When perusing Cornelia James for that perfect pair of gloves, you may come across a few unfamiliar words or phrases. Fear not, dear reader, for we are here to teach you our (g)love language. From quirks to points, we’ve got you covered.
Button ('Bouton') Lengths
The button (‘bouton’ in French) length is a unit of measurement for the arm portion or sleeve of the glove. Traditionally, glove sleeves were buttoned and the buttons were spaced at intervals of approximately one inch. Button lengths typically start at two buttons (the wrist), and can climb as far as 21 inches (the underarm).
Bolton Thumb
The Bolton thumb is a more intricate design than the regular ‘round thumb’ that is used on many fabric gloves in that it incorporates a quirk (see below). This allows for increased mobility and flexibility when the glove is made of leather or fabrics that are not lightweight. All our sueded cotton gloves have a Bolton thumb.
Quirk or ‘querk’
A small, triangular or diamond shaped piece of material attached to the bottom crease of a fourchette in the 'vee' of the fingers. Quirks allow for extra finger room, as well as mobility. With modern fabrics and supple leather, the quirk is not much used.
Fourchette, ‘fork’ or ‘forge’
A fourchette (French for ‘fork’) are strips of material running between the fingers and holding the back and palm portions of the glove together. There are usually three fourchettes per glove, though some fabric gloves use a singular fourchette for the entire hand.
Inseam
An 'inseam' glove is a glove which has been made inside out so that, when the glove is turned right side out, the stitching is concealed inside the glove. This ensures a smooth appearance and sharp finish on gloves ranging from cotton to silk.
Mousquetaire
A small, approximately three-inch opening at the inner wrist which allows for easy removal of the wearer's hand from the glove. The hand remains attached and may be tucked inside the sleeve of the glove for dining or an exchange of rings. The Mousquetaire is sealed with dainty buttons or bows. An elegant, versatile touch.
Points
The v-shaped, vertical stitching on the back of the hand of a leather or suede glove. This feature was, traditionally, a means of allowing greater mobility for the hand in a heavy leather glove. Today points are more of a design detail than a practical necessity.
Vent
A v-shaped cut-out on the inside wrist of the glove. Vents are useful on gloves made of thicker materials such as leather, and provide a bit of extra space and ease when slipping the glove off and on.
Welt
A thin strip of material, folded over and sewn around the rough edge of the glove’s wrist line. The welt is an alternative to a standard hem, which is also intended to conceal the cut edge of the material.