Long over-the-elbow gloves are back this autumn: Balenciaga and Michael Kors take them out of the opera and onto the street

For decades long gloves were reserved for gala evenings, the opera and red carpets. For autumn-winter 2026-2027 they are returning to everyday wardrobes: styles that go above the elbow, in leather, satin or sheer fabrics. Balenciaga and Michael Kors brought opera-inspired gloves back into their most elegant collections, while other designers pair them with looks far removed from classic formalwear. The message from the runways is clear: you no longer need a red carpet to wear gloves.

From the royal court to the street

Gloves have existed since antiquity, but they became a status symbol at the European courts. In the 16th century Elizabeth I of England made long, embroidered and embellished gloves a symbol of wealth and refinement. In the 18th and 19th centuries they were obligatory for upper-class women, and etiquette dictated exactly when and how they were worn. The length was matched to the sleeves of the dress, and over-the-elbow styles in silk, cotton or fine leather were kept for special occasions.

The twentieth century gave them cinematic fame. Jacqueline Kennedy was photographed in a sleeveless evening gown with elbow-length gloves. In "Breakfast at Tiffany's" from 1961, Audrey Hepburn wore a black dress, a pearl necklace and long gloves in the same shade, signed Givenchy. The image is 65 years old, and fashion houses are still copying it today.

How to wear them without looking dressed for the opera

The new version does not copy the classic look, it borrows its essence: modern silhouettes, clean lines and contrasting textures. For special occasions, satin or sheer gloves go with sleeveless dresses, strapless necklines or minimalist cuts. For every day, leather gloves give a more urban look. For a softer effect, wear them under the sleeve of your coat or over a fitted sleeve, rather than on a bare arm.

The runways sell drama, but the street has practical questions: how do you drink a coffee, pay by card or type a message in elbow-length gloves? Every season the fashion industry pulls an old item out of the drawer and sells it as a new discovery. Gloves at least have a better story than most trends. And leather ones, unlike many fashion promises, actually keep you warm in November.