Opera gloves are to be worn when greeting guests, offering a hand to be kissed or dancing. Peach satin opera gloves are appropriate for spring and summer events while those who love the outdoors may opt to go with forest green opera gloves. Perfect for a romantic evening or costume ball, these gloves are full length.

Hot pink satin opera gloves combine naughty and nice in one style. Many have been buried in a pair of opera gloves! They are appropriate for every occasion, from weddings to funerals. During the Edwardian period, this fashion hit its peak. The popularity of these gloves continued through the 19th century.

When adapted for women, these opera gloves extended above the elbow. The opening closed with either a snap or three buttons. All were made from kid leather with a leather opening at the wrist. Common colors included black, colored white and ivory. Originally designed to be worn on only one hand while dueling, these opera gloves and cool gloves ran between 19 and 23 inches long. Named after the glove worn by the Three Musketeers, these gloves obtained the name the mousquetaire. Opera gloves of today mimic those worn in France in the 17th century.

Until 1825, these gloves remained popular before they took a 50 year hiatus. A color could be found to coordinate with every outfit.

Opera gloves, during this time, were made from a variety of materials. Both he and his wife wore a pair at their coronation, and the public soon followed suit. Stories tell of Napoleon owning more than 240 pairs of gloves, although they don't tell us if they were all opera gloves. Queen Mary II, in 1690, sat for a portrait wearing her opera gloves. In 1566, Queen Elizabeth I of England sported a pair at an Oxford ceremony. Opera gloves were first seen in the late 16th century and early 17th century.

Satin opera gloves