Ladies' evening gloves or opera gloves are a type of formal glove that reaches beyond the elbow. Ladies' gloves for formal and semi-formal wear come in three lengths for women: wrist, elbow, and opera or full-length (over the elbow, usually reaching to the biceps but sometimes to the full length of the arm). In the late 19thC and early 20thC Gloves were expected to be worn for both daytime and evening wear with most types of outfits. The most expensive full-length gloves are custom-made of kid leather. Many other types of leather, most usually soft varieties of cowhide, are used in making full-length gloves; patent leather and suede are especially popular as alternatives to kidskin. Satin materials were extremely popular, and there are mass-produced varieties as well. Carole Pedersen-Green was a founding member of CMHS. Her family were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireA pair of lady's long cream silk machine lace gloves with open fingers and thumb piece C 1930 They are the classic OPERA length, with the mousquetaire wrist openingclothing, gloves, formal wear, craftwork, lace making, dress etiquette, satin, silk, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, fashion, evening gloves., lace

Gloves have been used since prehistory and they have been worn for warmth, protection, a badge of distinction and as part of fashionable dress. During the Victorian era gloves were a status symbol and a lady wouldn't dream of going outside without her gloves. The Essential Handbook of Victorian Etiquette advised that the only time it was required to remove gloves was while at the table. Gloves were made of kid, thread, silk or washing leather and these fabrics tended not to have much give so they had to be stretched when new or just washed. Given that the gloves were usually worn skin tight these stretchers were used on the fingers so the gloves could be put on. Plain cream coloured bone glove stretchers with two metal pins and springs as hinges.