Thread: Gloves vs Gauntlets?

I was wondering if there is any reason why one should not wear actual gloves (with fingers) instead of gauntlets.

I have a sleeveless, dark navy dress with silver, sequinned stars on it. It did not come with any accessories, such as gauntlets. I also have a pair of long, sparkly, silver gloves. I was thinking of wearing these gloves with the dress, but would that be a costuming faux-pas for any reason? Of course, I could wear my arms bare, but I think I look better with some fabric on my arms.

(The song I would be wearing this to dance to is a pop song.)

The only question I can anticipate is that the hand and finger movements would not be that visible? It's just a guess because when playing zills and/or using props, hand and finger movements are not that visible either.

I will be watching this thread.

I've did this when I was on contract at the Luxor club; Just to change it up a bit. It worked fine with an Egyptian style set and was well received by the audience. Wouldn't try it with any major prop use.

Of course I put rhinestones on the fingers, palm and back of the hand...and up the sleeve, etc. This helped tie it into the costume and also add embellishment to the movement. Consider blinging your gloves?

I suppose that there were historic reasons in addition to finger cymbals. It wouldn't be great to handle a veil with gloves on, either. Maybe part of the concern is that fingered gloves are a stripper prop? At best, they'd probably remind people of Marilyn Monroe doing "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," since that's just about the only enduring image of a woman wearing formal gloves anymore.

Thanks for the feedback. The Marilyn Monroe/Gypsy Rose Lee look did occur to me. I like the idea of embellishing the gloves more, but I don't have much time. I supposed I could also cut the hands off and turn them into gauntlets, if I feel ambitious.

Thanks again.

I don't know about historical reasons yea or nay, so I'll speak just from a costuming perspective. I would say go for it, it would be eye-catching. Just be an absolute lady, even over the top "glam" if the need arises. Gloves can be hard to wear, just like hats are, but if you've got the confidence for it, wear 'em!

I second the idea of adding bling if possible. Even just a bracelet over the gloves, and rings as well -- jewelry and gloves are not exclusive.

Dress rehearsal is Saturday. Maybe I'll just try it and see what people think. (It's for my (first) solo, so I don't have to match anyone else.)

Originally Posted by CalgaryBibi

The Marilyn Monroe/Gypsy Rose Lee look did occur to me.

So long as you don't remove the gloves on stage, it shouldn't read as suggestive. A lot depends on where your audience originates from. Some cultures see gloves as a sign of modesty and being covered up.

Good luck at the dress rehearsal

I've seen dancers wear long gloves with cabaret costuming. Nobody seemed to mind.

My own personal preference is fingerless gloves or gauntlets, because it's easier to handle props and I just prefer the look.

I like to wear blingy bracelets over plain gauntlets, you could do the same with gloves.

Thanks.

I won't be using props in that number, so I think I will give the gloves a try during dress rehearsal. The show is in another week, so I'll still have time to come up with something else and practice in it, if I have to.

Originally Posted by CalgaryBibi

Thanks for the feedback. The Marilyn Monroe/Gypsy Rose Lee look did occur to me. I like the idea of embellishing the gloves more, but I don't have much time. I supposed I could also cut the hands off and turn them into gauntlets, if I feel ambitious.

Thanks again.

I also think about a "night club look",but hey-it´s authentic

I think gloves make a nice, classy change up, but it has to go with the rest of the costume. I was surprised at the stripper comments- and I'm much more likely to think Jackie O. than Marylin, myself- so there!

I love gloves! But then I remember attending events with my Gran where you HAD to wear gloves, and you bought a new hat, shoes & bag every time you bought a dress. It wasn't *that* long ago!

Originally Posted by Lara L

I think gloves make a nice, classy change up, but it has to go with the rest of the costume. I was surprised at the stripper comments- and I'm much more likely to think Jackie O. than Marylin, myself- so there!

I love gloves! But then I remember attending events with my Gran where you HAD to wear gloves, and you bought a new hat, shoes & bag every time you bought a dress. It wasn't *that* long ago!

I usually wear gauntlets in the winter as part of a winter look. Pretty hard to wear them in the summer and not sweat too much.

Gloves it is. I wore them to dress rehearsal today, and everyone loved the gloves with the dress. Here's a pic:
bbstars.jpg

Thanks for the advice/ideas everyone!

I love your ensemble! Then again, I'm biased!

I wore a slinky black sparkly dress (has a white curvy stripe down the front) and elbow length white gloves) for a recent performance. The Gypsy Rose Lee joke came up only once and everyone loved how different my costume was than the usual. I wore a pretty belt with looped fringe as well (silver) and lots of rhinestone jewelry. The music I chose was by Eddie Kochak, so everything melded together nicely (at least I hope it did, haven't heard otherwise yet).

This is one of the many fun parts of what we do.