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Opera Glove Etiquette • The basic rule as to length of gloves is defined as follows: the shorter the sleeve, the longer the glove. Opera gloves are, therefore, properly worn with sleeveless or short-sleeved dresses or strapless, sleeveless (with straps) or short-sleeved evening gowns. • Six-button (14" or thereabouts) gloves, also known as three-quarter length or coat-length gloves, may properly be worn with just about any length of sleeve. With longer sleeves, the arm pieces are generally tucked under the sleeves. • Gloves should be kept on when shaking hands (e.g., in a reception line) or dancing, but not when dining. • Gloves may also be worn while drinking, though care must be exercised not to spill liquids on them, especially when the gloves are made of kidskin leather. It is better to remove them, if possible. • When you sit down to dinner, take off your gloves but put them back on when dinner is over. • It is permissible for rings to be worn on the outside of the glove or an important bracelet, but never both together. • When you remove your opera gloves, you should not take them off in a way that calls undue attention to the process. • To partially remove your gloves, unbutton the mousquetaire wrist opening and pull your hand out through the opening. The empty glove hand can then be rolled up neatly to wrist level, either tucked under the wrist or under your bracelet, if you are wearing bracelets. • To fully remove your gloves, you should work in the hand from the wrist, then gradually smooth the glove up the arm, rather than pulling from the top. • Opera gloves of other colors generally should be worn only in coordination with the color scheme of the dress or gown you are wearing. • White and its various shades, including ivory, beige and taupe, are the traditional colors for opera gloves and are appropriate for virtually any occasion on which opera gloves are worn. • Black opera gloves should not be worn with white or light-colored dresses or gowns, but can be worn with black, dark-colored or bright-colored clothing.
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Lisa M. Grotts |
