves removed entirely immediately upon sitting at the table.
When gloves are worn merely as a covering for the hands (such as heavy winter gloves), they should be removed with the coat.
What to do When Shaking Hands - -
A lady never takes off her gloves to shake hands … and never asks that her glove be excused. (Of course, this is excepted if she is wearing soiled gardening gloves, or the like … in which case she says she is sorry she can’t shake hands.)
Color, Style and Length - -
The most important point in choosing gloves is to make sure they fit and are comfortable. Gloves that are too tight tend to make hands look like sausages.
White or beige gloves are equally appropriate for any costume with which colors will harmonize. Black gloves are always smart. Formal occasions do not demand, but somehow suggest, white gloves. Colored gloves are becoming increasingly popular and are now worn, quite correctly, to weddings. It is considered very smart to wear matching gloves and millinery. simple styled garments of the wedding
A glove of the same color as the sleeve of your garment makes the arm look longer. A contrasting glove seems to shorten it.
The length of the glove is decided by current fashion and the length of the sleeve. Shortie gloves to 8-button length are normally worn on the street, in the daytime and for informal evenings. Long gloves are usually reserved for more formal occasions.
The style of glove is dictated by fashion and the style of the lady’s outfit. Simple styles usually accessorize tailored ensembles, while dressy, decorated gloves accompany more formal clothes. Bracelets may be work over long gloves, but never rings.
