White gloves for white tie, rules concerning

I will be attending a white tie ball in a few weeks and was wondering about the rules concerning the wearing of white gloves (for men of course). I own a pair and like to use them, but I have always been a little uncertain about when they should be taken off.

Naturally, they should not be worn during the meal itself but does this rule also apply to sitting down in general? Should they be worn when shaking someones hand? I think there is a difference depending on if they are worn as part of a uniform, like for militaries and diplomats, or just for regular use.

I also remember reading something about their connection with cigars. One theory concering the removal/non-removal of the band surrounding the cigar is that its purpose was keeping the white gloves of gentlemen smokers from being stained by the tobacco.

So please provide me with the archaic wisdom I need.

interesting question. i googled white glove protocol and/or etiquette for some interesting takes on the question. try it. good luck

Since the Victorian era, you would keep gloves on while shaking hands, only removing them for the meal. "Taking the gloves off" normally happened when something escalated beyond civility, hence the expression.


Sources:

Keers, Paul. A Gentleman's Wardrobe: Classic Clothes and the Modern Man (Harmony Books: New York, 1987).

Vanderbuilt, Amy. Amy Vanderbilt's New Complete Book of Etiquette (Doubleday: Garden City, 1963).

As I understand, at a white tie ball they are worn so as to prevent soiling the lady's dress. Wearing them throughout the ball would be normal protocol, even when shaking hands.

Letitia Baldridge's recommendation in her 1978 edition of Amy Vanderbilt's book of etiquette is that gloves should always be removed when shaking hands, even though traditionally that was not the case. Her conclusion is based on societal changes and gloved hands being less common. For every day gloves for warmth I would agree (unless outside in freezing temperatures). She did not directly address white tie gloves and I would stick with tradition there. Otherwise, you will find yourself gloving and degloving all night when you should be worried about dancing and having a great time.

White tie gloves would fall into the same category as military uniform gloves, which I believe generally stay on the hands when part of a dress uniform. Military protocol, however, will dictate the details and can vary from one service to another (or even one rank to another).

White tie gloves may also be worn throughout the opera if attending in white tie.

Though white cotton is acceptable, I strongly suggest white kid leather gloves. You can find decent prices online. Leather gloves give a much more polished look in my opinion and a much better grip when dancing. If you go with cotton, I would spend the money to get well made gloves, not the $3 specials in the party aisle.

pbc

Thank you for your replies. This is not the first time I will be attending this particular ball and, as you said, I have been gloving and degloving quite a bit. This time I will confidently keep them on.

I would much prefer the white leather kid variant of gloves but right now I am stuck with cotton. I am going to look around but sadly I do not think I will be able to find a leather pair in time.

If you don't have any closer options I suggest one of these: Covers the wrist http://www.leatherglovesonline.com/pages2/mt2a-d210.htm Gathered at the wrist http://www.leatherglovesonline.com/pages2/mp7a-d302.htm Either one would be excellent. I ordered my true size and they fit without being tight or loose (Very tight and very comfortable). The company was honest and very quick in emails, call backs, and shipping. They were interested in getting my item to me on time for the least amount of money. Also explained that the price had gone up over the previous weekend but would honor the lower price if I wanted to order (I had left a message before the weekend but no order). I think the quality is good and found them as described - classy, well-fitted, etc. They will ship to Sweden for a higher fee, but prices seem decent and it might be worth it depending on what you have available locally. Good luck. pbc PS. The first option is more traditional but the glove cuff will argue slightly with your shirt cuff. The leather is very thin and soft so you may not be bothered by it. Otherwise, the second option would avoid that issue and give a slightly cleaner look (and lower price).

These are the more traditional white tie choice:

http://www.leatherglovesonline.com/p...t1a-cs3420.htm

have a look at these from BB:

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatP...=&sectionsize=

And from the UK you can check out Chester Jeffries, they might be able to do a rush order, they can basically make any glove in any material and any color you can imagine.

http://www.chesterjefferies.co.uk/

The Brooks Brothers were really nice. I think I will look into them.