As Glovers will be aware, several months ago the Glove Trade Committee was revised and refreshed, to emerge from its chrysalis as the Gloves and Gloving Committee, with a remit not solely of liaising with and promoting the UK Glove Trade, but also of promoting and exploring gloves and 'driving' their use more generally.
So it seems appropriate, still in the depths of winter, that we look at Driving Gloves today.
Do you use driving gloves? For many of us that might be a ‘no’ these days. In-car technology means there are other options for keeping warm, from simple heaters to air-con units and even heated seats and steering wheels. However, if you’re like me you may find these are sometimes blunt and uncomfortable tools which are either too hot or not hot enough, or not delivering the ‘right’ sort of heat to the right parts.
And even more crucially, where is your sense of ‘style’?
The image of driving in an open top British sports car with the wind in your hair (you still had some in those days), through the Alps, or on the winding road above Monte Carlo, may seem rather Cary Grant or Grace Kelly in terms of nostalgia, but it does bring to mind the aroma and feel of soft grain leather palms, and the grace of those string-laced backs, on your hands. Close your eyes, spread out your hands and feel the comfort! (Note to Glovers: if you are currently driving, please pull over and turn off your engine before doing the ‘close your eyes’ bit).
In fact, wearing gloves when driving has been in the news recently, with safety warnings issued about the dangers of inappropriate hand attire when in control of a motor vehicle, something of which I am sure no Glover would ever be guilty!
This winter drivers were warned about the risks involved with wearing gloves while driving during cold conditions with some tempted to leave gloves and bulky accessories on as they set off on journeys in freezing temperatures.
By wearing the wrong garments they could be breaching the Highway Code and potentially leaving themselves at risk of having an accident. While special driving gloves can be worn, other winter gloves may not provide enough grip on the steering wheel. Rule 97 of the Highway Code clearly states that clothing and footwear must not prevent you from using the controls properly. Ignoring this rule can result in fines of up to £5,000, three penalty points, or worse - an accident.
These warnings from motoring experts came after instances came to light of drivers wearing ski gloves and other bulky padded gloves to keep out the cold.
So what are the options? Here is journalist Sam Higgins giving his view in 2021 on the FashionBeans website. The article focuses on men’s gloves (sorry ladies), but hopefully is of general interest.
Sam writes:
Traditionally speaking, there are two types of driving gloves: your classic all-leather designs with cut-outs on the knuckles and knitted versions with leather palms. The latter play on older handmade designs making them as cosy as a jumper made by your grandmother, but the neat leather fronting sets them apart from your regular winter hand-warmers.
These are arguably the more versatile of the two – their closeness to regular gloves allows them to slot into most casual outfits. The traditional leather options, however, evoke a sharper style. The all-leather look is a bit more serious and can easily cruise from car to office in smart looks and suiting. They’re often handcrafted, making them a more luxe option, too.
Sam highlights one of the Glovers’ friends, Dents!
Dents has been proudly hand-making gloves in England since 1777, so it’s fair to say it knows its way around a fine pair of hand warmers. The brand’s manufacturing process has barely changed since, so expect top quality construction and impressive detailing. These leather gloves were used by Daniel Craig in Spectre, which, alone, is cool enough in our eyes. Try pairing them with a tailored suit and overcoat when the mercury drops.
Or how about these beauties from Aspinall?
When it comes to the quality/price ratio, Aspinal is hard to beat. All of its gloves are designed in its West Sussex headquarters and then hand-made by talented artisans whose combined experience ensures each pair is made to the highest standard. The brand describes the nappa leather used on this pair as ‘buttery soft’, which is the kind of hyperbole that makes us want to invest right away. The details here – the hand-stitched perforated detailing and button snap at the wrist make their price worthwhile, and that tan leather is guaranteed to age beautifully with time.
For a more High Street option, John Lewis, with that classic crocheted back!
If you’re a driving-glove sceptic, give this pair from John Lewis a spin – they’re basically driving gloves masquerading as regular winter gloves. The British icon of the high street has turned to the knitted style, with the combination of the crocheted back and leather palms giving them a more casual feel than many regular leather gloves.
So, just a few ideas for keeping your hands warm (and you safe) when out in your car this month.
Alternatively, as a Liveryman, you should have in your possession a beautiful pair of soft leather gloves with excellent dexterity already! I was admitted to the Livery last year, and my gloves have been getting good use in my car since then. Happy driving everyone!
For the full article on Best Driving Gloves For Men, please follow the link below
https://www.fashionbeans.com/article/best-driving-gloves-men/
Connect with us