Gloves and mittens may be the best thing for running errands
in the snow, but when it's cold inside and you need to use your hands while
keeping warm, gloves are inconvenient at best, and mittens are simply
unworkable.
Fingerless gloves easily solve this problem. They allow the
full use of the hand and fingers while still keeping hands warm enough for
air-conditioned rooms and the chilly, unpredictable weather of spring and
autumn.
Of course, fingerless gloves aren't just about warmth. Biker's
gloves provide much-needed padding on the hand, as do driver's gloves. Safety
is another reason to look into fingerless gloves. There are a variety of sports
and athletic activities which include these gloves in their necessary safety
equipment.
Fingerless gloves also make a great fashion statement
appropriate in almost any situation. Whether your preferred style is neat and
tailored, dramatic and bohemian, or casual and homemade, the variety of
fingerless gloves available today means you'll have a lot of choices.
Fingerless Glvoes
Fingerless Gloves
Styles
Fingerless gloves come in two styles. Truly fingerlessgloves have a separate opening for the thumb, but the fingers emerge from a
single opening that usually ends before the first knuckle. Half-finger gloves
are also known as fingerless gloves, but have separate openings for each finger
as well as the thumb, with each opening usually going up the finger to the
first knuckle. Half-finger gloves are more insulating than truly fingerless
gloves, more effectively trapping body heat and holding it against the skin.
There are also convertible fingerless gloves, or convertible
mitts. As the name indicates, these accessories have a piece that acts as a
kind of hood for the fingers. With the hood pulled over the fingers and secured
in this position, these appear to be simple mittens. When the hood is pulled
away from the fingers, usually by being secured to the back of the glove, these
convertibles allow the same amount of dexterity and warmth as standard fingerless
gloves. Convertibles can be found in both half-finger and truly fingerless
styles.
Fingerless gloves also come in different lengths. A pair
that ends in a wrist cuff is easy to remove when dealing with messy substances,
and doesn't require tricky maneuvering with long sleeves. Gloves that have
cuffs up to the elbow or biceps, however, have the benefit of keeping more of
the arm warm, and can look very striking when paired with short sleeves or a
sleeveless shirt.
Fashion
While fingerless gloves are very popular in current fashion
trends, they are in fact a timeless accessory that's been used for centuries to
keep in body heat and complement various clothing styles. They're available in
numerous colors, both solids and prints, and in a variety of patterns, from
plain to embellished with ruffles and intricate stitch designs. They can look
sleek, modern, and tailored, or dramatic with a theatrical flair. The most
popular styles appear to be carefully handcrafted antiques.
Materials and methods of construction are the primary
factors in the look of a pair of fingerless gloves. Try pairing a plain,
solid-colored faux leather set with a suit for work. Add a pirate flair to a
night out with friends by selecting a knitted pair that are striped in black and
white. For an outdoor party where wind can cause a chilling effect, bring along
a crocheted pair with a fancy, ruffled cuff and a lacy pattern on the back of
the hand. Not only will you keep your hands warm, but you'll be wearing a great
conversation starter!
And if you're a college student, used to spending time in
lecture halls where the heating is iffy, you'll find a pair of cable-knit,
elbow-length half-finger gloves not only keeps your fingers warm while you're
taking notes in the chilly lecture hall, but also protects your palms from the
heat of your coffee cup as you meet up with your study group in the library.
