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How to Wear Opera Gloves: Length, Dresses, Rings and When to Take Them Off

“Long gloves are the fastest way to make a simple black dress look like an entrance. They only look like a costume when everything else is trying as hard. Wear them with something plain, then let your arms do the talking.”Her take

How long should opera gloves be?

Glove length is traditionally measured in buttons, where one button is about one inch, measured up the arm from the base of the thumb. Opera gloves are usually about 16-button, which takes them past the elbow and partway up the upper arm. Longer versions can reach near the top of the arm, while 12-button gloves finish around the elbow and 8-button gloves stop at about mid-forearm, so those two suit shorter sleeves and aren't true opera length.

Fit matters more than the number, since arm length varies and opera length really means reaching above the elbow on you. The top edge should sit where your arm is smooth, not at the widest part of the bicep, or it will dig in and roll. Measure from the base of your thumb up to where you want the glove to end, and compare that with the listed length before buying. Stretch satin and jersey are the most forgiving, while leather gloves look best fitted but take more care to get on.

What dresses work with opera gloves?

Strapless, one-shoulder, halter and sleeveless dresses work best, because the gloves need bare arm to look intentional. Column dresses and slim gowns give the cleanest line. Full skirts work as well, and they lean more toward old-world ballroom, so keep your hair and jewelry modern if you want to avoid looking like a costume.

Shorter hemlines can work too. A sleeveless little black dress with satin gloves is a fun holiday party look when the dress itself stays simple. Avoid dresses with lots of sleeve detail or cap sleeves, since the bare gap between glove and sleeve will look too small and fussy.

• Black satin gloves with a black strapless gown for a black tie event.
• Black gloves with an ivory or champagne slip dress for a modern contrast.
• Matching emerald or navy gloves with the same-color gown for a monochrome look.
• Long leather gloves with a sleeveless knit or a short-sleeved coat for daytime.

How do you put opera gloves on so they stay up?

Don't pull from the top. Gather the glove down toward the fingers, slide your hand in first, and ease each finger into place. Then unroll the fabric gradually up your arm, smoothing out wrinkles along the way. Pulling hard from the top opening can stretch the edge or tear a seam, particularly in satin or thin leather.

If gloves tend to slide, place a strip of double-sided fashion tape inside the top edge, and press it against dry skin. Skip body lotion on your arms before you dress, since it makes both fabric and tape slip. A snug fit at the upper arm matters most: if the top is loose, a small fold inward can help for one night, and a tailor can add a thin elastic for longer use.

Where do rings and bracelets go with opera gloves?

The traditional rule says that rings stay under gloves and bracelets go over them. A ring worn over a glove was once considered a mistake, but today some people wear one as a deliberate statement. A single dramatic cocktail ring on top of a black satin glove can be the best thing in the outfit.

Keep the count low. One ring or one bracelet per arm is plenty, since the glove is already doing a lot. Check the settings first, because claw-set stones and rough chain links can catch and snag satin. If you wear rings underneath, use flat bands so they don't leave bumps at your fingers.

When should you take opera gloves off?

Take them off to eat. Traditional etiquette keeps gloves on for greetings and dancing, and removes them at the table: nobody wants satin in the sauce. Fold them in half and lay them on your lap under the napkin, or tuck them in a clutch, not on the table. Some long gloves have a small buttoned opening at the inside of the wrist, called a mousquetaire, which lets you slip your hand out without taking the whole glove off. Take them off to use your phone, too, unless they're made for touchscreens.

Drinks are the gray area, and etiquette writers disagree. At a reception, many people keep their gloves on and simply hold the glass carefully, but remove them or free your hand if you're worried about a spill. Bring a small bag big enough to hold them flat, since you'll want somewhere clean to put them. If you're wearing them for a black tie event, wear them for the arrival and the photos, then enjoy your evening.

What jewelry, hair and bag go with long gloves?

Gloves add a strong horizontal line across the arm, so balance that upward. An updo, a sleek low bun or a long, simple earring works well. Choose either a statement necklace or statement earrings, not both. Shiny fabric reflects light beautifully, so a matte clutch usually looks better than one with lots of sparkle.

For makeup, a clean face and a defined lip look modern, and a heavy, old-Hollywood look with long gloves can tip into costume if everything else is vintage too. Keep one element of the look simple, and it will still feel like you wearing the gloves rather than the gloves wearing you.

Questions people ask

The takeaway

Bare arms, a plain dress, one piece of jewelry and gloves off at the table: that is what keeps opera gloves elegant.

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