gloves

Hand coverings with individual sheaths for the fingers and thumbs, usually made from leather, wool, or fabric. Variations include fingerless gloves and mittens, which are a hand covering without sheaths for the fingers. Plastic or synthetic gloves are also worn in a variety of jobs requiring sterile conditions.

Both utilitarian and fashionable, gloves were considered an essential part of day and evening wear in the 19th century. They were made from leather, lace, embroidered silk, cotton, and netting and were fastened with buttons at the wrist and up the side of the arm. During the 20th century, with the exception of long evening gloves, they became a utilitarian accessory for cold weather.