Driving gloves may seem like a concept from yesteryear, but there are so many reasons this dapper accessory should make its way into your wardrobe for both the gents and the ladies. Part of the main appeal is that they look incredible, especially when paired with smart tailoring and a well-put-together outfit. Plus, they also make any drive, long or short, safer and more comfortable. They protect your hands from the elements, help you grip better for increased control, and they reduce fatigue. All of these are excellent reasons to check out the best driving gloves.
What are Driving Gloves?
Driving gloves are designed specifically to wear in the car. The two main functions are protection and grip. They’ll prevent your hands from getting sun exposure and extreme cold and also protect your steering wheel and gear stick from the natural oils in your skin. This is especially important in vintage cars where materials such as wood and ivory are more susceptible to damage. The second primary function is to provide better grip and control over your vehicle. Driving gloves are generally made from a thin material, such as leather, and sit low on the wrist to provide all the benefits without hindering movement.
Types of Driving Gloves
There are a few different kinds of driving gloves, and what you choose will depend on where you live, the weather, and how you want to use them.
Fingerless Gloves
Fingerless gloves are ideal in warmer weather, as they still provide grip through the palm and base of the fingers but let air circulate, keeping your hands cool. In the current digital age, wearing fingerless gloves means you can also use your smart touch devices such as a phone or tablet without needing to take them off. This is especially handy if you use biometric security, such as fingerprint unlocking. Plus, fingerless gloves also look badass.
Cold Weather Gloves
When it’s frigid cold outside, all you want to do is keep your hands and fingers warm. That’s where cold weather driving gloves are ideal. Unlike traditional driving gloves, these are lined with warm materials such as fleece or wool to help insulate. Meanwhile, the outers will be leather or even a knit fabric with added grip on the palm. Cold weather gloves are also full gloves, without open knuckles, ventilation holes, or stud closure. Lastly, they might also finish slightly further up your wrists.
Traditional Driving Gloves
Traditional driving gloves are made from thin leather and feature open knuckles, stud closure, and perforations down the fingers. These details provide maximum flexibility while reducing stress on the thin material and keeping your hands from sweating too much. They can come in any color, from classic black and dark brown to vibrant shades of red and green.
Benefits of Driving Gloves
Driving gloves provide many benefits that make your journey much more comfortable.
Grip: One of the primary benefits of driving gloves is a better grip. If you have a good grip on your steering wheel, you’ll be more in control of the vehicle. This also means you’ll be able to respond to unexpected situations more effectively and safely.
Warmth: Keeping your fingers and hands toasty warm is another key benefit of driving gloves. The material insulates your hands, keeping your body’s natural heat in, which is especially true if you’ve chosen a full-fingered winter glove.
Airflow: The open back, open knuckle design of traditional driving gloves helps provide airflow and stops your hands from getting too sweaty. The material also helps absorb sweat, especially when it’s hot, so you don’t have to worry about slippery hands on the wheel.
Hand Fatigue: If you drive for extended periods, your hands can get tired. The road sends vibrations through the steering wheel, which can wear your muscles out. However, driving gloves can help reduce the impact this has, therefore lessening hand fatigue.
Style: There’s no denying that a pair of driving gloves can take a well-dressed man or woman’s style to the next level. Think of Daniel Craig as James Bond, Ryan Gosling in Drive, Sarah Paulson in Ratched, and Taraji P. Henson in Proud Mary.
Cleanliness: No one likes a sticky steering wheel. Even if you have clean hands, your body’s natural oils will transfer over time. Then, if you have dirty hands, you’ll be spreading all kinds of germs and bacteria to these high-touch areas. As such, driving gloves are a great way to mitigate this and maintain a high level of cleanliness in your car. Keeping things clean will also extend the life of the materials used.
FAQs
Do driving gloves make a difference?
Driving gloves do make a difference to your journey. They give you better control through increased grip on the steering wheel and gear stick. Plus, they help reduce the impact of road vibrations that cause hand fatigue in long journeys, making you much more comfortable. They also help protect your hands from UV damage through the windscreen and can keep you warm on cold winter days.
Why do people wear driving gloves?
People choose to wear driving gloves for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a better grip on the steering wheel and gear stick, giving you more control for safer driving. Secondly, it also makes the drive more comfortable because they protect you from the cold, the sun, and muscle fatigue from the road vibrations. They also help keep your car clean, and maintain the integrity of the materials on the steering wheel, especially in vintage vehicles. Finally, they just look good, especially when paired with a stylish or tailored outfit and a confident attitude.
What kind of gloves are good for driving?
Gloves that have plenty of grip yet, are flexible, and move well are the best for driving. Traditional styles are made with unlined leather that strikes the perfect balance. However, if you live somewhere quite warm, fingerless gloves are ideal as they let your hands breathe even better. Alternatively, cold frozen hands make for unsafe driving, so warm, lined winter driving gloves will be the best choice in that circumstance.
What kind of gloves does Ryan Gosling wear in Drive?
Ryan Gosling wears a pair of driving gloves designed by Gaspar Gloves. The brand offers a replica for purchase, made from genuine Italian Hair Sheep leather, in a selection of colors including brown, white, tan, and black.
Alexandra Linde is an experienced writer holding a bachelor's degree in Journalism. She is the owner of Alexandra McKiterick Creative and has expertise in travel, fashion, fitness and lifestyle. Alex has previously written for Flightcenter, Travello, and Backpacker Deals.
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