Driving Gloves Guide

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Start Your Engines with Driving Gloves!

Nothing adds as much class to driving as a pair of traditional leather driving gloves. In addition to practical benefits like improved grip and temperature control, a pair of classically-styled leather driving gloves will keep you looking dapper and elegant while you are cruising.

This article will cover every aspect of driving gloves: their history, features, leathers, quality hallmarks, styling, and everything else you need to know about this wonderful men’s accessory.

The History of Driving Gloves

Driving Gloves were an Essential Early Motorist Accessory

Photograph of four men in a primitive car from the 1890s
Early French motorist Albert Lemaitre poses in his 3-horsepower Peugeot after taking the prize at the first modern competitive automobile race, from Paris to Rouen, in 1894. Note that Lemaitre, on the left, and his crew and passengers are all wearing gloves. [Image Credit: Wikimedia.]

The history of driving gloves is closely tied to the history of the automobile. The earliest cars were truly wild rides, consisting essentially of a chassis with an engine strapped on. Steering wheels and gear shifters were made of wood or metal, there was no power steering, and the lack of a cabin or climate control exposed the driving to the elements.

The open cockpit also exposed the driver to the travails of the open road: at a time when most streets were unpaved, roads were dusty when it was dry, muddy when it was wet, and all of the dirt and grime kicked up by the automobile often ended up on the driver.

As a result, early motorists developed a driving kit designed to insulate their bodies and protect their clothing. This unofficial uniform consisted of a long overcoat or smock, a cap, goggles, boots, and perhaps most important of all, hand protection.

The Proto-Driving Gloves: Driving Gauntlets

A photograph of tan driving gauntlets with thick fingers and a long, bellows mouth.
Driving gauntlets typical of the style worn in the 1910s. [Image Credit: The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.]

Interestingly, the first forms of hand protection when driving did not look like they do today. Instead of a short, tight-fitting glove, early motorists wore a thick, long glove, the mouth of which bellowed to reach over their coat sleeves for a tight seal, known as a driving gauntlet.

Driving gauntlets were often made of thick leather, sometimes lined with wool, which reduced responsiveness when driving but ensured that the hands were warm and protected. These driving gauntlets were inspired in form and appearance by early riding horse-riding gloves, and they remained popular into the 1920s.

The Functionality of Driving Gloves

An illustration of a man and woman in a primitive automobile. Their driver is wearing driving gloves. Colliers Magazine Cover, October 26, 1907, by J.C. Leyendecker.
An illustration of a man and woman in a primitive automobile. Their driver is wearing driving gloves. [Image Credit: Colliers Magazine Cover, October 26, 1907, by J.C. Leyendecker.]

Driving gauntlets and gloves were first adopted by early motorists for many of the reasons that make driving gloves useful today. At a time when most automotive instruments like steering wheels were made of slippery materials like wood or metal, driving gloves greatly improved grip. Driving gloves also kept the driver’s hands warm, which was especially vital because many early cars lacked cabins or had no climate control. Similarly, driving gloves also protected the driver’s hands from any mud or dust when driving and from any oils or lubricants he might encounter when performing the regular service early automobiles often required.

Glove Compartments and Glove Boxes

Driving gauntlets and gloves were such an integral part of driving that they even gave their name to an important feature on most cars. Early motorists needed a convenient way to store driving accessories like driving gloves, and in 1900 Packard became the first automobile company to offer vehicles with a dedicated unit for stowing driving gloves. If you have ever wondered why the compartment on your dashboard is called a glove compartment or glove box, now you know!

A photograph of a chauffeur next to a primitive car

Driving gloves and…

Chauffeurs

A chauffeur, or chauffeuse in the feminine, is a professional driver, the name of whose profession is derived from the French word for a coal stoker because of the coal that powered early automobiles. Chauffeurs often wore a distinctive uniform of a long overcoat, cap, boots, googles, and driving gauntlets or gloves, and many aspects of this traditional uniform, originally worn as a necessity, remain a fixture in the popular conception of a chauffeur today. [Image Credit: Wikimedia.]

Driving Gloves During the Golden Age of Menswear

An illustration of six men in late 1920s suits chatting with a woman in a car. Many of the men are wearing gloves.
Driving gloves were just one of the many types of gloves that proliferated in the Golden Age of Menswear.

As automobile technology improved as the 20th century progressed, and cars began to more closely resemble the vehicles with which we are familiar today, driving accessories evolved as well. By the 1930s, bulky driving gauntlets had largely been supplanted by the elegant, tight-fitting, shorter driving gloves with which we are familiar today.

These gloves offered many of the benefits of the larger driving gauntlets, such as temperature control and improved grip, but appeared far more stylish and were much less cumbersome. Driving gloves were soon available in a variety of colors and leather types, similar to day and dress gloves, and nearly as great an emphasis was placed on appearance and refinement as on functionality.

Driving Gloves as a Status Symbol

Like formal day gloves, quality driving gloves were the mark of a true gentleman and a motorist.
Like formal day gloves, quality driving gloves were the mark of a true gentleman and a motorist.

Especially during the period between the two World Wars, driving gloves were a stylish fashion accessory, and no gentleman motorist would leave his home without his pair. Like many menswear accessories during this time, driving gloves were soon considered an important status symbol.

It was considered a very luxurious habit for one to wear driving gloves on a regular basis, especially light-colored ones, because of the difficulty in keeping them clean. If one could afford the staff to do so, and engaged in a lifestyle in which manual labor did not constantly soil one’s gloves, it was a sure sign of wealth and influence.

The Decline of Driving Gloves in the Second Half of the 20th Century

As the internal heating systems of cars improved after World War II, driving gloves were no longer as essential for retaining heat. Similarly, as plastic or wrapped steering wheels became more common in the late 1960s and 1970s, driving gloves were no longer necessary for grip.

Nevertheless, driving gloves did persist as a stylish menswear accessory associated with dynamic and skilled drivers. American actor Steve McQueen often wore driving gloves on and off set, and in the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, George Lazenby wears a pair while portraying men’s style icon James Bond.

Ironically, the early popularity of driving gloves, and their association with well-dressed, wealthy gentlemen, caused something of a backlash against the accessory in the 1980s. As innovations in automobile technology made driving gloves seem less essential, it was erroneously assumed that driving gloves had no functional purpose and were only worn by snobs who desired to show off.

Noted Car and Driver contributor Brock Yates bombastically declared in 1989 that “real men don’t wear gloves,” proceeding to associate supposedly purpose-less driving gloves with all that was wrong with contemporary motorhead culture, deriding it as an accessory favored by elitist drivers who were essentially posers and an insult to modern automobile enthusiasm.

“Picture this: Here is a guy decked out in a soft wool turtleneck and a leather jacket so lustrous it looks like congealed 30-weight motor oil. He is wearing aviator-style sunglasses that cost something like the GNP of Chad and a white silk scarf draped elegantly around his neck. His long fingers are sheathed in supple leather driving gloves, the kind with wrist snaps and holes on the backs.”

Brock Yates

Attitudes like these greatly harmed the popularity of driving loves, and their prominence declined precipitously in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. Abandoned by most drivers, driving gloves became almost exclusively associated with professional drivers and a handful of vintage automobile enthusiasts.

Driving Gloves Today

Ryan Gosling wearing driving gloves in Drive (2011).
Ryan Gosling wearing driving gloves in Drive (2011). [Image Credit: Filmgarb]

Fortunately, revived interest in Classic Style during the 2010s saw the resurgence of many classically-inspired menswear accessories, including driving gloves. This renewed interest in driving gloves was buoyed by the accessory’s prominent position in many popular films, especially the 2011 film Drive, starring Ryan Gosling, a contemporary actor known for his unique personal style.

Today, driving gloves are associated with stylish gentlemen who take driving seriously and want to look the part. They are especially associated with drivers active in the vintage car scene, amateur racing leagues, or owners of high-end, luxury automobiles.

“A new pair of slick motorsport mittens can make you feel like you’re tearing through the Italian countryside or enjoying a throwback cruise down a coastal road.”

Car and Driver, 2022

But in fact, driving gloves today are worn by gentlemen who drive all manner of cars, so you can certainly wear them whether you cruise in a Mercedes-Benz 500K, zoom in a Ferrari Spider, commute in a Toyota Prius, or tool around in a Fiat 500.

The Benefits of Wearing Driving Gloves

Driving Gloves are as Useful For Modern Cars as for Vintage Cars

Despite many popular assumptions to the contrary, driving gloves are not a purely aesthetic accessory: they actually do have a noticeable effect on the quality and comfort of your drive.

Temperature Control

On Cold Days

Driving gloves were originally worn to protect the wearer from the chill, and they still serve that function admirably to this day. On cold days, you can exchange your insulating winter gloves for a pair of driving gloves that will keep your hands warm when you first enter the car, but unlike heavier gloves, they will not become stuffy and hot as your car warms up.

Conversely, if you happen to be driving a convertible or you have your windows down, driving gloves will keep your fingers warm despite the chilling effect of the rushing wind.

On Warm Days

Because they are almost always unlined, driving gloves are truly year-round accessories, and you will benefit from their use during even hot months. After baking in an exposed driveway or open parking lot, your steering wheel will likely become very hot. Driving gloves will allow you to immediately grasp the wheel without having to wait for it to cool off.

Hand Fatigue

Fort Belvedere Driving Gloves in Ferrari F430
Fort Belvedere Driving Gloves in Ferrari F430

Hand fatigue, also known as hand weakness, refers to cramping, soreness, numbness, or any other pain or discomfort that becomes apparent in your hands while driving. Most often, hand fatigue is caused by the cumulative effect of the vibrations of the vehicle, bumps in the road, and the strain of maintaining a firm grip on the wheel. Hand fatigue is especially noticeable on a long road trip or endurance run.

Driving gloves help to prevent hand fatigue because the extra layer of protective leather cushions your hands against both the persistent amount of vibration of the vehicle and acute jostling from any impacts. The leather layer also softens the effect of gripping the steering wheel and generally helps your fingers feel more comfortable during extensive driving.

Public transportation drivers and commercial truckers often wear gloves precisely because they are so adept at preventing hand fatigue, so you can see the utility of this accessory when driving your own vehicle, especially for any long drives or trips.

Improved Grip

While driving gloves were originally paramount for maintaining a good grip on metal or wooden steering wheels or shifters, the modern prevalence of plastic steering wheels and shifters or instruments wrapped in fabrics like leather has diminished this need somewhat.

That being said, driving gloves still provide some improvement to grip, as contact between modern steering wheels and shifters of all varieties and leather offers better grip than contact on bare skin alone. Driving gloves also have the added benefit of ensuring that any perspiration that might develop on your hands will in no way affect the quality of your grip or compromise control.

Steering Wheel Protection

Speaking of sweat, many contemporary high-end and luxury automobiles feature steering wheels wrapped in leather or similar fabrics that can be damaged by the sweat, oil, or grime on our hands. A pair of driving gloves protects the steering wheel from this potential damage, ensuring that no moisture from your hands discolors, stains, or otherwise mars the beautiful instruments and interior of your car.

Similarly, driving gloves reduce the impact of friction damage and constant contact that can cause steering wheels to appear scuffed, rubbed down, or shiny. In this way, driving gloves are an accessory investment that helps protect your investment in your car.

Style

Ultimately, driving gloves have gone from being an accessory that was necessary for driving to a fashion accessory that can benefit, but is not strictly essential, for modern driving. That being said, a pair of driving gloves will always elevate your style while driving, setting you apart as a man of taste and refinement who appreciates the finer things in life, including the elegant accouterment of automobile culture.

Driving gloves can elevate your driving ensemble, complementing components of your outfit or harmonizing with the interior detailing and color of your automobile. Gloves have always been an essential aspect of Classic menswear, and driving gloves represent an accessible entry-point to this often underutilized field of accessories.

A photograph of Raphael wearing a suit and red driving gloves.
Driving gloves are a stylish addition to any ensemble.

In many ways, therefore, it can be said that driving gloves, stylistically, help to distinguish the commuter who thinks of his car only as a means to get from point A to point B from the motorist who relishes the freedom and sense of adventure that rigorous driving entails.

Learn more about men’s gloves!

Driving Gloves FAQ

Why were driving gloves invented?

Driving gloves were invented during the early days of automobiles at the end of the 19th century. They were an essential accessory that kept the hands of early drivers warm, clean, and protected at a time when primitive cars often had no temperature control and were very dirty.

Why do people wear driving gloves?

Driving gloves can be worn for a variety of reasons, both functional and aesthetic. While no longer strictly mandatory, driving gloves can improve your driving experience, and they definitely look incredibly stylish while doing so.

Do driving gloves actually do anything?

Yes, they do! Contrary to popular opinion, driving gloves are not just an aesthetic choice. Driving gloves modulate temperature extremes with your car, improve your grip on the steering wheel and shifter, and help protect your car’s interior, in addition to being a timeless menswear accessory.

Do people still wear driving gloves?

Yes, they do! While driving gloves are not as popular amongst general drivers as they once were, they have remained a fixture amongst professional drivers of all types because of their many benefits. Similarly, many elegant men interested in Classic Style have kept the tradition of driving gloves alive, and driving gloves are currently enjoying a resurgence in the menswear community.

Are driving gloves snobby?

No, they are not. Driving gloves have developed a reputation for being elitist because of the false perception that they are only for show, and therefore worn only to show off. In fact, driving gloves are a very useful accessory for all drivers and are accordingly worn by every kind of driver there is, from the countryside tourer to the daily grind commuter.

Are driving gloves the same as regular gloves?

No, they are not. Driving gloves are usually unlined, feature an exposed closure system, ventilation holes, and have a shorter body. Regular gloves, intended primarily for warmth, are usually lined, thicker, and have a longer body to insulate heat.

Why do driving gloves have holes in them?

Driving gloves have holes for ventilation to ensure a continuous flow of air that helps keep your hands cool and comfortable and reduces the accumulation of sweat. Many driving gloves also have a larger exposed section on the back of the hand, consisting either of cutouts around the knuckles or a woven-leather panel. This section no only increases ventilation, it also improves the mobility of the fingers and hand in general.

Are driving gloves the same as racing gloves?

No, they are not. While racing gloves include many of the features that help driving gloves improve overall driving ability, racing gloves are generally larger and thicker because they are also intended to serve as a safety device, protecting the driver from potential injuries like abrasions or burns.

Quality Hallmarks and What You Want in a Pair of Driving Gloves

What To Consider When Shopping for the Best Driving Gloves

Fort Belvedere Driving Racing Gloves in Lamb Nappa Leather with White Buttons Piping and handwoven arrow. Handmade in Hungary by Fort Belvedere
A selection of leather driving gloves from Fort Belvedere.

Ultimately, the right driving gloves will always be the right driving gloves for you. Therefore, you should select a pair of gloves that suit your driving style and typical driving conditions. By taking the following considerations and hallmarks into consideration, you will be well-prepared to make the right selection when it comes to choosing driving gloves.

Leathers

Driving gloves can be made from a variety of leathers, but certain leathers are innately better suited to this type of glove because of their unique qualities and properties. In general, leather gloves will always be superior to other fabrics or synthetics because of the minuscule pores on the hide that naturally help to improve grip. “High-performance” artificial driving gloves will often feature pebbling on the palm and fingers made of materials like rubber or silicone in an effort to simulate this effect, but nothing is better for grip than natural animal pores.

Animal LeatherNotes
Peccary Peccary is rightfully considered the king of glove leathers, but in the case of driving gloves, peccary hide is simply too thick to allow for the sensitivity that driving gloves require.
DeerskinWhen skived sufficiently thin, deerskin can make very tough, durable driving gloves, but most offerings are simply too thick and bulky.
Hair Sheep The smooth, soft texture of hair sheep makes very elegant driving gloves, although the somewhat slippery texture can compromise grip.
Lamb NappaThe ideal leather for driving gloves. The Nappa finish provides the perfect blend of soft texture and grip without stickiness.

Most other varieties of leather, such as genuine leather cowhide, pig, goat, exotic, and the like, generally do not have the appropriate thickness and grip to serve as driving gloves and should therefore be avoided.

Machine versus Hand Stitching

All gloves have to be stitched, and that stitching can either be done by hand or by machine.

Machine Stitching

Machine stitching is generally finer because the stitches can be extremely close together and because the seams are on the inside of the glove and effectively hidden from view. Machine stitching is also more efficient and generally costs less to do.

However, because the seams are on the inside of the glove, they are more noticeable in driving gloves because the steering wheel constantly presses the gloves directly against the hand. This pressure can be distracting and can even cause irritation.

Hand Stitching

Because of the realities of by-hand productions, hand-stitched gloves have larger stitches and the seams appear on the outside of the gloves. While this exposed stitching may appear overly casual on dressy day gloves, it is ideal for driving gloves because exterior seams are much more comfortable on the hands when driving, as they are on the outside of the gloves and do not rub against bare skin.

Ventilation

Intense driving can be an exhilarating and heart-pounding experience, and during those moments, the last thing you want is sweaty, clammy hands.

Subtle perforations, primarily along the fingers, have been a standard feature on driving gloves since the 1930s. These little holes allow for improved ventilation, so the increased airflow wicks away perspiration and helps to prevent it at the source. Not only will this cooling effect make you more comfortable, but it will also prevent sweat from compromising your driving experience.

Some glove manufacturers have taken this logic a step further and even produced fingerless driving gloves. While this stripped-down effect does offer superior cooling, it can adversely affect overall grip, and therefore, unless you are driving in conditions of extreme heat, fingerless driving gloves are unlikely to be your best option.

Length

A photograph in which Raphael demonstrates the difference in length between regular gloves (left) and driving gloves (right).
The difference in length between regular gloves (left) and driving gloves (right).

Almost all driving gloves have short mouths at the wrist to ensure the free movement of the hand. When selecting driving gloves, ensure that they sit in such a way as to leave your wrist as free as possible, both to keep you cooler when driving and to not impede your range of motion.

Knuckle Down! Two Approaches to Ventilation and Mobility in Driving Gloves

A photograph of knucke cut outs on a driving glove

Driving Gloves with …

Knuckle Holes

Driving gloves have often featured exposed knuckles that are intended to improve air circulation and afford the greatest possible movement to the muscles of the hand. However, because of minute variations in hand anatomy, these holes very rarely line up exactly with every knuckle unless the gloves are made-to-measure or bespoke, creating an awkward fit that can even cause chafing. Therefore, driving gloves with knuckle holes should always be tried on before buying to ensure a good fit that does not potentially irritate your skin.

British Racing Green Driving Gloves in Lamb Nappa Leather with White Contrast Detailing

Driving Gloves with …

Woven Patterns

Although relatively rare today, historic driving gloves often featured a woven pattern around the back of the hand that afforded increased ventilation and movement without the need for difficult-to-fit knuckle holes. This design style has been revived by Fort Belvedere, and the woven leather, rendered in a classic and dynamic arrow shape, offers exceptional cooling potential that can easily fit all hand anatomies. Although this woven pattern takes Fort Belvedere’s artisanal Hungarian glove makers hours to properly execute, the timeless look and impeccable quality are worth it.

Closure

Peccary Gloves in Chocolate Brown with adjustable snap button strap closure by Fort Belvedere
Snap button strap closure

A properly fitted driving glove is essential for peak performance, but a tight, flexible fit can be difficult to achieve with ready-to-wear gloves. Therefore, a closure system that is partially adjustable will allow you to find the perfect fit without having to break the bank, and will allow for any potential variations in your weight.

Velcro has come into vogue as something of a performance technology, but the fact of the matter is velcro does not always maintain a good hold, and it can have a very casual, almost juvenile appearance.

High-quality metal snap closures, on the other hand, offer a dependable, adjustable fit system that also looks timeless and dapper. The best closures will feature two snap options so that you can adjust how tight or loose the overall fit is to your particular tastes and driving circumstances.

Lining, or Lack Thereof

The overwhelming majority of driving gloves will be unlined. A layer of lining, be it cotton, fleece, or cashmere, makes the gloves thicker and bulkier, which is ill-suited for driving gloves that require sensitivity for increased awareness and maximum mobility for control.

Therefore, unless you intend to be driving under exposed conditions in cold weather temperatures, you will always want your driving gloves to be unlined.

Styling

Grey Gloves with a navy paletot overcoat and chalk stripe business suit
Gloves are just one example of how Classic menswear accessories were traditionally very colorful.

As was common with most men’s gloves in the Classic Style, historic driving gloves worn by gentlemen often came in a variety of unique and interesting colors. While black, gray, and shades of dark brown are common driving colors today, we generally encourage you to branch out and consider more colorful options, like blue, red, or green.

Similarly, the most elegant driving gloves will feature eye-catching details like contrast stitching or piping that expands the color palette of the gloves. Not only will this make the driving gloves more visually appealing, it will also make it easier for you to craft complementary outfits and increases the gloves’ stylistic versatility.

Because we believe that the colors in your outfit should be an extension of your personality, we hope that you will feel free to experiment with your color choices when it comes to driving gloves. Perhaps you could complement the color of your car or its interior, or else go for a contrasting color for a bold look. Whatever you choose, know that your driving gloves will set you apart

Learn how to pair overcoats, gloves, and scarves here!

Touchscreen Capabilities

In an increasingly digital automotive world, it helps to have driving gloves that are compatible with the touchscreens that proliferate on most modern devices, like your smartphone, and many modern vehicle instrument panels. If you regularly need to take a call when driving, check online maps, or access your car’s digital infotainment display, a pair of touchscreen-sensitive driving gloves might be worth it for you.

Note that many gloves that work with touchscreen do so with a heat-based technology that is often finicky at best. The superior method for enabling touchscreen access involves the application of a special substance directly during the leather tanning and dyeing process, as is done by Fort Belvedere. This special process ensures that the gloves function flawlessly with touchscreens every time.

A driving glove with perforated holes throughout.

Black and Off-White Driving Touchscreen Gloves in Perforated Lamb Nappa by Fort Belvedere

The perfect combination of classic style, quality materials, and modern techology, these drive gloves give you all of the benefits of traditional driving gloves without compromising your ability to use your smartphone and other touchscreen devices.

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How To Buy Driving Gloves

Retail

A window display of gloves in Florence, Italy.
Gloves for sale in Florence, Italy.

Most reputable manufacturers of men’s gloves also offer a line of driving gloves because they are such a unique and popular accessory. Driving gloves are available at a variety of price points, from a few dozen dollars to hundreds of dollars. As with most leather products, investing in a quality article from the beginning will usually offer superior returns in the form of the extended life of the product and exceptional cost-per-wear.

In general, you will be best served by frequenting companies that specialize in glove making and not luxury brands that offer gloves of mediocre quality and materials at inflated prices.

BrandCost
Milwaukee Leather$20
Riparo$30-$60
Pratt & Hart$30-$50
Dents$100-$200
Fratelli Orsini$119-$159
Hestra$150
Fort Belvedere$165-$175
Maison Bedouin$160-$200
Inherent$349
Photo of petrol blue driving gloves

Fort Belvedere

Petrol Blue & Off-White Driving Gloves

Red and sand driving gloves photo

Fort Belvedere

Racing Red & Sand Yellow Driving Gloves

Photo of green and off white driving gloves

Fort Belvedere

Racing Green and Off-White Driving Gloves

See what Bends & Curves thinks of Fort Belvedere Driving Gloves

Second-Hand

Because leather gloves, including driving gloves, were traditionally made to last, it is possible to find high-quality examples with improved affordability when buying second-hand. Be aware that driving gloves are hardwearing articles that can often become very dirty, so you will usually want to fully inspect any driving gloves before purchasing for damage, stains, and odors. If purchased online, we suggest patronizing only trustworthy vendors who offer robust return policies.

How To Determine Glove Size

Be wary of any driving gloves that are sold “One Size Fits All.” Very likely, they will not offer the superb and close fit necessary to maximize the utility of a pair of driving gloves. Instead, seek out driving gloves that are sold according to the traditional glove sizing metrics, which are based on the circumference of the hand.

How To Determine Your Glove Size
How To Determine Your Glove Size

How To Care for Leather Driving Gloves

Driving gloves are similar to all leather accessories in that they will benefit from careful storage and attentive cleaning when needed. Adhering to the following guidelines will help improve the longevity and usefulness of your leather driving gloves.

  • After each wear, be sure to stretch out the fingers of your driving gloves and then store them flat.
  • Leather driving gloves will develop water stains if one portion of the glove is wetted and allowed to stay wet for an extended period of time. If you encounter water stains, wet the entire glove and let it air dry evenly, and the stains will be evened out.
  • If you do need to wash your driving gloves, always be gentle and don’t use artificial cleaners. If cleansing with water fails to clean your driving gloves, you can use a small amount of mild baby shampoo mixed liberally with water. Be sure to cleanse fully with water after cleaning and then dry the driving gloves evenly.
  • Once a year, ironing your driving gloves on low heat while covered by a thin towel will make them appear crisp and full again.

Conclusion

Raphael in the cabin of a car wearing driving gloves.
Raphael will see you on the track!

While driving gloves may not be necessary for the operation of the modern car, they are highly beneficial for any modern driver as a timeless and versatile style statement. No matter if you drive a luxury car or an entry-level vehicle, driving gloves will protect your hands from temperature extremes, improve your grip, protect your car’s interior, and, best of all, make you look incredibly stylish while doing so.

So whether we see you next tooling down Main Street or participating in a Concours d’Elegance, we hope to see you soon in a pair of timelessly elegant driving gloves!

Reader Comments

  1. Interesting article on a subject not frequently addressed. Gloves look classy too.

  2. Interesting topic. Don’t know if it is really having a revival, though seems to be a must for vintage cars. One comment: first you say that “we only get our lamb skins from Spain, Ethiopia and South Africa”, then you say your gloves are “hand sewn in Hungary … and the leather is extremely soft and comes from Italian lamb napa tanners.” I’m sure it all fits somehow, but sounds slightly confusing.

  3. Very fine article on a topic I’ve never seen discussed before. I wear driving gloves with light insulation during the cold months. The insulation is light enough that I am able to operate all the systems in my car as if I weren’t wearing them. I also have a very fine unlined pair for regular use, but have only used them for endurance driving. It occurs to me that for pragmatic rather than style purposes a good pair of seasonal equestrian gloves could also work.

  4. I have several pair and really notice a more secure grip, especially in winter when most materials are cold and slick.

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