Gloves

What are gloves for dress-up and play?

Gloves do two jobs here. The first is costume: long satin, fishnet or lace gloves complete a burlesque, pin-up or fetish look and turn ordinary lingerie into an outfit. The second is sensation: latex and leather gloves change the way a hand feels on skin, vampire gloves add small spikes for a prickle, and massage gloves carry rolling balls that knead as you stroke. Some pieces, like a pair of elbow-length vinyl gloves, manage both at once.

Types of gloves

Satin and opera-length gloves

Leg Avenue's satin gloves come in elbow and extra-long lengths, and Radiance offers a full-length pair. Smooth, glossy and classic, they are the easiest way to add old-Hollywood glamour to a look.

Fishnet, lace and net gloves

Opera-length fishnet, rhinestone-trimmed fishnet, stretch lace, floral net and triangle-net styles, several of them fingerless. Light and breathable, they show skin through the pattern and suit a playful or punk edge.

Vinyl and claw gloves

Shiny vinyl gloves give a wet-look finish that pairs with PVC or leather outfits; the zip-up and vinyl claw versions add dramatic nails for role play and costume nights.

Latex and leather gloves

Prowler Red and Me You Us make latex gloves in standard and full lengths, for a snug second-skin feel. Prowler Red's leather gloves and Rouge's leather vampire gloves, with small spikes across the palm and fingers, are made for sensation play, and the Oxballs textured glove is built for intense hands-on exploration.

Massage gloves

The Simple and True roller ball glove and the Fuzu massage glove set rolling balls into the palm, so a simple stroke becomes a massage. They are gentle, easy to use and a good warm-up before anything else.

How to choose gloves

Decide whether the gloves are for looking, touching or both, then check length, fit and material.

• Purpose: satin, lace and fishnet are costume pieces; latex, leather, vampire and massage gloves are for touch.
• Length: wrist, elbow and opera length each change the silhouette; longer gloves make a stronger statement and keep arms warm.
• Fit and sizing: most costume gloves are one size and stretch; latex gloves come in sizes and should fit snugly without pinching.
• Material sensitivities: skip latex if either of you has a latex allergy and choose vinyl or leather instead.
• Intensity: vampire gloves and textured gloves are sharp or firm sensations; start with massage or satin gloves if you are new to touch play.

How to use and care for gloves

Put gloves on with dry hands, working each finger in before pulling up the length. For sensation play, begin with light strokes and build up, watching how your partner responds.

• Hand-wash satin, lace and fishnet in cool water with mild detergent, reshape and dry flat.
• Wipe latex and vinyl with a damp cloth, dry fully and store away from heat and sunlight; a little talc or latex shiner stops latex sticking to itself.
• Wipe leather clean and condition it occasionally; never soak it.
• With vampire gloves, keep strokes light, avoid the face, and never drag the spikes hard enough to break skin.
• Use plenty of lubricant with latex or textured gloves during intimate touch, choosing water-based with latex.

Gloves for couples, costume and sensation play

Gloves are an easy addition for couples who want to change the feel of familiar touch. A massage glove is the softest introduction, satin gloves make a striptease feel deliberate, and latex gloves give an entirely different texture. Vampire gloves belong with blindfolds and restraints in a slower, more deliberate scene for experienced partners. If you are just starting out, our beginner collection has gentler ideas, but a pair of opera gloves is about as low-risk as it gets.