Driving gloves were originally used to protect hands from cold and sweat while driving early cars with metal or wooden steering wheels. They may have originated from leather riding gloves and are still used today for comfort and style, with options for different fabrics and heating elements. The name “glove box” remains from the time when driving gloves were commonly stored in the compartment.
When cars were first built, they often had wooden or sometimes bare metal steering wheels. The cars had little insulation, and many early units did not use heating or cooling controls. Hands can get cold on long winter drives, or sweaty in hot weather, making it difficult to grip the wheel. Gloves at that time were already popularly used for many things, warmth, fashion, etc. Driving gloves were a natural extension of the many uses for gloves.
Others suggest that driving gloves could actually refer to leather “riding” gloves. Holding the reins of a horse or driving a carriage meant that many wore riding gloves. This protected the hands from calluses and helped keep them warm on cold days. When humans switched from horse-drawn vehicles to motorized vehicles, it just made sense to keep the gloves on.
Today, many driving gloves are still made of leather, and they are not as necessary as in the past. They are still used with great regularity, especially by professional race car drivers, but some people consider them an affectation, or simply an accessory for cars that already have non-slip steering wheels. Today, many steering wheels have finger grooves to help prevent slipping. Some older models have a very plain plastic wheel, which can be a bit slippery. Classic car enthusiasts can often wear driving gloves because they are still necessary.
In keeping with modern times, driving gloves are now offered in a wide range of fabrics. Some also have heating elements for people who suffer from significant arthritis. This can make driving more comfortable for people whose hands are already sore, especially if the drive is going to be a long one. Of course, they can also just be a fashion statement, which seems to have a special use for those who drive very modern or sporty cars. The range of options suggests that you can buy driving gloves to suit a specific need, or simply because you want them.
Along with the first cars came the glove box or glove box. Now we can store all kinds of things in the glove box, not only or perhaps never driving gloves. However, the name remains because the use became so common, and perhaps also in homage to a time when such gloves made a lot of practical sense.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
