There was a time when driving gloves were synonymous with luxury automobiles. Back in the day, you wouldn’t step behind the wheel without a pair, partly because of the perks of added grip but also because steering wheels were usually wooden or metal, which would easily overheat in the sunshine. As a result they were something of a necessity.

In the more modern age however driving gloves have been besmirched by both men in mid-life crisis who’ve purchased flashy cars on ‘impulse’, and the odd wannabe hard-nut looking to imitate a Guy Richie gangster. They’ve become more a sign of unnecessary pretentiousness than the practical accessory they were before.

However, when we think of the best films centred around cars or, indeed, driving, you’ll probably spot the person behind the wheel sporting some slick gloves. Good enough for James Bond? Good enough for Ryan Gosling in Drive? Good enough for Ansel Elgort in Baby Driver? Good enough for us.

What Are Driving Gloves?

Traditionally speaking, there are two types of driving gloves: your classic all-leather designs with cut-outs on the knuckles and knitted versions with leather palms. The latter play on older handmade designs making them as cosy as a jumper made by your grandmother, but the neat leather fronting sets them apart from your regular winter hand-warmers.

These are arguably the more versatile of the two – their closeness to regular gloves allows them to slot into most casual outfits. The traditional leather options, however, evoke a sharper style. The all-leather look is a bit more serious and can easily cruise from car to office in smart looks and suiting. They’re often handcrafted, making them a more luxe option, too.

Mango Man

Unlike regular gloves, there are fewer companies producing quality goods when it comes to driving gloves, so be selective with your investment. Make sure your choice is versatile so that it can exist outside of your four-wheeler, but comfortable enough that they’re worth wearing. To make this choice a little easier, we’ve hunted down the 10 best brands on the market to get your search into first gear.