Everything You Need To Know About Leather Driving Gloves
What's the most vital gear that is usually overlooked by Petrolheads? Driving gloves! Men’s driving gloves serve a purpose and are more than a bold fashion statement. Want to know everything about this wonderful accessory? From their history to types, benefits to features worth considering while buying them, and maintenance tips, we have covered you. Let's dive right in and read everything you need to know about driving gloves.
History of Driving Gloves: Why Did People Wear them?
Have you ever wondered why people used to wear driving gloves in the past? Driving gloves are mainly associated with a bygone era. Back in the 19th century, when cars had made their debut, driving gloves were introduced in 1890. At that time, wealthy people mostly wore a pair gloves while riding, shooting, and hunting. In the 20th century, specialized driving gloves came into being, and many people started wearing them as an essential accessory while driving. Since early cars were open and unsophisticated compared to now, having no power steering was a challenge for drivers. Moreover, they had steering wheels made of either metal or wood. At that time, the drivers needed genuine leather driving gloves to save their hands from splinters. Besides, early cars were open and lacked heating elements. And so, driving gloves not only keep the driver’s hands warm but also offer better grip control on the steering. From the 1960s till now, non-slip steering wheels have become popular. As a result, people had more grip and stopped using driving gloves.
Evolution of Driving Gloves
Ages ago, leather driving gloves, formerly known as Old school Gauntlet Driving gloves, were made of genuine leather, lined with warm fur and wool, they restrict hand movement. Consequently, you had to exert more strength into steering. With the evolution of cars, driving gloves also underwent a makeover. So, in the 1930s, gloves became shorter, tighter, and had holes that made them breathable. Further, they have more sensitivity that makes it easy for you to have a strong grip on the steering, and allow you to maneuver your luxury car easily.
How do we make our driving gloves?
To make sure all our driving gloves have a perfect fit, we cut the leather in perfect shape with a high-tech laser. After that we sew them together by hand for maximum precision, to create those unique details on our racing gloves. We only use velvety smooth and comfortable sheepskin leather from the highest quality. When they are finished they literally fit like a glove.
Why Should You Wear Driving Gloves?
There are a ton of reasons to slip on a pair of driving gloves, and here are a few of them.
Driving Experience
The moment when you see your driving gloves, the need for speed is taking over your control. And when you put on your gloves everything changes, some say it's a feeling of freedom, others say it's that time when everything comes together. The sound of the engine, the feel of the pedals, the smell of the interior. When putting your gloves on, that whole driving experience is about to start.
Better Control
When it comes to getting better wheel grip, nothing beats the level of leather driving gloves.
They augment the support you need for the steering grip. Even if you are driving on a curvy road on a sunny day, leather driving gloves will offer you better control.
Preserve Your Interior
One of the most used interior parts of your vehicles is the steering wheel. If you are a car fanatic, you probably want your car, particularly the steering wheel to look neat. It is most likely to be damaged and worn out by the salts of your sweaty hands. You can prevent your steering from falling apart bit by bit by using quality leather driving gloves. This way, you can ensure that it will remain in better shape over time.
Look and Feel
But the real reason why you should wear leather driving gloves is that it just looks super sharp. In the old days, they were a must to have because driving was really hard work. Later it was the first choice for real gentlemen to grab when they went out. And it still is, the way it looks and the way they feel is just something very unique and distinctive. These days we see a large group of young gentlemen that use our leather driving gloves and we feel very proud of that.
Styles and Types of Driving Gloves
Let's have a look at the types of driving gloves.
Lined Driving Gloves
Stuffed with lambskin, fur or wool, lined driving gloves offer better insulation and keep your hands warm while you are driving during cold weather.
Unlined Driving Gloves
Having the external seams only make these gloves seamless inside. They are thin and allow for increased sensitivity while wearing them. Unlined driving short gloves, which are more sensitive, are examples of these gloves, and they appeared in the 1960s and 1970s. Characterized by lightweight leather, and a short and tight-fitted structure, they offer an ideal grip on the wheel and the mobility you want.
Full-fingered Driving Gloves
These types of gloves are unique and made of a combination of genuine leather and cashmere. Circular stitching at the knuckles and a silver button clasp make these gloves distinct and beautiful.
Fingerless Driving Gloves
One of the most popular types of driving gloves is the fingerless driving glove. Since they do not cover your fingers, you can get more skillful control of your steering and sensitivity.
Racing Gloves
Modern racing gloves are thick and long and made of flame-resistant material called Nomex. Moreover, they give you every bit of control over your car and protect your hands from heat and fire. They are pure functional, and so less stylish. These are for the real rally driver!
Touchscreen Gloves
We are currently in the process of developing a leather touchscreen glove. This will allow you to operate your phone while wearing roadr driving gloves. A much requested feature by our clients.
What Factors Should You Consider When Buying Driving Gloves?
Whether you are at a private drift day, practicing on you stimulator, or competing professionally, it is essential to protect your hands while driving and get control of the steering wheel. Since the market is overcrowded with men's driving gloves, choosing the right one can seem like a minefield. Yet, racing gloves complete your racing outfit. And they are designed to offer safety. Here are some features that are worth considering while buying driving gloves.
Driving Style
Where you intend to ride is the main factor you need to look for. Are you going to the race track every weekend and need grip on your steering wheel for optimal performance? Or are you a gentle men who just wants some fine-looking, vintage, and super soft driving gloves? Do you want to make the most out of your driving experience? These are questions you need to ask yourself to find the driving gloves that will cover your needs.
Size
Ensure to measure your glove size while buying your racing gloves. If you don't want to fumble a lot with racing gloves, get the right size for your gloves. Practically measure the width of your hand in the plantar position. Better yet, measure across the knuckles of your fingers with a closed fist.
Check our size guide here.
Comfort
Choose the right material. Good driving gloves are made of soft lambskin leather. After wearing them for a while your hands feel very soft when you take them off. There are many different types of leather to choose from, but Lambskin is the most common because it's soft and also very strong. Always try to go for the best quality driving gloves available, the price may be a bit higher but the premium materials used, make them more supple. After all, you'll be wearing your driving gloves for long periods of time so they should be comfortable.
Safety
While many might think that racing gloves are just a fashion statement, they offer much more than just looks. In fact, the play a vital role in safety. Driving gloves help you get a better grip on the steering wheel. They also protect your hands from getting injured in case of an accident. Moreover, they help you avoid getting blisters from holding the steering wheel for long periods of time.
Budget
Another important factor to consider while buying driving gloves is you budget. You can find driving gloves in a wide range of prices. However, it is important to remember that the most expensive gloves are not necessarily the best. There are many high-quality and affordable options available in the market. It is important to choose a pair of gloves that fits your budget and meets your needs.
Maintenance Tips For Leather Driving Gloves
Maintaining your gloves well will allow them to mark themselves over time, take on the scars of your road trips and become one-of-a-kind to you! Our gloves are very durable and by giving your driving gloves a little attention now and then, you can user them for the rest of your life.
How to Dry
Drying your driving gloves with a hair dryer or any sort of heating source can ruin your pair of gloves. Instead, let them dry naturally and save them from becoming stiff. Also, you can pat a dry cloth on the driving gloves to dry them. Though it requires some time to dry, it is worth it.
How to keep driving gloves beautiful
Storing your pair of driving gloves flat and in a cool place can add many years to your gloves. Moreover, you can avoid unwanted wrinkles and discoloration of the leather gloves by keeping them flat and in a dry place. All our gloves come in a sturdy leather sleeve which will fit in most car glove compartments. So they remain beautiful for a very long time.
Use leather conditioner and cleaner
We offer a handy kit that includes everything you need to maintain your leather driving gloves. The leather wax will very efficiently clean and maintain your leather. It has a nourishing and protective effect and is 100% natural. With the supplied cotton gloves you can gently rub the wax into all your leather driving gloves and keep it soft and clean.
So, what are the best driving gloves for you?
Choosing the best driving gloves all comes down to your personal preferences. However, keep in mind the three main features while choosing your gloves- size, comfort, and driving style. First and foremost, you need to consider what you need from your driving gloves. Do you want something that will protect your hands from the cold? Or do you need something that will help you get a better grip on the steering wheel? Once you know what you need, it will be easier to find the right pair of gloves for you. With that being said, don’t forget to take care of your gloves for them to last long!
Shop Roadr Driving Gloves here.