White Gloves

Hi,

I'm the president of a local Masonic Lodge (the term is Worshipful Master, but when talking with others, outside the organization it's easiest to describe myself as the 'president').

I frequently wear white gloves to Lodge. I've been doing it for some time, having been Senior VP for two years. I was told it's extremely common in Scottish Rite, but I've never seen anybody else wear white gloves. Not even with Black or White tie. I'm also a SR member, but I've never seen anybody else do this.

I now it's an old fashioned look, but I'm wondering if it's ever proper to wear white Masonic gloves (there is a logo on them) with a lounge suit, or "day formal" (Grey slacks, morning coat, stand collar, bow tie and shined brogues). When does it look good, and when does it make me look like a 30-something guy who's just dressing up for the sake of appearing different?

And before you ask I don't wear a top hat. I draw the line at that, plus I don't have several hundred dollars to get one.

For those of you who are not Masons, the white gloves are similar to what an army officer might wear. Cotton gloves, designed for dress occasions.

C.

I don't find there is anything wrong with dressing to look different. Out and about yesterday 75% of the men i saw were wearing puffy black NF jackets. Most looked like they couldn't climb off of the couch. Different is good. Wear what makes YOU happy.

Yes, the local Masons here in Scotland do wear white gloves for whatever ceremonies they hold in their lodges.

Having said that, white gloves with formal dress here is mostly unknown otherwise. You will, however, find white gloves and formal wear with the likes of butlers and serving staff. I believe it is because folk can see that they have 'clean' hands when serving you.

Other than that, old time entertainers, like Al Jolson, sported the white gloves with formal wear.

I think traditionally chamois colored gloves are worn with morning wear not white. Gray is an acceptable altrnative. However when at your lodge it might be different.

Jaxenro said:

I think traditionally chamois colored gloves are worn with morning wear not white. Gray is an acceptable altrnative. However when at your lodge it might be different.

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I think this advice could apply equally to wearing gloves with a lounge suit. White gloves are very formal and might look out of place with a lounge suit, in the same way that a top hat would. Whereas chamois or grey gloves would work very nicely with a dark coloured conservative lounge suit (ideally three piece or double breasted). Bonus points if you wear a dove grey homburg when outdoors.

In your lodge the rules and customs may be different and white gloves with a Masonic logo might be appropriate, the above advice is based on what I think would work best in public.

Aside from Masonic dress, (to which the white gloves have symbolic significance), the only time the wearing of white gloves is appropriate for a gentleman, is when wearing white tie. Everything else should be gray, yellow, brown or black.

The only time I have wore white gloves in my entire life was in the Army. On holidays I always wore my Dress Blues with a black bowtie and white gloves.

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